- Fantasy
- Graphic Novels
- Ages 8–12
The shape of it
The shape of this universe.
Squalo & Mage is Kara Bodegón-Hikino's middle-grade fantasy graphic-novel duology steeped in Filipino folklore. It follows Mage, a brave, grieving girl, and her shark best friend Squalo as they cross the world of Mundo on a quest to find the Bakunawa, the guardian of the sea, while being hunted by a nightmare maker and his monstrous servants. The collection wears its mythology proudly — tikbalang, bakunawa and other creatures from Filipino legend fill its pages — while giving newcomers all the clues they need to follow along. Rich, expressive artwork, playful video-game touches and a big-hearted, mythic quest define this vivid, culturally rooted adventure for readers who love creature-packed graphic novels.
A vivid middle-grade fantasy graphic-novel duology steeped in Filipino folklore, following a grieving girl and her shark best friend on a mythic quest to save their world.
Primary themes
Tone palette
- Adventurous
- Exciting
- Whimsical
- Bittersweet
The series
One way in.
Cultural footprint
A shelf of evidence.
Cultural ubiquity
1/ 5Quiet but enduring — beloved by the people who find it.
Sensitivity
Moderate, and collection-wide.
Content notes
- Death of parent
- Grief
Across the collection
All 1 book.
About the creator