Blood and Bullies

Comedienne Kathy Griffin talks seriously about gay suicides and bullies:

“So let’s talk about these bullies. I just don’t think they came up with this anti-gay bias on their own. They weren’t born with it. The politicians, the so-called religious leaders, and the pundits who have made careers out of saying being gay is wrong or immoral, or that gays have somehow ‘less than,’ they all have blood on their hands. Yes, all you anti-gay public figures, and you know who you are, you have the blood of these dead teens on your hands.”

I agree. More of her message here.

Here There Be Dragons

A few dragon portraits for Halloween month.

Fin Fang Foom!

Tiamat, the hydra-like dragon from the ‘80s Dungeons and Dragons cartoon.

Morningbright, from Alan Moore and Zander Cannon’s Smax miniseries.

Trapped

I’m saddened by the humiliation and suicide of 18-year-old American student-violinist Tyler Clementi, whose intimate activities with a male companion were webcast by a roommate. His death is among the rising number caused by cyber-bullying; he’s also another gay kid who took his life after being subjected to homophobic taunts. Rest in peace, Tyler.

I’ve been looking at videos, those of Ellen DeGeneres and other gay people’s (as well as straight ones’), reactions to the tragedy and advice to suicidal or bullied young people. There are several “It Gets Better” videos on YouTube. Some recall bullying incidents and the crushing small-mindedness of people around them. But they also share how things changed after school, and how their former tormentors have become irrelevant.

It’s disappointing that the other powerful, blatantly homophobic bullies hide behind piety; religions and supposedly religious people continue to preach against homosexuality. The Vatican and its Church leaders vocally and brazenly condemn it, just one of a number of things the avowed celibates meddle in, while ignoring or covering up real atrocities and abuses committed in their own back yard.

If you’re a young gay person, be strong. Life does get better.

‘Vampire Diaries’: Books, beasts and bloodlust

(Published Oct. 4, PDI-Entertainment)
By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
Contributor

Derivative but intriguing, the monster drama series “The Vampire Diaries” properly utilizes an attractive and talented cast. Developed by Kevin Williamson and based on a successful series of books, the new show also manages to weave its own vampire mythology despite some unoriginal concepts.

In season one, a good vampire, Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley), finds himself drawn to Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), a high school cheerleader resembling his old lover. Elena, an orphaned teen who therapeutically confides in a diary, is likewise attracted to Stefan. Enter Stefan’s sinister vampire brother Damon (Ian Somerhalder), who notices the girl’s resemblance to Stefan’s old lover—and his. The brothers suspect that Elena is a descendant of Katherine, the vampire who manipulated and “turned” the siblings over a century ago.

The bitter rivalry between two monsters over one human girl reminds one of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and even “Twilight,” while the “immortal love” angle initially feels like an iteration of the scenario from “Bram Stoker’s Dracula.”

Those obvious similarities aside, “Vampire Diaries” has characters that keep things appealingly circuitous, even edgy. Elena’s brother Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen) is an ex-druggie who discovers their ancestor’s vampire-hunting journal. Elena’s best friend Bonnie (Katerina Graham) is a powerful sorceress who learns of her family’s part in the banishment of Katherine’s vampire army in 1864.

From vengeful monster-exterminators to long-lost biological parents, “Vampire Diaries” manages to turn some preposterous or dubious plot twists into compelling story lines.

Stefan’s brooding and Damon’s incessant swaggering get occasionally tiring, and some characters ultimately lack dimension or are just obvious plot devices. Still, the distinct figures in the blood-streaked tapestry outnumber the flat ones, and there won’t be any shortage in conflict and drama any time soon.

“The Vampire Diaries” airs Tuesdays, 8 p.m., on ETC.

Endearing, engaging ‘NCIS’

(Published Oct. 3, PDI-Entertainment)
By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
Contributor

The successful crime drama series “NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service)” continues to strike a balance between dread and optimism, as well as humor and action. A mysterious, Navy- or Marine-related death almost every episode is solved by an intrepid group of investigators, experts in their respective fields sharing a familial bond.

The seventh season of “NCIS” simultaneously debuted on August on six cable channels. In the season opener, the NCIS agents embark on a daring rescue mission after tracking down their missing teammate, special agent Ziva David (Cote de Pablo).

Based in Washington, DC and led by Jethro “Boss” Gibbs (Mark Harmon), the small but efficient NCIS Major Case Response Team is composed of Ziva David, Agent DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly), and Agent McGee (Sean Murray). Crucial to solving their cases are forensics specialist Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette) and chief medical examiner Ducky Mallard (David McCallum).

The friendly rapport between the characters counterbalances the discovery of grisly crimes and the revelation of sordid secrets in their subsequent unraveling.

Stories aren’t merely problem-solving scenarios; characters get to shine regularly as sides to their personalities are developed. A few cases have focused on, or are tangentially related to tragic events from Jethro Gibbs’ past. The snappy repartee and occasional bickering between DiNozzo and McGee keep things from becoming dreary.

The show recently spawned a spirited spin-off series, “NCIS: Los Angeles,” which has its own dynamic and atmosphere.

“NCIS” season 7 episodes will be shown on Oct. 7 and 8 (8:15 p.m.) and Oct. 9 (8:20 a.m.-11:20 a.m.) on Fox. “NCIS: Los Angeles” airs Tuesdays, 9:30 p.m. on Studio 23.

Marvel-DC: Vampire War!

Halloween art month! I hope to draw more monsters and masqueraders in the next few weeks. We start with some of the Big Two’s nocturnal bloodsuckers. Fang fight!

MARVEL VAMPIRES: Morbius, Lilith, Wolverine (What If), Bloodstorm, Vampire By Night, Baroness Blood, Deacon Frost, Xarus, Topher, Jubilee, Baron Blood, Dracula

Versus!

DC VAMPIRES: Batman (Elseworlds), Vincent Velcro, Looker, Gustav DeCobra, Andrew Bennett, Roderick, Screamqueen, Crucifer, Dagon, Dracula, Mad Monk, Marius Dimeter

Out of time, out of ‘Town’

Ben Affleck stars in and directs “The Town,” a crime drama-heist flick about a masked gang’s thieving activities and the resultant romance between one of them and their unwitting former hostage.

Affleck competently plays complex thug Doug MacRay, who genuinely falls for bank manager Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall), the last person he needs to have a relationship with. His old friend and gangmate James Coughlin (Jeremy Renner) disapproves of it for obvious reasons, while a tenacious FBI agent (John Hamm) sees Claire as a key component to the capture of the daring daytime robbers terrorizing Charlestown, Boston.

While not entirely gripping, “The Town” is sturdily crafted, which comes as no surprise since Affleck previously proved himself a capable and talented director with “Gone Baby Gone.” He knows how to handle pacing; quiet character-shaping scenes are just as affecting as cacophonous ones. As simultaneous actor and director, he successfully contributes to the sulky mood, and tells the story without being overly flashy. He includes vanity shots that show off his sculpted body, but they’re brief.

As for the precarious romance angle, it’s nothing we haven’t seen before. It’s only a matter of time before the deception is discovered and the situation deteriorates. This variation is still skilfully and stably told, even when story elements and narrative routes become quite familiar.

"The Town" opens Oct. 6 in Metro Manila.

Stinging Venom

Old friend Benedict a.k.a. Benom gave me this smashing action figure. It’s Mac Gargan, former Scorpion and current Venom, back when the symbiote-clad character sported a scorpion-like stinger and red eyes. Very McFarlane-esque monster toy, but fully poseable and playable. Thanks, Dicky.

Gliding ‘Guardians’

Stunningly animated, Zack Snyder’s fantasy epic “Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole” follows the heroic evolution of Sorun (voiced by Jim Sturgess), who must find the fabled Guardians to thwart the schemes of the predatory Pure Ones. Its cast of characters mostly consisting of nocturnal birds, the movie has very basic hero-versus-villain themes and conflicts.

As with previous undertakings like “Watchmen” and “300,” Snyder’s take on the Owls is grand and captivating. “Guardians” is straightforward enough for kids but technically sturdy enough to win over grownups. Storywise, Sorun’s journey is reminiscent of other hero archetypes’ transformative quests. It could have benefited from a more detailed history of the warring owl clans. Old encounters are only briefly mentioned and some elaboration could’ve given dimension to the somewhat personality-devoid warring factions. But Sorun’s ragtag band makes up for it, despite having requisite dispositions.

The owl characters are very expressive, and the attention to detail is astounding. From gliding through contrasting elements to swooping into intense battles, the deftly designed birds are often dynamic and kinetic.

“Legend of the Guardians” is currently in Metro Manila cinemas.

War of the Marvel Gods

Chaos War looks big. It’s the event written by Fred Van Lente and Greg Pak, scribes of the always-entertaining Incredible Hercules. It looks promising; different pantheons of the Marvel U will be appearing, as well as deceased Alpha Flight and Avengers members. Must get it.

Elmo Sees Cleavage

Katy Perry’s music video with giggly puppet Elmo has been pulled out by Sesame Street producers after parents complained about the singer’s outfit. Eh, what? That’s just baffling. What’s wrong with it? And it looks like she’s wearing a body stocking around her chest area. She’s been seen in similar outfits by kids who watch her videos. Oh well.

Anyway, she sang a kiddified version of “Hot ‘N’ Cold” with Elmo. It’s weird that the song has been retooled a second time for kids (the first, I think, was the Chippettes’ version in that Chipmunks movie), since originally, the song mentioned PMS-ing “like a bitch.” Well, it’s a cute video, and it’s posted on YouTube for kids and, yeah, erstwhile Sesame Street viewers to enjoy.

Scaling the ‘Wall’ anew

Oliver Stone’s sequel to his acclaimed 1987 drama is the complex “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps,” a timely and relevant dissection of economic chaos and the more intimate bonds caught in it. Young trader Jacob Moore (Shia LaBouf) contacts greed guru Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) against the wishes of his fiancee, Gordon’s estranged daughter Winnie (Carey Mulligan). As usual, Stone’s storytelling is adventurous; his visual gimmicks can be challenging and the compositions forced, but his vision is distinct and unapologetic. The occasionally inaccessible jargon, however, can be dizzying. Still, while not always precise, “Wall Street” is by turns, powerful, perceptive, and personal.

“Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” opens September 29 in Metro Manila.

Tourist Mode, 1996

Me, 14 years ago.

New Spidey Suit

On the cover of Amazing Spider-Man # 650, Spidey’s wearing a new costume. Hmm. Not bad, but not great. Looks a little Spidey 2099-ish, with glow-in-the-dark, Tron-like effects.

After Peter returns to his original duds, some other character will probably wear the costume, a la the Scarlet Spiders, who were given the Tony Stark-designed Iron Spider-Man uniforms. Maybe.

‘Silver Agent,’ pre-martyrdom

Finally expounding on the tragic hero’s missing adventures during the lengthy Dark Age saga, the two-issue Astro City: Silver Agent is typically self-contained and worth picking up, but less affecting than previous character spotlights. Throwaway ideas become distracting at certain points, but the Silver Agent is fleshed out admirably. The martyred crimefighter is humanized, and one of Astro City’s long-shrouded secrets is satisfactorily uncovered.

Dear Homophobe

Yes, stop overthinking it. There’s no deep, dark secret behind it.

Gandalf and his shirt rock. Got the image from Kurt Busiek’s Facebook fan page.

Long ‘Distance’ crawl

“Going the Distance” is a factory-processed romantic comedy, cloyingly cute in some parts and requisitely sensitive in others. But Drew Barrymore’s nth rom-com role is a bit different, in that newspaper intern Erin’s a video game geek, an ambitious but realistic career woman, and an uninhibited girl when she hits it off with someone she likes.

And that guy is Garrett (Justin Long), whose very recent breakup is quickly forgotten when he and Erin effortlessly hook up. Things get serious in no time; it’s just too bad that they live and work in opposite coasts. One is already comfortable in New York, while the other sees important career opportunities in San Francisco.

The obligatory sidekicks (Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis) provide over-the-top shenanigans to offset the more “realistic” Garrett character. The more awkward moments, specifically sex jokes and not-quite-intimate lovemaking scenes, are more consistently funny. Barrymore’s independent, f-bomb-dropping character is actually likeable, but the long distance relationship drama is pretty normal and too cleanly resolved. When it’s not crawling, this predictable romance still sends its sappy messages adequately.

‘Robo Rock’: Geek-friendly radio show

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

Fantasy TV shows and movies, among other things, are discussed in the geek-friendly “Robo Rock Radio” talk show, a weekly program on FM station UR 105.9.

From “Voltes V”-era robots to present-day cartoons and movie adaptations, the topics discussed by the hosts are diverse. It focuses on a specific theme or genre each week; beloved ‘80s cartoons may be the subject of one episode, while the next may focus on live-action spy shows.

On air for several months now, “Robo Rock Radio’s” enthusiastic hosts cram in as much as they can into every hour-long episode. They talk in detail about old and new pop culture obsessions, as well as their personal favorites. Phone callers and Facebook contacts are also encouraged to share something about the chosen topic. Music from soundtracks and rare versions of songs from discussed shows are also played.

Keeping the show lively are hosts of the local TV show “Front Act.” The ones with the most to say about topics of the week are LC “Robo Reklamo” De Leon and Benedict “Benom” Bartolome. They never run out of things to talk about.

Bartolome has the “Ben’s Ten” contest, where listeners creatively answer the weekly questions on the show’s Facebook page. Others contribute nicely to the topic at hand; in one episode, occasional co-host Mike “Mike Rider” Unson shared interesting information about the James Bond books and movies.

As with most free-flowing discussions, topics can get a little derailed, deviating into other territories from time to time. But things are currently more organized; the hosts now analyze and share trivia without getting interrupted.

In the early weeks, they’d scramble to answer the phone, stopping their exchange whenever it rings. Thankfully, it’s on mute now.

Whichever escapist medium one may prefer—cartoons, comic books, video games, movies, toys, and music—the topics are endless. The oft-nostalgic “Robo Rock Radio” knowledgeably recollects with fans of fantasy escapism transcending different generations, and keeps them informed of new or undiscovered modern mythologies to enjoy.

“Robo Rock Radio” airs on UR 105.9 and roborockshow.tk Thursdays at 10 p.m.

Team-Ups and Tangled Tresses

Noble knights and fun hair.

GIANT ROBOTS. Some of my childhood faves. Omega Supreme, Voltes V, UFO Grendizer, Raydeen

MARSH MEN. Swamp Thing and Man-Thing, bogeymen brothers.

BAT FAMILY. Batman, Robin, Huntress, Batwoman, Oracle, Batgirl (Stephanie Brown), Red Robin, Red Hood, Nightwing, Batgirl (Cassandra Cain).

MEDUSA VS. SPIDER-GIRL. Tussling tresses! Locking locks! Medusalith Amaquelin of the Inhumans versus Sussa Paka of the Legion of Super-Villains.

Cloud 9 on Cloud Nine

Spoiler-ish! Three years ago, Abigail Boylen a.k.a. Cloud 9 only wanted to fly, but was recruited into the Initiative. She registered, was trained in super-combat, and became a sniper. Dan Slott gives the character some closure after the dissolution of the Superhuman Registration Act. This is part of the one-page story that appeared in the recent Age of Heroes miniseries. Free at last!