Bloodshot Reborn Deluxe Edition 1

The art is top-notch for a character that reminds me heavily of Punisher, Deadpool, and Wolverine. But reading the whole edition covering Bloodshot Reborn issues 1 to 13 makes me conclude that the Bloodshot story here looks very familiar. I thought the emphasis should have been pinned into the secret of nanotechnology and its possible weaknesses (I wanted to see a possible counter-technology to the Nanites) but the "magic" of the Nanites was swept under the rug in exchange for action and continuity of the whole Bloodshot legend---or aptly, Bloodshot's Reborn. This is definitely more of an action story than a sci fi story because the narrative theme here belongs to Bloodshot himself---Ray Garrison, not some damn nanotechnology.  It's just not so original as it seems. There are scenes that are so familiar like the last eye-candy Mad Max film reboot, Marvel Comics' Old Man Logan, and the first Matrix film when Neo woke up from the pod. Yup. That I think, sums it all.

P.S. I got a review copy of this comic book via the Net Galley and reading it via Adobe Digital Editions app in my laptop is not a smooth read. I was still able to capture some screenshots though, just for review purposes. All images owned by Valiant Comics.

Genre: Adult Action, Sci Fi
Rating: 3 pints of nano-blood 

Ang Subersibo: Kabanata 1

Halaw ni Adam David at guhit ni Mervin Malonzo, ang aklat na ito ay isinalarawang kuwento ng Noli Me Tangere at El Filibusterismo ni Jose Rizal. Saklaw ng librong ito ang unang kabanata ng dalawang nobelang naging bahagi na ng pag aaral ng mga kabataang Pilipino ng panitikang makabayan sa sekondarya. Ikinalulugod kong makita ang pagsasakatuparan ng proyektong ito ng Anino Comics sa mga batang mambabasa ngayon at sana nga ay lalo silang ganahan na basahin ang Noli at El Fili sa labas ng klasrum imbes na magbabad sa pagse-selfie, FB, at Dota.

Akma ang pagkukuwento at pagsasalarawan sa estilo ni Jose Rizal at kahit na ang pagsasalarawan ng isang pagtitipon ay nagmukhang lamay kesa sa magmukhang piging posibleng sinadya ito para umayon sa temang madilim at seryoso.



Genre: Comic book adaptation
Rating: Tatlong patak ng tinta sa lima

Arnold Arre's Halina Filipina

Whether the author admits it or not, Halina Filipina is actually a good respite from the current crop of superhero/mythology tales in the local graphic novel scene. More than just about the title character, it's also about a beautiful love story between a Filipina-American learning to appreciate her roots and a local who despise things that destroys the Filipino. Together they learn and relearn what it means to be a Filipino. I personally like how Arre portrays "entertainment" as a cure and also a disease of our national consciousness. A simple jab to the jaw of game shows peddling instant high and temporary help just to earn ratings and millions of pesos in product endorsements.

Overall, this book deserves the accolade it currently earns.

Genre: Modern Fiction, Graphic Novel
Rating: 4.5 strands of straw hat

The Indispensable Calvin & Hobbes (1992)

Even if Bill Watterson ended the adventures of a rascal and his sardonic stuff tiger 20 years ago, there is still no comic strip in this world that has the same depth and meaning than Calvin & Hobbes. The 1992 collection easily earns my 5/5 rating simply because of this. The execution of a wordless story is perfect.


Genre: Humor, Comic strips
Rating: 5 flying snow balls out of 5

MPH by Millar & Fegredo

No pun intended but it was really a blast. Fast and yet, remarkably good enough to earn four stars. Ladies and gentlemen, if you're going to read one graphic novel this year, you should read this one by Mark Millar and Duncan Fegredo.

It's a modern day hybrid of Robin Hood, the 2012 film Chronicle, and DC Comics' Flash as we encounter a gang of four in Detroit come to grips with the temporary ability to run faster than the speed of sound. Mark Millar is the mastermind behind Wanted, Kick Ass 1-3, The Secret Service, Jupiter's Legacy, Nemesis, Superior, Super Crooks, American Jesus, Starlight and Chrononauts. We have seen Wanted, Kick Ass 1 & 2, and Kingsman: The Secret Service adapted into feature films. His other works are under development at major film studios. Millar also penned Superman: Red Son at DC Comics while doing Wolverine: Old Man Logan, the Civil War series, and creating The Ultimates at Marvel Comics. Duncan Fegredo on the other hand, pencilled various books for Vertigo-DC like Kid Eternity, Enigma, and Lucifer and also worked for a Hellboy miniseries at Dark Horse Comics.

This is my first read and my first review at Net Galley and I just liked what I just read. Originally published in 5 issues last year, this complete collection will not bore you with its ending. I have one or two questions that need to be answered but with the tight narrative and essential build up to conflicts and altercations being served abruptly like a bullet shot that was never wasted, they overpowered my need to think further of the plausibility and the science behind it. It was never disturbing nor head-scratching as watching the ending of Chris Nolan's Interstellar.  Speaking of films, I'm expecting a film adaptation of this book two to three years from now.

It's that good.

Rating: 4 banks robbed out of 5
Genre: Sci Fi

Tyler Durden Returns

Chuck Palahniuk shares a preview on the return of Tyler Durden via his twitter feed. It will be published by Dark Horse Comics this year. It's been a great year so far for (comic) book nerds.

Some imaginary friends never left...

Manix Abrera's 14

This is Manix Abrera's second collection of silent comics. Unlike 12's mishmash concoction of urban existentialism of a brew, Manix this time used a singular grape extract to ferment a very potent wine. Fourteen fantastic campfire stories weaved in one complete story arc as told in the eyes of the Manananggal, Diwata, Kapre, Duwende, Tiyanak, Tikbalang, and  the Outsider.

I personally like the one where a man wins the girl by serenading her with his "magic song." Ultimately that girl became a mother of three and also became the hero of the story. How many times have we seen that mothers were just portrayed as annoying generals of the house or helplessly doing the household chores or just victims of their adulterous husbands? Not this time. Together with her kids the hero mom left the lousy husband in fantasyland in exchange for the real life for good. Seeing the simple fact that the scariest monster in the world is not the one hiding under your bed nor that monster in your nightmares but the one you can see on the street every day is pure eye opener.

Abrera's work here is not free from flaws. But creating a comic book story without dialogue or words I think is not really restraining nor self-limiting, but rather liberating. Because the artist needs a lot of creative synergy when using words, captions, dialogues, and ultimately the art to tell an effective story. I know how it feels because when I was young I love drawing comics and creating a dialogue that will fit every panel or pages is never that easy to complete the story than just drawing them in sequential without words. It's similar when you create a conceptual storyboard. But I'm just relating my own experience here and you need nothing of that. This is Abrera's work and I like it better than the first.

Genre: Dark Humor, Urban Fantasy
Rating: 4 archaic pedestals out of 5

Manix Abrera's 12

First of all, thank you to the constant horde of bus commuters at Megamall that stalled me on my way home last Wednesday night. It was like the Filipino version of Zombie Apocalypse. Because of that I was able to read this silent comic by Manix Abrera which is publicly released three years ago.  The story that won an award (but was later revoked due to technical ruling) stood out as the flagship story for the entire collection of 12 wordless stories printed on glossy paper. My reaction after finishing the book was exactly THAT face of Agent K groping for a sense of deja vu after recovering his memory in the sequel of Men in Black. The stories were indeed good, but partially derivative. I think I saw some of the stories before, but I just could not recall everything where. Migraine Boy? Not sure. I can remember the roach scene from Joe's Apartment. The stargazing moment at the Sunken Garden or Lagoon is always a recurring scene in Manix's stories. I am sure most readers love the girl and her balloon story because it's perfectly sad. I agree.

 I just wish that they printed this on plain paper to reach the general readership. Because the quality would be the same.

Genre: Sci Fi, Urban Fantasy, Humor

Rating: 3.5 drops of distilled "rain"

Ang Alamat ng Panget & Many Other ni Apol Sta. Maria

Naispatan ko lang ito kahapon sa entrance ng Aklatan - Bayanihan Center. Unang inilimbag at inilathala noong 2009, kahapon lang ako ulit nakatsamba ng ganitong klase ng babasahin. Dahil panget ang title, panget din ang drawing. Absurd pero nakakatawa. Nakakatawa pero absurd. Ano nga ba ang tamang diskripsyon nito? Wasak. Wasak dahil matagal na itong nasa baul ng iilang kolektor at mga kakilala, at sintagal na din nito ang expression na Wasak! noong buhay pa si Tado.

Gusto ko dito yung eksenang "Codename: Error," "Nay, Anay Yan" at "Malayo sa Bituka Yan." Pero sa totoo lang, naaala ko ang Nardong Tae ni Louie Cordero habang binabasa ko to... Shit, ganun na pala ako katanda.

Para sa mga batang mambabasa, isipin nyo na lang ang sinabi ni Osho na "Seriousness is a sickness." Parte ng buhay ang tumawa.

Kategorya: Komiks, Katatawanan (Humor)
Marka: Tatlong hiwa ng mantekilya

Hunter Mode

NO thanks to the superherohype heads-up, I'm in for a not-so-secret hunt. Again.

The retro look packs a wallop for a pulp/comic fusion. This is better appreciated when you read it on paper and not on a tablet. 

Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes, Merlin, Musashi Miyamoto, and Dracula.

Bring it on!

Summer Komikon 2014 Reads

KAYAW by Magay, et. al.

This indie publication that categorizes itself as war epic is deeply centered into the heart of the Kalinga pride--that being unscathed by the Spanish, American, and Japanese regimes. Being part of the Austronesian race (but unlike their southern brothers --the Visayan Pintados that went the low profile), Igorot and Kalinga tribesfolk settle their conflicts through brutal headhunts with much public display. The introductory story is far from gruesome though (or maybe not just yet) but the sublime contrast and similarity to the Yakuza tattoo art is noteworthy. I know, it will connect heavily to the future with Lt. Masamune in tow.

Rating: 4 cuts of lengua out of 5

RODSKI PATOTSKI by Alanguilan & Arre

Since Lastikman and Darna Lives, the tandem of Gerry Alanguilan and Arnold Arre is always a good read. That territorial dispute would have been better if they put a Chinese and not Japanese Armada to express the current climate in the West Philippine Sea. The weapon's encryption algorithm would have been better if entrusted to Dr Dalawangpuso. All in all, it remains a great read not to be taken seriously.

Rating: 4 scoops of pistachio ice cream

KIKOMACHINE X by Manix Abrera

I thought I was buying a vintage Metallica or Pearl Jam vinyl when I saw this one. Of course, this is the 10th Kikomachine book by one of the current names in local comics. Glow-in-the-dark ang cover. Sakto lang ang lalim.  Parang Sunken Garden na bumababa ng 8 cm kada taon. Hwoooh.

Rating: 3.5 fathoms deep

Click here for my review of Mervin Malonzo's TABI PO #1. 

All images belonged to the copyright authors.

Summer Komikon This Weekend!

Already on its 6th year (and 10th overall) I'm expecting a diverse and better selections of Pinoy comic books this time around. The following are just my personal picks (sadly Trese 6 wont be available just yet) but don't take my word for it, be there and find out more!

See them all here for a quick preview.

Lutong Mamoy!* (Pugad Baboy is in the News again)

Ages ago, it used to be part of my routine to read Pugad Baboy strips via the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) online and last Tuesday I saw this and found it very critical from the author's point but still, I appreciate the joke and I do not blame him.

Once again, I don't see anything as condemning with the joke. It may be insensitive, but not something new as blatantly scandalous. It's part of a sad truth that we all know exists since time immemorial. Because first, I see it as a classic PMJR style of criticism (spelled as S-a-t-i-r-e) about his fellow Filipinos. That cynical style made him a household name for both his followers and critics. Second, PMJR is depicting here a very unique character giving her part in a story arc. That character is representing the LGBT community's standpoint but the author uses it everyday with the same magnitude as portraying characters like your common government employees, teachers, students, traditional politicians, cult fanatics, vegetarian activists, hippie junkies, et al. In short, they are all part of a diversity that made Pugad Baboy comic strips a mirror of our society---the Philippine Society.

Only this morning when I visited the Inquirer site I saw an article about the PDI apologizing to the negative feedback, leading to temporary suspension of Pol Medina Jr. This one I think, is a near-sighted move by PDI because first of all, the publication of this strip is also an editor's job and giving the bulk of penalty to PMJR is exactly unfair to the author.

Public admittance of one's fault and sanctioning penalty to another is I think a very partial judgment on PDI's side.


*A Filipino's reaction after sensing that something smells fishy.

Related Links:
Komikero
PMJR's FB page
Copy of Letter to PDI
Petition for a Change

TRESE 5: Midnight Tribunal

It's really a delight to read this given the same format as the third book (TRESE 3: Mass Murders). Personally, I prefer this "one long story in one book" for TRESE than a "collection of short stories in one book" format. Because this long story arc can easily provide a prolonged anticipation for the climax, and the cliffhanger if needed.

It's also cool to see another Trese sibling working as a professor of Anthropology and Sociology in UP. That one specific shot in the Sunken Garden kicked a fuel blast for my mind to soar, reviewing a lot of recent and ancient memories.  Allusions to Mars Ravelo's mythology of Captain Barbell (and Panday) is a big surprise, and I never saw it coming, especially when knowing the arch-enemy of Alexandra Trese.  

Thanks to this dynamic duo of Budjette and KaJo, the TRESE legend is starting to establish its roots in the Filipino psyche. I hope those who started following the series will be ready for the next book.


Genre: Philippine Urban Fantasy
Rating: 4 cups of black coffee

img source

Success

image © Bill Watterson Estate

*Beinte kuwatro boss?

I enjoyed Pugad Baboy 23 last year, even if I saw a lot of disappointed PB fans ranting about the quality of stories and jokes. Now, I’m looking forward to this latest release, there’s a story arc that we love to follow for a Pugad Baboy comic book ever since Book 1. PMJR's redemption time is here!

*translation: "Boss, do you want a twenty four?"
images © Pol Medina JR and Pandayan Book Shop

Man of Steel teaser one

Minus Point: Soundtrack ripped off from LOTR Fellowship of the Rings, right after Gandalf the Grey fell with the Balrog. A Superfan in the Superherohype site almost went ballistic after writing my comment about this. LOL.

Plus Points: The loner and the Deadliest Catch scenes.Clark's pet dog Krypto looks cool and a nice companion (I'm not sure about it's breed though). Superman breaking the speed of sound leaving trails of sonic boom. This version, the Jor-El version of message to his son is preferable than the Jonathan Kent version.

(my loose transcription)
"You will give the people an ideal to strive towards.
They'll rise behind you. 
They will stumble, they will fall.
And in time, they will join you in the sun.
In time, you will help them accomplish wonders..."
Jor El

The Dark Knight's Fitting Finale

Before watching, I thought this final part of the Dark Knight Saga by Cris Nolan would be perfect if a major character dies. And us viewers were treated with it in an awe, five minutes into the film's end. In the second film The Dark Knight, the Joker played by Heath Ledger stole the show from Bruce Wayne but in this final part, Bruce Wayne took the limelight back, in a major way.

It's a fitting finale for Batman to complete his legend in the city of Gotham. He redeemed his name as a traitor at the end of the second film and he will be remembered as not just Gotham's hero but also its patron saint, after seeing his monument unveiling. It's a very awkward feeling [MAJOR SPOILERS HERE] seeing Alfred the butler crying his heart out in front of Bruce Wayne's grave. It's something the viewers and readers of the comic books never highly expected. But die hard fans out there need not despair, your hero just took a retirement vacation with his new kick-ass chick, as the role of a new Dark Knight in the end apparently given to the idealistic patrol officer John Blake aka Robin.

The plot has only one major flaw, and it's about fixing a broken spine with the aid of a rope, a lot of exercise, and agression. But I was never bothered about it, since this flaw is the only 'fantasy' element of this superhero movie. The rest remained faithful to the gritty and mind-fuck narrative of Cris Nolan. I never cared if Selina Kyle looked more like Batgirl than Catwoman here.  Also, I never bothered about the massive uprising by the League of Shadows that almost mirrors the real life activities of the Occupy Wall Street movement. The mass anarchy here is no doubt massive, but it's a hit-and-miss.

Highly recommended for mature viewers for it's storyline twists and turns, this finale earns my 90% rating.

Genre: Superhero Movie, Action, Crime
Rating: 90% 

The Dark Knight Rises: The Final Hype

Three nights to go! Wooot!

Sandman 2013

Next year, November 2013 will be the 25th anniversary of the official release of Sandman #1 (November 1988). The maestro creator Neil Gaiman will make it a memorable one by releasing a prelude story in a graphic novel length, sort of a "Sandman Zero." We know the story began in the original series with the Dream King captured in a glass prison. This upcoming issue will show events leading to his capture, and will try to explain why the Dream King (Morpheus) appeared exhausted from a very long journey, apparently dressed for a war (or from a war) in a very far galaxy.

Read the announcement from Vertigo here.

teaser art ©JH Williams III