The Mythology Class - by Arnold Arre (Paperback)

About the Book

The Mythology Class follows Nicole Lacson, an anthropology student at the University of the Philippines. When she is summoned to a secret meeting by the mysterious Madame Enkanta, Nicole finds herself face-to-face with living creatures from mythology and folklore that she never imagined existed in real life! Tikblangs, kapres and a range of engkantos--fantasy figures from her grandfather's bedtime stories--challenge her previously held notions of reality. Nicole embarks on a quest through the streets of metropolitan Manila with a ragtag crew of college students. With guest appearances from legendary Filipino heroes like Sulayman, Kubin and Lamang, Nicole's class must face down and repel an ancient evil.

Book Synopsis

"I wanted to read a comic about Philippine mythology, but since I couldn't find one that was in depth and contemporary enough that was closer to what I envisioned, I ended up making my own...It was also my intention to showcase our myths and legends and introduce them to the next generation." --Arnold Arre for Publishers Weekly

Immerse yourself in a high-stakes fantasy adventure set in the Philippines!

This Philippine National Book Award winner fuses traditional myth and magic with contemporary action. Borrowing elements from The Lord of the Rings and The Phantom Tollbooth, author and creator Arnold Arre reinvents age-old Filipino fables, constructing a rich world of fantasy and adventure for a new generation.

The Mythology Class follows Nicole Lacson, an anthropology student at the University of the Philippines. When she is summoned to a secret meeting by the mysterious Madame Enkanta, Nicole finds herself face-to-face with living creatures from mythology and folklore that she never imagined existed in real life! Tikblangs, kapres and a range of engkantos--fantasy figures from her grandfather's bedtime stories--challenge her previously-held notions of reality.

Nicole embarks on a quest through the streets of metropolitan Manila with a ragtag crew of college students. With guest appearances from legendary Filipino heroes like Sulayman, Kubin and Lamang, Nicole's class must face down and repel an ancient evil.

The Mythology Class features world-building of the highest order, balancing the scope and magnitude of an adventure epic with the humor, warmth and insight of a classic coming-of-age tale.

Review Quotes

"This immersive and arresting graphic novel marries traditional Filipino mythology with contemporary events and action....Winner of the esteemed Philippine National Book Award, The Mythology Class is a feat of world-building and a celebration of all things Philippine mythology." --Honolulu Magazine "Can't-Miss Books by Filipino American Authors"

"The Mythology Class is the graphic novel I wish I had while growing up in Manila. Arre succeeds in bringing to life indigenous Philippine folklore in contemporary settings. Reading the international release, I was filled with pride that my people's mythology was finally being seen and understood by a broader audience." --Maileen Hamto, Manhattan Book Review

"Before Trese and other Philippine mythology--inspired graphic novels, there's The Mythology Class. Having been the first to win in the Comic Books category of the Philippine National Book Awards, this revolutionary work is hitting the local big screen soon" --Book Riot, "5 Must-Read Comics and Graphic Novels from the Philippines."

"More than 20 years after its initial publication, much of Mythology Class remains fresh, vital, and engrossing. It is arguably Arre's most well-realized work. With its black-and-white illustrations and skillful blending of elements of fantasy, horror, comedy, and adventure, some readers of Mythology Class may be reminded of Jeff Smith's Bone. With its large cast of characters who possess various skills, Arre's graphic narrative is also reminiscent of comic books featuring superhero teams, such as X-Men and Justice League. Arre is especially adept in creating distinct and memorable characters..." --International Journal of Comic Art

Book Riot's 8 DOORSTOPPER COMICS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS TO IMMERSE YOURSELF IN

"Arnold Arre is one of the most imaginative storytellers today. You get a sense of his vast creativity in The Mythology Class' his first graphic novel, one that captures the Filipino fascination of friends discovering the spirit world together that still rings true today..." --Yvette Tan, Author of Waking the Dead and Kaba

"Arre's imagination and creativity soar to dizzying heights. More than a decade since its first publication, The Mythology Class remains potent and exhilarating. Beyond the narrative, it is a valiant attempt to reconnect the modern Filipino with his or her ancient roots. These are our heroes and myths raging against the dying of the light--and, boy, what a battle to behold." --Jerrold Tarog, Director of "Sana Dati" and "Senior Year"

"This is a book of wonder. Arnold Arre conjures up the kind of spell that needs nothing but the alchemy of words and images to create a story for an entire world to fit in. A classic that can be read and reread with growing delight." --Erwin Romulo, Esquire Philippines Editor-in-Chief

About the Author

Arnold Arre won the inaugural graphic novel Philippine National Book Award in 2000 for The Mythology Class. He is the author and illustrator of many other popular works, including Halina Filipina, The World of Andong Agimat, The Children of Bathala, and The Journey to Lupan-On.