Mythica Obscura Volumes 1-4 by Karl Gaverza is a heritage project like no other. The author is the unparalleled founder and scribe behind Philippine Spirits, a website that features mythical horror stories of our country. I am a fan, and this book was a treat that arrived just in time for Halloween weekend.
I am already a fan of the author, particularly of his efforts to preserve our country’s horror literature. Most of them were passed on through oral tradition, and this has been greatly affected by several factors such as colonization and the passage of time. Discovering our rich horror stories happened during the pandemic, when I felt the need to unwind from working at home by listening to podcasts. There, I discovered horror and true crime podcasts from the Philippines. Additional research on my part has led me to Philippine Spirits, which was my introduction to the author’s works both as a writer and a researcher.
Mythica Obscura is filled with familiar stories such as Mr. Brown. I am no longer afraid while reading these stories because I am a horror fan myself. The illustrations have brought back the zine feel in the book, which I actually appreciate given that I do encounter zines myself during conventions and book fairs. To have all of these folk horror tales in one book is thrilling because it will be a valuable resource material for students who can further study them. It can also provide casual entertainment to readers like me, and ties to the motherland to those who are part of the Filipino diaspora.
I would like to commend the author for commissioning Filipino artists to illustrate his book. It is also noteworthy that he is working with people from different parts of the country to translate his stories into different local languages and dialects.
I am excited to see what’s next for the author, as well as for Philippine Spirits.
Mythica Obscura Volumes 1-4 by Karl Gaverza is now available!