I have no regrets in purchasing Arnold Arre's (Mythology Class, Trip to Tagaytay) After Eden, one of Adarna's new line of graphic novels. For P295, it's almost paying P1.00 per page. I enjoyed the story although it's a romance. I actually want to buy a couple of copies and give it to some friends and probably even mail them to people abroad (Mia, Qara, and Vern).

Anyway, as I said, it's a love story, although one not as idealistic as the slew of romances we often see on TV or hear on the radio. Heck, the plot even revolves around the fact that ideal love doesn't exists. And while there's intervention of the divine (both "good" and "evil"), it's interference of the beleivable type rather than the fairy godmother syndrome some love stories have.
The setting is clearly Filipino, from the mobile phones to the TV commercials. Even the male protagonists are products of Philippine gaming pop culture. There are a couple of in-jokes the comic, ranging from Filipino pop culture to comic afficionados and gamers.

The art is nothing outstanding but neither is it horrible in my opinion. You're also buying this comic for the story rather than for the eye-shattering visuals some might find in the superhero genre. Arre's visual technique is also good and there are a few pages wherein he makes good use of the panels.

I do have a complaint though. The characters are too neatly paired. As in everyone. You can probably surmise what happens in the end.

It's a great story and in my opinion manages to balance fantasy from reality. And at P295.00, it's certainly within the budget of any fan who loves a good story.