Filipinx-American writer, filmmaker, and host, Kaitlyn Fae is gearing up to release her first graphic novel, The Mask of Haliya. The dark fantasy graphic novel series is inspired by Philippine pre-colonial folk religions and demonology. In collaboration with Kwento Comics, the first issue, "Eye of the Serpent" is set to release on March 5th!
The Mask of Haliya is a young adult urban fantasy that follows the journey of a troubled Filipina-American teen who discovers a mysterious mask at her great-grandmother’s wake. Through her writing, Kaitlyn Fae aims to rediscover and connect with her heritage while also commenting on taboo topics. A gritty drama inspired by Philippine mythology, the story engages with topics like mental health, intergenerational trauma, and corruption, with a major emphasis on its female characters. Oh, did we mention that there's a major emphasis on female characters!
Not only does the comic series have female characters, but the people who brought it to life is an AAPI all-women team, many whom are Pinay! According to Fae, it's been in the works for four years and a culmination of brainstorming concepts, crafting drafts and creating concept art. We're excited to see these characters come to life as we flip through each page.
Pre-orders for hard copies of The Mask of Haliya: Eye of the Serpent can be purchased now at www.kwentocomics.com. Pre-orders for digital copies can be made at the Amazon Kindle store. Paperback copies will also be available at select comic book
stores nationwide in the US.
ABOUT KWENTO COMICS:
Founded by creator Cecilia Lim, Kwento Comics is an international all-Asian women comic book company whose mission is to create stories that introduce Filipino and other Asian mythos to a wider audience. Lim’s team is comprised of head writer Kaitlyn Fajilan (Fruit Fly, Madeira), head artist Renoida Renovilla (Creative Connections and Commons, Inc.), cover artist Kathryn Layno (Batman Legends of the Dark Knight, Castlevania), editor Jenapher Zheng (Oblivious, Borrowed Light), colorist Charlyn Duy, and producer Waverley Lim (The Women’s Project). Kwento Comics recognizes the importance of representation, and they hope that the narrative scope and level of social commentary within Haliya will illuminate Asian identity on a global level.
Kwento Comics can be found on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @kwentocomics.
Cover Photo Credit: Jenapher Zheng Twitter
