Edited by Budjette Tan and Paolo Chikiamco
Volume 1, Issue 1
Publisher: Summit Media
Art Director: Frantz Arno Salvador
Year of Publication: 2012
Number of Pages: 124
Introducing Kwentillion
"The young adult market is booming, with some of the most exciting stories and certainly the most devoted set of fans--but what publications exist that specifically cater to them?" reads the editors note on page one, volume one, issue one of the first and only magazine in the Philippines catered towards young adult content.
Kwentillion, a combination of the words kwento, the Filipino word for 'story,' and 'million.' Thus, the magazine's tagline, 'a million stories to be told.' There is no doubt that young adult fiction is hotter than ever before. Each year bookshelf space dedicated to young adult content in all our major bookstores keeps on growing incessantly.
However, despite the growing demand for young adult literature, where do teenagers and parents turn to for advice on good reads? Moreover, where does one turn to for the country's best young adult literature?
"Kwentillion will fill that void, and more," writes the magazine's editors. They say the magazine will serve "not only as a place to discuss our existing fandoms, but a place to create new ones that will be familiar as they are fantastic..."
The Fantastic Four Comics in Kwentillion
Cover spread of The Last Datu, made by the co-creators of Trese
Let's start with the cover. Without a doubt, Chester Ocampo is a really talented graphics artist. However, I think the editorial team should have gone with a different approach as regards the cover design. The first impression I get upon seeing the cover art is that the magazine is about Japanese animation or video games.
Featuring one or all of the four comics may have given a clearer picture of what the magazine is about. Speaking of which, I love the comics. The Last Datu, created by Budgette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo, the writer-artist team behind local graphic novel Trese really set the tone for the great reads that were to come.
Cover spread of High Society, my favorite comic in Kwentillion
Starting-off with the most popular artists was a good decision. Poso Maximo by Robert Magnuson was my least favorite among the four comics, but that's just my personal preference. Again, I like how all four comics are very distinct and cater to different audiences without completely alienating the rest of its readers.
High Society by writer Paolo Chikiamco and artist Hannah Buena was my favorite among the four. I like how the mixed Philippine history, with local mythology, and robotics, and how the setting is during the Spanish era. It's just so interesting!
Meanwhile, Skygypsies by writer Timothy Dimacali and artist John Bumanglag seems to be the most mature and serious among the four comics, and I think it will attract the older young adults and even real adults as well.
On Kwentillion's Lack of Fiction and Book Reviews
Get your copy of Kwentillion today!
When the magazine's cover announced 100 pages of comics and fiction, I thought there would be a balance between the two literary mediums, but I was wrong. It was mostly comics and just one piece of fiction. Nevertheless, The Secret Origin of Spin-Man by Andrew Drilon was a very entertaining read despite my not being a comic geek.
Perhaps what Tarie Sabido says in Tarie's Take is truer than we think, our country is really suffering from a lack of Filipino young adult literature, both good and crappy ones. I agree with her in hoping that "our teens today won't have to wait much longer for Filipino teen wizards and other Filipino teen protagonists they can truly connect with."
I also enjoyed the article on fan fiction, and the interviews with Manix Abrera and Chester Ocampo. The Filipinos to Follow section should also remain a constant feature of the magazine. However, I was disappointed that there were book previews, but not a single book review in Kwentillion.
As a fan of young adult literature, reading actual reviews of books and comics was what I was looking forward to the most, and I sincerely believe that having several book reviews would be essential for the success of the magazine. They can have staff members do the reviews and even organize a monthly book review contest, where the winner wins a book, comic, or gift certificates and such.
Conclusion
This maiden issue of Kwentillion is a trial issue. It's future depends on the number of people who actually buy the magazine. Despite some minor points for improvement, I love the content and the idea of a local magazine on young adult content. I sincerely hope that this magazine will pass its first test and be around for many months and years to come.
(Also, I'd love to contribute to the magazine. Haha)
For more information, please like Kwentillion on Facebook or follow Kwentillion on Twitter.
*All photos taken from Kwentillion's FB page.
