COMIC BOOK REVIEW: Hibangers #1
IN MEMORIA… Hibangers #1 by Arvin Valenzuela is rather a bit cathartic for the creator-writer-illustrator because it tackles his deepest thoughts and feelings to his high-school best friend and band mate named Gian, alongside with his fellow band mates’ collective feelings. The title may be considered as the group band’s name, but its root word is […]
IN MEMORIA…
Hibangers #1 by Arvin Valenzuela is rather a bit cathartic for the creator-writer-illustrator because it tackles his deepest thoughts and feelings to his high-school best friend and band mate named Gian, alongside with his fellow band mates’ collective feelings. The title may be considered as the group band’s name, but its root word is “hibang”, simply means as “crazy” or collectively speaking, “the crazies”. But don’t let the first page expects much wackiness for this is a serious matter of lost, both figuratively and literally senses. I would not judge on the characters’ possible thoughts, particularly the subject and the forces/circumstances behind this short tribute. Instead, I deal with the aesthetic, contents and the execution.
First, Arvin applies the cyclical storytelling trope, starting and finishing with the same moment. In fairness, this is accessibly easy to follow. But his wordings and additional explanations that actually should be either minimal or unmentionable because the panels are illustratively self-evident already. Moreover, some of the dialogues, the interactions particularly, are read so awkwardly, so say the least. Sometimes, silent panels suffice for maximum impact in order for readers to utilize their own imagination. His facial portrayals are also, say, unnatural for the very solemn moment, in regards of the bereaving with the loved ones. His paneling and flow are decent, but angular perspectives are somehow odd at times.
Hibangers #1 can be an epithet to the creator’s memories, but the artistic executions are somewhat wanting at best. Perhaps, he could improve this one since the theme itself is very powerful to handle.