Kwento Comics is bringing back its popular The Mask of Haliya graphic novel for a brand-new volume in their latest Kickstarter collaboration with Clover Press. The Beat can exclusively reveal The Mask of Haliya Volume 2: Echoes of the Forgotten Past, a follow-up to 2024’s The Mask of Haliya: Heir to the Warrior Moon.
The Mask of Haliya Volume 2: Echoes of the Forgotten Past comes from an all-international, all-Asian, all-female creative team of writer Kaitlyn Fajilan, with art from Susan Bin and Vik Caedo, colors by Liz Buenaventura, lettering by Kiela Sibal, and editing by Arielle Jovellanos. The Beat has an exclusive first look at the 200-page deluxe hardcover available at Kickstarter.
As darkness rises and family secrets are revealed, The Mask of Haliya: Echoes of the Forgotten Past plunges fans deeper into the soul of ancient Filipino mythology, where sinister forces stir and paths begin to intertwine. Haunted by fragmented memories, Isla races against time to unearth her buried past and protect the Mask’s new heir. Meanwhile, Mari grapples with her emerging powers and an awakening that thrusts her into unchartered territories. Deep within the forest, a malevolent organization’s activities draw suspicion as whispers of forbidden rituals and monstrous creatures surface. The Mask of Haliya: Echoes of the Forgotten Past will be available as a 200-page Deluxe Hardcover via Kickstarter.
“Kwento Comics is rooted in the Filipino word kwento, meaning ‘story,” said Kwento Comics Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Cecilia Lim. “We believe in the transformative power of storytelling to inspire, empower, and connect communities across the globe. Every story we tell, every panel we create, and every character we breathe life into reflects our mission: to uplift diverse voices and celebrate the richness of Asian heritage, culture, and identity.”
“It’s truly been such a special and rewarding experience working with an all female creative team not only because of all the beautiful work that our team puts out, but that I’m able to see Asian women at the forefront of creative and entrepreneurial endeavors,” says Kwento Comics Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Waverley Lim. “It’s empowering knowing that we don’t have to ask for a seat at the table, when we can just make our own. We deserve to see ourselves in every space, including graphic novels, which has been such a wonderful way to visually show and immerse audiences in the mythology from our islands in the Philippines. The Philippines and its people are full of such color and life, so it was important that our artwork reflected this.”
“I’m so pleased to continue the MASK OF HALIYA series of books at Clover Press,” said Clover Press Publisher Hank Kanalz. “The ladies at Kwento are telling such a compelling story, and one steeped in mythology. We’ve all grown up hearing these stories from our parents, and Kwento is bringing them into modern light.”
You can check out the Kickstarter for The Mask of Haliya Volume 2: Echoes of the Forgotten Past now!
