The Aswang Project Reviews Carmina Issue# 1: Beginnings
Press Release
Los Angeles, CA (December 1, 2021) – For fans of Philippine Mythology, no web resource has been as synonymous with the material as The Aswang Project by Jordan Clarke. It was through his social media accounts after all, that our U.S.-based founders connected with their creative counterparts in the Philippines. Amidst strict Covid-19 lockdowns in Los Angeles and Manila in 2020, Mark Nazal, Erica Juliet, Joe Arciaga, and Roland Amago connected to, eventually, form what is Diwata Komiks today.
“It seemed natural to send Jordan a copy of Carmina Issue #1 to say thank you for connecting us. What we didn’t expect was such a stellar review that had us jumping in our seats with glee,” says writer and Editor-in-Chief Mark Nazal. He adds, “as a lifelong comics fan who frequents comic book stores for new titles, our goal was to make Carmina a premium title capable of sitting right next to the established titans of today.” To our readers, we hope we’ve accomplished that.
The following Review is being shared with permission from The Aswang Project.
CARMINA #1: BEGINNINGS
A Filipino-American Urban Mythology™
I just received a copy of Diwata Komiks’ Carmina. Wow! I was expecting a really great product, but this goes beyond that. I am a foreigner to the Philippines. I have studied and love my own cultural background (Scottish, Anglo), and I have spent the last 17 years immersed in the study of Philippine cultures, particularly mythologies and folklore. This is not to suggest that I am an expert, but I am familiar with the available literature and have an intimate knowledge of the subject matter.
There is an immense amount of talent in the Philippine community around the world, but not often do these talents merge to tell fictional stories surrounding Philippine lore. This may seem like an odd statement after the global appreciation of Trese, but my home library is comparatively thread bare of fictional tales exploring the realms of Philippine mythology. Carmina is a most welcomed addition.
"Carmina Issue #1: Beginnings tells the story of a troubled biracial young woman living in a New Mexico “trailer park” town who discovers that she comes from a powerful lineage."
I knew I was in the hands of a skilled storyteller after only a few pages. There is a subconscious familiarity in 'the hero's journey,' and when those marks are hit correctly, we sense the excitement and anticipation of where we are being led. In Carmina, our hero is a Fil-Am. Along with wonderful storytelling, Carmina is masterfully visualized by the remarkably talented Roland Amago. The panels are breathtaking, filling in all the wonderment that the text does not need to explain for those with even a passing knowledge of Tagalog Mythology. The komik has graciously included notes and a journal in the back for those who are being introduced to this realm for the first time.
It is a monumental task to take an idea from conception to completion. Diwata Komiks deserves support just for that. Fortunately for readers, they also have a fantastic product. If I had to complain about anything, it would be that issue #2 will not be available until March 2022.
“Carmina: Beginnings” is now on the bedside table of my 15-year-old Fil-Can daughter. Our home and extended community have been filled with an appreciation of Philippine cultures for her entire life, but I can't help but feel excited to share a story that builds a bridge between homeland and diaspora cultures through a Fil-Am hero.
Originally Published 11/30/2021 by Jordan Clarke
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