Manix Abrera’s 14: A Wordless Masterpiece That Speaks to Everyone

Who is Manix Abrera?

Manix Abrera is one of the most influential comic artists in the Philippines today. His name is synonymous with sharp, witty, and absurd storytelling that captures the humor and chaos of everyday Filipino life. Best known for Kikomachine Komix, a long-running comic strip filled with quirky, existential humor, Manix has built a reputation for blending deep themes with an approachable and often hilarious visual style.

But Manix isn’t just about jokes and slice-of-life storytelling. He has a way of diving into human emotions—sometimes in the most unexpected ways. That’s where 14 comes in.

The Story Behind 14

14 is a completely wordless graphic novel, yet it speaks volumes. At its core, it’s a story about fourteen mysterious beings escaping from a prison. Who they are, what they are running from, and where they are headed are never explicitly explained. The entire narrative unfolds visually, forcing the reader to pay close attention to every detail, every facial expression, and every shift in the atmosphere.

What makes 14 truly special is how it seamlessly blends Filipino mythology, folklore, and existential dread into one haunting, unforgettable experience. The creatures in the story aren’t just random figures—they resemble beings from Philippine folklore. Some look like aswang, kapre, or tikbalang. Yet, they aren’t traditional monsters. They feel human, desperate, afraid, and determined to escape.

By leaving so much up to interpretation, Manix creates a reading experience that is deeply personal. The book doesn't tell you what to feel—you just feel it.

A Story Without Words That Anyone Can Understand

One of the most fascinating aspects of 14 is its ability to communicate so much without a single word. Graphic novels and comics often rely on dialogue or captions to guide the reader, but 14 throws that rulebook out the window. Instead, every moment is told through visual storytelling.

What’s incredible about this approach is that it makes 14 accessible to anyone, anywhere. You don’t have to be Filipino to understand the emotions running through the pages. You don’t need to speak a specific language to feel the fear, the urgency, and the strange beauty of the journey.

This is why I found 14 so powerful. It proves that storytelling isn’t limited by language. It proves that a great story doesn’t need words to be understood.

Why 14 Feels So Relevant Today

Beyond its artistry, 14 feels deeply relevant to the world we live in today. At its heart, the story is about escape. These fourteen beings are running from something—something oppressive, something dangerous.

It’s impossible to read 14 without feeling like it speaks to broader human experiences. The feeling of wanting to be free, of breaking out of systems that confine you, of being misunderstood or hunted for who you are—these are universal themes.

In a time when the world feels increasingly divided, stories like 14 are more important than ever. They remind us that we all share common emotions, that fear and hope are things we all experience, no matter where we come from. And sometimes, the best way to tell a story like that isn’t through words—it’s through raw, unfiltered imagery.

Final Thoughts

Manix Abrera’s 14 is one of the most unique and powerful works in Philippine comics. It takes the richness of Filipino folklore and mythology, strips away the need for words, and leaves readers with an emotional journey that stays with them long after they close the book.

I thought it was really cool how Manix told a Filipino story with no words, yet anyone can understand it. It crosses language barriers. Anyone can feel it.

And honestly? We need more of that. More stories that bring people together. More understanding in the world—now more than ever.