Power Pack Now

This is probably how Power Pack would look today if we follow Julie/Lightspeed’s current age (17). Teen Julie appeared in the Loners mini, where it was revealed that she’s attracted to girls. She was ten years old in the early adventures (and the out-of-continuity minis), so add seven to the siblings’ original ages when they became superheroes, and this is how Alex/Gee, Jack/Mass Master, and Katie/Energizer must look now. The costumes are based on Julie’s existing one; I just followed the pattern and individualized it. Marvel, if you’re coming out with a new teen book, it should be the updated Power Pack!

Penultimate ‘Potter’ pensive

On the run and fleeing for their lives, the heroes of Hogwarts experience more upheavals in the grim “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1,” the second to the last film in the series. Young spellcasters Harry, Hermione, Ron and their trusted allies form a resistance against the consolidated forces of arch-nemesis Voldemort, whose campaign involves the downfall of the Ministry of Magic.

Almost as dark as “Half-Blood Prince,” “Deathly Hallows” immediately illustrates how grave the situation has gotten: in one scene, the rogues smugly scheme while holding a Hogwarts teacher captive; in another, Harry’s friends magically become decoys, temporarily taking the young wizard’s form to confuse the enemy.

Much has changed, and the mythology keeps getting richer, even if the central saga itself is a pretty conventional tale with familiar trappings like predestined roles, seemingly unending quests, and heroic transformations. The movies have matured accordingly, reflecting Harry’s growth, as well as his friends’. Actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint have likewise grown with the years-long roles, and they’re no less convincing in this chapter when a love triangle of sorts manifests.

The David Yates-directed “Deathly Hallows” also experiments by conjuring up an animated sequence that’s simple yet fitting, pleasantly enhancing an integral legend that hints at the existence of some magical objects.

It’s not always clear how much time has passed during and between the trio’s missions, however. Pacing issues aside, it’s visually stunning and appropriately moody, properly exemplifying the proverbial calm before the storm. Big scenes from the trailers aren’t in the movie, but will be in the second part of “Deathly Hallows,” hopefully a grand and epic finale to the enchanting saga.

‘HIMYM’: Proud daddy, mystery mommy

(Published Nov. 21, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

The oft-sentimental sitcom “How I Met Your Mother” has yet to reveal the identity of the titular mom of romantic Ted Mosby’s (Josh Radnor) future kids. But the recent season teased with a few revelations about the yet unseen character.

The elusive mystery woman is a college student where Ted teaches, and is the roommate of Cindy (guest Rachel Bilson), a girl he’s really attracted to. But the succeeding episodes don’t give any more clues, and partly focus instead on Ted’s ongoing quest to find “the one,” unaware that he almost met his future wife a few times already.

As with previous seasons, “How I Met Your Mother” is enlivened by scene-stealing Neil Patrick Harris, whose lothario role Barney Stinson unceasingly regales his friends with tales of his conquests and bizarre but effective seduction methods.

Over-the-top Barney gets toned down from time to time, which gives him some degree of realism; his on again-off again pairing with news anchor Robin (Cobie Smulders) is revisited, resulting in some of the show’s better-written arcs.

Married couple Marshall and Lily (Jason Segel and Alyson Hannigan) are still amusing, but their recent marital exploits aren’t as funny or insightful as in older episodes. Still, some developments look promising, as the spouses enter the next stage of their marriage by the end of season five.

The series’ narrative structure has been properly utilized through the years; however, some recent flashbacks just feel unnecessary and disruptive of established continuity and smooth storytelling. The malleability of the characters’ histories aside, the five friends are still evolving and maturing, despite the periodic reversion to juvenile behavior.

The continuous and perceptive tackling of romantic complexities and the “rules” of the dating scene also keep the show relatable. It still works, even when potentially comedic situations are sometimes deliberately traded for more dramatic and more “realistic” moments.

Season Six episodes of “How I Met Your Mother” air Mondays, 9 p.m., on ETC.

Komikon: A celebration of creativity and literacy

(Published Nov.20, PDI-Super)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Photos by Andrew Tadalan

The Komikon remains a welcoming haven for comic book fanatics, whether they’re creators or fans, bargain-hunters or autograph-seekers, avid or casual readers. Previously held at the Megamall’s Megatrade Hall, Komikon this year was held at the smaller but similarly accessible Starmall Edsa Trade Hall.

As with previous conventions, comic-reading geeks found the Sixth Annual Komikon an opportunity to get the latest titles, gain some insights on the creative process, and meet more fellow lovers of the storytelling medium.

Early in the afternoon, eight indie creators talked about their inclusion in the “Sulyap” anthology. “Trese” fans lined up and had their copies signed by co-creator Kajo Baldisimo. Aspiring artists got to meet their idols, Marvel illustrators Carlo Pagulayan (“Incredible Hulk”), Harvey Tolibao (“Psylocke”) and Stephen Segovia (“Dark Wolverine”).
Ariel Atienza, one of the organizers and creator of the strip “West Side,” expounded on choosing the Starmall venue.

“It’s more accessible to commuters,” Atienza said. “The foodcourt is just outside the entrance, which is very convenient for attendees, too. The Komikon core group has a tendency to think out of the box and see the potential of a venue. It’s keeping it as close to the grassroots level, the same way UP Bahay Ng Alumni does with Komikon.”

Atienza added that the event had a slightly bigger turnout than previous Komikons.

“Just a smidgen, but the difference comes in the pleasant surprise that the exhibitors, especially the indie komiks creators’ side, sold record numbers of their works. We’ve kept track of their sales and the number of ecstatic feedbacks. There’s a higher buying spree, which comes naturally. People recognize quality when they see it, and are willing to buy it at a reasonable price.”

The more diverse lineup of indie comic books, Atienza said, offered readers more imaginative stories and storytelling styles.

“This year’s comics creators and exhibitors are getting bolder. They’re not afraid to experiment with topics or stories; they keep getting better and better. Indie comics creators are leading the charge in crafting something very Filipino but still not something you can put a label on. Their works definitely cut across the board: there are titles out there for almost every genre you want. It’s something that took us by surprise and something we’re very, very proud of showcasing!”

Professor Emil Flores, who teaches comic book writing and analysis, and writes the action comic book “Cadre: Amerikanong Hilaw,” considers the Komikon a consistently important event for Filipinos who wish to tell stories using the medium.

“Komikon is a wonderful opportunity, even for students, to actually have their comics released,” Flores said. “Because of Komikon and the indie comics scene, they now have a venue for their creative energies.”

Flores added that Komikon and similar events emphasize the existence of locally made titles, which deserve to be appreciated by newer readers. He also stressed that it’s a good time for getting people interested in comic books.

“Comics content is everywhere even if Pinoy comics are not as visible. So I actually get to use the popularity of comics-influenced media to get people interested. There is always a movie, TV show or game to connect to comics. In a way, it’s how I sometimes teach mythology and literature to students who don’t read. I always make connections to movies and point out the literary traditions that filmmakers reference.”

Aside from Flores, creators who attended the recent Komikon were David Hontiveros (“Bathala: Apokalipsis”), Reno Maniquis (“Maskarado”) and Inquirer cartoonist Manix Abrera (“Kikomachine”), among others.

For information on Komikon events, visit www.komikon.org.

The Robin Army

Robin times 20! Boy and girl wonders from all over the DC Multiverse.

Upper row: Barbara Gordon (Thrillkiller), Robin Redblade (Batman Chronicles), Stephanie Brown, “Tengu” (Robin Elseworlds Annual), Richard Grayson (Pre-Crisis Earth 2), Robin (Detective No. 27), Redbird (The Blue, The Grey, The Bat), Carrie Kelly (Dark Knight Returns), Richart Graustark (Thrillkiller), Jason Todd, Tom Wayne (Robin 3000)

Lower row: Richard Grayson (Dark Knight of the Round Table), Tim Drake, Boy (Return of Bruce Wayne), Dick Grayson, Damian Wayne, Tris Plover (Legends of the Dead Earth), Robin (Just Imagine Stan Lee), Robin the Toy Wonder (Robin 1,000,000), Robin Drake (JLA: Riddle of the Beast)

This Kiss, This Kiss

“You can’t punch the gay out of me any more than I can punch the ignoramus out of you!”

Okay, spoilers. Openly gay Kurt Hummel confronts homophobic bully Dave Karofsky in this intense and stunning scene from Glee. Love Chris Colfer and Max Adler’s acting. Colfer keeps getting dramatic storylines, and it's a treat to see his character grow. Also love the “Teenage Dream” cover by Darren Criss, who plays another gay character, Blaine.

Library Envy

My thanks to Al a.k.a Toshi Alibudbud for inviting me to be one of Xavier School’s Reading Week speakers last Tuesday. Professor Emil Flores, Benedict Bartolome, John-D Borra and I were there for over an hour and talked about different aspects of comic books. We had a grand time. The Xavier high school library was awesome, by the way; students can borrow X-Men Essentials, Watchmen, and other trade paperbacks. Toshi told me that they had to really fight for the inclusion of comic books in their library. Wish the libraries from the schools I went to had a wonderful selection, too. That is one cool place.

‘True Blood’ rejuvenated

(Published Nov. 8, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

In HBO’s fantasy-drama series “True Blood,” vampires affect humans in different significant ways. A Louisiana town, Bon Temps, is a hotbed of open and covert supernatural activity, its enigmatic denizens regularly encountering friendly and not-so-harmless nocturnal creatures.

The number of those beings increases further in the third season, as various elements attempt to find out the truth behind plucky waitress Sookie Stackhouse’s (Anna Paquin) telepathic powers. Questions are answered and other crucial and intriguing changes are introduced.

Sookie’s stable relationship with vampire beau Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) is rocked by the machinations of haughty vampire sheriff Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgard). Her shape-shifter boss Sam (Sam Trammell) finds his long-lost relatives, and is later haunted by memories of his life before Bon Temps.

Meanwhile, “baby vampire” Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) recovers from her recent romantic woes. Gay cook Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) discovers his mystical heritage with his lover Jesus (Kevin Alejandro), who is trained in sorcery. Lafayette’s cousin Tara (Rutina Wesley) is enslaved by psychotic bloodsucker Franklin (James Frain).

It’s not very accessible to new viewers due to its expanding mythology and cast, but patient fans who endured some of the older episodes’ silly and campy subplots are rewarded. It is fast-paced, rejuvenated, and owes much to the addition of villain Russell Edgington (Dennis O’Hare). Unpredictable Russell personifies the menacing bogeyman in a show full of monsters.

“True Blood” season 3 airs nightly, 9 p.m., on HBO Signature until November 14.

Nigh-‘Unstoppable’

Denzel Washington collaborates with Tony Scott again on another movie that involves a train, after last year’s hostage flick “The Taking of Pelham 123.” The action-drama “Unstoppable” is likewise decently made, but it’s also something that isn’t entirely exciting or involving. Inspired by actual events, the film recreates situations from a fateful day in 2001, when a freight train carrying tons of hazardous materials sped away from its careless operator. Actors Washington and Chris Pine play the engineer and conductor, respectively, who risk life and limb to prevent a catastrophe. The initially uncomfortable co-workers aid the clear-thinking dispatcher played by Rosario Dawson. Well-defined and humanizing portrayals keep this film interesting, despite its requisite and procedural drama that focuses on the main characters’ unstable bonds with their relatives. It still somewhat uplifts, corny and unexciting moments notwithstanding.

Giggle-worthy ‘Modern Family’

(Published Nov. 5, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

The antics of three connected families elicit consistent laughs in the relatable weekly sitcom “Modern Family.”

Sixty-something Jay (Ed O’Neill) is married to hot Latina Gloria (Sofia Vergara), mother of a mature-thinking 11-year-old (Rico Rodriguez). Jay’s gay son from a previous marriage, Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) has a partner, Cameron (Eric Stonestreet), and recently adopted a baby girl. Jay’s daughter Claire (Julie Bowen), meanwhile, is married to real estate agent Phil (Ty Burrell) and has three kids.

The half-hour program’s “mockumentary” format allows for “interview” segments between scenes, helping expound on the characters’ personalities and thoughts, just like in “The Office.”

The various relationships are established and explored in season one, easily distinguishing each family member in just a few episodes.

From imperfect childhood issues to cultural differences, “Modern Family” manages to identify and make fun of real topics, while giving a broader view of the chosen subject through the interactions of the three families. Some of the more watchable moments are those that focus on how differently the parent characters raise their disparate and unpredictable children.

This family is generally accepting, flawed but generous. They’re non-judgmental when it comes to each other’s decisions, but they’re still revealed as having unspoken apprehensions. Claire initially thinks that Gloria is a gold-digger, for example, but is more welcoming when she realizes that the younger woman genuinely loves Jay.

Tapping universal situations and familial concerns, but still harnessing them creatively into giggle-worthy and even heartwarming stories, “Modern Family” manages to regularly focus on what makes these unique families tick.

"Modern Family” airs Thursdays, 8 p.m., on Solar TV

‘Date’ grates

Robert Downey, Jr. and Zach Galifianakis star in the formulaic road trip-odd couple comedy “Due Date,” about two mismatched strangers forced to accompany each other for many grueling hours en route to Los Angeles.

The laughs come in due time; Downey plays Peter, a sensitive and seemingly calm guy with anger issues, while Galifianakis plays an inconsiderate and eccentric aspiring actor, Ethan, with dreams of making it big in Hollywood. Peter needs to be in LA for the birth of his child, and must bear with Ethan’s consistently weird and boneheaded behavior throughout the long trip.

Directed by “The Hangover’s” Todd Phillips, “Due Date” is often crude and gross. Galifianakis’ stoner-oddball character is a variation on his previous role in “Hangover,” but the bigger focus doesn’t mean that it’s more clearly defined. Sure, he misses his recently deceased father a lot, which allows for sad (and uncomfortable) moments. But the contrived quirkiness makes it hard to feel sympathy for the guy.

Downey’s tense and desperate character has a really funny scene involving “babysitting” a pair of kids, but he just doesn’t figure in a scene as gut-busting later. The actor is still able to make the somewhat two-dimensional role real; it does feel that he’s going through hell, but more importantly, he makes the struggle to give his companion several chances credible. All in all, there are serious thigh-slappers, but the movie’s pretty thin and it’s a trip to love/hate-ville that we’ve taken before.

Halloweener 2010

Different monsters, a party, and the annual LNA Halloween masquerade.

Heroic Marvel Bogeymen: LEGION OF MONSTERS (Man-Thing, Morbius, Manphibian, Werewolf By Night) and HOWLING COMMANDOS (Clone of Frankenstein, Sasquatch, Living Mummy, Gorilla Man, Vampire By Night, Warwolf).

Heroic DC Bogeymen: CREATURE COMMANDOS (Lucky Taylor, Vincent Velcro, GI Robot, Matthew Shrieve, Dr. Medusa, Warren Griffith) and SCARE TACTICS (Grossout, Slither, Screamqueen, Arnie Burnsteel, Fang).

Halloween Skullebration! Bones, chugs, harmony! Skull-exclusive party attended by Mr. Bones, Taskmaster, Atomic Skull, Green Skull, Negative Man, Ghost Rider, Red Skull, Skeletor, Blue Knight, Death, Black Mask, and Blazing Skull.

Moore’s Maniacs: Alan Moore’s beautiful monsters, a trio of traitors and tricksters. Ultima from Top Ten was secretly a junkie who later rampaged at Neopolis’ superpolice station. Ozymandias from Watchmen betrayed his former allies as part of a grand plan to unite almost-warring nations. And TAO (Tactically Augmented Organism) manipulated his fellow WildCATs into fighting in a super gang war he orchestrated, among other sneaky things.

LNA Halloween 2010: Retro Robotic! Lexy, Nance, Argus, Jim and the kids dress up as familiar animated figures from the late ‘70s and ‘80s. Happy Halloween!

‘Ben 10’ evolves into a celeb hero

(Published Oct. 28, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

Shape-shifting teen Ben Tennyson continues to protect the Earth from extraterrestrial and homegrown goons in the animated “Ben 10: Ultimate Alien” series. Ben now fights tougher, more relentless menaces that threaten him and his family using a new gadget that evolves his alien forms into their “ultimate” versions.

But one challenge he didn’t expect is becoming popular. In the episode “Fame,” a young fan gathers and posts evidence of Ben’s secret battles with different enemies online, so the teen hero has to deal with becoming an instant celebrity. Criticized by some for the destruction resulting from his fights, but beloved by his grateful and astonished fans, Ben is becoming more aware of his responsibilities.

The absence of a secret identity, however, brings the paparazzi and super-villains to his doorstep. In the episode “Hit ‘Em Where They Live,” Ben’s parents are stalked by three vicious foes. But their plans are thwarted resoundingly by Ben, his superpowered teen partners—his cousin Gwen and her boyfriend Kevin, and his grandfather Max.

Co-created by a group of mostly established comic book writers, the successful “Ben 10” initially centered on a 10-year-old Ben Tennyson; in “Ultimate Alien” the main character is now 16, tries to balance school and heroic duties, but still tries to have fun using his superpowers. In one of the lighter episodes, he discovers the folly of dividing himself into three beings (to simultaneously watch a movie, watch a friend’s tennis match and go on a mission).

“Ultimate Alien” introduces new characters, strikingly designed “ultimate” alien identities and the villainy of the enigmatic Aggregor. The show possesses a more serious tone, but its elaborate action sequences dazzle and the comic book drama makes it accessible.

“Ben 10: Ultimate Alien” airs Sundays, 10 a.m., on Cartoon Network. “Ben 10: Alien Force” airs Sundays, 6 p.m.

Glowy

I attended “Tron Night,” which was a 20-minute preview screening of select scenes from the “Tron” sequel, last Thursday night at the SM North Imax. It was okay. The more complex virtual world in this film looks more appealing, of course; there are nicely designed machines and other technology lined with characteristically cool light patterns.

I’m not a fan of the original film, though; I remember watching it when I was about nine or ten, and getting really bored about half an hour into it. It looked good, but I tuned out eventually. I do hope that the sequel is an improvement over the original movie, storywise, and that there are more unpredictable action sequences.

Anyway, actor Garrett Hedlund, who plays the character transported to another dimension (and a combatant in a flashy gladiatorial duel), looks like a younger clone of Jensen Ackles, but with not-so-perfect teeth. By the way, there was a raflle and I won a Tron yoyo and a neon blue baller band. “Tron: Legacy” opens Metro Manila-wide in December.

‘DCU Halloween” treat

The 48-page one-shot “DC Universe Halloween 2010” isn’t as fun as previous Halloween specials, but some of its stories are amusing enough, and not necessarily for kids only. The eight-pagers that stand out: “Trick For The Scarecrow” (two kids in Bat-costume capture and punish the Scarecrow), “Medusa Non Grata” (Miss Martian and Blue Beetle meet a trick or treating Klarion), and “Time Or Your Life” (a costume party is gatecrashed by Flash and Frankenstein). Nice cover by Gene Ha, but there’s no Solomon Grundy story, and those particular Teen Titans don’t appear in the issue.

Bear Grylls on surviving the unthinkable

(Published October 24, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

Survival expert, TV host and author Bear Grylls knows how it feels to be in a life-threatening situation. He survived a fall after his parachute malfunctioned years ago. The intrepid explorer also repeatedly found himself in unpredictable environments while filming the popular Discovery Channel program “Man vs. Wild.”

Grylls, 36, revealed in a recent teleconference that his new show is “Worst Case Scenario,” scheduled to air in December. The six-part series tackles different dangerous and potentially lethal situations (plunging elevators, shark attacks, etc.). The host offers expert advice on how to survive them.

How intensive is training for every episode?
When I’m home, I train every day for these things, an hour in the morning when I get up. But it’s just been a big part of my life, I suppose, training since my Army days. I’m not naturally fit. I need to work hard on all these things. So, yes, I do a lot of running, circuit training, and then yoga, and combine that a lot.

How about the emergency training?
A lot of it is the same skills that I use on “Man vs. Wild.” It’s about being inventive, determined and having a sense of humor in difficult places. But a lot of it is common sense and trying to think laterally and keep calm in that big moment.

For “Worst Case Scenario” we do a briefing the day before filming. They give me a kind of broad overview of what we are doing but without the details. Then I get thrown into the next day and have lots of cameras on it and they film it, and just let it all run. Then the end of it is either kind of all there or it isn’t, in which case we’d do it again.

Have you experienced a real worst case scenario?
I’ve had a lot of real case ones. I’m trying to think of the ones we did on the show. I’ve been mugged before; we did that one on the show. I’ve had brake failure before, not quite as severe as we did on the show, but I’ve had that. I’ve gotten stuck on mountains where you can’t go up, can’t go down. I’ve had falls, I’ve had parachute failures. I’ve been chased by dogs before in the military, which was kind of pretty scary.

After doing it all, what’s left to explore?
Loads. The more of these I do—the more places we go on “Man vs. Wild,” the more scenarios to do for “Worst Case”—the more I realize we live in an extraordinary world and there are so many huge wildernesses and difficult, crazy, hell-holes of swamps around the planet. It’s hard to kind of scratch the surface, really. So, I think the limiting factor is always a human factor, which is me, rather than the wildernesses or the worst case scenario. I’m the one that gets more and more battered and covered in scars.

“Worst Case Scenario” begins airing on Dec. 8, 11 p.m., on Discovery Channel. “Man vs. Wild” airs Saturdays, 9 p.m.

15 Comic Books Meme

Tagged by Yvie. I chose 15 comic books (graphic novels, minis, monthlies, etc.) “that will always stick with” me. There’s definitely more than 15, but these are the ones I can think of now. Tag yourself if you wanna do this.

(The rules: Don't take too long to think about it. Fifteen books you've read that will always stick with you. List the first fifteen you can recall in no more than fifteen minutes. Tag fifteen friends, including me, because I'm interested in seeing what books my friends choose.)

1. Watchmen (Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons)

2. Stuck Rubber Baby (Howard Cruse)

3. Top Ten (Alan Moore and Gene Ha)

4. Avengers (Roger Stern, Kurt Busiek, Steve Englehart, Dan Slott runs)

5. Alpha Flight (John Byrne)

6. JLA (Grant Morrison and Joe Kelly’s runs)

7. Uncanny X-Men (Chris Claremont, first run)

8. Sandman (Neil Gaiman)

9. Stupid Comics (Jim Mahfood)

10. Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe (Various; original, deluxe, current)

11. Crisis on Infinite Earths (Marv Wolfman and George Perez)

12. Legion of 3 Worlds (Geoff Johns and George Perez)

13. Avengers-JLA (Kurt Busiek and George Perez)

14. Astonishing X-Men (Joss Whedon and John Cassaday)

15. Astro City (Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson)

Gutbuster

Watched “The Other Guys” last week. It’s a hilarious odd couple-cop flick starring Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell. Samuel Jackson and Dwayne Johnson also appear as reckless, property-damaging partner cops. Michael Keaton plays their boss, Captain Gene Mauch, a reasonable guy who sometimes inserts TLC song references into his statements. His character also has a second job at Bed, Bath and Beyond, “so my kid can go to NYU, explore his bisexuality, and become a DJ.”

Funny stuff.

High-tech avenging with teen ‘Iron Man’

(Published Oct. 14, PDI-Entertainment)
By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
Contributor

Genius inventor and weapons designer Tony Stark gets animated in the sleek “Iron Man: Armored Adventures,” but it’s not the partying playboy from the comic books and live-action movies. This Tony Stark is mostly a no-nonsense teen, surrounded by other younger versions of familiar figures from Marvel mythology.

As with previous incarnations, young Tony Stark is dependent on life-preserving technology, but in this iteration, that’s after surviving a plane crash that took his father’s life. Donning a battlesuit he designed, Tony fights crime as Iron Man and gets introduced to a number of costumed villains. He also tries to acclimate to his new life as a high school student.

Similarly adjusted to fit this new take are supporting characters James “Rhodey” Rhodes and Pepper Potts. Rhodey is his best friend here, now a tech-savvy kid assisting Tony in combat or rescue missions by relaying crucial information from their secret mini-base. Pepper Potts is now an insufferable motormouth, but she’s not entirely annoying; she’s actually brave and independent. And, unknown to the gang, the new rich classmate Gene Khan is the Mandarin, one of Iron Man’s most formidable foes.

This new “Iron Man” balances straightforward hero-versus-villain scenarios with relatable and even humorous school situations. Tony, despite his brilliance and resources, is awkward at social interactions. It’s not the suave, womanizing Tony Stark at all, at least not yet. Still, he’s already adept at fighting super-villains, and is comfortable with the role of protector.

Animation-wise, the clean, vivid style allows intricate and kinetic battle scenes. As for the different armors worn by Iron Man’s enemies, most are impressive and updated versions. However, despite its aptly hulking presence, the Crimson Dynamo should have predominantly sported the color red instead of white. And speaking of designs, the kid characters wear the same casual clothes to school every day (an animation shortcut), which gets distracting. They look okay, but perhaps some tweaking of the color schemes and details can add variety.

Imperfections aside, the first season is often engaging. “Iron Man” is tightly plotted and very contemporary, and a good re-imagining of the armored Avenger and his high-tech exploits.

“Iron Man: Armored Adventures” Season 1 episodes can be viewed on cartoonnetwork.com.ph.

Real ‘Life’ ensues

Holly and Messer (Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel) loathe each other, but they “inherit” their mutual friends’ baby (and house), so they have to learn to coexist peacefully and become replacement parents. Maybe they’ll even enjoy each other’s company eventually. Of course they will; even if you didn’t see the trailer, it’s a given that they’ll fall for each other in true rom-com fashion. The end.

Well, not quite. “Life As We Know It” is a heavier-than-usual romantic comedy in that the two potential lovers suddenly have to undergo radical lifestyle changes, mature almost overnight, and understand previously unheard-of responsibilities. Actually, much of the comedy comes from the assemblage of wacky neighbors. And the romance part? It’s actually iffy; the first time Holly and Messer got really intimate was after she accidentally got his bike destroyed, so there’s guilt and indebtedness involved.

But yes, despite the unusual circumstances, it doesn’t always feel that it’s a forced pairing. It’s not quite a regular date movie, though. Sure, it’s cute, seeing hot single people hit it off after much struggling, but the new parents’ complicated situation keeps reiterating that raising a child is a tough and serious job. Parents might be able to relate to it and the sacrifices depicted. It sort of forewarns younger couples, so it’s probably helpful in that regard, but it’s not a regular feelgood romance-fantasy. One may feel a little drained after watching it; it almost feels as if you helped the protagonists raise the child from scratch as well, a rewarding but exhausting experience.

“Life As We Know It” opens October 20 in Metro Manila.