The Story
In 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?
Author: Kara Bodegón-Hikino
Publisher: Harperalley
Published: 05/26/2026
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.88lbs
Size: 8.22h x 5.48w x 0.57d
ISBN: 9780063056428
Audience: Ages 4-8
About the Author
Bodegón-Hikino, Kara: -
Kara Bodegón-Hikino is a Filipino cartoon illustrator, author, and semiretired music journalist. She grew up hoping to become a marine biologist to study sharks but ended up in the music industry, where she wrote for publications like Billboard, Bandwagon Asia, and PULP Magazine. She also worked from backstage to the photo pit at concerts and designed album covers and merch for some pretty cool bands and artists. These days, she sells stickers and little trinkets as KARAKUGAKI at local art markets and conventions. Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa is her first graphic novel.
Kara lives in a very music home with her husband and their son (who they're training to become a Pokémon Master) in the south side of Manila. Learn more at karabodegon.com
Description
In 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?
Author: Kara Bodegón-Hikino
Publisher: Harperalley
Published: 05/26/2026
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.88lbs
Size: 8.22h x 5.48w x 0.57d
ISBN: 9780063056428
Audience: Ages 4-8
About the Author
Bodegón-Hikino, Kara: -
Kara Bodegón-Hikino is a Filipino cartoon illustrator, author, and semiretired music journalist. She grew up hoping to become a marine biologist to study sharks but ended up in the music industry, where she wrote for publications like Billboard, Bandwagon Asia, and PULP Magazine. She also worked from backstage to the photo pit at concerts and designed album covers and merch for some pretty cool bands and artists. These days, she sells stickers and little trinkets as KARAKUGAKI at local art markets and conventions. Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa is her first graphic novel.
Kara lives in a very music home with her husband and their son (who they're training to become a Pokémon Master) in the south side of Manila. Learn more at karabodegon.com
