| 11.29.2018 – It’s been seven months since the new edition of After Eden was released. When it was launched at Summer Komikon 2018 I was still in South Australia and wasn’t aware that it would be re-released again. I’ve seen a browser’s book copy of the first edition at former Power Books along Arnaiz Avenue (formerly Pasay Road) that was tattered in beat up from being read by so many people. I couldn’t find the original book at that store as this one has already been sold out.
The first edition was published by a different publisher and it sported a colorful cover. Chamber Shell Publication which is Arnold Arre’s current publisher for this book and other works like The Mythology Class, Trip to Tagaytay, Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat, Martial Law Babies, and his current work Halina Filipina has been gracious enough to contact me while I was living overseas. But I haven’t had the chance to read the book until a got back a few months ago. Thanks to Kartoonista for keeping the book for me while I was away, who actually have the original edition as well as merchandise like mugs and shirts that were sold at Comic Quest back in the day. The new edition now comes in pink matte color with one of the angels from the original edition that used to be seated with her guitar in the bench at the park that is now seated on the floor strumming that guitar. |
Published: April 2018 (Second Edition)
Content: For Mature Content
Language: English
Though I originally have zero ideas about After Eden as the very first book I’ve read was Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat and it was an immediate favorite book. But with After Eden what I thought was this was another fantasy graphic novel. It turns out it’s not what I initially thought as entirely a fantasy story, but a narrative that is about people and relationships that are relatable to the modern setting, where mysterious forces play a game that these individuals as pawn about love and hate.
With all the books that Arnold Arre has produced the underlying consistent theme for all these are love, relationships, and friendships that continue to be like a social experiment with the exception to Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat. After Eden, it’s about the love story of Jon and Celine with their friends Greg, Lea, Mike, and Cathy. There are no save the world kind of adventures or a monster that will wreak havoc in the populace, but a story grounded in reality that everyone can relate. Though I suggest caution for those who have read or owned the first edition that this new edition is based in Arnold Arre’s original vision. It is expected this will be compared by the longtime fans and new readers who will be curious enough to look for the first edition.
The story starts light with how the narrative begins until things started to take a slow pace as this new edition seemed to carry so much weight with the dialogue and extra content. It still carries the nostalgia feels of carefree love and challenges for the relationship of Jon and Celine. In their circle, this affects the people around them namely their close friends.
There are also unseen forces that meddle with their lives and the balance of their relationship. These characters are based on actual people, which are Arnold Arre’s close friends that made some cameo appearances in The Mythology Class portraying the ‘unseen forces’ in the form of the group of angels and demons as interesting trivial discovery.
The pacing is slow but the buildup was as extravagant as its return to relevance that now is written now for more Mature Readers who would appreciate this book for what is original is intended for.
It might not be as action packed as Andong Agimat or adventurous as The Mythological Class, but it mirrors real lives and relationships that some might just be fictional humor. But out there After Eden takes relevance on different kinds of people and their personalities that are both relatable that can appreciate looking back in their youth and the innocent days of relationships and changes in their lives. Though in reality, fairytales don’t even happen there are resolutions to each of these characters that had been caught in the ripple effect from jealousy and envy from Jon and Celine’s relationship.
Sometimes things unfold by it and that makes this book an interesting read through the rough spots the characters had gone through.
It’s not like in Arre’s other books that made you want to keep flipping the pages. The only concerns about this are Celine’s thought bubbles are scribbles that are sometimes challenging to read (or do I need to wear glasses?), but the rest are just clearly understandable to get to know the characters personality going through the changes as things become difficult for everyone to deal with.
Overall “After Eden” is in the English language, not the book you thought might be but at the same time a life’s lesson that everyone can relate to feel the love and appreciate friendships. It’s unapologetic with some of the vile dialogue and some interesting adult scenes that you don’t see in an Arnold Arre produced book that is greatly intended by his original vision.
“After Eden” is now available in local bookstores and comic shops in Manila retailed at ₱500.00 pesos ($19.00 AUD). For more details where to find this book follow After Eden via Facebook on Social Media and visit the site at: Arnold-Arre.com
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