REVIEW: Never be alone in the dark with ‘Ligaya #4′

Even the bravest person we know can feel fear at the end of their life. In this issue of Ligaya, it gives us a perspective of someone facing death and what comes after it in a very interesting way. Ligaya #4 by writer Addie Onday and artist Faye Bergonia give us both humor and drama that actually blends well and doesn’t give a tacky feel to it.

Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda or we all know as Jose Rizal is the main character of Ligaya #4. As a Filipino, we all know who Rizal is. His life and work are being taught all throughout the country. But what we don’t learn about is what could he have felt when he was there standing at Bagumbayan facing his own execution. We know that at the last minute, Rizal faced the firing squad, muttering “–it is finished”. To some this is a very brave move. But what Ligaya gave us was what could be Rizal’s thoughts on that particular moment until where he becomes a ghost at his own shrine in Luneta where he meets a certain girl who he decides to join with.

Rizal’s inner thoughts in this issue are something readers would likely relate to. Everybody experience fear, and for that feeling to be worded out the way Ligaya #4 does, it hits something deep inside the same way that the previous issue did. Once again, Addie Onday gives a marvelous narrative to the main characters that is accompanied by a much more dramatic and cute art by Faye Bergonia. The beginning is dark, including the lines and the art which slowly turns brighter in the end, which relates to their last line in the comics. The cover page is done simply but quite powerful, pushes out the intended message of the writer and artist.

Ligaya gives an inspiring message at the end that we are sure a lot of readers will heavily appreciate. It reminds us of the quote “There’s light at the end of the tunnel.” It doesn’t matter if you’re in a dark place now, or that you are still scared. You’ll find someone that would either help you to the light or travel the darkness with you until you find the exit.

Though this issue should probably read accompanied by Ligaya #1 as the last scene has the same one in that issue, just from a different perspective. Ligaya #4 is quite a read. Not to heavy but also pulls out the right kind of humor in the end.