Dr. Skintag Review: Short, Gross, and Full of Filipino Horror Vibes

Just read Dr. Skintag, a 24-page indie horror comic written by Jay B. Kalagayan and illustrated by Rialin José. It’s set in Tagaytay during the Christmas season, but don’t expect holiday cheer — this one leans into body horror and Filipino folklore in a quick, nasty little read.

A Bit of Background

The comic was inspired by Kalagayan’s 2023 trip to the Philippines, where the idea of ancient creatures still lurking just outside urban areas sparked the story. He also mixed in a bit of personal body horror — a real-life skin tag incident — to create something both grounded and unsettling. Rialin José, a Filipina American illustrator based in Chicago, took that idea and ran with it. Her take on the main character’s transformation is where the book really shines.

First Impressions

I thought it was a cool story. Super gross — which is exactly why I liked it. It’s short and punchy, with just enough weird to leave an impression. Rialin José’s art style is a great fit for this kind of horror — she’s looking like a promising cartoonist.

Folklore Meets Body Horror

I recognized the monster right away — I’m very familiar with it. The comic doesn’t spell it out, but if you know your Philippine folklore, you’ll get it. They don’t dive deep into lore, but it works. It’s fun, fast, and still manages to feel grounded in something real. Salt doesn’t appear in the comic, but anyone who knows these stories knows why you’d keep it around — it’s part of the traditional countermeasures.

Dr. Nathalie

We don’t get a super detailed character arc for Dr. Nathalie (aka Dr. Skintag), but the vibe is strong. She eats skin tags like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos — that image alone says a lot. She comes off as kind and helpful at first, but there’s clearly something more sinister under the surface.

Rialin José’s Art

Rialin really brings it to life. Her transformation scenes are the highlight — grotesque, expressive, and fun. Her linework and sense of pacing fit the tone perfectly. Would love to see her do more horror.

Final Thoughts

Would I recommend it? Yeah, for sure. Especially if you’ve never read Filipino horror before. It’s short, weird, and memorable — the kind of comic you read in one go and think about later. Whether you’re deep into Philippine monsters or just discovering them, Dr. Skintag is a solid entry point.

About Creative Mussel:

Creative Mussel, now in its eighth year, is an indie publisher dedicated to crafting impactful graphic novels that explore untold stories and champion diverse artists and creators. They strive to make unique narratives accessible to a wider audience.

To buy Dr. Skintag: https://ko-fi.com/s/c4e07f2c0b