Valerie's Letter

I wasn’t expecting much from V for Vendetta, as the previous screen translation of creator Alan Moore’s comic book project, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, was just disappointing and ineffectual. I think he had his name removed from this new film’s credits, so you just see “based on the graphic novel illustrated by David Lloyd”. Having read the V trade paperback last year, I, along with friends, wondered if certain key scenes and characters would make it to the Wachowski brothers’ script, and how radically transformed Moore’s story would be. It was surprising that the compression was watchable and penetrating.

Well, as with other comics-to-film projects, it’s not entirely gripe-free. It’s glossy, made contemporary and toned down, not surprisingly, and several character elements have been simplified or excised to fit the running time. But it took the essence of Moore and Lloyd’s gritty and pulsating masterpiece and made it a timely film that’s both stylish and substantial. They didn’t scrimp on the dialogue, and the action parts were well-placed, practically storyboarded by the existing material.

One of the more powerful scenes is Valerie’s letter. I remember reading an issue of V for Vendetta back in 1993 (I’m not sure if I borrowed it from John, who bought it from Gerry, who was selling his comics back then). But If I remember correctly, I bought a copy myself after reading it years later, when I saw it at Booksale. I’m not sure which branch anymore, but it still has its P 12 price tag. This was issue six, which had young English woman Evey (played by Natalie Portman in the movie), suspected ally of masked vigilante V (Hugo Weaving in the movie), imprisoned in the concentration camp for minorities--gays, non-whites, non-Christians--and activists.

Evey discovers a short letter written on toilet paper (that strangely looks like thick tracing paper in the film, but one’ll stop being nitpicky in a bit). That's the tragic story of Valerie, slipped through the cracked wall between their cells. It detailed how the lesbian woman, a former actress, discovered her sexuality and how she ended up tortured because she’s gay.

When I read it originally as a comic book over a decade ago, it made me sad. It was one of those stories that further convinced me that comic books can really be a vehicle for compelling, mature content. When I finally read the compilation last year, I was reminded how real she was. And that sent some tears rolling down.

When I saw her story told within that bigger, sprawling story last Tuesday, that left me quite stunned. The filmmakers didn’t remove it or clean it up. They shortened it a bit but expounded on some of the nuances. It still made me sad and shed some tears, seeing Valerie’s brief story unfold vividly.

I copied this off of the original comic book. While typing this, I still feel the source material’s power:

V for Vendetta # 6: Chapter 11: Valerie

“I was born in Nottingham in 1957, and it rained a lot. I passed my eleven plus and went to girl’s grammar. I wanted to be an actress. I met my first girlfriend at school. Her name was Sara. She was fourteen and I was fifteen but we were both in Miss Watson’s class. Her wrists. Her wrists were beautiful.

I sat in Biology class, staring at the pickled rabbit foetus in its jar, listening while Mr. Hird said it was an adolescent phase that people outgrew…

Sara did. I didn’t.

In 1976, I stopped pretending and took a girl called Christine home to meet my parents. A week later, I moved to London, enrolling at Drama college. My mother said I broke her heart… but it was my integrity that was important. Is that so selfish? It sells for so little, but it’s all we have left in this place. It is the very last inch of us… but within that inch, we are free.

London. I was happy in London. In 1981 I played Dandini in Cinderella. My first rep work. The world was strange and rustling and busy, with invisible crowds behind the hot lights and all that breathless glamour. It was exciting and it was lonely. At nights I’d go to Gateways or some of the other clubs, but I was stand-offish and didn’t mix easily. I saw a lot of the scene, but I never felt comfortable there. So many of them just wanted to be gay. It was their life, their ambition, all they talked about.

And I wanted more than that.

Work improved. I got small film roles, then bigger ones. In 1986, I starred in ‘The Salt Flats’. It pulled the awards but not the crowds. I met Ruth while working on that. We loved each other. We lived together, and on Valentine’s Day, she sent me roses, and oh god, we had so much. Those were the best three years of my life.

In 1988 there was the war, and after that there were no more roses. Not for anybody.

In 1992, after the take-over, they started rounding up the gays. They took Ruth while she was out looking for food. Why are they so frightened of us? They burned her with cigarette ends and made her give my name. She signed a statement saying I’d seduced her. I didn’t blame her. God, I loved her. I didn’t blame her. But she did. She killed herself in her cell. She couldn’t live with betraying me, with giving up that last inch. Oh Ruth.

They came for me. They told me that all my films would be burned. They shaved off my hair. They held my head down a toilet bowl and told jokes about lesbians. They brought me here and gave me drugs. I can’t feel my tongue anymore. I can’t speak.

The other gay woman here, Rita, died two weeks ago. I imagine I’ll die quite soon. It is strange that my life should end in such a terrible place, but for three years I had roses and apologized to nobody.

I shall die here. Every inch of me shall perish. Except one. An inch. It is small and it’s fragile and it’s the only thing in the world that’s worth having. We must never lose it, or sell it, or give it away. We must never let them take it from us. I don’t know who you are, or whether you’re a man or woman. I may never see you. I will never hug you or cry with you or get drunk with you. But I love you.

I hope you escape this place. I hope that the world turns and things get better, and that one day people have roses again. I wish I could kiss you.

Valerie”

Babyng Mataba


Inosente pa at may gilit-gilit ang legs. Napaka-'70s nung headboard, o.

Bloody Heck

Got this Jay Hernandez-Hostel pic from Hollywood.com. There was one of him gagged and about to be tortured, but I didn’t feel like posting that here, so I chose this one. Saw the movie last Tuesday too. Was able to catch one of the afternoon previews. Jay's the Latino boy from Crazy Beautiful, I think. All I gotta say for now is, if you have the stomach to watch his character get beaten up, vomit, or get real bloody… well, watch it. But worse things happen to other characters. I’d rather not say anything about that. It’s R-18, damn gory and uncut, so it’s only screening at non-SM cinemas next week.

Some young women entered as the end credits were rolling. They brought food and drinks with them. Big mistake, ladies.

Good Mourning


X3: Beast, Colossus, Kitty, Iceman, Rogue (photo from Newsarama)

Don’t know who the lady at the left is or the character she’s playing. But it’s safe to assume the assembled people are mourning a dead friend. Friends? X-Men? According to some rumors, a few will bite the dust. The second trailer is out, but I’ve only seen some screen caps so far. In another scene, Magneto leads a mutant army, with Callisto, Pyro, Madrox (I think that’s him) and a resurrected Jean Grey/Dark Phoenix walking beside him. Hmm… where is Mystique? She’s there in the movie but I wonder why she’s not beside her boss this time.

This opens on the last week of May worldwide. Hope to watch it two weeks before that. I’m a little excited.

Weekenderers

Delivered copies of Lexy, Nance & Argus to Pride Exchange in Malate early Friday evening, something I should’ve done months earlier, as the comic book had sold out there quite some time ago. Went there with Malate newbie John, who found the streets of the Nakpil-Orosa district and those leading to A. Mabini fascinating and textured. They were so removed from how the rest of Metro Manila’s commercial establishments looked—the area's a mixture of decades-old structures and new food and recreational joints—and you just know the people working there have really colorful stories to tell.

Ended up eating dinner at Robinson’s Place. The Comic Odyssey shop has transferred to another part of the mall and is now bigger and better lit. And they had the nicest looking action figure sets on sale, too. Worth going back and checking out again. It reminds me a bit of Druid’s Keep, which has affordably priced toys and related items. And speaking of hobby shops, Comic Quest looks different now because Vinnie moved his things out of the Megamall store. It’s strange, actually, to see his clutter of comics piles and toys gone from that corner. Hope he’s well and enjoying life away from the family business.

Benedict dropped by last Saturday night and brought some borrowed DVDs. We watched the 1988 suspense flick Apartment Zero, which starred a young Colin Firth. That was weird. But Firth’s good, even then. We also watched the last ten minutes of Memento, a part which he hasn’t seen yet because his copy was broken. We were able to watch 40 minutes of the excellent Serenity too, but we were too sleepy already to fully appreciate it so we stopped it and just rested. He was supposed to take pics of my toys again but we can do that next time he’s around. Gave him my Brokeback Mountain preview ticket, production notes and pictures, since he liked the movie and felt really depressed about it for several days. Oh, and we shared a Big Mac.

Plugger

Events Girl Camille's message:
“Non-Linear Editor / Motion Graphic Artist Prime Movers Productions, Inc. is looking for full-time Non-Linear Editors/Motion Graphic Artist with experience in Final Cut Pro and Adobe Photoshop and After Effects. Interested Applicants may get in touch with Ms. Joane Fernandez for Interview. Pls prepare Demo reels and CV. Prime Movers Productions, Inc. 7296390-91 PMPI Creative Suites 1486 D.Oliman St. Santiago Village, Makati City”

Dumbo

It’s really annoying when store employees don’t want to help you because they’re too lazy to do their job. Whenever I look for certain things in music stores or other shops, it’s easy to tell when they don’t wanna help you because they don’t even bother checking their stock lists, and just tell you point blank that they're not available. It’s happened to me a number of times. “Wala kaming Marvel Select”. Or, “Wala kaming ganung CD.” Sometimes, they don’t even know what they’re selling. Once, I asked for Cynthia Alexander’s new album, and one saleslady asked her co-worker the same question. That other person responded, “Alexander? Movie? ‘Di ba ‘yon ‘yung pumatol sa bakla?”

They shrug and say they’re not available, looking at me sometimes as if I just made the stuff up. But I feel vindicated when I look through their display items, show them when I find what I’m looking for, and tell them, politely, “Eto, o.”

Jeez. Sometimes, some snarky and sarcastic mall security guards have the same nasty effect. That’s another thing entirely, but it all boils down to bad training. As customers, we deserve much, much better.

Super Foxy Chocolat


Aisha Tyler (pic from Yahoo! TV)

Saw some episodes of 24 (season 4) earlier this week, too. It started off pretty much by the numbers, even with most of the cast replaced and new characters putting a new spin on the conceit. Jack Bauer has a female boss now; the president is a new one; Kim, Chase, and Michelle are gone. The only familiar character aside from Jack is Chloe, and the actress looks skinny now. The suspense and dangers proceed like clockwork. But I was surprised with the guest appearance of Aisha Tyler. I loved her in E!’s Talk Soup. I like how she hosted that, and I miss her infectious, bordering-on-drunkenness laughter. She plays someone serious and mysterious (in this show, who isn’t?), a techie named Mary Anne. I hope she does more shows after this. Aisha was way subdued in Friends as Charlie in the last two seasons. It’d be great if her fans can see her comedic host-side again. I miss her going, “Heeeeyyyy!!!!”

Hero Watch

The Exiles (pic from marvel.com)

Infinite Crisis # 5 slows down after the action-packed previous issue. A lot of it is foreshadowing for the next two issues’ big battles, no doubt. The death toll has also slowed down, but someone buys the farm, and we don’t know exactly why, yet.

Astonishing X-Men returns with the all-new Hellfire Club, still communicating with Emma Frost. I hope she doesn’t turn out to be evil all along. I’m sure that she’s got a grand plan of her own come the arc’s climax. She’s more interesting as a bitchy, manipulative character that stands out in the flock of angels, than a villainess that gets her ass handed to her occasionally by the heroes.

Exiles (pictured above) is really fun. It gathers less popular characters from Marvel’s infinite Earths (Blink, Morph, Spider-Man 2099, Longshot, Sabretooth and Power Princess make up the latest lineup), who guard the realities from interdimensional threats like Proteus, an evil Hyperion, and so on. I found the “Destroy All Monsters” storyline one of the title’s cooler arcs. The heroes’ jaunts through the New Universe and the 2099 reality were also memorable. The mix of familiar characters and concepts, and the non-stop visits to Marvel’s forgotten franchises offer infinite story possibilities. The art could be better, though. And Claremont will be taking over the writing chores soon… I’m not too excited about that.

Leave ‘Em Wanting More


Bye, now (pic from silverbulletcomics)

Justice League Unlimited is over. The show ends with a full-scale alien invasion, just like in the first episode about four years back, and everyone, even the Legion of Doom, is fighting for the planet’s salvation. Man, it’s one of the most memorable cartoon series ever. It's been a fine final season. In the concluding episode: Superman cuts loose! Batman lightens up! Martian Manhunter returns! And Flash gets a kiss! This show will be missed. But it’s still airing over Cartoon Network and Jack TV, methinks. Hail and Hallelujah.

Dear Bloggy

Been very busy these last two months that I didn’t notice that it’s almost March already. Almost summer again. Can’t say I’m too excited about the humidity; we’re already getting a taste of it.

But anyway, it’s been over a year since I started doing this and I must say that having my tiny corner in this strange, multishaped dimension can be liberating and useful. My rants, raves, vanity posts, my announcements and works… they document my life now, but while there are times that certain facts and details will be veiled, they’ll still talk about my feelings, thoughts and hopes. I feel blessed now and at a stage that I’m a little afraid of the future. Maybe I always have been. I’ve been living very cautiously on some days, and living others as if they were my last. Writing this paragraph is a little creepy, I admit, because it sounds and feels like I’m trying to analyze my life and put things in perspective. I haven’t done that in a while, and somehow, it feels weird. Because one, it feels like I’m typing one of those prescient notes that people write shortly before they die; and two, because I suddenly feel much older, with more grownup issues to resolve.

I’m at a point now where I’m enjoying my life. I can’t say that’s always been the case. My life is radically different now in many ways, and looking back, I see how innocent, naïve, and simplistic I was. I’d like to think that I’ve grown up some, and learned to be more spontaneous and playful. That I’m more tolerant now, although there really are people that just annoy the hell outta me (like smartass jerks who can’t keep their mouths shut while watching a movie, suicidal creeps who smoke inside the jeep, and judgmental preachers in buses…god, just keel over and die, please).

I like my life now. It’s nowhere near perfect, but I can appreciate its intricacies. It’s been lively and lovely for me so far. When I read this entry a year or so from now, I’ll be reminded of the things that I left out that needn’t be written here because I can only share so much. But regardless, I can always say that I’m glad I met certain people, learned from some mistakes, and lived my life--in my own, obsessive way--to the fullest.

Thirtysomething Channels and Nothing’s On

So the adult cartoon series South Park has reportedly gotten the attention of the MTRCB, and the Jack TV show will stop airing soon. Apparently, some people have complained about its anti-Christian content. It’s been airing for quite some time already, and these are old, earlier episodes, if I’m not mistaken.

But come on now. That’s the point of the show. South Park and the creators’ other projects have openly and shamelessly parodied and ridiculed almost everyone, whether they be religious icons, politicians, vocal Hollywood actors, Streisand, Canada, or Michael Moore. The list of people who’ve remained unscathed is getting really short. The jokes are so distasteful and gross at times, but that’s often been the creators’ way of poking fun. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s always funny, that it’s creative or imaginative, or it’s for everyone—they’d have stopped airing early on if they even considered being politically correct—but it has always been different.

I’ve a few questions, as the supposed outrage against the obviously highly irreverent show raises some thoughts about censorship, free speech, and related issues:

Why does the MTRCB even have policing powers over cable TV? How do they decide if, say Sex and the City, Oz, or any HBO or Cinemax movie that has some nudity or implied sexual or violent activity should be aired or not? Why can’t adults enjoy some titillating skin, green jokes, or lesbian smooching in the privacy of their own homes, through the very limited cable services that they pay for? Just how do they decide when it’s time to reprimand the cable providers because TVE, the Tagalog channel, or the French channel showed some erotic scenes? Who decides, exactly, which butt shot, ass crack, silhouetted tit or pubic hair showing is okay for primetime or very late night viewing?

What if Sarah Silverman, an excellent standup comic famous—or in some circles, infamous—for making really irreverent religious, sexual or racial jokes, offends someone? Will they cut out the segment that she appears in, whether that’s a guest spot in Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, David Letterman, or John Stewart? Will those shows be suspended or stop airing? Will Drawn Together or Crank Yankers be next? What if I’m an atheist and I enjoy South Park? Or Saturday Night Live’s occasional jabs at religion and politics?

Bleargh. That’s the way things go these days, I suppose. Not everyone will be happy about everything.

Supes Returns

Brandon Routh as the Man of Steel, carrying something real heavy. (Photo from Yahoo! Movies)

Not that excited over this, yet, but here’s a pic to slightly prettify the old bloggy.

Geeker Speaker

I found Top Ten: The Forty Niners entertaining but a little short… it’s slightly over a hundred pages, but I wish they’d focused more on the other intriguing cop characters. Still, go Jet Lad and Wulf!

Spider-Man-Black Cat… very talky by the last three issues but still nicely written; topics like sexual assault and incest are sensitively handled, although they can feel manipulative and heavy-handed at times. But it’s still a decent book that explores the Black Cat’s character thoroughly (it was mentioned that she’s bisexual; her failed romance with Spidey is fondly dissected; the story also explains her klepto tendencies).

She-Hulk # 5 was really enjoyable. An ex-Avenger tries to fit in at the law firm. Very clever and heart-tugging, Dan Slott. Please write an Avengers title, already.

And so I talk about toys again. The year’s last Marvel Legends figures have already been announced and previewed. I don’t know yet if the line will continue under Hasbro next year or they’ll be given a brand new name altogether. I really haven’t checked. But I dearly hope that they’ll still look as awesome and still be affordable. I know the articulated joints look weird and awkward sometimes (like they have asscheeks near the singit), but majority of the Toy Biz figures have been playable and displayable. I’m eagerly looking forward to the last few sets. The Young Avengers, Onslaught, MODOK, Mojo, Wasp, Psylocke, Longshot, X-Babies!, Falcon, Warbird, Sentry, Luke Cage, Loki… aw god, I want them all. Playkit, Get the Wal-Mart exclusives!!! Hasbro, here are some of my dream sets. Make them look expensive, but sell ‘em real cheap. No Wolverines or Iron Mans, please.

Beyonder Set: Build a giant, human-form Beyonder! Space/cosmic/energy-caster lineup must include Adam Warlock (with Pip the Troll), Quasar, Janie Warlock, Nova (Richard Ryder), Dazzler (blue ‘80s costume), Firelord, and Molecule Man.

Supreme Intelligence Set: Build a big-ass Supreme Intelligence (with tank props)! The series must consist of really smart people like Forge, Fixer, Black Knight, Mach-1, Wizard (Frightful Four) and Moonstone.

Surtur Set: Mostly deceased characters. Build a giant Surtur figure! Odin, Mockingbird, Mr. Sensitive/Orphan, Banshee, U-Go Girl and Jack of Hearts.

Stature Set: A much-needed all-female series! Build a Stature/Giant Girl! Songbird, Vindicator (classic costume), Moondragon, Photon (Monica Rambeau), Rachel Summers Phoenix (Hound costume), Polaris (X-Factor Quesada costume) and Spiral (50 points of articulation!).

Atlas Set: The super-strongmen and –women series! Hercules, Hyperion, Strong Guy, Titania, Doc Samson (Byrne-‘80s design), Namorita (original costume), Gladiator, and Count Nefaria.

Thor Corps Boxed Set: Costumes must be different from previously released versions, so no repaints! Lord Thor, Beta Ray Bill (capeless new costume from the mini), Thor Girl, Magni (Thor’s son), Thunderstrike and Dargo (future Thor).

Avengers Boxed Set: Second- (or third-) stringers in one collectible gift set! Tigra, US Agent (black Captain costume), Mantis, Triathlon, Rick Jones (Avengers Forever costume) and Starfox.

X-Men boxed set: Second- (or third-) stringers in one collectible set, too! Cannonball (any design), Sage, Magik (Illyana Rasputin), Rictor (Sook design), Northstar and Jubilee.

Runaways boxed set: The original kids, plus Victor Mancha, the raptor, and Alex. Nuff said!

Hmm, I love them super-stuff.

Gone, But Not Really

February 16 marked my former editor Louie Camino’s first death anniversary. He was a very generous guy who gave me the opportunity to write for the paper almost four years ago. He was a unique, fatherly individual. When I was starting out, I emailed him by my fifth published article to thank him for his continued generosity. He responded, in an email dated May 23, 2002:

“No thanks to me. Your articles are printed here because they deserve to be. In short, you write well.

But that doesn't give you license to nag me about your cheques. Kidding.”

In another message, he wrote:

"Keep on writing. For me."

I’d like to think that I became one of his trusted friends who, while not always around, was someone with whom he can be himself and share his real thoughts about certain things, touchy topics and people. Sir Louie found me “candid”, and once told me in not so many words, that like my parents, he’s also proud of me.

The last time I spoke to him was about a month before his death. He was at the office despite the doctor's advice, working his ass off to the wee hours as usual. He sounded sad but a little hopeful, but it was also apparent that he knew that it wasn’t long before he had to go.

He was a good man, and I miss him sometimes.

Alpha Flight Disassembled

Spoilers!

What the hell? In New Avengers # 16, we're introduced to the Collective, a new cosmic-level threat that, supposedly, effortlessly killed Canadian super-team Alpha Flight off-panel. How unimaginative. Like “Avengers Disassembled”, this first part of a new arc has similarly disposed of (mostly) beloved characters to make the story more meaningful, and to show how bad-ass and kickass the new villain is. Off-panel? Geez. I don’t doubt that they’ll be resurrected in the future, revamped and relaunched, but come on. It’s like the writer’s expecting the uproar that accompanied Hawkeye’s lame “death”. And what’s up with the nine full-page pinup shots? Ah, decompression doesn’t work in this book. It’s a little sad, because the last two issues were good. I was hoping the pace would pick up and improve after that. I also hoped that this incarnation of the team would be a memorable one that redefines the concept. But the characters and distinctly different lineup pose a lot of possibilities that have yet to be tapped into.

By the way, Shaman said “Yeah, right.” Wha--? That doesn’t fit with his normal, more formal speech patterns at all, like Namor yelled “Have at thee!” during the Sentry arc (Atlanteans now speak Asgardian-Shakespearean!). Impostors? Maybe created by Wanda? Huh.

There's a rumored second Avengers title in the works. Hope Grant Morrison's doing that.

Cream Your Pants

Went to Greenbelt for an assignment a few hours ago. I was treated to a super-yummy Blueberries and Cream Crepe at Café Breton between a pair of interviews. Holy god. That was… ah, words escape me. It was a big serving, decked with a lot of berries, had a scoop of ice cream tucked inside the crepe, and the whole thing was swimming in syrup, powdered sugar and milk. Heavenly and sinful.

Walked around Glorietta after and checked out several toy stores. The Marvel Legends Taskmaster is still around. Good. I want it! It has a lot of weapons and an atomic steed. Also raided some sale comics bins. Ran into filmmaker Quark Henares at Filbar’s. I told him that he was noticeably thinner, and he was really happy and grinning about it. He was looking for the Astonishing X-Men hardcover, as well as some Infinite Crisis prologue TPBs. He asked if my comic book and Budj’s Trese were available there (nope, Comic Quest lang, I told him). Talked for a bit about his work (a horror movie!) and comics before leaving for home. Bought Young Avengers # 10.

Read the comic book while in a bus. It was okay; it was a quick read. There’s a new character, a potential new member. Got home, checked email, rested and bathed. I opened the comic book again. Oh my god!!!

Mostly Barely Legal Avengers Assemble!

EFFING SPOILERS!!!

I’m slowly liking this title. It’s steeped in years of Marvel continuity, yet accessible and independent enough to be appreciated on its own.

The Young Avengers reassemble and plan to rescue Teddy (Hulkling) from his captor, the Super-Skrull. The past few issues have practically been trumpeting that Teddy is the son of a Skrull and someone important. But eh, that’s obviously the deceased Captain Mar-Vell. Ho-hum. What made me go whoa! was when I pieced together a new puzzle. A new kid was introduced. Thomas "Tommy" Shepherd, one of those in the Vision’s future Avengers checklist, is a speedster that the team recruited to help them with the rescue mission. AND his hair is white like Quicksilver’s. He and Billy (Wiccan/Asgardian) look alike, according to the other members. So okay, they’re obviously related. When I opened the book again at home, that’s when it hit me. I looked at one of the recent Marvel Universe Handbooks, just to be sure. I checked Scarlet Witch’s entry. And there it was! The names were familiar. They’re Wanda’s “erased” twins! Tommy and Billy! Thomas and William! Separated and aged to their teens, and apparently, the Vision knew about this all along. This is a nice development and one that will hopefully lead to Wanda Maximoff’s eventual redemption and rebirth. But we’ll see. The new kid seems like a troublemaker. And straight—he gave Kate Bishop a sly, flirty smirk.

Writer Allan Heinberg has yet to reveal details about this, but the characters have been cleverly and lovingly handled, so far. Jim Cheung’s art is clean and well-suited for the title. Decent job, as usual. I hope they keep it up. Man, that was clever.

Don't Know How to Quit You

After tuning out countless "bareback mountin’" jokes for the last couple of months, I finally got to watch Brokeback Mountain last Wednesday at the Powerplant Mall. ‘Twas sad and sweet. Lesson of the story: Guy, if you think and know you’re gay, don’t marry your girlfriend, because she can’t ever compete with cock.

Regular screening on February 15. Let’s hope it stays unbutchered by cuts.

Ash & Spawn vs. Warblade & Witchblade vs. T.A.O.
Panel from a tryout sequential page I drew back in 1998. Super-cluttered pencil drawing. Click on it for a bigger version.

Reinventebrate

Andrew Wolff, Margie Holmes, IC Mendoza, et al

The newest Icon (Jan-March 2006) is the "Fresh" issue. I interviewed sex therapist Dr. Margie Holmes last October; it was an exceptionally mind-opening one. That took us over an hour to finish. But it's easily among the comfiest I've ever done. She was really just so cool. And, she called me "cute". Ehem. Half of that interview, the more gay-themed one, appears here. I submitted an entirely different article, the part concerning other sexual matters, as well as sanity and spirituality, to the paper. Hope they'll use that one of these days. Knock on wood. :)

Percepticrat

Some highlights of a surreal, fun, educational weekend. Not necessarily in that order.

Was with the unholy popes (John and Benedict) last Saturday. Ate a very late, 2 a.m. dinner at Chowking, somewhere in Quezon City. While they were talking about work and stuff, the radio played Maria McKee’s “Show Me Heaven”, a simple but beautiful ballad that’s been covered many times in the past decade by other female artists, including Tina Arena and Jessica Andrews. I really like that rarely played original version. It was part of the Days of Thunder soundtrack, back in 1990, when couch-jumping Mr. Cruise and the talented Ms. Kidman just became an item. Here are the words:

Show Me Heaven
Maria McKee

There you go, flashing fever from your eyes. Hey baby, come over here and shut them tight. I'm not denying, we're flying above it all. Hold my hand; don't let me fall. You've such amazing grace. I've never felt this way. Oh, show me heaven, cover me. Leave me breathless. Oh, show me heaven, please.

Here I go; I'm shaking just like the breeze. Hey baby, I need your hand to steady me. I'm not denying. I'm frightened as much as you. Though I'm barely touching you, I've shivers down my spine. And it feels divine. Oh, show me heaven, cover me. Leave me breathless. Oh, show me heaven please.

Do you know what it's like to dream a dream? Baby, hold me tight and let this be, oh, heaven, cover me. Leave me breathless. Oh, show me heaven please.

John and I gave the Piglet “free” arcade game stubs that we got during a preview screening. They’re not really free because you have to pay for the swiping card thing, but it’s still an okay bargain. Got to play some cathartic shooting games at Megamall and Market, Market too.

Benedict and I met up with Comic Brooker Gumby briefly at DK. He gave me a lovely new mix CD, once again.

(James-Laid, Sophie Zelmani- Always You, Iron and Wine- Naked As We Came, U2- Stuck in a Moment, Leona Naess- Lazy Days, Poison- Something to Believe In, K’s Choice- In Your Room, Sinead Lohan- No Mermaid, Sundays- Wild Horses, REM- Leaving New York, Motels- Suddenly Last Summer, Asia- Days Like These, Amy Jo Johnson- Puddle of Grace, Kim Carnes- Bette Davis Eyes, Lemonheads- Paid to Smile, The Bible- Graceland, Sarah McLachlan- Blackbird, 38 Special- Second Chance, Kenny Loggins- Conviction of the Heart, Heather Nova- We Can Work It Out)

Finally met ProGay Philippines president Oscar Edgar Atadero. He gave me a very informative Pink Card, which he passes around in certain parts of Quezon City. At the top part of the multi-folding paper, it says:

“The purpose of this PINK CARD is to ensure the safety and security of bar patrons and party goers, especially those who are Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transgenders (LGBTs) from corrupt law enforcers/police and criminals who pose as law enforcers.

PINK CARD is an initiative of the RAINBOW RIGHTS Project (R-Rights), Inc. 27 Oakville Street, White Plains, Quezon City 1110 EMAIL: r_ rightsproject AT yahoo DOT com.”

R-Rights, it adds, is a group of lawyers and legally informed activists which “provides the LGBT community with an academic think tank and legal resource center dedicated to sexual orientation law and public policy.”

The card has small charts that break down info when one is arrested, or is threatened with arrest. For example:

CRIME: GRAVE SCANDAL
Usual Targets: Sex acts inside cinemas, restrooms, and public places
OFFENDER: Any person who shall offend against against decency or good customs by any highly scandalous conduct.
NOT OFFENDER: You are NOT liable for GRAVE SCANDAL if:
-you are NOT doing anything offensive or highly scandalous conduct; or,
-it is not a public place; or,
-nobody would be scandalized.
ALLOWED DETENTION PERIOD: 12 hours (within this period, you have to be formally charged; otherwise you should be released)

The card also lists helpful information if one is accused of prostitution, vagrancy, and the like. It lists numbers that one might need during related emergencies as well. Thanks to hardworking and noble volunteers Oscar, Attorneys Angie Umbac and Anne Lim for sharing some enlightening and realistic views about such issues. For further information on gay rights issues, events and the Pink Card, visit ProGay’s blog and the listed addys above.

Watched some really awesome episodes of Justice League Unlimited. Spoiler alert for those who’ve yet to see "Grudge Match". The most memorable episode for me to date brings back Roulette, but this time, she's mind-controlled the heroines of the JLU! Ultimate girl fight! Fire versus Black Canary! Black Canary versus Huntress! Vixen versus Shayera! Canary, Huntress, Vixen and Shayera versus… Wonder Woman! The Amazon princess was shown in its first season to be capable of going toe to toe with Superman, so imagine the shock of the assembled female crimefighters when she enters the ring. Damn, the JLU DVD is gonna be one sweet commodity one day. I love this show. Hope it airs forever.

Apocalypse, Yow! and Evil Old Geisha

I was able to complete the Marvel Legends-Apocalypse set the first day it came out in stores! Yay! Was able to assemble the huge bonus figure immediately. Downside, each figure now costs thirty pesos more. Groan. And my Maestro Hulk figure doesn’t have the belt-to-elbow coil that should accompany giant Apocalypse’s arm. But since I also got the white Sasquatch too, the extra arm has the rubber coil thingie. White Sasquatch was originally Snowbird, and later the vessel housing original orange Sasquatch’s soul (long story), but the character was sort of revived as a member of the dimension-hopping Exiles. There, she's a black Heather Hudson, the wife of one reality’s Wolverine. I got it too because it's like having an altogether new character. The repaint looks good.

Haven't been exercising lately. Gaining and losing considerable weight has been a constant for the last three years. Quirky part of the family genes, I suppose. Last month or so, I ran into an acquaintance who told me, “Magpataba ka pa para walang magkagusto sa iyo.” Whaddafuck?! Spirit of the Staircase—I should have reacted, now that I think about it—“Okey lang. At least di ako nakakatakot na gurang tulad mo.” But during the time, I just said something like, “that’s just the way my body is” or some such. He answered, “That’s a defeatist attitude”. Well, in a way it may be. And I understand that he was trying to encourage me to slim down in his own unorthodox way. Well, I didn’t really expect or appreciate that piece of sage advice from someone I barely know. Or like. Eh.

But I do miss being lighter. I still can be, if I watch my diet more carefully and exercise more; I’ve done it before and I can be that way again. But I’m being realistic. I can’t get back to being really fit, like in this picture, taken when I was... almost half my age now, I think. Was doing push ups like crazy then, and didn't eat merienda and just stayed in the library during breaks. Wow, I looked kinda hot and virginal. If I do say so myself.

Ugh

Two hours ago, I waded through ankle-deep water. Haven't felt that icky feeling in a while. The last time my feet got wet that way was way back in college. Really gross. I didn't wanna think what kind of germs clung to my feet. When I got to the mall comfort room, I drenched my feet in alcohol. After running some errands, I rushed back home and cleaned up.

My poor rubber shoes. And socks. And pants. Well, it's still nothing compared to the crappy feeling brought about by Manila floods. I remember they can actually submerge people up to their thighs. The disgusting muck can rise above your crotch area, if you're vertically challenged. Thankfully, I'm not.

All Biggie

Good that I'm busy with work and other stuff again. I may panic sometimes when I feel extra-pressured by deadlines, but miraculously, I get the job done. I'm drawing again when I can, which feels liberating, especially since it's not work-related.

Watched Big Time a few hours ago... all I can say for now is, watch it when it opens this Wednesday! Cool, darkly comic heist flick. Gah, I'm speechless 'cause I'm sleepy... Anyway, thanks, Vives for the shirts and for the invites!

Also earlier, I got a DVD of Angels in America and some great-looking Rome calendars from the PR firm handling HBO and Cinemax. If you're reading this, Virtusio family, thanks for the nice gifts!

A few recent comic books I read:

All-Star Superman # 2: Awesome! Refreshing! Grand! It feels a little like Alan Moore's Supreme issues, but it's its own clever and entertaining creature.

All-New Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A-Z # 1: Handy new trivia! A sourcebook series that will run until December. It's great that obscure characters are being featured now, like in the OHOTMU's of yesteryear.

Essential OHOTMU: Speaking of, this black and white, phone directory-thick tome compiles the first 15-issue series from the early '80s. I wasn't too happy at first with the thin newsprint stock, but it fits the whole idea of being reprinted; its texture elicits a nostalgic feel, and it makes the whole thing more affordable despite its bulk.

Madrox 1-5: Good work by Peter David. The artist, Pablo Raimondi, is also commendable.

She-Hulk: Issue 3 was great, even if there was a weird and jumpy mix of artists. Issue 4... it's a heartwarming tale, but the art is distracting. Actually, it's kadiri.

Infinite Crisis 4: Major spoilerage! Great, great issue... 3 issues na lang! I really hope that they'd somehow explain Hypertime/The Kingdom and Zero Hour here, because they're really big cosmic events that supposedly show a broader or retooled picture of the DCU. With the possibilities presented by Hypertime, they (Alex and company) could've just left the current DCU earth/reality alone. In Alex's search for the perfect earth, couldn't he have peeked into that dimension opening or whatever it is to get a place that would fit their needs? I know there's no drama in that, but I'm just curious. Obviously, there's more to Alex and SB Prime's insanity than meets the eye.

As for the SB Kon-El/-Titans versus SB Prime battle... Oh my god!!! That was really violent! I can't believe they actually showed Risk's arm getting torn off! I just checked, and noticed that IC isn't carrying the Comics Code insignia unlike JLA and other titles.

Wally and family... I dunno, their "removal" feels a bit forced. I don't believe they'll be gone forever too. But having Barry, Max and Johnny Quick appear was a nice touch.

Bludhaven! Crap!!! That was cool and shocking at the same time.

And, yeah, it was funny when SB-Kon-El quipped, "Say what? That I can't believe you're wearing your underwear that tight?"

Argh, IC kicks all kinds of ass.

I also discovered two funny "journals", Alex Luthor's and the Justice League's.

All for now. I'm tired.

We Pimpeth

Plugging stuff by multi-talented friends:

From singing editor Pam Pastor: “Help my band MOZZIE get 2006 off to a rocking start. We’re playing a quick set at Motorsports Alley (Katipunan cor. Boni Serrano) again on Saturday, Jan. 21, 8 p.m., along with other bands. Excellent tequila slush, totally laidback vibe, wear your pajamas if you wish. Hope to see you there. :)”

From indie film and theater actor-director Andoy Ranay: “Hi. May play po ako, Severino Montano Plays, sa FC Studio UP Diliman. Jan. 18-20, Jan. 25-27, Feb. 1-3 @ 7 p.m. Weekend shows at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Please watch. Masaya ito, promise.”

Gerry Alanguilan will be releasing the first issue of his Elmer: The Ultimate Chicken Story this April.

Carl Vergara’s Zsazsa Zaturnnah is now a musical! Check his blog for the sked.

Budjette Tan has released two issues of his horror comic book,Trese, at Comic Quest Megamall. Art by Ka-Jo.

Arnold Arre sent me a teaser ad of his latest graphic novel, which is expected to be in stores soon. Check his site and Cynthia Arre’s journal for further details.

Toy Boy

Fellow comics and toy fan Benedict (who’s still stunned that one of his favorite titles, Spider-Girl, is ending with its 100th issue in a few months), took these pics of my action figures last Saturday evening. Prior to this, I found some interesting back issues of Dazzler, Iron Man, and Vision and Scarlet Witch at BMP, and I got two wonderful new mix CDs from Gumby.

Here are some toys that I slowly collected over the past couple of years. Yeah, obviously, I open them up and display them. Some of them were loose figures. Click on the super-group pics for bigger images.

Avengers Assemble!

I’m pretending the Human Torch (below Spidey) is the android Jim Hammond, instead of Johnny Storm. And I put DD in because he’s practically a member anyway, even if he did politely decline “fate” (quotation marks-hand gesture, a la Jessica Drew). The 2006 Marvel Legends will be sweet… Moon Knight, Quicksilver, Wasp… Oh, I nearly forgot... it wasn't intentional, but Iron Man looks a little drunk.

Justice League Mindwipe!

Barda kicks ass. I want a Martian Manhunter, a Zatanna, and a Hawkman… I need moolah…

William and Cookie Dough


We were quoting lines from Buffy and mimicking Spike when we took pics of these two… sayang some of the nicer poses we did of the pair were blurred. Ngek. These nice toys resemble the actors, unlike the Faith fig, which looks nothing like Eliza Dushku.

Where Have All the Mutants Gone?

X-Men: The 198 Files is a fun read, a one-shot special that compiles a list of characters that the Office of National Emergency (of Marvel’s US Government) is keeping track of. These are the confirmed, surviving mutants to date (there’s this big event happening in all the X-titles right now, if you haven’t heard). It’s got short bios and power descriptions, as well as small, previously used illustrations of all the remaining heroes, villains, and civilians (I wish they’d do new, exclusive art for these sourcebook-type titles, but ehh). There are three characters per page, and it’s info-taining, but the dark blue-colored “links” are hard to read; one still has to tilt the comic book at a certain angle. Here are some of my comments on the contents:

1. Squirrel Girl is only a low-level threat? Come on. She defeated Dr. Doom, M.O.D.O.K. and Thanos! GLA is a humor book, I know, but she should’ve been considered a high threat. It did mention that she beat Dr. Doom.
2. Mr. Sinister isn’t here, so he’s depowered. Doubt it… but the baddest big bad an ex-mutant? Hmm. Wonder how that’d go.
3. Artie Maddicks isn’t here! Yay! Unless the poor kid’s dead already.
4. X-23 was a ho. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
5. They’re still hinting that Ernst (the progeriac-looking kid from Morrison’s run) is connected to Cassandra Nova (but it’s already believed that Cassandra was “reprogrammed” to learn morality using a Shi'ar entity’s body, and she’s now called “Ernst”).
6. Glad to see Lila Cheney, Sabra, Diamond Lil and Ursa Major here. They’re underused; hope someone does interesting things with them.
7. There’s a mutant codenamed “Bling!”. With exclamation point. Hokay.
8. Gateway is the great-grandfather of time-lost mutant cop Bishop. Right.
9. It's interesting that the Lehnsherrs (Magneto, Polaris, Quicksilver) were depowered, with the possible exception of, of course, mucked-up-like-Hal Jordan-Wanda.
10. Nightcrawler and Scarlet Witch have a child in an alternate future, Nocturne, and in the tradition of Cable, Stryfe, Rachel Summers, Psi-Lord and Bishop, she’s in the current reality/continuity. Hope Marvel would hook Nightcrawler and Witchy up. Wanda can finally get knocked up with her own real kid and she can wish everything back to status quo once this whole “no more mutants” storyline gets boring.

Oh, this isn’t 198-related but I read in some reviews last year that in Liefeld’s 2005 X-Force mini, Stryfe was revealed to be… the long-dead Domino! From the future! I dunno for sure how that went down, but I think I wanna read it. Morbid attraction and all that. Hehe.

Manila Whore Barbie

After getting a makeover for an ‘80s-themed party, Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell) quipped, “I look like Manila Whore Barbie.”
("Ruskie Business", season 1, episode 15)

Heehee. This is the first episode of the hit-acclaimed teen show that I watched in its entirety. Well, kinda… I was checking my email while the TV was on two nights ago. But it was pretty clear that this episode was smartly written, witty, and very contemporary. And Veronica is the Nancy Drew of the mid-‘00s, if you will. Plus, the episode had Alyson Hannigan! Been a while since I saw her. She was the lezzie witch in Buffy, and the Band Camp girl in the American Pie movies, for those unfamiliar with her real name. She plays the sassy but sarcastic older sister of one of Veronica’s friends here. Ah, I miss her as Willow. Wish that spinoff Buffy series will still materialize, whatever that may be.

While looking for this photo in different screen caps and pic galleries, I kinda got spoiled on the bigger mystery arc in previous episodes, but, eh, I still wanna watch the rest of the show eventually. Hope ETC does a marathon one of these days.

Matigas

Got an unusual text message from a friend this morning: “Ano ba, magblog ka na.”

O sige… hmmm… eh wala naman akong masulat so far eh… Ah! Nakapanood ako ng kaunting back-to-back episodes ng Arrested Development sa JackTV. Grabe, nakakatawa yung character na frustrated actor, at saka yung anak ng character ni Jason Bateman, yung teenager na si George Michael, kasi may crush siya sa pinsan nya (yung character na anak ng magandang tibo na si Portia Di Rossi, pero hindi sya tibo dito). Nakakaaliw talaga.

Ano pa ba… ah! Nakabili ako ng mas mura-than-usual na Marvel Legends na Phoenix (Jean Grey). Mukha syang evil actually dahil sa kanyang matutulis na kilay. Variant nito kasi eh yung nakapula sya, yung Dark Phoenix version nya. Evil talaga. Narealize ko rin na siya ang pangatlong Marvel Legends figure ko na superlakas na cosmic character, bukod kay Franklin Richards (na kasali sa Fantastic Four boxed set noong 2004), at bukod sa nabili ko last month na payatot na Scarlet Witch. Si Phoenix ay kayang baguhin ang timelines; si Franklin kayang magcreate ng bagong universe; at si Scarlet Witch ay kayang baguhin ang reality. Tatlong mutant na halos kasinglakas ng Infinity Gauntlet ni Thanos. Speaking of Thanos, ang ganda ng Marvel Select action figure nya. Nakakaiyak.

Comics… Andami kong nabiling sale na Avengers, L.E.G.I.O.N., West Coast Avengers at Thor sa BMP… nakakatuwa dahil may mga issues na hindi ko nabasa at nabili nung bata pa ako na binenta nila ng P25 each. Mga bagong comics naman… Gusto ko yung Young Avengers Special kahit iba-iba yung artist sa loob… nagbigay ng backgrounder sa motivations ng mga bida. Na-flesh out si Kate Bishop at yung dalawang batang bading. So far, ito ang pinakanag-enjoy na issue ako sa series dahil yung regular run eh, okey lang para sa akin.

Three Kings pala ngayon… nakadisplay pa ang Christmas tree ko sa tuktok ng toy shelf ko… siguro palilipasin ko pa ang ilang linggo bago ko iligpit yon. Tinatamad pa ko eh. Nakakaaliw kasi ang lights nya.

Marianang Matapang
Pencil drawing, Dec. 2000

Pretty Great Year

Got this timely taggable from Ian. Tag yourselves like I did:

TEN THINGS THAT BRING ME JOY:
(There are more than ten, of course, but okay.)

1. Living in an age when entertainment and information are easily available.
2. My relatives, who continue to teach me life lessons and keep me grounded and grateful.
3. Being able to eat three decent meals a day.
4. Not feeling any emotional attachment when I see certain people from the past.
5. Really gifted, humble people, because, well, nobody likes untalented know-it-alls.
6. Cool weather and fresh air.
7. Others connecting with my words and/or pictures.
8. McFarlane, Marvel Legends, DC Direct action figures.
9. Intimacy (cough, euphemism!, cough).
10. Enlightened people who believe that spirituality needn’t be confined by one religion or faith.
- - - -
It’s that time of the year again when TV crew members, especially on news programs, get to show up on screen and wave for as long as the end credits roll. Yep, it must be the last day of the year. A time to be thankful and hopeful, and also when caricatures of the representations of the outgoing and incoming years-- the sashed old guy and baby--grace newspaper strips or editorial cartoons. Hmm. I wonder how that depiction originated. If the baby would grow, like, six years per month, by the end of the year he’s a doddery 72-year-old. Interesting.

This journal has had its occasional liner note thank you’s, because I’ve had many reasons to be thankful for in 2005. Most recently, I discovered, through Friendster’s search bar, that about 15 people listed LNA among their favorite (comic) books. So thanks to Aby, Butch, Bokee, Anjo, Aubrey, Jhoice, Jason, Vangie, Krizia, Sabog/Boom, Anne, Coeli, Bart, Chuck, and Arris Rivera!

Also, thanks to Benedict for the rare Sue Storm figure (nifty projectile gimmick!) and the Spooky Pop lollipop, Gumby for the new mix CD*, Paolo Manalo for bearing with my hunger-induced incoherence yesterday (was unable to eat breakfast and lunch) and Druid's Keep's Felix Cua, for giving me a nice discount on the cool Spike figure**.

My thanks as well to all the comics creators I was able to meet and communicate with in the past couple of months, for sharing their enthusiasm for the medium. To my occasional employers and editors, for being ever-generous. To those who talked about my comic book, you’re all over this blog.

And, last but definitely not the least, to my earthborn angels, for your patience, understanding and love.

Happy, prosperous and wonderful new year to all o’ ya. You’re the bestest!
- - -
* (The Beloved- Found, Aimee Mann and Michael Penn- Two of Us, A Camp- Bluest Eyes in Texas, Madonna- Rain, Midge Ure- Dear God, Jeff Buckley- Hallelujah, Milla Jovovich- The Gentleman Who Fell, Amanda Marshall- I’ll Be Okay, Maria McKee- Show Me Heaven, Jewel- Life Uncommon, Pat Benatar- We Belong, Texas- Breathless, Eurythmics- Seventeen Again, Shakespeare’s Sister- Stay, Londonbeat- A Better Love, Martika- Love Thy Will Be Done, Tom Petty- Freefallin’)

** With Mountain Dew in a goblet, goggles, anti-Hellmouth amulet, mug of blood, cat (?), and trading card.

Holiday Spirit

“Old Lang Psign”, December 2005 (click to enlarge)

Just printed out and compiled 20 pages of comments on, and reviews of, my comic book in a clearbook. Man, what a year. This Friday (the 23rd) is its first year in CQ. One year. It’s still selling at a decent pace, so thank you, all of you. Happy holidays, too. Enjoy and be safe, people. Off to plan, write, maybe draw and answer and send emails, like always. Or sleep. Enjoy your vacation, whether ye be Grinches, Scrooges, or whatever. Here’s something I wrote for the paper last year:

A non-Christian's holiday wish list

December days creep up so fast and without warning.
Christmas bells are a-ringing; cash registers are ka-chinging.
I've fondness for the season, if not for the reason.

I'm not a Christian. Don't get me wrong: I just don't belong to the flock.
I'm atheistic on some days and agnostic on others; I'm my own rock.

I love the lights, the cold yet snowless nights.
As a kid without worries, it meant action figures in gift-wrapped boxes.
Money from relatives I was not familiar with, nor care to know now.
Food we didn't normally eat and grapes tacked above doorways.
Going to church and singing along salvation chanteys aloud, always!

But now I'm older, losing hair, getting wiser and a bit jaded.
I've no war with God, let that be clear. My old beliefs have just faded.

But I'm happy and can celebrate the season the way I want to.
I found peace and sense of self years back, and now I'll do stuff that I have to.

I'll look back at how the year didn't suck, and I got to, uh, let's just say I had good luck.

I'm grateful for cool new people I met, whether on the net, or in the flesh.
And the great things we got to partake of, like art, culture, debates and freedom to choose.
Oh, 'tis the season again to enjoy truces, or get weepy in the company of booze.

I'll always love the lights, the cold and cuddling nights.
Let's celebrate differences and do away with the name-calling.
We're all getting older and losing time, so let's just quit stalling.

But what do I really want for the holidays? Hmmm, let's see.
I used to pray for peace on earth, but have you seen the news lately?
I just want everyone to be healthy and happy, content and cozy.
I want money, more work opportunities, and yeah, more money.
I want Marvel Legends and DC Direct toys, DVDs of "Twin Peaks," "Buffy" and "24."
I want the world's finest booty, fun vacations, a better body, my own house, and a car (or four).
For some things in this list, I just have to work harder.
I just hope I don't feel anywhere near as sore.

January dims the lights, and all those colorful, cheerful nights.
We'll think about how much we spent celebrating the birth of a messiah figure.
We'll talk how we over-ate and how we got bigger.

But we won't care because we had fun in all its myriad forms.
We spent time with people we actually like, got drunk, or woke up naked and spooning.
We'll be back to work, school, our crazy routines, our festivity-free dorms.
Holidays have to end, of course, so they'll have deeper and special meaning.

So whichever belief system gets your soul off, put tolerance and harmony in your creed.

May the new year allow us to be better persons.
And may earthly pleasures exceed all our expectations.

My Comics of the Year List!

Awesome one-shots, limited series, and story arcs, some of which didn’t necessarily come out this year, but I read and enjoyed them within 2005. So there. I was able to buy really cheap comics, and borrowed a lot of single issues and compilations. In no particular order, hey, ‘cause ranking them would be a bitch.

Thor: Son of Asgard- The yearlong saga delved into a chapter of the young thunder god’s quests for worthiness. Straightforward storytelling, with balanced doses of action and intrigue.
Bone- The whole run is fun, and at times, dark. Uber-coolness.
Courtney Crumrin- This is one frightening girl.
Supreme- Alan Moore’s ‘90s run is very entertaining!
We3- Morrison and Quitely. Match made in comic book heaven.
Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe- Despite the pick-up (reused) art, the sourcebook series is still mighty informative and up-to-date.
The DC Encyclopedia- Love this heavy book. Like OHOTMU, it’s loaded with info. But where’s Oberon?
New Thunderbolts- Nicieza does fun superhero stories here. AND he made his team beat up the New Avengers. Cue the bully kid from The Simpsons: “Ha-ha!”
The Walking Dead- Zombie plague! Kirkman's horror title has an interesting cast of problematic human characters.
Thor- Jurgens’ run, and later Oeming’s, established a new status quo where the Lord of Asgard made tough decisions that ultimately led to Ragnarok. Entertaining and sweeping.
GLA- Dan Slott does a good job at poking fun at this team of misfit heroes, and the Marvel U, too.
She-Hulk- The Practice meets… the Marvels. Ingenious.
Villains United- The most solid prologue title leading to Infinite Crisis.
Spider-Man/Human Torch- The Slott machine gives old, new, and casual Marvelites a winning mini-series.
New X-Men: Academy X- Old New Mutants Karma, Dani Moonstar and Wolfsbane teach a new generation. But the title has just undergone a revamp. Hope it’s still good.
V for Vendetta- Finally read it. In a word: damn.
Zatanna- Creative mystical hi-jinks, good art, and excellent dialogue make this uber-sweet.
Spider-Man Unlimited- Short Spidey stories with punch and heart.
Justice League Elite- Action-packed and enjoyable yearlong JLA spinoff series.
Astonishing X-Men- Can’t wait for Whedon and Cassaday’s second year run.
Wanted- Bloody, gross, amazing.
Mythology Class- Arnold Arre’s remastered compilation is a labor of love.
Warlock- Greg Pak knows his cosmic Marvel stuff.
Legion of Superheroes- Was skeptical when the Legion was rebooted for the umpteenth time, but Mark Waid is making the title a must-read.
Runaways- My current favorite reluctant teen superheroes.
PVP- Funny and nerdy. I likey.
DC: The New Frontier- A massive Elseworlds mini-series set in 1950s America, by Darwyn Cooke.
JLA: Crisis of Conscience- The League breaks up. Crucial Infinite Crisis tie-in.
Infinite Crisis- Great, so far. Jam-packed with fanboy-pleasing slugfests and earth-shattering drama.
Chosen- “Jesus” is back, and he was a kid in the ‘80s!

Long Decembers

I remember having chicken pox when I was twelve, hearing the early Christmas mass music when I woke up at five, being stuck in the TV room for many slow days, just drawing and reading and watching four blurred channels until my teacher and some classmates visited one afternoon because they thought that I had dropped out of school, because I wasn’t exactly attending my classes weeks before, and it was surprising because nobody visited me before when I was sick, and they weren’t exactly people I was close to, since I felt that school at the time was killing me with boredom, and all I had was myself.

Six Decembers later, I was in a strange new place, wide-eyed and dumbfounded, all too giddy with what felt real, and entangled, surrendering to the cool damp weather and to the heat of the moment, the softness of the bed, the pain that’s just in our heads, hands calm and clasped, touching divinity and beyond, without the sounds that spoke in the waking hours, but new ones like breathing and heartbeats and the soundtrack of mouths sticking to excited and nervous skin.

A December later, things became complicated, but the complications felt good and interesting, as if every path was uncharted territory waiting to be touched, wanting to be touched, by the hands of God, the hands of love, the hands that rocked and cradled, but some paths weren’t open, and ten or so Decembers later, there’s a feeling of déjà vu, of learning the same lessons again, of knowing why things turn amiss on occasion, why the days seemed to change with the soundtrack and the plans, and when December comes and cloys with its soothing winds and sparkles, I still love it, as I do the changes brought about by Decembers past that I can still see and feel, and my bed, a new one, is inviting as always, and we still steal moments, special moments that define us, that make us real in a time of unreality, and the month isn’t long enough for the things we want to do.

Thanks Galore

Just wanna thank Paeng for the nice review. Thanks to Paolo Manalo for the Friendster testimonial, too. I wanna share it!

"Forget the blurbs on the back of the collection, Lexy, Nance & Argus: Sex, Gods, Rock & Roll is Oliver M. Pulumbarit's owning the comic book form. I'm reminded of the graphic storytelling style of Alex Robinson's Box Office Poison and the meta comic narrative of Dylan Horrocks' Hicksville but LNA isn't a copy of either. Oliver maximizes the two-page comic book narrative form to give us the episodic development of the lives of three engendered characters at the turn of the century (from 20th to 21st) and highlights the comic book's unique strategies of sequence and consequence, juxtaposition and self-reflexivity, panel ellisions and caption cluttering. I look forward to reading more. (And more Jim, please!)"

And thanks again, Gumby, for this smashing new compilation:

Dollar- Give Me Back My Heart
Heather Nova- Truth and Bone
Midge Ure- Breathe
Jann Arden- Good Mother
10,000 Maniacs- Green Children
Sarah McLachlan- Strange World
Primal Scream- Love You
Silencers- I Want You
Glass Tiger- Someday
Alison Moyet- Is This Love
Icehouse- Crazy
Gin Blossoms- 29
Daryl Hall- Dreamtime
Belinda Carlisle- Mad About You
Cheap Trick- The Flame
Jars of Clay- Five Candles
Two Minds Crack- Upside Down
Sixpence None the Richer- Tension is a Passing Note

Thanks!!!

Too Much Passion...

...is never enough. Smithereens song from 1992.

With brainiacs Andrew and Vinnie
With Yvie Molina

Yesterday was the launch of Siglo: Passion, Project Hero, and Dean Alfar’s Philippine Speculative Fiction anthology at Fully Booked Greenhills. Went there with Benedict to pick up my complimentary copy of Siglo (I did a pinup), and we didn't really expect to stay long, but we met and chatted with a lot of people from the local comics scene. It was fun. Thanks to Enrique, whose name I didn’t remember immediately (sorry about that, man—how do I access your blog, by the way?), to Yvie Molina, who brought her Lexy copy to be signed (and thanks for the pictures, above, too), to Dean and the gang, and to those who had their books signed. Left two hours later with Sky; we dropped him off at the MRT’s Ortigas station. Watched a bunch of old Angel episodes at the house later, swapped and opened up some bargain bin-He-Man figs, and talked about everything else again after. Cool day, overall.

New Mutants
Got these pics here. Angel (Ben Foster) and Juggernaut (Vinnie Jones), some of the new characters from X-Men 3, to be released next year:

Scarlet Hitch

I just bought a Scarlet Witch figure as part of a set of five toys. She, or it, flew off the shelves just when the new batch of Marvel Legends were delivered last week. Of course, the hoarders, as some salespeople at the toy departments call them, got their hands first on the rare female figure. But thankfully, a few days later, one of the big toy shop-chains released an assortment, sold at the regular price.

So I got it. I was unhappy with it, not because she looked strangely like comedienne Sarah Silverman (I love her). And not because the arms and torso looked anorexic. It’s because when I moved her head, the neck joint snapped. She was a headless mutant for nearly an hour! It was so freaking fragile. I had to put heavy-duty super-glue to save the poor thing. That’s a pity, Toy Biz, ‘cause it had sleeker thigh joints, as opposed to the unsightly ball joints that many of its predecessors have, and overall, it was playable enough. But, I have to add, the paint on her headgear looks sloppy. Parts of her hair were colored with the same opaque red paint. Sigh.

Anyway, Benedict and I have been in toy-hunting mode since last Saturday. Shared a pair of buy one-take one Fantastic Four movie toys. He got a Bend and Stretch Mr. Fantastic, while I got the Human Torch that yells “Flame On”. We’re on the lookout for He-Man toys now. Been waiting for the stores to sell them really cheap. They are, now. Yay.

Extra Audible
Got the CD that Gumby of Comic Brook burned for me, also last Saturday. Can’t stop playing it... they’re some of the songs from the soundtrack of my life. Thanks again, Gumby! Nice CD, this:

Prince, Sheena Easton: The Arms of Orion- Yeah, I’m a wide-eyed, teen kid again.
Robin Beck: For the Very First Time- Guilty pleasure! Power ballad-turned-softdrink ad jingle, also from my teen years.
Belouis Some: Animal Magic- “God, she’s afraid of the dark.” Lovely.
Chicane: No Ordinary Morning- Been looking for the Chicane CD forever. This song has a cool video.
Heather Nova: Heart and Shoulder- Underrated girl, Dave Hontiveros and I agreed a few years back. Really, really talented.
Ian McCulloch: Proud to Fall- One of those suave New Wave ditties I still enjoy.
Hard Rain: I Will Remember- Great extended version! Yeah!!!
Heart: All I Wanna Do (Is Make Love to You)- Oh, great song about screwing around. Heh…
Lightning Seeds: All I Want- Another different version! Broudie rules.
Aimee Mann: That's Just What You Are- Melrose Place’s end credits song. Love it.
Train: Drops of Jupiter- Reminds me of special moments. And people.
Primitive Radio Gods: Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth...- Ganda!
Susanna Hoffs: My Side of the Bed- Reminds me of good times, too.
Divinyls: I Touch Myself- Hahaha. ‘Nuff said.
The Cure: Pictures of You- Anthemic, as usual. Very nice.
Sarah McLachlan: Touch- Still sounds powerful. Angelic church choir music.
Kate Bush: Rocket Man- Ethereal cover of an Elton John song.
Don Henley: End of the Innocence- Feels more apropos now than it’s ever been to me.

Hearting Comix

“My amazement turns to conviction: talented people see things that others don’t. People with eidetic memory see colors flash as they recite books word for word; oido musicians hear bass lines beneath the melody; and Oliver sees patterns in marbled walls, in comic book covers, in everything.”

Peach Abubakar wrote that for the December issue of Chemical magazine three years ago. Actually, she said that because I showed her the old New X-Men masthead, which, I mentioned in passing, was perfectly symmetrical that one can read it upside down and still see it the same way. She then asked me about things that I “see” in everyday objects, so I answered that I just notice things like random lines forming strange, face-shaped doodles on the surface of marble tiles, and how I spot comic book artists’ strengths and flaws quickly. Her article mostly focused on how I became a “comic book nut” and my love for the medium, and the staffers of the mag even had me “pose” for a colored pic (above) that accompanied her nice writeup.

Comics for me are an occasional escape from mundanity. I have read and re-read tons of four-colored, paneled goodies (and guilty pleasures) since I was a wee kid. My mom suggested a few times, when I was a teen, that I stop buying them and save my allowance. Of course, one time, she immediately did so after seeing a cover of Uncanny X-Men, an Inferno tie-in, which had the near-naked Madelyne Pryor (as Goblin Queen), her scary pet demons (Jean Grey’s transformed parents), and on the foreground, her nasty ally Nastirh clutching baby Nathan Summers (the future hero Cable).

But by that time, it was akin to an addiction already, and Mom soon learned to accept it. My parents knew that I was seriously into it, and whatever it was that I got from the books was inspiring me in my school work. She even told me that she and her friends, as kids, also enjoyed quiet time with their komiks. Dad, meanwhile, once shared that he really enjoyed a Batman comic book that was given to him when he was really young. Reading comics really started with them, as I clearly remember enjoying the Agua Bendita, Taurus and Panday serials in old issues of Liwayway when I was in grade school. I was bombarded with fun kid stuff in the form of Darmo Adarna, Superkat, Dax, Niknok, and Planet Op Di Eyps from Funny Komiks. I also browsed through different mature anthologies in Wakasan and Love Stories, which, now that I think about it, contained a lot of implied sexual activity. But they were nicely self-censored.

The fantastical and resonant worlds appealed to me then, as they do now. Throughout these years, I have met disparate people who became friends because we shared the penchant for periodically visiting these bright, mysterious, escapist territories. I, along with these similarly appreciative, and sometimes nitpicky individuals, continue to speak about our unending jaunts into these modern mythologies.

I was interviewed three times this year about comics. Met up with Yonina Chan last month for the lengthy article which came out last Friday (thanks, Yonina!). I was emailed questions about LNA for Icon magazine’s website last summer. And I was also contacted to talk about the project for a college campus paper early this year. That last one, I’m assuming, has yet to be published, since I’ve yet to receive word about it. I doubt it’ll see print now, but no worries. I understand that these things happen, so I’ll just post some of the questions and my responses here.
----------
Who or what was your inspiration for this comic book?

When I was given the chance to try out for Pulp’s comics section, I knew that whatever I’d be creating must have its own edge and voice. I have a number of stories in my head, some of which involve a big, epic superhero setting, but space constraints didn’t exactly allow for what I had in mind originally. So I tapped into something universal, something that would make people notice and pay attention. And this was “Lexy, Nance…”, about the joys and pains of people who didn’t conform with society or tradition. From there, I understood how I wanted to present it.

Where did you get your characters?

They were all formed in my head. I’ve hundreds of characters, but when I knew what I wanted to create and what kind of story I should tell, those three protagonists surfaced. It was easy to write them from that point. They had to be distinct from each other and relatable.

Are your works autobiographical?

Not necessarily. There are certain scenes, thoughts and ideas that might be considered things I believe in or have experienced, but I’d rather not talk about the specifics for the sake of keeping the story’s mystique intact. That way, my readers can still separate me from my work, and can keep guessing if what they’re reading is taken from reality or just creative fabrication. It’s part of the whole writing deal.

What messages are you aiming to send to your readers?

A few letters I have received, presumably from young people, tell me that they have been empowered by it. They have been moved or touched by what they have read, and identify with the difficulties that the characters have had to go through. Mostly, the intention of the comic book is to provoke thought, and challenge people’s old notions about inclusion, family, and sexuality. If they feel positively affected by it, then I feel that I’ve done my job of getting my messages across.

When did you start doing this?

I wanted to tell stories through the comics art form since I was a kid, when I was in Grade 2. I just wanted to draw and draw action scenes, monsters and villains being beaten by superheroes, stuff like that. Eventually, I was creating my own characters, with their secret worlds and wars drawn at the back of notebooks and sketchpads. By college I knew that I wanted to be a comic book storyteller since I have met like-minded individuals who shared the same passion, and we discovered during this time that several Pinoys worked and are working successfully in US comics.

Do you have any advice for the people who wish to join this industry? Is this a good career move?

Practice. Never stop learning. You have to be open-minded to be the best storyteller. You have to be observant and pay attention to issues and events in and around your own life. If you want to self-publish, you have to want something enough to see it through, finish it, market it, and sell it. Realistically, doing your own comics entails a lot of real, hard work. Find a day job, or a number of freelance jobs. Find sponsors, connections, and people who believe in your project, so you’ll have the necessary support system to get it off the ground. Everything’s a learning experience, and you should savor it and let it fuel your creativity. And learn to accept criticism. But most of all, promise yourself that the project will not suck.

Maximo the Great

Was able to catch the last screening of Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros last night. It's a heartwarming, funny and memorable tale about a gay kid, Maxi (talented newcomer Nathan Lopez), who develops a huge crush on rookie cop Victor Perez (JR Valentin), an incorruptible and very likeable guy. The problem is, this honest law enforcer's after Maxi's family, a bunch of street thugs. But they love the boy dearly and have protected him from the neighborhood jerks. Can lovestruck Maxi get out of this quandary unscathed?

Watch it with your loved ones. It's showing now at most cineplexes. It's a special, exceptional effort. You'll laugh; you'll cry; you'll learn a thing or two about life. "Maxi" also has a blog. Check that out, too. And congrats to the filmmakers, cast and crew for their recent wins here and in foreign filmfests.

Tomorrow, Manila Bulletin writer Yonina Chan texted, will be when the article about Filipino comic books comes out in the broadsheet's "i" section. Was interviewed for that a few weeks back, along with Marco, Arnold, and other comics-making comics junkies. Am excited about that.

Also, was able to complete the Sentinel set of Marvel Legends yesterday. I didn't buy the simple-looking Mystique figure, because she and Omega Red shared the same lower torso part of the Sentinel. Omega Red is a boring, BORING comic book character, but the action figure was WOW! So I got that instead. I like the bendable tendrils and imposing size. Really nice. And the assembled Sentinel looks like the good robot from Grant Morrison's last New X-Men arc, "Rover", the one controlled by the young guy ala the Iron Giant. So the big toy, I'm pretending, is part of the X-Men roster anyway, 'cause they're open to members who come from the future or alternate worlds. Rover rocks!

Okay, that was totally geeky.

DC Direct, please make more affordable figures with more points of articulation like the ones Toy Biz is doing. Please do it soon. You've got over seventy years' worth of characters at your disposal. Start with the post-Zero Hour Legion of Super-Heroes. Fanboys and fangirls the world over will eat 'em up. You'll make lots of money.

And In Our World of Plenty

It’s almost December. Coolness. I love seeing the colorful, shimmering Yuletide ornaments and hearing the carols, despite the fact that I don’t recognize the holiday’s origins anymore. The universal message of the celebration still appeals to me though, “peace on earth” and all that, but realistically, it’s an opportunity to rest from our year-long slavish routines and be with those who truly matter. I have nice memories of the holidays, of getting together with relatives and friends during vacations, of being in celebratory mode for weeks and dreading the resumption of the colorless, un-festive atmosphere. I still find the bright imagery and energy of Christmas appealing. But its religious semantics have been lost to me for some time already.

That won’t stop me from buying a small, cheap tree and decorating my room, though. The magical lights and the bright trimmings just transport me elsewhere and elsewhen.

Holidaze
I love this folk-pop song. Its words are wise and very timely, and it sounds really playful. Okay, only five people in this country probably know and like this. But go ahead and read it, anyway. Thanks to Sing 365 for the lyrics.

The Christians and the Pagans
Dar Williams

Amber called her uncle, said "We're up here for the holiday,
Jane and I, were having Solstice, now we need a place to stay."
And her Christ-loving uncle watched his wife hang Mary on a tree,
He watched his son hang candy canes all made with red dye number three.
He told his niece, "It's Christmas Eve, I know our life is not your style,"
She said, "Christmas is like Solstice, and we miss you and it's been awhile,"

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able.

And just before the meal was served, hands were held and prayers were said,
Sending hope for peace on earth to all their gods and goddesses.

The food was great, the tree plugged in, the meal had gone without a hitch,
Till Timmy turned to Amber and said, "Is it true that you're a witch?"
His mom jumped up and said, "The pies are burning," and she hit the kitchen,
And it was Jane who spoke, she said, "It's true, your cousin's not a Christian,"
"But we love trees, we love the snow, the friends we have, the world we share,
And you find magic from your God, and we find magic everywhere."

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,

And where does magic come from? I think magic's in the learning,
'Cause now when Christians sit with Pagans only pumpkin pies are burning.

When Amber tried to do the dishes, her aunt said, "Really, no, don't bother."
Amber's uncle saw how Amber looked like Tim and like her father.
He thought about his brother, how they hadn't spoken in a year,
He thought he'd call him up and say, "It's Christmas and your daughter's here."
He thought of fathers, sons and brothers, saw his own son tug his sleeve, saying,
"Can I be a Pagan?" Dad said, "We'll discuss it when they leave."

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table,
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able,

Lighting trees in darkness, learning new ways from the old, and
Making sense of history and drawing warmth out of the cold.

Thanksgiving
Thanks to fellow Melrose Place-phile (yep, we exist!) Ruel for burning me a CD of great old songs, Benedict for lending me the awesome, AWESOME! Supreme issues by Alan Moore, and everyone else who made the week an okay one for me. You all know who you are. Thankyew!

Hungry Like a Wolf
Ah, it’s past two in the morning and I’m feeling hungry. Just ate a platito of microwave-softened cheese and drank a mugful of cold softdrink. Can’t eat more than that ‘cause it’s late. I'm craving for cake, but we don't have any.

Tagapagligtas


My interpretation of Habagat, a David Hontiveros character. Mixed media, Nov. 2005.