Komiks Review: Sixty Six by Russel Molina and Ian Sta. Maria

Sixty Six
by Russell Molina and Ian Sta. Maria

Title: Sixty Six
Acquired on: Sixty Six Book Launch at Comic Odyssey, Fully Booked, BGC, Taguig (June 13, 2015)
Selling price: Php 275.00
Written by: Russell Molina
Illustrated by: Ian Sta. Maria
Language: Filipino-English (Taglish)
Cover: Matte board, colored
Illustrations: Black and white
Type: Compilation comic. Used to be sold as separate chapters.
Characters: Recurring.
Published under: Anino Comics (Adarna House)


Storyline:
Celestino Cabal, a.k.a Mang Tino, celebrates his 66th birthday and gets an unexpected gift. Now endowed with mysterious superpowers, Mang Tino goes around town at night hunting down criminals and giving them a piece of justice.

What I love:

Amazing details and visual storytelling
can be found in every page!

There is so much to love with Sixty Six. First, was the storyline. Superheroes usually start their crime fighting at the age of 13. But Mang Tino started at an age when most people are starting retirement. And for his age, crime fighting wasn't even an option given that his body isn't at its best shape. Another thing that I love about his character is how "human" Mang Tino is. All throughout the book you can see how Mang Tino loves his wife, Aura, despite the latter suffering from Alzheimer's. They remind me a lot of the couple Carl and Ellie from the movie "Up". He also has a soft spot for kids, being a father himself, as shown in his inability to hurt children.

Lastly, the art. Each page was a definite page turner, especially the action scenes! The realistic style of drawing definitely complements the serious tone of the storyline. I also like how each page is filled with just enough details to highlight both the dark and light scenes all throughout the book.

What I don't like:

It has been a while since I read a book with a cliffhanger that got me screaming "BITIIIIINNNN!!!" And Sixty Six is definitely one book that did it. I wouldn't be able to accept it if there is no Book 2! (Please tell me there is a Book 2)

Overall Rating: 5 PAWS
This is definitely a Molina-Sta. Maria masterpiece must-read and a great addition to the komiks shelf! If you don't have a copy yet, better hurry over to Comic Odyssey in Fully Booked BGC as signed copies are only available until supplies last.