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Posted August 19, 2013 by Juabe Inciong in Comics
 
 

KOMIKS REVIEW: Foodcourt

In this world that we live in, every kind of story has more than likely been told. Love stories in particular, have been written and remade so many times that it becomes very difficult to be original. Though there are many variations, a lot of them usually is based upon “boy meets girl, love at first sight.” What makes something done to death stand out in this day and age though, is how it is told. Sometimes, just saying simple, familiar words, but done right, is enough.

Foodcourt by Andoyman

Foodcourt cover by Andoyman

Foodcourt by Andoyman is a one-shot released last Novermber 2010. It tells the story of a typical student, eating on a typical school day at a typical cafeteria. One day, he sees the girl of his dreams and after that incident, could not stop thinking about her, until they have that fateful encounter and well… you know how it goes. Somewhat.

If one were to look merely at the art, I am sure that he won’t be able to see anything special with it. Black and white, hand-drawn characters, with panels focusing a lot on medium close-ups. On scenes where some form of background is needed though, the author does a good job on putting detail. Displaying a hectic, crowded place, it reminds you from time to time where the characters are.

The writing was the one that impressed me. A lot. Many times do I see Filipino comics use English as their main language, and it is both refreshing and sad to read something that uses my mother tongue beautifully. It has been a while since I’ve seen somebody use Filipino words like Andoyman does. He wrote poetically, like a true romantic does, but without the need for deep, oft-forgotten words, only opting for anything English when necessary or as a punchline, which thankfully does not happen often.

Like I said, there isn’t anything new to this story, but somehow the way Andoyman told it, especially how the ending turned out, still surprised me. Maybe it was just because I’m too used to stories the twist and turn the common tropes, but what I’m sure is that Foodcourt proves you do not always need gimmicks, catchphrases, or shocking plot twists to making something unique. Sometimes, you just have to tell a damn good story.


Juabe Inciong