First up, congratulations to Oliver Pulumbarit for finally releasing his fringe sex-pop graphic novel Lexy Nance and Argus (LNA). The book is slowly getting attention and positive feedback. Way to go, Oliver!

You may have encountered Oliver through the numerous pop culture articles he’s written for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, but he’s always wanted to show the world that he can be a bad-ass grafictionist as well. And his LNA is definitely bad-ass of the coolest kind. (I’ve only read the original version serialized in Pulp magazine; I have yet to read through the new material in the compilation.)

Mind you, LNA is definitely the kind of book you wouldn’t want the young’uns to savor. It makes One Night In Purgatory look like a Cartoon Network feature. I mean…erect penises?! Threesomes? Generous servings of skin and sweat? Its racy visuals, however, serve to complement Oliver’s in-your-face writing, deliciously revealing his takes on the complex realm of alternative sexuality and lifestyles. I’ve always admired his art, too -- a style that teeters between the iconic and the realistic, taking us to a world that’s not quite there but all too real.

To Oliver, please do more.

- - - - - - - - -

In Zsazsa Zaturnnah sa Kalakhang Maynila, Ada and Dodong move to Gwyneth’s ancient house in Manila, and start to build a new life for themselves. After the magic stone arrives, Ada (as Zaturnnah) finds himself dealing with criminal elements once again, but with a bunch of other superhumans at his side. The newly formed team gets to trade barbs and punches with a greater nemesis bent on changing the face of the earth. At the same time, Ada attempts to find out once and for all if Dodong’s affections and intentions are of the purest kind. Because of harsh language and suggestive imagery, the book is For Mature Readers Ever!

Zsazsa Zaturnnah sa Kalakhang Maynila is taking shape, albeit very slowly. I’ve managed to completely draft the first three chapters to my satisfaction, and plot the remaining six chapters and the epilogue. All in all, I’m looking at close to 270 pages worth of comics material. That, plus loads of sketches and studies to prep me for the daunting task ahead.

I plead to the gods that I can get it out by the end of this year.

The resulting tome will be twice the thickness of the first book, and my publisher says that the retail price might be too much for the cash-strapped market. While I don’t have any actual figures yet, I’m looking at a Php375 to Php 450 price range. (Hopefully, paper prices won’t skyrocket by printing time.) If more of the first book gets sold, suggesting a higher consumer base, the publisher might consider printing a lot more copies of Zsazsa In Manila to bring down the retail price. It’s pretty much an x-variable at this point in time.

If I break the book into two parts again, the retail price of each may still be Php240 a piece, with release dates falling a quarter apart. In this case, buyers would have to cough up more to get the two parts. Please note that if I do chop the book in two, it won’t be compiled in the foreseeable future.

What’s your opinion on this? Survey says...

Comments

OLIVER said…
Grabe Carl... blush na ako, hehehe. Pero sige, more erect body parts. :D

Seriously, thank you. You've improved tremendously throughout the years, yourself... I was looking at Flashpoint weeks back, and it was interesting to see a side of your art that bears no resemblance to your current style and technical proficiency.

And as a fellow comics creator, I'm happy that you've become one of this generation's most passionate and creative storytellers. 270 pages for the Zsazsa sequel... wow! You're gonna be very busy again doing stuff you love. :)

Btw, nice new template!
Ian said…
Hmm.. speaking for myself, it would be much more satisfying to have my dose of ZsaZsa in one complete book. But that pricetag, as you said may be too much for people. If the goal is to make it as accessible to as many people as possible, then perhaps chopping it up into 2 pieces, a la KILL BILL may be the best way.

By the way, niiiiiiiice blog layout! Very writerly. Hehe.
jonasdiego said…
Hey! Welcome back CarVer. :)

I'd much rather have the whole thing in one go. Mabibitin masyado kung pira-piraso. But then again it might drive the price up so the two part thing might not be too bad.

Ingat lang sa binding for the new book(s). Sana katulad yung binding nung collected na Zsa-zsa.

I've seen a couple of copies of Zsa-zsa (yung 2-parts) na medyo naghihiwalay kaagad. But then again, I don't know if it's because of the binding or dahil sa kakabasa lang... ;)

Again, it's great to have you back. :)
Clayman said…
Hi Mas Pogi! :D

Welcome back! Happy New Year! Looking forward to your new projects! :D
Hi papa Carver,

Happy New Year!!!

I will go for the one-shot book para kumpleto na...pero kung ano lumabas, susuportahan ko...hmmmm, lumabas, hehehe...basta si Zsa Zsa, the best!

Mabuhay ka Carver!!!
Budjette said…
What does your publisher consider as too expensive?
How much does the regular buyer spend on books?
If they know it's going to come out, then they'll save up for it, yes? :-)

How much would they spend on a CD or any other new book? P450 would still be a bit a lower than an American tpb, right?

My vote goes for the one volume run.

(then again, I still wonder why DC doesn't publish HUSH under one volume)
Carver said…
Carver here. Thanks for the warm welcome, folks! :)

Nakows, even tie ang tally. Hmmmm...
Ideally, maganda ang one shot... but I think putting it out in two parts would appeal to certain readers in the short term. Having a cliffhanger in the first book would build up anticipation for the 2nd book. It gives this particular project a much longer shelf life and maintain interest for a much longer time.

Pag nilabas mo yung two shot...bibilhin ko pareho of course...

At pag nilabas mo na yung compilation later on.... with extra material....BIBILHIN ko pa rin! O diba? :)
OLIVER said…
Hey carl... wasn't really able to comment on the poll... I'd go for the one-shot compilation. It's more convenient for me as a buyer and reader. It's gonna be as thick as a few trade paperbacks, which is nice and different. Isang bayaran lang, and at least walang feeling of pagkabitin. :)
Walter Ang said…
haller! happy new year! one volume na lang please! that's all. i thanks you. oist carver, when will we discuss the ... pwede ko bang sabihin dito yun? that thingy i texted you about a few months ago. sus, cryptic mashadow ito. i-email ko na lang. yun na!
Elbert said…
Happy New Year Carl!

People seem to be used to one big opus split into two anyway, conditioned by things like Kill Bill, the LOTR trilogy, and manga, among other things. I'm sure it wouldn't be too big an issue to split the book into two, especially if it means more people will be bale to check out the books because of the more affordable price tag.

So, between Zsazsa in Manila, and the first Zsazsa collection, meron na ngayong Zsazsa trilogy! :)
Arashi-KIshu said…
Hi! Cathy here...am Jac and Jonas' friend...I cosplayed the Anito girl last Sci-fi con. looking forward to the new ZsaZsa comic...

sana explain dun pano bumalik yun buto after nilunok nung alien queen. I presumed she took the stone with her to her planet as her amazonistas eviscerated her.

www.arashi-kishu.blogspot.com

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