Between the Lines: "Akibakada" and "Go Beerkada: The Rise of the Jhologs"

For the past ten years, readers of the Philippine Star were entertained by the exploits of one barkada in the aptly-titled comic strip "Beerkada." "Akibakada" is the 9th Beerkada book by Lyndon Gregorio.

For the benefit of those who aren't familiar with the characters, below is a rundown of the main characters in the series:

Glen: the quintessential boy next door

Chompy (real name: Andrea): nicknamed as such because of her penchant for biting Glen; Glen's girlfriend; "newest" addition to the group

Boopey: law student; taray queen (occasionally, anyway)

Alan: Boopey's boyfriend; finally graduated from college

Brian: resident manyak, annoying at times but generally harmless

Jimmy: clueless. 'nuff said

Fe: Jimmy's girlfriend

Jay: activist-turned-teacher

Harry: just plain creepy

In this book, find out:

• what happens when Dana, Glen's ex-girlfriend and an original member of the barkada, returns from Europe
• what happens during a typical day for Glen and Chompy
• what happens in Tokyo when the Beerkada is sent to the Asian Cartoon Exhibit in Japan

Longtime fans of Beerkada will not be disappointed by this installment. On that note, let's proceed to the next Beerkada book.

"Go Beerkada: The Rise of the Jhologs" is the 10th book in the Beerkada series, and is the first part of a two-book adventure.

Fans who are used to the usual drawing style of Beerkada may be in for a shock. This book is done manga-style. Of course, this new style may draw in some new readers. Sam, for one, said that if the comic strip was done in this style, he would consider reading it.

This graphic novel of sorts starts with Harry recruiting an army of jhologs after a disastrous encounter with the university student council. Enter the Beerkada who gets transformed into a Filipino version of Bioman/Power Rangers. I won't divulge how that comes about, though, since it's a nice little twist in the story.

Take note that this story is set in an alternative universe to the other books and during the pre-Chompy era, prior to Dana and Glen's relationship.

Akibakada: P120

Go Beerkada: Rise of the Jhologs: P110