Love on a Rooftop

I’m tired. I just finished something for work. I so need a drink.

Mozzie Gig!

Pam texted earlier:

“Hi, my band Mozzie will be playing a quick set at Vida de Malate (Nakpil Street) 9 p.m. on Saturday. There will be a lot of other bands as well. Hope to see you there!”

Go watch it, people!

Art Break

Just some drawings. The four-panel thing below is “The Cancer Killer,” something I drew for Comic Conspiracy writer-publisher Doug Miers almost five years ago. Check out the rest of the backup two-pager in my art blog.

I did this ballpen sketch below last week. This is Pearce Curley. He’s got piercings and he’s… curly. Whatev. Had fun doing it. There are other pen sketches, also in me art bloggy. Do check it out.

I’m thirsty.

Dancing With My Baby in the Summer Rain

What a week. Heat is just dang unbearable. I hated that those frigging red ants swarmed into my small cotton bud canister. I didn’t know they were into that. Uggh. Weather’s making me wanna eat and drink more. Also, just walking outside even makes your legs sweat inside your pants, so it’s really annoying. Anyway, I got a bunch of other things to post about.

Pam’s Labyrinths

Watched Mozzie’s acoustic performance at The Room Upstairs in Makati last Friday night with Mark P. (who’s introducing me to alcohol), and Benedict (who read all his comics—about 20 of them--in one sitting). Ate some pasta, and drank a few beers with Mark. We were seated at the comfy red couch, with the matching throw pillows, a nice enough spot to watch from and read comics at.

Mozzie (pronounced mot-zee) started playing 9:30-ish. I was pleasantly surprised that Pam Pastor can sing--and rock!--and that the band’s music is something that easily appealed to me. I followed many female-led bands and solo Lilith Fair folk-rockers back in the last decade, so I’m quite familiar with the sound. The band’s musical style reminds me a bit of ‘Til Tuesday, mixed with a bit of Luscious Jackson. But Mozzie’s able to pull off a range of popular songs and still sound unique.

Their covers of songs by Texas, Moonpools and Caterpillars, Alanis Morissette, KT Tunstall, Rachael Yamagata, and Edie Brickell, among other artists, were really good. I’m just as amazed by their original songs, like “Bolgia Six” and “Starf*cker,” which are unusually profound, lyrically. Pam and her bandmates will be releasing their album independently in a few months, and I can’t wait to hear more of their originals.

So maybe, that’s about ten to twelve songs. I hope they do at least two Tagalog tracks (you can’t go wrong with ‘em!), and maybe one cover, something from their sets. Oh, while I’m suggesting stuff, here’s my request list for future gigs: Luscious Jackson’s “Space Diva,” Vienna Teng’s “Shasta,” ‘Til Tuesday’s “Coming Up Close,” A Camp's "Bluest Eyes in Texas," and Dar Williams’ “What Do You Hear in These Sounds.” I’m really curious how they’d interpret them.

After the show, Pam sat down with us and gossiped a bit. She’s just as open and funny as she was on stage, where her revealing anecdotes about petroleum jelly, hypocrites, feminism and exes show just how adept she is at communicating, and telling stories. “I’m not a lesbian, at least not on Fridays,” she amusingly declared in a spiel prior to starting a Yamagata song. Heehee.

To Pam and the band, more power! I’ll buy your CD when it’s out.

Russ Rush

Thank you to Nicole of Solar for the Shooter preview. Watched it with John last Tuesday, and while waiting to enter, we ran into old friend Russell Tomas. We know him from way back; he had us help illustrate for a project back in the ‘90s. We spent many summer days working at his old Antipolo place. He’s a fun, friendly guy who always thought forward, and it now looks like he didn’t age at all from the time we were hanging out with him. He just started a new social networking site, and shared something about doing another new internet-related endeavor.

Anyway (okay, LNA comment, right about… now), he said that he was “surprised” that Lexy, Nance & Argus was “really good,” and that he even “read it four times.” Hey, I had to insert some plugging into this entry somehow, since it's been a while. But I’m thankful for that kind, gushing review, heh. He did ask me what I was currently doing, and if I was still drawing; told him I still do, from time to time. Okay, there’s my cue to mention my art blog.

Nice fella, that Russell. Glad to know that he’s still the way we remember him.

Hills Have Eyesores

Well, the sequel’s still gross and repulsive, but it’s not as sickening as the first The Hills Have Eyes, mostly because you already know what to expect. Spoilers on!

Some soldiers-in-training get picked off one by one by a community of mutant cannibals hidden in some nuclear bomb test site. It’s pretty by-the-numbers; you just wait and guess how grisly each of the good-looking cast members buys the farm. But surprisingly, it gets damn funny by the end, when the uber-freak, who cornered three outmatched and beat-up rookie soldiers in his hideout, gets his just desserts. One character is almost strangled to death, but she retaliates by going for the monster guy’s wounded head and pulls brain matter out with her hand. My friend and I were laughing hard, partly because you can’t help but mock it (the excessive gore was just… er, too much), and also because at that point, those last few scenes were indeed visceral and cathartic.

Hero High

Some comic books I read in the past few weeks:

New Avengers # 29- It’s really hard to like the Mighty Avengers team, because they’re now grade-A jerks. But I liked this issue, especially the part where Dr. Strange’s sanctum was entered by Iron Man and his stormtroopers, and their confrontation with Iron Fist’s lawyer. Nicely done.

Avengers- The Initiative # 1- Yay, Slott! New characters, underused Avengers members, and obscure Marvel characters in one ongoing book. The hero recruitment and training isn’t as simple as the winning side of the Civil War thought. I’m kinda expecting SHIELD-trained, professional heroes to bungle up a mission and create another Stamford in one of the stories one day.

Justice League of America # 7- Nice talky issue, but I believe there’s an error in the sequence of pages. The Roy-Hal talk should’ve segued to the Ollie-Hal page (starting with the “He’ll kill you” caption), but the gatefold pages and the ones near that became quite confusing.

Buffy # 1- Season 8! I’m fine with how they ended the TV series, but since Joss Whedon wanted to continue the story officially, I’m so there. Old friends and foes return! It's also been announced that Brian Vaughan will be doing future arcs. Woohoo! If only this came out weekly…

World War 3- (The last four comics titles listed here lent by Mark P.) Hmm, it was weird that Martian Manhunter took his sweet time to recover from mental trauma. And sadly, his inner monologue-narration throughout the miniseries felt quite dull. The 52 spinoff just showed an extended view of Black Adam’s rampage, and it ended so suddenly and rather weakly.

Omega Men- I kinda like this, mostly because the characters had a fight scene in Manila, specifically the Quiapo area, if I'm not mistaken. Vril Dox briefly speaks Tagalog (but his words are bracketed, not really written in the vernacular). Too bad that's the most I can remember from it. I can’t remember the Omega Men’s names right now.

Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters- This was a surprise. Didn't really know what to expect from the Palmiotti-Gray collaboration, but it’s actually smart and it reminds me a little of some Civil War subplots, which is cool. The characters were quite memorable, especially the new Ray.

Birds of Prey- The latest issue was great, as usual. Scandal versus Kendra? It’s pretty obvious that the ear-eating lez is more savage, pun intended, but the outcome is no less surprising. Gail Simone… please don’t leave.

Warriors Spree

It would have been great if I posed Thor properly. He kinda looks drunk in this pic. “Verily! Thor doth not handle several flagons of mead that well.”

Former Infatuation Junkies

Spent last night chatting, eating and drinking with Mark Parlade. Met him before, two years ago, at the Pinoy DC meet at Katips along with some of the Comic Brookers. But we didn’t speak with each other then. Last year, he texted me and I didn’t recognize which Mark it was at first, as most of the comic book guys referred to him as “Ike.” Turns out that he’s a Friendster friend (heheh) and meets up with the Comic Brook people from time to time, but couldn’t relate to the VS card games, like me, so he invited me to hang out with him.

We brought more than 15 comics each and met up at a Greenbelt restaurant. The guy treated me to a big serving of pasta with diced chicken that I couldn’t finish, as well as drinks called mojitos and mojichee (rum with fruits and soda?), which I enjoyed. Mmmm… yeah, they’re yummy, and made me feel a little hot and tingly shortly. Benedict joked later that I got roofied, heheh.

I discovered that Mark’s a friend of some of my friends from the paper for quite some time already, as the firm he works for handles some entertainment-centric accounts. We talked about work, comics, relatives, music, the “My Humps” parody and so on; it was kinda weird but cool to discover that there are a bunch of things I have in common with him (we studied in related schools and knew certain people; we like Alanis’ second album; we agreed that the latest Titans issue resorted to a familiar cliffhanger again, etc.). But the guy is different in many ways, as he’s a very outgoing person, a family guy and dad to the adorable Snow Pop/Noah, among other things. And he wears lense-less eyeglasses that, he admitted, have always been a conversation piece.

We walked to Greenbelt 1, where he was parked, about three and a half hours later. At the restroom upstairs, I brushed my teeth and didn’t quickly notice that a colleague, Jojo Panaligan, who writes for another paper’s entertainment section, was standing nearby. He liked what I did with my hair (I colored it brown), and briefly told me about his plans for the future before leaving for somewhere else. Outside, Mark didn’t recognize him as he walked away, but he remembers contacting him once for some old event. Yep, this guy’s practically met everyone by now. Oh, he did mention inviting old friends Gerry and Whilce Portacio for an interview that aired in channel 7 way back when.

Well, he’s recommending that I go soon to Boracay, his “spiritual home,” where he recently spent the Holy Week holidays (and got harassed in different ways, haha). Told him that I will visit, some day, just to see and experience the place for myself. The self-confessed Mozzie groupie also wants to hang out one of these days to watch Pam Pastor’s band perform. As we pretty much have the same taste in music, I’m gonna have to check them out. Pam’s been inviting me to the gigs but I have yet to see them play (sorry, miz editor!), because my sched’s often conflicted with their show dates. But now that Mark got me curious, will have to find time to watch ‘em, now.

Swell Saturday. Thanks Mark! That was different. The Mojitos made me feel a little buzzed after, which is probably the thing that was missing from my recent work-free, self-imposed holidays. I want some more.

Heat of the Moment

They could be heroes (pic from Yahoo TV)

Whoa, Benedict finished 24 episodes of Veronica Mars in two days. And I thought I was the couch potater.

Been watching eps of Lost season one again, and it’s gotten better, thankfully, from the last time I saw it. Also getting better is Heroes. Its last two episodes were really tense and the most memorable ones for me so far. It only has a few episodes left before the huge season finale, and because these latest eps have been good, I’m wondering how the big prophecies unfold and how some characters will end up.

I’m glad that serial killing freak Sylar is facing Peter Petrelli and that it’s finally pointed out that both of them are multi-powered copycat beings. Hope the ensuing battle is good. It also feels like The X-Files, back when it was good, now that it’s revealed that there’s a not-so-benevolent group keeping tabs on the superpowered humans, as well as a secret alliance that’s protecting Claire the impervious cheerleader. The connections are becoming clearer, and things are finally making sense. I hope the ten or so powered characters interact and organize real soon, as it would be great to have them work on a mission that would really make them heroes.

Summer Sky, Throat Bone Dry

Once in a while, I get a lingering heavy feeling, the kind I get when getting out of bed seems like a serious chore. I don’t normally procrastinate… well, maybe I do sometimes, as some friends will undoubtedly tell me when it comes to certain things. But no, I know my responsibilities. Yesterday, I was just feeling a little bummed out. Perhaps it’s a delayed response to the just-finished holidays; it’s probably my mind and body’s way of telling me that I should stop for a little while and get more rest. I don’t get to enjoy the days off like others may have, because, mainly, I didn’t go somewhere different last week and maybe I’m wishing for a change of scenery. Or maybe I’m just worrying about money. That’s probably it.

I’ve always tried to make the most of the summer season when I was younger. For kids, ten-month schoolyears meant that the remaining months of the year should be spent on just bumming around and enjoying the great outdoors. The thing back then was the family excursion, where relatives from one side would plan a trip together to some Laguna hot springs resort or some beach that wasn’t that far from southern Metro Manila. Those were the times when the famiy members and relatives felt closer, when joining them really wasn’t a question. Sure, I can enjoy time alone at home drawing, reading and watching TV, but those occasions seemed rare enough and I was a kid who didn’t want to be left out.

Nope, I’ve never been to the fabled land of Bora, but one day, I’ll have to visit just to see what it’s all about. I have, however, been to La Union as a boy, and later, as a college student. I’ve been to Baguio, too, right after those short stays at some not-so-swanky beachside resorts. The change of pace did me good every time, though, and getting in touch with nature did have some recuperative effects. It was especially helpful when I was away from the country for a brief vaycay in Hong Kong back in the ‘90s. Not that it was a healthy place to visit or anything, but the change of atmosphere was exciting. But some summers didn’t have to be spent away from home to be memorable.

One summer vacation in high school was kicked off by a farewell party at a classmate’s house. Some guys bought heavy booze, got really drunk, and soon passed out. My other classmates and I--the non-drinkers--were panicking, as our class adviser was about to arrive soon. I think I left really early, as the others were trying their damnedest to sober up the boozed-up guys. It was going to be a serious issue if they get caught that way, and we didn’t want any grief about it either. What a disaster, I thought, but I called up the classmate’s house later to check up on things, out of curiosity. The adviser even talked to me, and she sounded real happy, with nary an inkling of what transpired earlier. Pshew. I know, I’m such a nerd.

I wasn't into sports, but I kept myself busy. I drew a few pages of comics art for a friend’s brother the summer before fourth year high school, when I was 14. I think the guy was so dissatisfied with it that he just shelved it, and I remember that it really looked icky, so I guess it’s for the best that project didn’t continue. Three years later, one summer was spent mostly with new friends and fellow comic book fans, and we enthusiastically started working on a fantasy book. That has yet to be printed, heheh...

About the same time, when I was in my late teens, I took summer classes, not because I failed subjects, but because I wanted to get some of them out of the way. I took up advanced Filipino and Constitution classes with a friend, to free up the upcoming schoolyear somewhat. And I wasn’t gonna spend the season holed up at home. I soon met _________, which led to the end of the relationship with ________. But I’m not at liberty to discuss that, really. I won’t get into how I ________ with ________, either. Or my ________ with ________, some time later.

But back to the present. I need to step on a beach or something. I’m feeling a little tired, but now that I’ve written this, I feel considerably better. I’m just reminded and a bit relieved that I’ve some nice things to look forward to, even when I’m really itching to do something different. Hmmm… I colored my receding Bruce Willis-Diehard 1 hair a brownish hue again, which I haven’t done in about three years (been dyeing it a different color since around 2000, I think). My hair's a tad thicker now than when it was pictured in a post below, and I just felt like doing it. Maybe I’m just incredibly bored. I dunno. Time to pick up a sport or something. Or maybe I’ll just slump back and sleep some more.

Life Ever-lusting

Ziggy Starchilde

Two weeks back, I was able to interview Ziggy Marley, who was in the country to headline the MTV Reggae Fest that same day, as well as to promote his second CD, the indie album “Love Is My Religion.” That is one cool dude. I especially like what he said about that catchy title track: “That is the message that I’m inspired to tell the people, that it is love, and not the ideologies that we have today that must be the way to God, to spirituality, and to peace and happiness for the human race.”

In Heaven, Love Comes First

Here are some lines from a few songs that touch on faith, worship, or doubt. There are different messages, and while some of them don’t necessarily or directly talk about religion or spirituality per se, these lyrics have made me think about them.

“I drive by the homeless sleeping on the cold dark street, like bodies in an open grave, underneath the broken old neon sign that used to read ‘Jesus Saves’.”
Poison, “Something to Believe In”

“If there’s anything good that happens in life, it’s from Jesus.”
Amy Grant, “Hope Set High”

“Father, if Jesus exists, then how come he never lived here?”
Sting, “All This Time”

“There’s a God-shaped hole in all of us, and it’s a void only He can fill.”
Plumb, “God-Shaped Hole”

“If God had a face, what would it look like? And would you want to see, if seeing meant that you would have to believe in things like heaven and in Jesus and the saints, and all the prophets?”
Joan Osborne, “One of Us”

“A teardrop falls from up in the heavens, drowning the sorrow of angels on high, for the least of the helpless, the hopeless, the loveless. Your Jesus, His children, He holds in His arms.”
Jars of Clay, “He”

“Our Lord loves the sinners as long as he don’t sin. He knows the thoughts you’re thinking; He knows with whom you’ve been. And our Lord loves this country. He’s with you at the polls; He knows the lever that you pull.”
Jill Sobule, “Soldiers of Christ”

“We sit outside and argue all night long about a god we’ve never seen but never fails to side with me.”
Primitive Radio Gods, “Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth…”

“Think of gentle Jesus. Think of the Buddha underneath his tree. They taught the world about love and how we all can be, how we can all be free. Open our hearts and see love shine.”
Live, “Love Shines”

“Touch the fingers of my hand and tell me that it’s me. Holding on and on to Love, what else is real? A religion that appeals to me: I believe in me.”
K’s Choice, “Believe”

Easter Edge

Everyone knows by now that Captain America’s dead. It’s a big deal for some readers, yes, as he was assassinated not long after his surprise surrender, which ended the superhero Civil War. But no, this isn’t the first time that he was killed. In fact, these superheroes are like your old mythological beings or religious messiahs, in that they have sacrificed their lives, sometimes for the sake of many. But again, death is not the end, and they can’t seem to enjoy eternal rest, long enough, either. Like Osiris, Jesus, and even King Arthur (whose legend foretells his eventual return), your average superhero has at least died once (maybe twice!) and has lived anew, with a renewed sense of purpose. In universes like DC and Marvel, there are Lazarus Pits, cosmic entities, and Hand ninja rituals that don’t let the dearly departed corpses to stay that way for long. Well, here are some formerly deceased characters I can remember right now (apart from Dead Girl, Resurrection Man, and Mister Immortal, because that’s actually their shtick).

Captain America was killed before, first by godlike Michael Korvac, along with members of the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy. Later, he was killed, along with 20 other Marvel heroes, in Secret Wars I by Dr. Doom. Fellow Avenger Hawkeye has died three times (SW I, "Disassembled," House of M), as did Wasp (twice in SW I, and later in battle with the Legion of the Unliving in 1987). The thunder god Thor isn’t unkillable either (SW I, Legion of the Unliving, Ragnarok, etc.), but has returned accordingly. Adam Warlock, Spider-Man, Iron Man, the Hulk, the Thing and the Silver Surfer have perished in action as well, but they always came back.

The Justice League--Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, and Green Lantern—were brutally killed, then impaled, by Atlantis' League of Ancients, several centuries in the past. Those were Superman and Wonder Woman’s second deaths (not sure how Diana previously died, but she ascended to godhood after that, while Superman sacrificed his life to defeat Doomsday). Green Arrow, Batgirl (Cassandra Cain), Troia and Hal Jordan bit the dust in separate occasions, but were revived later.

The X-Men (Storm, Wolverine, Dazzler, Havok, Colossus, Psylocke, Longshot and Rogue) were magically sacrificed by Forge to defeat the Adversary, but were soon restored by the goddess Roma. It’s actually hard to keep track of Wolverine’s mortality. But Colossus? Aside from the Forge thing, there’s Secret Wars I and his Legacy Virus cure suicide/sacrifice. Jean Grey also died twice (both in Grant Morrison’s run), just like Cyclops (SW I and Infinity Gauntlet). The New Mutants were murdered and erased from existence by the Beyonder during Secret Wars II. Northstar was back in fighting form, also, not long after his demise at Wolverine's hands.

In the Whedon-verse, Buffy died twice and walked the earth again, while her vampire ex-beaus Angel and Spike experienced post-undead deaths. It looks like they didn’t survive the Angel finale, either.

Meanwhile, Ripley from the Alien movies was resurrected after her fiery “kamikaze” sacrifice, but was back in tiptop shape in the forth installment. Reviving her wasn’t easy, however, as there were many failed attempts to clone her perfectly.

Many followers of these fantasy exploits have become jaded, and might complain that some of these heroic departures are cheap ploys, were poorly executed, or just insignificant. And let’s not get started on the villains, whose real power or talent seems to be the ability to rise periodically from the grave. It feels pointless and meaningless, sometimes, and not all of the explanations suffice or are convincing.

But many have accepted that for certain heroes, some of them mentioned above, their sagas don’t have to end in death, and conquering that state of finality may lead to more interesting, recharged stories about previously unseen earthly struggles. I suppose part of the resurrected hero’s mystique is that he’s seen and experienced one of the ultimate mysteries, and seeing unusual beings with “cat’s lives” get these second or third chances probably appeals to many of us mere, escapist mortals easily.

Cock-Fu Fighting

Back when I was 11, I dreaded the coming of summer because that was the time I was scheduled for circumcision. As a kid, I always heard about how being circumcised is a necessary rite to manhood, and so on. I didn’t think about it too much until one April afternoon, when my mother told me that, along with three other cousins, I was scheduled for it in a matter of days. She was contacted by an aunt, who told her that her male doctor friend was going to do it. I don’t remember which hospital or clinic it was now, but we all went there together in an old van, that second week of April, to get that over with.

My cousins and I were nervous about it, but they didn’t show it too much. I think we were advised to wear loose shorts prior to be comfortable after the procedure. Inside that van, I think I was jittery but distracted, as I was suffering from tonsillitis. It hurt just to swallow, but I only complained about it a few times, since I was more concerned with my impending thingie. We arrived and were welcomed by my smiling aunt (who wasn’t a full-fledged doctor yet during the time), and the male doctor.

I think one of my cousins volunteered to get circumcised first. I don’t remember it clearly now, but I think I waited outside for a bit and paced nervously. But the thought that I wasn’t alone during that time made me feel okay with it, as my mother, and my cousins’mom, were both there to keep us company. When I was outside, the driver quietly shared that back in the province, they had to chew stuff (Leaves? Guava? I forget) to spit on their schlongs, as some kind of old medication practice, soon after some guy worked on them with crude but sterilized instruments. I don’t know how helpful or hygienic that was, but I kinda knew about that old “style” from the tule story of Funny Komiks’ “Niknok.”

When my turn came, my face contorted, and I just trusted that the thing will be over before I knew it. Two cousins were already milling about, as if nothing happened, so I felt assured that it wouldn’t be that big a deal. Still, I was kind of prepared for the worst. I remember biting down on the collar of my shirt, just so that I wouldn’t yelp out when things get painful. The anesthetic injection on my thing was the worst of it, and I didn’t feel much after that, thankfully, except the tugging and squeezing, which were probably the incisions and the sewing. It was weird; my mom and cousins would watch from time to time, ew!, but embarrassment was the farthest thing from my mind. The doctor even seriously commented, in front of the impromptu audience, that my penis was “so masculine.” Heh. I’m not sure what he meant by that, even now, many years later.

I was bandaged up, and after we were all done, we zoomed to a 7-11 to get some snacks. It was really hot outside, so we ordered Slurpees or some kind of slushy flavored drinks. I quickly finished a big one, but it was strange, because the pain in my throat was totally gone at that point. Somehow, and I’m just guessing here, all that straining and serious grimacing at the operating bed must have contributed to its rapid healing. I don’t know. But anyway, I’d be a little cranky and kinda embarrassed for days. I was careful not to accidentally bump my crotch into furniture and stuff. Getting the bandage off the shaft was not easy, but I felt really free once I removed it, when the “wound” totally healed about a week or so later.

Whether or not circumcision gives the penis character (Elaine, in Seinfeld, opined that it does), well, I guess it depends on your perception of aesthetics. It’s such a big deal for some people, but I don’t really think too much about it. Many, many years after that rite, one of the things you hope for is that people will fancy your cock… but no, whoops, I won’t be talking about that. At least for now. Wink. Cock tease.

So that’s my tule story. Nah, I’m not tagging anyone, guys, only the ones who can remember their own civilized mutilations. Just kidding.

Summer Hatin' Happens Too Fast

Yesiree, it’s too damn hot in the Philippines again. Getting by with summer lovin', though.

Lez, Get Crazy

Shane Shines (pic from YahooTV)

Just found out that Katherine Moennig, above, who plays Shane in The L Word, used to be the androgynous kid character in the old show Young Americans. Wow. I like her deep voice, and her promiscuous lesbian character is honest and really a nice person. Just finished the first season, and I must say that it took me long to like it. But after about seven eps, I got into it, and just had to see several episodes in succession. There are some storylines that I don’t really like, such as the longtime couple's breakup, and Alice and Dana’s secret hookup. That one reminds me too much of Queer As Folk’s pairing of Ted and Emmett. This may have preceded that or it may be a weird coincidence, I don’t know. Still, I really like sexy Shane, and I really want her and newbie bi girl Jenny (Mia Kirshner from 24!) to hook up. They’re sharing a house as roommates already, so that’s a start. They’re both dark-haired and blue-eyed, as a new character pointed out. They look great together.

That Broken Marvel Family

Assembling again. New cover art by Art Adams (pic from Newsarama)

Before I ever read X-Men as a kid, the first super-team that I really liked was the Avengers. I must be four or five, and I remember really liking a reprinted hardbound edition that had the Circus of Crime gatecrashing the wedding of Wasp and Yellowjacket. It had an unrelated backup story that starred Conan the Barbarian and Red Sonja, which was okay, I thought, but I liked the grouping of such colorfully costumed heroes better. I favored the Avengers title among those National Bookstore-reprinted versions, too. I liked Iron Man best, followed by Vision, Thor and Scarlet Witch. The Black Panther too, was interesting, as he seemed mysterious to me back then. When comics-reading shifted to the non-reprints, Avengers was the first comic book I bought, specifically # 105, which had Vision battling Yellow Claw on the cover.

I didn’t read it regularly as I was growing up, as I’ve been interested in other comic books, but I was there to witness some of my favorite superhero stories ever. I liked Roger Stern’s stuff most of all, which included the Masters of Evil arc, back in ’86. I remember it fondly because I thought that those villains, although they didn’t rival the meanness of the Marauders, who debuted in the X-books that same year, they were still quite badass. I also liked some of Steve Englehart’s and John Byrne’s West Coast Avengers stories, especially the time travel/Mockingbird’s secret arc, and Wanda’s first breakdown, respectively.

About nine years ago, I got into it again, with Kurt Busiek’s long stint. I also dug his Avengers Forever, which, while it has alienated non-fans, was mighty helpful in resolving some continuity and plot gaffes in the years that preceded it. This was followed by a new direction by Geoff Johns, whose UN-sanctioned status change had real potential, but wasn’t explored by subsequent writers.

I was there, mostly complaining, when "Disassembled" and House of M happened. The New Avengers series was strictly hit and miss. I was disappointed with the execution of Wanda’s second breakdown, Hawkeye’s deaths and resurrection, and the under-utilization of Sentry. I hope Brian Bendis does better with the new Mighty Avengers, starring the superhero police team, which feels like a more focused effort, dialogue quirks aside. Post-Civil War, the new NA team has gotten interesting with a new roster (Wolvie, Cage, Spider-Woman, Spidey, Echo, new Ronin, Iron Fist and Dr. Strange!), a new direction (they’re outlaws now, like the X-Men back in the ‘80s), and a new artist (I mostly like Leinil Yu’s fully penciled work here). I really loathe how Iron Man has transformed into a villain now, but I must admit that I like hating him. He seems to be hitting a new low every new issue (he baited the outlaw team with a fake Cap corpse recently!).

The Avengers are interesting again, but I’m most excited for Dan Slott’s new ongoing, Avengers- The Initiative, which starts next month. I’ve seen six pages of Initiative # 1, and I’m real excited with Slott’s handling of older members War Machine, Yellowjacket, She-Hulk, and Justice. I’m looking forward to the new young recruits, as well. I wonder how this affects the Young Avengers. The Gauntlet character is annoying, however, and is just asking for a beatdown.

Captain America just before his death, Iron Man pre- and post-CW, and Scarlet Witch since 2004 may have been “ruined,” but we all know that such things are canon only until someone rewrites or retcons their out-of-character tragedies. Well, by June, there’ll be another title, Avengers Classics, which, like the old Classic X-Men comics, will feature reprints with new backup features. Art Adams did that cover above (Yay, Genis-Vell’s there, he was a member of the Destiny War Avengers!). That’s a whole lot of avenging this year. I’m still hoping that there will be more memorable superhero stories and the new exploits will add to the characters’ complex, unending mythologies.

More Than Meets the Eye

Bumblepiglet (thanks to the Cybertron member who took the pic)

To be honest, I didn’t know Benedict would pull it off, but he did. He took long enough to finish his Bumblebee costume, which was made of different, thick box boards and house paint, velcroed together over loose black pants and a long-sleeved shirt. But again, the effort and last-minute touches paid off. It’s like he’s another person in that getup, which is a good thing, and he enjoyed being the mascot for that eyeball party thingie event weeks ago. Other people dug it, too, so he’s now encouraged to make more costumes for himself. I suggested that he wear a Jamie Braddock costume next time, for other comics-related events, but he’s kinda shy. And he might get escorted out by security if he pushes through with that.

Knew That It Was Now or Never

Glenn tagged me with this music meme, so here goes:

“If your life was a movie, what would the soundtrack be?

So here’s how it works.

1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc.)

2. Put it on shuffle.

3. Press play.

4. For every question, type the song that’s playing.

5. When you go to the next question, press the next button.

6. Don’t lie and pretend you’re cool.

7. When you’re finished, tag some other people to do it!”

Opening credits?

Soraya, “Love in Your Eyes”- Wow. This is mellow, but kinda fitting.

Waking up?

Jeff Buckley, “Last Goodbye”- Hmm. It’s a great song, so it still works. The lyrical content’s a mite bittersweet for that part of the day, though.

First Day of School?

Nine Days, “If I Am”- Hah, how Dawson’s Creek-y. “So you’re standing on the ledge/ It looks like you might fall!”

Falling in love?

Dream Academy, “Life in a Northern Town”- It isn’t a love song, but sure, it’s breezy and anthemic enough that it can accompany sweet and sappy imagery.

First song?

Lightning Seeds, “Tingle Tangle”- “A tingle when you first look in those eyes/ leads to a tangle that hurts the more you try.” Kinda heavy for a first song, but, well…

Breaking up?

Innocence Mission, “Bright as Yellow”- And yet another song that contradicts the question. It’s optimistic, actually: “Even if I’m shattered…”

Prom?

Peter Gabriel, “In Your Eyes”- Oh, yeah. Now this is more like it. “The light, the heat/ I am complete.” It’s the part of the movie where there’s smooching and implied nakedness.

Life?

Hall and Oates, “So Close”- Uhm, “life”? That’s too broad a period. Anyway, “Living so close/ so close, but so far away” is a line from the song that fits that part aptly.

Mental breakdown?

Belly, “Feed the Tree”- Geez, “mental breakdown”?! But anyway, the song rocks, and is mighty cathartic, too. It has bite.

Driving?

U2, “Ultraviolet”- Love this song. Actually, any upbeat U2 song does the job. You feel like you own the road with Bono and the gang playing loudly in the background.

Flashback?

Escape Club, “I’ll Be There”- It’s a touching song about a person who just died, right? Maybe the flashback has something that pertains to loss, so I guess the metaphor can be appropriate.

Getting back together?

Sheryl Crow, “The First Cut is the Deepest”- That’s nice. It speaks of heartbreak and loving again, so “Baby I’ll try to love again but I know” sounds meaningful.

Wedding?

Smithereens, “Blue Period”- Now this is a little baffling. Well, the meme is supposed to generate unexpected answers, anyway. But again, let’s see. It’s a regret-filled breakup song, so maybe this is one of those indie, arty- farty movies where the music contradicts the visuals. Which, yeah, sometimes works.

Birth of a child?

Madonna, “Dear Jessie”- Okay, this one fits perfectly. This unusual Madonna song is playful and has lyrics that could fit in an illustrated book for kids. “Sugarplum fingertips/ kissing your honey lips/ Close your eyes sleepyhead/ is it time for your bed?”

Final battle?

Eve 6, “Here’s to the Night”- Wow, my life is an epic. Yeah, right. Well, this song fits the scene, if only for the lines “Are you the now or never kind?” and “Here’s to goodbye, tomorrow’s gonna come too soon.”

Death scene?

Cardigans, “You’re the Storm”- Well, I dunno how dramatic that scene will be, but maybe it’ll fade to black just at the exact moment of my expiration, to be followed by the song’s ending line, “And if you want me, I’m your country.”

Funeral song?

Heather Nova, “Doubled Up”- Oh, oh, this is strangely apropos. It’s beautiful. “Look at the sky/ Lift off like an aeroplane, yeah/ Watch the ground come up to meet you/ Big sky above me/ a river inside me/ and I’m doubled up in love.”

End credits?

Rod Stewart, “Downtown Train”- Well, that’s the only Rod Stewart song I like. Okay, that and “Forever Young.”

Alrighty! Sky, Pam, Mark G, Gibbs, Max, and Jac, tag, you’re it! If you haven’t done this before, that is. But tag yourselves, dear people, if you wanna do it. Kill some time.

I Don't Have to Run Day

That’s Cinnamon, That’s Hollywood

These are some of my complimentary movie tickets that have accumulated in a span of over four years. I think there are still some that I haven’t found. I’ve seen just about as many movies—free and paid--in that time that didn’t have tickets, though. But the first that started the unexpected collection was the Attack of the Clones preview ticket. I won that from an E! Philippines contest. It was shortly followed by a Spider-Man ticket, which was given to me in exchange for a Spider-Man drawing. Long story.

I like that many of these tickets were creatively done. Some of them have gimmicks like die-cut covers or envelopes (King Kong, X-Men 3, etc.) or are shaped like vinyl records (Dreamgirls and Down with Love). Some have exclusive images, while others have covers that are repros of existing movie posters. Some of these tickets are even more likeable than the movies themselves. Together, they look real interesting. I can’t help but stare at this wall from time to time.

Air Outside So Soft, Confessing Everything

Here's a rare group shot of the writer peeps in Tagaytay.

Oh, in that health resort we stayed in, Donita Rose was taping interview segments for her show. It was at the garden area, only a few meters from where our room/cottage was located. You can actually hear her voice from the bathroom.

She later entered the resort’s dining area with her toddler kid for lunch. She greeted us, and introduced her son. The boy was like a wind-up toy; his mom would say some words and he’d do funny stuff. When Donita said “Gigil!” the boy would grit his teeth and clench his fists. He’d do a scared expression for “Scaredy Cow!” because, as Donita explained later, those tractor-cows in Cars frightened him.

Funny kid. He just might have a future in show biz some day.

Blame it on the Brain

He’s now a super-cop and the director of SHIELD. But Civil War and Civil War Frontline recently revealed that Tony Stark’s hardly a real hero anymore. He’s become one of the most arrogant, most untrustworthy Marvel characters ever.

But, boy, his action figures look good. I especially like the original fat armor, the silver one with the mask that looks like a carved pumpkin. The others look equally fine in toy form. In the comics, he can send his armors into combat missions at the same time now, via some sort of psionic-cybernetic control (I think). So basically, he now has his own army of Iron Men. He rarely uses them, though.

Anyway. Hey, Iron Man! The new, evil, celebrity Thunderbolts are mercilessly disabling rogue superheroes. Look into that, fool.

Non-Celebrity Skin

Last Thursday, I joined an overnight planning session with some of the paper’s staffers. There were seven of us who went to a health resort in Tagaytay, and we were joined briefly by another regular writer a few hours later. It was quite enlightening to talk to (and be around) one of the editors I submit my work to, Ma'am Emmie. The others were writers who have bylines every now and then, but they also work behind the scenes at the office. They were nice to hang out with, too, as they shared interesting tidbits about themselves, and of course, other people. It was good to have them together in one place like that.

I soon found out that most of them are health buffs. That was pretty evident from the food they ordered. I hope that their health-conscious ways rub off on me. They loved their veggies and their salad dressing. The other regular contributor who attended was Poch, who turned out to be much younger than I expected, and yes, he’s a vegetarian who closely monitored his blood pressure (he had his testing kit with him). I told him that I always thought of an old, bearded, skinny man when I see his name on his articles. He laughed when I told him that.

Anyway, after some serious discussions about the section’s concerns in the coming months—and the occasional gossip interjection—we got on with the real highlight of the day, which was the body massage. I’ve never had one before, so I didn’t know what to expect. So there I was, freshly bathed. I was told to lie face-down on the table by the lady assigned to me. I had my better-looking underwear on (I was shy, or maybe, modest?), but it didn’t really matter, I guess, ‘cause the masseuse wasn’t really saying anything about articles of clothing. She did tuck the towel under my waistband, when I was on my tummy. Felt a little uncomfortable as she slid the garter down a bit to do that. So I was screaming inside, “Noooo!!!! Stooooppp!!!” Don’t fugging touch my butt crack!”

I kid but, well, to be honest, I’d rather be nekkid on my say-so, and with someone I wanna be nekkid with. Wink. No offense, miss masseuse.

The lady was real professional and good at her job, though; she kneaded, jabbed, and karate-chopped through my flab and, er, muscles. It felt real good. She asked periodically if her new technique felt uncomfortable. I had to stop myself from chuckling when she did get to the more ticklish areas of my body, though. I was biting my lip, my hands clenched, as I tried hard not to laugh out loud. But the experience was good, nevertheless.

The next day, we had facials. Okay, that sounded porny. Whatever. We had different edible stuff on our faces, like honey, crushed almonds, cucumbers, the works. We got scalp massaged, too, which felt quite relaxing. The treatment went back to the face; this time the focus was on my brow. Later, my eyes and upper portion of the face were covered with pipino. I felt a little restless because I wanted to move my head and look around. One of those who brought cameras, Jaycee, took pictures of those covered with slices, of course. After some rubbing, scrubbing and wiping, we were finally free. I didn’t feel anything different, but our editor said that my face was as pink as a baby’s bottom. Poch added that I look like Dan Aykroyd. Heh.

After that, I was dropped off where I could catch a bus en route to the usual jeep terminal. Hello, fumes, dust and heat. The people had to get back to the office to start working on a new issue. Well, they really are on a tight schedule, and they do take their jobs seriously. I’m glad I was invited to be with them for the occasion. I had a great time. I hope to have a picture they took posted next time.

Now, I just need to buy a pore strip for my nose. I don’t think the facial was designed to remove them pesky blackheads and whiteheads, specifically. But that’s okay. I can stare at a removed pore strip for many minutes. It’s just fascinating.

Marching In

X as a Weapon

Mike Carey’s ongoing adjectiveless X-Men run has been exciting so far. I’m liking it, see, but I do have problems with Chris Bachalo’s art from time to time. I preferred his style back in the ‘90s, during his first year or so of Generation X. Now, I dunno, his figures seem to be extra-cartoony and the shapes of figures are hard to distinguish sometimes. So that really keeps me from enjoying and appreciating the story. He still does certain pinup shots well, though, as this particular panel shows:

Anyway, I love this lineup. Rogue’s the leader, and this strike force isn’t tasked with teaching at the Xavier Institute. It’s an interesting, diverse mix with Cable, Cannonball, Mystique, Iceman, Lady Mastermind, Karima Shapandar, and Sabretooth. I’m really not into the idea of having unrepentant villains coerced into service, as in the Thunderbolts post-Civil War, but somehow, Sabretooth as the team’s loose cannon feels more naturally done. Also, as many on it can be counted as reformed villains or have different backgrounds, it’s good to see that this team’s fighting approach is different from the other X-teams’.

I do hope that there’d be really memorable villains in the coming issues (the Children of the Vault and Pandemic characters were just okay), and that Carey’s promising team lasts for some time. May this tough X-group's adventures be bigger and illustrated better.

Zack Snyder!

Oh, here’s my article on filmmaker Zack Snyder, published last Saturday (thank you editors!). I did that phoner about a month back, shortly after watching 300 (thank you Warner publicists!). That interview went well. The guy sounded energetic from the start; instead of just saying “hello,” his first words were a loud “Zack Snyder!!!” So that was smooth from the get-go. He did a great job on Frank Miller’s work, and he’s now doing Alan Moore’s Watchmen, too, so let’s all cross our fingers.

300 opens today in the Philippines, I believe.

Like Toy Soldiers

Was able to get some of the Marvel Legends/X-Men/Spidey figures I’ve been fancying for quite some time. I hope I can still find a Mad Jack or Toxin figure though. Or a white costume repaint of Storm. But, yeah, am quite happy with what I have right now.

One thing I wasn’t too satisfied with, however, was the Iron Man-Mandarin Face-Off set. It took some time to get a decently painted one, because many were disappointingly, shoddily done. And, once I opened the one I bought, I was kinda dismayed to discover that Mandarin wasn’t poseable, since he’s wearing a thick rubber robe. Yargh.

Oh, and the comic book? Iron Fist. The same that came with the Iron Fist figure in early 2006. Yeek.

Freedom Forever

LNA now at Comic Odyssey Galleria

Okay, it’s been a while since I plugged my stuff. I have reason to, right now.

Lexy, Nance & Argus: Sex, Gods, Rock & Roll is now at Comic Odyssey in Robinson’s Galleria. My thanks to Sandy Sansolis for letting me sell the comic book there. And thanks to Gerry Alanguilan for introducing me to him last week. Copies will be delivered to the Robinson’s Place (Malate) branch of Comic Odyssey by Wednesday, as well. I’ve been to the shops a few times, and I noticed that aside from being big stores, they’ve got a nice selection of titles and back issues, and good bargains on action figure sets. Go visit, and talk to the friendly guy and girl at the counter.

My book is also still being sold at Druid’s Keep in Gateway Centre (Magallanes), and Pride Exchange (Malate). Go grab a copy for yourself or a friend if you haven’t, yet.

Action Figure Hunter

Last January, I discovered that a Greenhills toy shop was selling the Wal-Mart exclusive Marvel Legends set at a considerably lower price compared to other hobby shops. I obsessed over it for a few weeks, and later decided, after much deliberation and computation, that I’d only get half of the 12-figure set. I couldn’t afford the entire thing even with the lower price tag, so I asked a fellow toy collector, old friend Ian O., to arrange a group-buy with other people from a local toy board. Luckily, Ian wanted to get three of the toys, and the remaining figures were bought by a guy named Al, who’s also knowledgeable on ML’s. Like Ian and myself, he's a little critical of certain action figures’ features (he wishes that the Wasp had translucent wings).

I’m quite happy with my haul. I wasn’t keen on building a Giant Man bonus figure anyway, as I already have the regular version of the character some time ago. So those that I really wanted, I finally got, like Sentry (finally, a Superman-level Avenger!), Warbird (one of my fave Marvel heroines), Kitty Pryde (which looks like Angelina Jolie), and Havok (in his classic costume with headgear), and to a lesser extent, the "Age of Apocalypse" Sabretooth (the good guy Exiles member) and Weapon X (another Wolverine, but scaled just right). Yay! They’re worth the wait. I wish though, that Sabretooth’s teeth paint didn’t make it look like he had gaps between teeth, and that Weapon X’s uber-thick eyebrows looked better. Despite those imperfections, I’m really happy with the bunch.

The toy hunt doesn’t end there, though. I’m looking out for some ML’s and other related toy lines because they suddenly became buy one-take one! I’m one excited toy geek. I waited for some of those to go on sale, and now they are. Woohoo! And, frack, I need money.

Civil War Finale Questions

Spoilers ahead!

My, that was disappointing. It took Captain America that long—seven issues—to realize that he’s not fighting for the interests of the common American anymore? It was perplexing, the way the main Civil War book didn’t mention important details, which happened off-title. But despite being a quick, jumpcut-y read, it still felt padded because of the weak resolution and squandered pinup pages. Cap’s surrender, while understandable because it was done to preserve lives and property, was executed rather unconvincingly. So, questions:

Why was Namor shown only once, and was never seen again? The poorly dressed, generic-looking new Champions had more panel time. And speaking of absences, where were Storm, Monica Rambeau, and Sentry? They’d have contributed significantly to the final battle, but all we got were the typical face-offs.

What was the point of resurrecting Captain Mar-Vell for this event, when his one-panel appearance didn’t show him doing anything important?

Why were the villains sicced on the heroes and left unwatched? Jeez. Brilliant idea, Iron Man.

Speaking of which, what exactly did Venom do to Cap? We don’t see any blow connecting in any way.

Why was Spider-Man wearing the black costume again?

If Bill foster was Tony and Hank’s friend, why was the murderous Thor clone-cyborg-LMD reactivated?

Why was Hank Pym Time’s “Man of the Year” and what exactly is his “global revolution”?

Why was there no mention whatsoever of the real villain in the Stanford tragedy? Nitro was in the town because he was placed there and power-augmented by someone from Damage Control, according to the Wolverine tie-ins.

Why keep the Negative Zone prison operational, when conditions there have forced one inmate (Digitek) to kill himself?

What are the other 41 ideas “for a safer world”? Was cloning dead superpowered friends one of them? Isn’t that unethical, and potentially dangerous to the world?

Anyway, Tony Stark’s side won, so, boo! Cap’s team was about the protection of the superhuman community’s civil liberties. Manipulative, lying Mr. Stark promises to protect the identities of his fellow costumed adventurers, but that didn’t work out too well for Peter Parker, did it? And SHIELD has most of the heroes’ secret ID’s, anyway. I hoped, when the first issue came out, that Stark would take over SHIELD, and he did just now, but it feels too late after the fascistic implementation of the registration act. Still, this new, more organized system of superheroing and regulated adventurism is worth looking into in Dan Slott’s upcoming The Initiative series. Slott knows his Marvel superheroes, and I hope that it’ll satisfy those who felt cheated by the CW ending.

Life is Bigger

Revolution Earth

I saw parts of the city where I live and other places I know on Google Earth a few days ago. It’s exciting and quite scary, since it gives you a very specific perspective--the top view of many cities--and you can quickly zoom onto locales from the skies, just like in the movies and TV shows. It was so cool to see areas near our house that I don’t know about, and places near my old schools that I used to frequent.

It’s amazing how those neatly arranged and diversely colored rooftops shelter different lives and dreams. From above, the communities look so peaceful. It doesn’t really show people, as we’re dot-scaled and virtually unseen. But in actuality, we’re mere meters away from others, just separated by walls, gates and streets. It’s easy to get a sense of that when you’re looking at the wide shots. It’s interesting, too, that those patches look so unrelated, but we all know that that’s the farthest thing from the truth. Man, just imagine the intersecting stories all over those maps.

Google Earth is all kinds of awesome.

I Wanna Be Cremated

I attended a funeral last Sunday afternoon. As I wasn’t close to the departed, my time there was spent observing and sitting through the rites quietly. It did make me think about my own life and some things I want to do and accomplish while I’m still here, among other things.

I'd rather have my remains cremated and put into a jar. I’m also okay with my ashes getting scattered someplace pretty, or at a place with sentimental value, actually. I’ve always preferred that, I think, not because I don’t want my decaying body to become worm food--I’m probably beyond caring by then—but I feel now that I’d rather have what’s left of my physical shell near those who care about me. I’m okay with being remembered by loved ones without them having to trek to the cemetery. Cemeteries are just way depressing. The cost of cremation, I hear, is normally cheaper than the usual casket funeral, too, so I guess I’ll go for that, instead.

It’s a Boy-Boy Thing

Ain’t they sweet. Teen couple Hulkling and Wiccan, from Marvel’s Young Avengers comic book, posed and photographed by Benedict. Wiccan is Scarlet Witch and Vision’s miracle child, while Hulking is the hybrid son of the Kree warrior Captain Mar-Vell and a Skrull princess. Hey, by the way, I’m wondering: just how long will Young Avengers be on hiatus, and when will volume two come out? Come on, Marvel, make it happen.

Party Like It’s 2099

Marvel Legacy: The 1990s Handbook was a good read. It’s the latest from the people behind the new Marvel Universe Handbooks, a one-shot comic book featuring profiles of select characters from the era distinctly remembered for the shoulder pads, gritted teeth, toughie codenames and massive weaponry. Image Comics-inspired art and coloring were all the rage, and many Marvel characters and titles at the time embraced a darker, but not necessarily a more mature tone. Those included, however, aren’t necessarily Liefeld-inspired characters.

It’s an interesting list, although there are those creations that look dated now. Some of them have yet to reappear. There’s Vengeance, Nightwatch, Lady Punisher, Blackwulf, Maxam, X-Treme, X-Men 2099, and so on. Maybe creators who adored them back then will make them feel fresh and contemporary.

I was half-expecting to see entries of the armored Captain America, Daredevil and Spider-Man, the bikini-clad Invisible Woman, and the jacket-wearing Avengers and New Warriors members, but they weren’t depicted. Maybe the updated Handbooks will devote space to them, since Storm’s new entry showed all of her previous costumes.

I liked that the cover sported the coloring style that evoked simple Photoshop effects. It also has a masthead that intentionally looks slightly retro, and a particular company logo that was used later in the decade. Also, it was funny that they included a Coolometer at the inside-back cover. “Bankruptcy,” of course, was at the “Uncool” end.

I emailed the Handbook people recently, and suggested that they include or update some characters. I listed about twenty or so characters, and writer Stuart Vandal generously replied. He detailed that some of those I mentioned are slated for appearances in future issues (Agatha Harkness will have an updated one in the Magic 2007 Handbook), or have already appeared in certain themed Handbooks. He added that each of the other characters will eventually have his or her entry, as long as the series continues.

Follow the Day

It’s been a typically busy week so I’m relaxing by catching up on some shows, as usual.

Mars Attack

Season two of Veronica Mars wasn’t as consistently entertaining as the first, but it’s still smart and endearing. A few season-long mysteries get resolved satisfyingly. I was shocked when long-forgotten arcs from the first season resurfaced and tied well to the heart-wrenching season ender. Some important characters have been written off the show, so it pretty much re-sets some relationship angles. I hope Veronica’s friend, the problem-solving techie Mac (Tina Majorino), becomes a regular cast member in the next season. Wow, they’re in college in the show’s third year. I wonder how different Veronica’s cases will be, and how her detective skills will be honed this time.

Basta, Veronica and Duncan forever.

Musings on Lyrics

I was able to catch the hilarious VH-1 special 40 Most Awesomely Bad Love Songs last week over at MTV. It had a few comedians commenting on some of the lyrical content of old and recent love songs, most of which have become hits in the US. The countdown list was a mix of guilty pleasures and those that fall under the “so bad, they’re good” category of songs, and it was interesting to hear what the comics had to say about the meaning or packaging of certain sappy ones.

Pleasant-sounding ballads like Oleta Adams’ “Get Here” weren’t spared. The commenters singled out that the lines “you can reach me by caravan/ cross the desert like an Arab man,” saying that it’s “racial profiling” in a song, and that it went too far by suggesting that the guy Oleta pertained to should “windsurf into my life.” Also mocked was The Jets’ “You Got It All,” as it’s a song that, according to the commentary, kept comparing the current boyfriend with the ex, among other things. Steve Perry’s popular “Oh Sherrie” was included, and some comedians wondered why the singer was yelling his lyrics (“You should’ve been gone!”). Other songs that made it were by boy bands, hair bands, and some ‘80s and ‘90s pop chart fixtures.

Super Jock Itch

I gave up on this show long ago, but I just had to see the “Justice” episode of Smallville. Clark “Boy Scout” Kent and Chloe “Watchtower” Sullivan team up with righteous pals Green Arrow, Aquaman, Impulse and Cyborg. Quite campy but fun. They got the guest actors who previously appeared as the characters, so there’s a cleft chin overload. I dunno if a live-action Justice League series in the works (I doubt it), but it was nice to see some of DC’s superheroes gather for an episode, even if they have a clichéd scene where they’re shown walking away, calmly, from an exploding building. Gawd.

Lost in Your Isles

I’ve seen about eight episodes of the first season of Lost. I dunno. It’s okay, but It’s not that exciting yet for me. I like that it has neat twists when it comes to the many characters’ back stories, though. I’m familiar with Matthew Fox, who played Charlie Salinger from the depressing but watchable ‘90s drama Party of Five. There’s also Dominic Monaghan, of course, an ex-Hobbit sidekick, and the actress who played the blonde villain girl from Roswell, whose name escapes me at the moment. It’s a nicely cast group of castaways and all, but I do hope that the story speeds up. I hope the truth behind the mysteries gets revealed before I lose interest, and that there’s a rewarding payoff after all this buildup. Maybe I’m just getting really impatient, but so far, the building-society-from-scratch thing isn’t bowling me over.

Gods Almighty

Beyonder versus Warlock, pencil drawing on vellum paper, Feb. 2007

After recently reading a boxful of borrowed Warlock and the Infinity Watch and related crossovers like Infinity War and Infinity Crusade, and finally reading old tie-ins to Secret Wars II, I was inspired to draw a meeting between the two main cosmic characters. Adam Warlock has been Jim Starlin’s Jesus-like figure, an artificially created being and hero, who sacrificed himself to save an Earth-like planet, was resurrected a few times, and ascended temporarily to godhood. Jim Shooter’s Secret Wars series introduced the all-powerful Beyonder, a being who sought to understand human desire and fulfillment. For a time, both were considered threats to the Marvel Universe’s different realities, and were opposed by its various heroes and entities.

I did this last Wednesday, after work. I chose to draw the Beyonder in the armor he wore in the Buscema-Avengers issues, as it looks way cooler that the casual jumpsuit he normally wore. Adam Warlock’s “God” mode only had one look, so I stuck with that. Warlock’s brief stint as omnipotent being and wielder of the Infinity Gauntlet was an interesting point in the character’s existence, as he pondered, like the Beyonder, what to do with the nearly limitless power. Unlike the Beyonder, though, Warlock didn’t have time to revel in his might, and divided the power among his chosen guardians.

They’re among Marvel’s most fleshed-out characters, and for a time, among the company’s more popular ones, which probably means that they’re being considered to have their own Marvel Legends figures someday (well, Baron Zemo and X-23 got immortalized in plastic first, so it’s hard to say if that’ll happen). Also, as the characters haven’t really met in the comics, I have this idea that, maybe, they actually have (they can do anything), or can still do so, what with retcons happening left and right in many titles. I think that it’d be a great meeting. They can try to eradicate each other from existence, and even have some pretty heated philosophical debates while they’re at it. This can so happen in the Exiles comic book.

No Mercy on the Battlefield

Early this week, I was able to attend a special preview of the Zack Snyder-directed 300, based on Frank Miller’s limited series. Awesome, awesome movie. I loved the moody, stylized look, the muted colors, and kickass battle sequences and character designs. Gerard Butler did a good job as Leonidas, leader of the 300 Spartan soldiers, as did Rodrigo Santoro, who played Xerxes, the conquering god-king to legions.

Thanks to the Warner people for that and the thick and pretty Art of 300 book, too. The movie opens March 7^th. I hope it stays uncut.

You Can Call Her Anything You Like…

…but her name is Veronica Mars. That’s a riff on a line off of Elvis Costello’s “Veronica” (‘cause I can’t think of any other appropriate song with the name Veronica in it). Veronica and Logan are in costume for an '80s-themed party in the pic above, so no, they don't normally dress that way.

I just finished watching the first season, and I must say that I’m really digging this show right now. It’s kind of filling the void that Buffy and then Alias left, in that the title character’s an independent, intrepid young woman, but it doesn’t have the fantastical, end-of-the-world elements that those two previous shows smartly cultivated. Its contemporary high school setting allows for resonant and realistic storylines, with a Nancy Drew-ish twist. So yeah, it’s also world-shaking, but on a different level altogether.

Spunky and resourceful Miss Mars (Kristen Bell), 17-year-old assistant to her private investigator dad, takes on cases big and small, from proving the innocence of the wrongly accused, to solving secret admirers’ identities. Each of her cases has interesting personal repercussions, and re-acquaints her, and consequently, her viewers, with the good, bad and fugly characters from school and beyond. Veronica can be equally lost as the people she helps at certain times, but her persistence at getting the truth often get her incontestably good results. She’s become an unsung hero to some, and a socially unacceptable weirdo to others. She’s been called names and bad-mouthed, picked on by the cool kids, and so on, but she knows how to retaliate.

I can relate to her because she’s the inquisitive outsider, and the show reminds me that I didn’t really fit with the cliques back then. I wish though, that I was just as skilled in wisecracking retorts all those years ago. That’s how affecting the series has been for me; it brings you back to the times when you wish you were wise and had the snappy comeback for the jerk classmate or some snarkass teachers. For those who sometimes wish they could go back to school and do things differently, they’ll find the show quite appealing, escapist, and even cathartic.

Veronica is that special character, that cleverly written girl who only wishes that things were normal, but she doesn’t stand idly by when things get crazy. She gets to the bottom of things, peer acceptance be damned.