Mga Kwento Sa Dilim (Stories in the Dark) Issue # 269 Review Part 3

Reviewed by Nostalgic Reviewer

 Astral Projection

Written by Amelia G. Lince

Illustrated by J. Diaz

Click Mga Kwento Sa Dilim (Stories in the Dark) Issue # 269 Review Part 1 for Part 1 and Mga Kwento Sa Dilim (Stories in the Dark) Issue # 269 Review Part 2 for Part 2.

The Review

Perversion has a beginning and has an end. That is what Astral Projection is all about. I'm going on ahead and tell my review as I explain the important plot points of the story. A man named Jerrol is capable of performing Astral Projection. For those who don't know what this ability is, it's simply the ability of a person to separate his soul from his body but is also capable going back. Temporary death, so to speak.

So this man Jerrol uses his ability in a way only a pervert could think of: Stalking. The man has a thing for a woman named Espy whom he visits every evening in his Astral state. According to the story, Jerrol stalks the woman for several nights like an incubus But of course all this perversion has an end.

Jerrol is shocked one morning when he flew home to find out that someone died at their house. He'd probably hate his relatives for having his corpse immediately embalmed. Hell, his body is already in a casket when he got home. In the end he met his death in the most cruel twist. And that woman he was stalking? Let's just say claims she was visited by the man's soul the recent evening.

So the story of Astral Projection is pretty much straightforward and the moral lesson is clear. When you have the capability to perform Astral Projection, don't use it for evil deeds and always lock your room or leave a note saying you just died temporarily.

Ang Manghuhula (The Fortune Teller)

Written by Benjie Cabas Capate

Illustrated by Lloyd J. `98

The Review 

The story of The Fortuneteller is about a fortuneteller with the capability to predict accurately beyond belief. His first case involves a man, who can only be assumed to be an infidel boyfriend or husband, is murdered by the brother of two women. Delving further into the story, the Fortuneteller contemplates and is tormented by his perfect ability. He even wondered when will he ever make a mistake.

On his next case, his prediction was death for his new client. Of course, the client has a strong disagreement with the prediction. He drives away and is hit by an incoming 18-wheeler truck, resulting to death.

For his third case, it is the brother of the second who wants to know the fate of the Fortuneteller. It turns out that this brother intends to murder the fortune teller. His attempt fails because in the wildest of twists, the Fortuneteller happens to be Death himself. The fortuneteller (Death) swings his scythe effectively beheading the brother. He reveals that it was he who deliberately makes his predictions happen.

The story has a great concept: a fortuneteller who executes his own prediction. Compared to the previous stories for this issue, this is one of the best stories. The story showed the internal struggle of the character in one panel that as he hates being right all the time, he has to execute his predictions because he is Death. It is his job.

Overall, this is a great story with a great twist. First time I read this story I wondered what made him right and the ending answered it all.

~End of Review~

Retribution

Written by Armand Z. Campos

Illustrated by Imman N. Cadag

The Review 

Justice must be served even unto death is the message of Retribution. This is the story about a convicted serial killer named Zack who successfully escapes prison after the iron bars on his window give in. Just like Astral Projection the story here is pretty much straightforward as it is all done in 4 pages of the comic book. He even walks away with the records of the security guards and vows to come after them one by one.

Just as he thought he made it Scott free, the souls of his past victims came and haunted him for a mere 2 minutes. These angry souls will now allow him to commit anymore. In his fright, Zack makes a run for it and is hit by a bus.

Again the story is straightforward in its message but it really put a nail to the coffin for this man who loves to kill. His days of causing terror and crime is over thanks to the souls of his passed victims.

  

Overall Impression for the Entire Issue

The issue isn't bad when read as a whole but when the stories are read individually that's where the problem starts. It had good stories but the stories are good for a single read because of the lack of death. It can give just the occasional surprise but it wears off quickly. But we can't ask any more from the creators. This type of publication is not really intended to be read repeatedly unlike a novel. The artworks are not great but they work well for the overall feel of the stories. Nonetheless, it's a good read that can help when one is struck by boredom.

  

~End of Review~