This month, we’re featuring our first new book of 2025 published under our imprint Anino Comics: Lunatics. Lunatics was written by Russel L. Molina and illustrated by Ace C. Enriquez.
The title Lunatics comes from the daring heist that is the premise of the book: stealing the famed Spoliarium by Juan V. Luna from the National Museum. This heist is planned and executed by the book’s main character, Vincent, a painter who misuses his artistic talents. Fueled by desperation and the search for deeper meaning, this audacious plan takes shape as Vincent readies the heist with a crew of his closest friends and a recruited talented burglar.
Lunatics delves into several themes of how artists find meaning, the value of high art to ordinary Filipinos, and friendship in the face of both opportunity and challenge. It was also penned by two award-winning artists who have contributed several other popular titles to Adarna House and Anino Comics: Palanca-winner Russell L. Molina, and 41st National Book Award awardee Ace C. Enriquez. Below are some anecdotes from the book’s creators themselves about the process of creating Lunatics.
Creating the Lunatics
It was a team effort for Russ and Ace to create Lunatics, working together from the initial concept to the visual translation of every character and setting. For Ace, bringing the graphic novel to life presented its own challenges, particularly when it came to drawing the iconic Spoliarium.
Madami kaming trial and error na ginawa. Parang noong una, binalak namin is parang painted version, i-re-recreate siya pero not as detailed [as Spoliarium]. Kumbaga, comic version ng Spoliarium,” Ace told Adarna House staff. “And then, it kinda doesn’t work, kasi parang kalas siya roon sa style ng pen and ink. So eventually, we ended up with straight pen and ink.
According to Ace, they had to visit the National Museum and seek permission to obtain an actual reference for where the famous painting was placed—this setting being recreated in the graphic novel.
Additionally, parts of the book are rendered in vibrant color and hand-painted, which feature actual paintings by Juan Luna. These artistic pieces are woven into the narrative as part of Vincent’s dream, creating a striking contrast with the black-and-white depiction of the real-world setting in the comic book.
What Does Finding Your Muse Mean?
Russ is no stranger to creating comics that spark thought-provoking discussions on various social and political themes through creative storytelling.
Ano ba ang saysay ng art para sa mga masa? ‘Yung mga taong nandiyan sa kalye, parang ano nga ba ‘yung relevance niya [ng art].
Russ explained when asked about the deeper message behind Lunatics.
He also added that there are many underlying messages about art that can be found in the book, one of which delves into the public’s perception of Juan Luna and his place in contemporary society.
Sino ba si Juan Luna sa buhay natin? Parang akala nga ng mga tao, kalye lang siya eh, no? Ano ‘yung relevance ni Juan Luna, nabansagang National Artist, pero ano ‘yung relevance niya sa buhay natin ngayon? In the same way, [kung] anong relevance ng fine art [para sa atin]? We want Lunatics to raise these questions.
The ongoing conversation about who truly dictates art continues, and Russ wanted to challenge readers to question and redefine the very essence of art itself.
Exploring New Stories
For us [at Anino Comics] to accept a pitch, it has to be meaningful for Anino as well.
Says Kata Garcia, Product Development Officer at Adarna House and Anino Comics.
Kasi, kung meaningful sa atin ‘yon, maniniwala tayo na magiging meaningful din ‘yon sa readers.
True to their words of creating komiks that explore diverse genres and local themes, Anino Comics strives to bring Pinoy komiks fans a unique story that they can connect with and truly enjoy.
Lunatics was an idea that Russel Molina, along with fellow comic creators Ace Enriquez and Budjette Tan, had long been eager to bring to life. They envisioned creating a heist-themed comic that not only reflects Filipino society but also sparks a conversation about what art truly means.
If you’re looking for a new graphic novel to read this 2025, we recommend Lunatics! This fresh work offers an authentic Filipino experience, one that explores art through social value and its subjectivity.
Watch the trailer here:
Grab your copy now, available online at the Adarna House website, Lazada, and Shopee, for only P449.00!
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About the Book Creators
Russell Molina is a children’s book author and a comics creator. His stories for children have been recognized by numerous award-giving bodies including the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, the PBBY-Salanga and Alcala Prize, the National Children’s Book Awards, and the most recent Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas para sa Panitikang Pambata ng UMPIL. Some of his works include Ang Madyik Silya ni Titoy, Lola Puti, Sampu Pataas, Sampu Pababa, Josefina, 12:01, and Sixty-Six.
Ace C. Enriquez is an art director at a local ad agency with a passion for exploring various forms of art. He has contributed to the creation of several comics, including Bathala: Apokalypsis, Mang Jose, Ang
Superherong Naniningil, Pouches & Buckles, and the award-winning Josefina, which earned the 41st National Book Award for Best Graphic Novel in Filipino. Additionally, he shares his creativity through Engkanto-4-Hire, a comic strip series on Facebook.