Show notes
Comics author/illustrator Kara Bodegón-Hikino joins Byron to celebrate her incredible new middle grade graphic novel debut, Squalo & Mage Vs. The Rage of the Bakunawa. Topics covered include opening up about the vulnerability of sending her first baby out into the world, navigating intense release-day anxiety, and how she beautifully channeled personal mental health struggles into an overwhelmingly positive, resilient middle-grade fantasy adventure. We dive deep into a shared love of marine biology, how classic games like Final Fantasy and Neverwinter Nights influenced the book and how the framework of Filipino folklore anchors it.From the publisherIn this first book of an epic debut middle grade fantasy graphic novel duology by Kara Bodegón-Hikino, Mage and her shark best friend, Squalo, set off on a wild adventure filled with mythical and powerful creatures from Filipino folklore to save their world from the wrath of the Bakunawa. Perfect for fans of Hildafolk and Final Fantasy.After losing her father in an attack by the evil Tikbalang, Mage and her best friend, Squalo, set off an important quest far from home to honor her father’s last wish—find the Bakunawa, the guardian of the sea.But Mage and Squalo don’t know where to find the Bakunawa. And the evil Tikbalang was only one underling of Ventrolio, the nightmare maker, who is hunting Mage at any cost. Mage and Squalo’s journey takes them all over Mundo, facing monsters and possessed minions of Ventrolio until they hear news of an angry bakunawa that would rather destroy ships and summon storms than help sailors. Why would Mage’s father send them to someone so dangerous? Can Mage and Squalo uncover the truth before the Bakunawa unleashes her wrath and plunges all of Mundo into chaos?Follow Comic Book Yeti🔗 Comic Book Yeti LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/ComicBookYetiFor partnership and ad inquiries, please contact: thecomicsyeti@gmailcomFollow your hosts 🔗 Jimmy Gaspero: https://bsky.app/profile/jimmygaspero.bsky.social🔗 Byron O’Neal: https://bsky.app/profile/byrononeal.comARKENFORGEPlay TTRPG games? Make sure to check out our partner Arkenforge. Use the discount code YETI5 to get $5 off your order.Make sure to check out our sponsor 2000AD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
