LOOK: Classic ‘Noli Me Tangere’ gets modernized manga treatment

Our history teachers have taught us the tales from Jose Rizal’s classic masterpiece “Noli Me Tangere,” which delves into the corruption and injustice during the Spanish regime in the Philippines.

In a bid to make the historical novel much more appealing to the younger generation, college student Ran Carmona reimagined the adventures of “Crisostomo Ibarra” and created a modernized manga-inspired cover of Rizal’s most famous work.

“This is a novel/book that had played a great role in our nation’s history written by our national Hero,” the talented graphic artist wrote on her Facebook page, Arts of Ran.

“And so its only fitting to make an updated designs of its main characters that we Filipinos know. But this time i made them as if they were from this era.  Hope you guys like it.”

Apart from Rizal’s alter ego Ibarra, iconic characters like “Padre Damaso,” “Elias,” “Kapitan Tyago,” “Maria Clara,” “Donya Consolacion,” “Sisa,” “Pilosopo Tasyo” and “Donya Victorina” were all given makeovers, inspired by hip designs from this era.

Meanwhile, Carmona clarified that her work currently only features a sample cover illustration of the beloved historical figures.

She also suggested a possible manga-type adaptation in the future, if she manages to find the right time and funding.

“I just want to grab the interest of the young generation of Filipinos to be interested in reading it and have a new source material for this amazing novel that plays a great role in our history,” the artist explained.

As of writing, her initial post has garnered over 5,000 shares on Facebook. /ra