Martial Law Babies

Martial Law is something most people know only as an abstraction, a possibility. In the case of the Philippines, Martial Law is also a marker of an entire generation. Thanks to President Marcos, we had eleven years of Martial Law, enough time for an entire generation to be born and grow up.

I was one of those born during that period. And now, another one of my ilk, graphic novelist Arnold Arre, has written what can be seen as an anthem in honor of those born in those years. It's a poignant book, dealing with the pains and joys of growing up. And, upon reading it, I kept running into characters who were eerily close to people I know in real life.

For people born in later years, the whole thing can seem incomprehensible, with references to things they may have never heard of. To me, that's exactly why it works. What makes it particularly touching for me is that he sees growing up from my own point of view, as someone born during that time.

I recommend it, not only for the Voltes 5 generation, but for people wondering how our times shape us, and how we gain an identity not only as individuals, but as a generation.

What would younger readers find in the book? Perhaps a look into Gen X, grown up. What happened when the children of the Baby Boomers finally entered the real world? It is hilarious and sad, as is real life. Arnold's art in this one is in turns whimsical and touching, for some reason his characters can convey emotion very well, despite their decidedly cartoonish appearances.




Oh, no monsters, wizards, robots, or anything else like that in this one. Good stories rarely need gimmicks to make them a good read.



At P 500.00 for a really thick book, it's a bargain. You can check out www.martiallawbabies.com for more details on it and on how to get it.

And no, I didn't get paid to do this. It really is that good.