This graphic novel, infused with Filipino mythology, starts on a sad note. Mage and her companion Squalo live happily in the forest with her sorcerer father until they are attacked by monsters from Ventrolio. Her father’s final instructions sends her on a journey to find the Bakunawa, a guardian serpent of the oceans. The two practice hard to improve their skills and complete many side quests, leveling up their skills (and acquiring “monnies”). But as they near their goal, they find out that something is very wrong with the Bakunawa – will Mage be able to fulfill her father’s wish?
Although the plot sounds intense, the unique artwork actually makes this a very light-hearted story, albeit with moments of sadness and a few very scary monsters. Mage is a small triangle with short, dark hair and occasionally pops out arms to hold her curled magic staff. Squalo, her constant companion, is a plump, pink shark with an impressive battle axe (at least, until he breaks it, which is a different side quest!). As the two battle their way through a landscape in pastel shades of turquoise, deep violet, pink and yellow, stats bars and item holdings pop up to show their progress. When they battle Aswangs, terrifying monsters with bat-like wings, or everyday pirates with ceremonial masks, bars show up describing their moves “Squalo used slice and dice!” along with sound effects and damage counts. Periodic flashbacks to Mage’s life with her father are shown in gray shades. Mage and Squalo are not alone in the landscape; the various villages they visit include both people and mythological beings who show a variety of body shapes, skin colors in shades of yellow, traditional Filipino dress, and distinct personalities. One village, Tubero, is largely populated with tuber-like creatures. Most of the action takes place in and around Karagatan city, with a mixed population of humans and blue-skinned merfolk, who have fins in place of their ears and gills on their necks. Some women, including the brave Captain Italon who takes Mage and Squalo on the final leg of their journey, have pale skin as well as fin ears and gills.
The plot also includes an environmental message; Bakunawa, the guardian of the ocean and of the turtles, is angered by the destruction of the turtles. Not all the problems stem from Ventrolio and the nightmares and monsters he creates; some are caused by greed and disregard for Bakunawa’s creatures and her ocean. It’s not necessary to be familiar with Filipino mythology to follow the story, although it’s fun to research the stories and creatures that inspired the book.
It’s not often that a book comes out that’s so unique it doesn’t have a read-alike; the publisher’s description suggests it for fans of Hildafolk but it has a very different feel to me. I think readers who have enjoyed the Press Start! series will like the video game style of the fights and stats and readers who like adventure and fantasy but want something lighter than most graphic novel fantasy-adventures will enjoy this. Hand to kids who enjoy humor, action, and adventure but prefer to avoid intense, world-breaking plots with a lot of emotional push behind them. Readers who enjoy mythology from different cultures will also be delighted with this gently humorous fantasy.
Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa Vol. 1
By Kara Bodegon-Hikino
Harper Collins Harper Alley, 2026
ISBN: 9780063056428
NFNT Age Recommendation: Middle Grade (7-11)
Creator Representation: Filipino,
