Sandali | Moments of Reality

12.21.2018 - There has been an abundance of original content when it comes to comic books or graphic novels. Most of them are from independent published works not even from the two giant publishers in DC and Marvel. In the Philippines alone there have been A LOT of new material that was launched and revealed during the recently concluded Komikon last November. If you’re on the road on your car or just taking daily commutes there you’ll find a good story that can be turned into short stories that can be defined and sometimes can be entertaining that you’ll not notice that these are actually based from real life events. This is where “Sandali” brings you these short stories that are poignantly direct to the point often times presented in fictional situations that seem so unreal. “Sandali,” a Filipino ‘Tagalog’ word that has several meanings in different uses depends if it’s in a conversation or just the literal translated word for “Moments.” It’s also translated in English that means “wait” when it is used in a conversation. The short stories are written by Mikey Jimenez, the same author who penned the short story for “Takeout,” but with this collaboration the art is provided by Mikey Marchan.

Published: November 2017
Content: For Mature Readers
Language: Filipino (Tagalog)

But this graphic novel tells more than just letting someone knows how to ‘wait,’ and actually more about these short stories that live in these ‘Moments.’ This book has eight short stories compiled that define everyday culture in the Philippines. Four of these chapters were released in individual published materials from two years ago that was sold at Komikon 2016.

In its current edition “Sandali” was released in 2017 with this yellow cover, and then it was re-released again with a blue cover edition for 2018. The reason for this is because there’s a potential for young readers to appreciate simple stories minus the profanity that inhibited the original release and also as a request by Adarna House despite being an imprint under Anino Comics. Between these two editions, there are no differences in artwork or content it’s only that the 2018 Edition with the blue cover sanitizes some of the dialogue to have better comprehension for younger readers minus the profanity.

The eight stories are unapologetic and can be everyone’s story. From someone who has become a trending meme in a one-sided perspective or a cosplayer who has been struggling in life being bullied growing up that almost had found his spotlight, they have their moments that are ironic in their respective ways depending in your opinions.

Some are stories of depression dealing with everyday life that may not be a struggle for you, but to others is a difficult challenge they face. “Sandali” may not be compared to masterful narratives, but they are short ‘not so ordinary’ vignettes that can be acknowledged by everyday individuals who try to go through their rough experiences finding their comfort zone despite all these struggles. Mikey Marchan’s art is simple to understand and not too complex with these faceless characters reactions are on point.

The layout and dialogue are easy to comprehend with not much adult content just profanities that are satirized in the 2018 edition. It’s one of the best graphic novels that came out in 2017 that is in Filipino (Tagalog) language that would be interesting if it would be translated in English for international readers as local comics like this can be relatable to other countries too.



Overall feels of cultural irony for any Filipino who can relate to its sad truths that show its magnificence despite the dark humor. Besides its black and white perspective on these short stories the book also have bonus content with concept art for the characters featured in each chapter. “Sandali” is a rare moment that you’ll probably appreciate for any Filipino who goes through life every day, a beauty that can be the masterpiece for its simplicity.

“Sandali” a collection of short stories by Mikey Jimenez and Mikey Marchan published under Anino Comics with the cover price of ₱199.00 pesos was sold at the one-day event by Adarna House last 30 November 2018 at Gateway Mall.

You can get your copy directly from the creators by following Mikey Jimenez and Mikey Marchan on Social Media.