Stark Raving Mad

2011-10-24T15:17:00.002+08:00

Last Exile: Fam, The Silver Wing

Giant airship battles, feisty flying cuties... Yep, Last Exile's back.

A long time ago, in a Galaxy Far, Far Away... I was a younger Otaku who guzzled anime like soda. During that time, Gonzo was the studio often in the spotlight, and Last Exile was one of their classics. This series, full of cloudy worlds and warring airship fleets surely captured the minds of countless anime fans, mixing steampunk with mystical powers, light-hearted adventure (initially) with more dark, serious drama. Truth be told, I need to re-watch the series again to remember all the details, but it's still the first title I quote when I want to bring to mind awesome anime. So now, the sequel, Last Exile: Fam, the Silver Wing, is here, airing on Animax here in Manila every weekend, same time as Japan.

Set in another part of Prester, far from the warring states of Anatoray and Disith in the first LE, this time we take on the conflict between the Kingdom of Turan and the Ades Federation. I guess parallelisms to Phantom Menace are inescapable with Turan being smaller and seemingly less aggressive with their cute princesses and graceful, T-shaped airships, while we can see the more foreboding and militaristic Ades fleet as the 'bad guys'- well, since they broke a supposed peace accord and started attacking with no provocation, that's pretty unmistakable. Into this conflict barge in the titular Fam Fam Fan, a young Sky Pirate with amazing Vanship skills.
Though they'd probably be better off just staying out of the action and just hijacking the occasional lone airship, for some reason they come to the aid of Turan (perhaps they don't like seeing bullies), at first saving the embattled princesses escape then later personally flying one royal highness back to Turan. Obviously though, as the war continues with no end in sight, Fam, her people and the princess she's taken under her wing are in for the ride of their lives.

At just by the second episode there have been a couple of big battles, tons of Vanship daring-do, the return of old favorite Dio Eraclea from the first series, the revelation that there's another Exile, or giant super-powered starship, in existence and a whole city pulverized (which shows that this new series isn't all cute and fluffy). What the bad guys are planning, what other familiar faces like Tatiana Wisla will play in this conflict and what one spunky little Sky Pirate can do in all this will be revealed I guess, as Silver Wing flies off in earnest.

For now, I guess, I gotta dust off those anime VCDs and have an original Last Exile marathon very soon.

2011-10-07T11:45:00.002+08:00

Thanks for all the fun toys, Steve.

2011-07-26T12:35:00.003+08:00

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part Two

BEWARE: HERE BE SPOILERS!

Man, how long has it been? The first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone came out in 2001. TEN YEARS. That's a long time to spend with a cast and crew, and as far as I know, it's unheard of anywhere else in cinema that a worldwide franchise was able to keep it together for that long. Heck, I remember back then, people were bewildered at how the producers basically threw all their eggs into one basket- basically actor Daniel Radcliffe and his mates, to be their nest egg for seven movies (eight, eventually). But well, time has proven the investment as good as gold, as with Deathly Hallows Part 2, it's done. I have to say that even with some flaws, I consider the Harry Potter films as one of my favorite movie series of all time, alongside the LOTR, the Indiana Jones TRILOGY and Star Wars. And in many ways the Potter films have achieved more and better than these other, more high profile adventure epics.

Well, what can I say about the finale, this much-anticipated capper to this long-running saga of sorcerers in school? Really, I can't say much but gush. I loved Part 1, and Part 2 is basically still part of that sensibility, that visual style and mindset. Part 1 was the setup, the suspenseful calm before the storm, the silence before the bomb blows. Part 2 is the big shebang. And does it deliver?

I've read many reviews saying that it didn't. That it went out with a pang instead of a bang. That the Battle of Hogwarts could have been more exciting, that more could have, and should have been shown.

In some ways I am inclined to agree. Really, who wouldn't want more spells thrown, more scenes of wizard duels, more scenes of our Hogwarts comrades kicking arse? While I haven't read the actual book, I have more or less an idea of how the Battle went on the page, and yes, there were things that would have been awesome to see. But ultimately, the most important parts were, I think, shown to satisfaction onscreen- the grievous losses suffered by the good guys, and the two important baddies to bite the dust.

Still, I do indeed wish there was more shown.

For starters, I really wish that they showed more of Fred. Among the various deaths in the Hogwart ranks, the other half of the Weasley twins was the most saddening (who cares about Lavender Brown of Colin Creevey... heh). They didn't even show his face (someone joked that you could see the other twin's face anyway, so why bother...).

Another thing was, during the night, the enemy army seemed HUGE. You had the Death Eaters with Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) on one side, while there was a mob of their allies attacking the bridge- yes, we do see their leader and a good amount falling to their much-deserved deaths, but I'm sure not all of them went. So, when the morning arrived, why were there so few enemies left that the Hogwarts forces could take them on and win, without any backup (in the book, the day was saved by a proverbial cavalry of other good wizards from Hogsmeade, Hogwarts' students' families, the Centaurs and the House Elves).
One big moment, the death of bad girl Bellatrix (Helena Bonham Carter) should have been more cheer-worthy, but it appeared rushed; perhaps it should have had better setup (like Bellatrix giving the younger witches a hard time before Mrs. Weasley finally came to kick Le Strange's butt).

That all said, the film is still riotously rewarding.

It was great to see Hermione and Ron (Emily Watson and Rupert Grint) doing their part to win the day on their own, and their relationship finally showing legs.

It was great to see Professor McGonagall (Maggie Smith) finally cut loose and just be awesome.

Albus may have shuffled off (but Peter Gambon's still around, thankfully), but the presence of his lookalike brother Aberforth (an unrecognizable Ciaran Hinds) made it seem like the former headmaster was still at the school and looking after the young 'uns.

And yes, it was freakin' great to have Harry himself finally taking on Voldemort and battling tooth and nail for the final win. In the end, the victory was hard fought and paid for dearly, but won nevertheless, and you know that Harry and company earned it.

The saga of the The Boy, now Man, Who Lived is over. But it's certainly a cinematic saga that I will cherish and continue to enjoy as a contemporary classic from here on in. Darn, J.K. Rowling spun magic when she thought up this world, and it took the wizardry of film to bring it to us. From here on in, we create our own tales and spells, to visit the world of Hogwarts when we wish to. That is, unless Miss Rowlings has something else in store for the next decade...

2011-07-06T12:00:00.004+08:00

Gadget Boy Strikes Again!

I've been on a gadget rampage recently, which only kinda-sorta ended today. For the past couple of years (I think), I've been using a trusty and still-awesome iPhone 3GS. As I probably wrote a long time ago (probably on my other blog), I balked at getting an iPhone 4 for various reasons- that weird issue about the antennae and reception troubles (an issue which kinda just tapered off eventually but never got sorted out to my satisfaction), the trouble and inconvenience getting the device (Globe has it so overpriced, and confusing to get) and worst of all, the stagnation of the memory. The iPhone 4's max memory capacity is 32 Gigs, which is the same as my 3GS. But since the iP4 has that 'retina' screen and HD video recording, it should eat up more memory. Why no upgrade? If the iPhone 4 had a 64GB model, I'd probably have been more receptive.

As it was, I finally, eventually and ultimately settled on getting instead an iPod Touch 4G (or 4th Generation). It was, literally, the iPhone 4 without the phone issues, slimmer and lighter but still having pretty much the best of the controversial Apple phone- the hi-res screen (which looks freakin' gorgeous), the two cameras which you the use of Facetime, a faster processor (making my 3GS look chuggy in comparison) and best of all 64 gigs of memory. I'm two days in with my new Touch and it's awesome- I'm thoroughly enjoying the gyroscope, which makes gaming on the device pretty amazing.

Getting the Touch 4G meant though, that I had to divest myself of my 3GS. Well, since the beginning, I knew that the 3GS would be going to Mom, to replace her iPhone (the original 8GB model, which also came from me) which by now has a failing battery (which we haven't been able to replace) that dies in less than a day (even faster if you try to use any of the features, like music or such). Finally now, with the 3GS, Mom can listen to her Josh Groban and Rod Stewart tunes to her heart's content without fear of the battery conking out after a few songs.

That of course left me with an awesome media player/social networking/gaming device (aside from my iPad) but no phone. So I had to get one. Basically, I was going back to my old combo of IPT and simple phone- I thus went off to the nearest mall looking for a particular model phone- I wanted a Sony Ericsson W890i, which was small, trusty, durable and slick (plus it was a nice Walkman phone).
Unfortunately, after scouring the phone stalls, I failed to locate one. Perhaps it was due to my bad luck, but the place was teeming with a particular brand of phone- which I, inexplicably, found myself looking at and ultimately, purchasing.

And THUS, I walked away with my cheap phone to go with my hi-tech iPod Touch 4G... none other than a Cherry Mobile Z5. This may have some who know me raising their eyebrows. Really, CM is a relatively new, local distributor of obviously China-made phones whose models boast quite a lot of nice features but are of dubious quality. However, in my hands, the Z5 seemed... decent. It's a very slim, qwerty phone with a camera, FM radio and a ton of features... and who could beat the price- less than 3K! Well, after a night of tinkering with it and inputting my contacts one by one by hand (damn the iPhone's inability to return contacts to the SIM card), I was off. So far, so good. Hopefully this time I don't 'get what I paid for' with the Z5.
That said, the cheap phone is just a utility- my main thing is that now I'm happy as a clam with my Touch 4G, and Mom's happy with her new/old iPhone 3GS. All is well that ends well.

But then again, there's still that possibility of me getting an iPad 2. Maybe. We'll see...

2011-06-27T13:32:00.003+08:00

Bangkok Trippin' 2011

The Golden Buddha in Wat Traimit.

Last week, I was able to visit Bangkok, Thailand a second time. The first was several years ago, for work (albeit for a much longer time). This time it was mainly for pleasure, though the short time (less than 3 days) meant it wasn't as much kicking back as it was cramming whatever we could do while we were there. That pretty much meant walking around, soaking in culture and the sights (including the above-mentioned Golden Buddha, the reclining Buddha of Wat Po and more), foodtripping and, well, shopping. And more shopping, for most. Me, it was enough to just snap a pic or two (dozen) of this teeming city, enjoy a couple of really nice meals with crispy veggies, have my first taste of Ostrich Meat, grab a bunch of souvenir T-shirts and have a memorable (for the pain) walking trip from one big mall to another.

I have to say, after this second trip I have decided- I like Bangkok. I like it a lot. I love the food, I like the relaxing atmosphere and the beautiful sights. If and when I can or have the opportunity or the wherewithal to visit it a third time (or more), I'll surely take it.
Anyways, I took a boatload of photos, which you can, if you have the time, check out over here.

2011-03-11T14:51:00.002+08:00

Avatar Korra!

The New Face of the Avatar animated series!

It's been a while since I posted about Avatar: The Legend of Korra, the much-anticipated follow-up to my all-time favorite animated series, Avatar: The Last Airbender. Back then, all we had was a pic of a Water Bender-ish female standing atop a high place overlooking an intriguing cityscape. Now, we finally see her face. Well, granted it's not really that hard to imagine what she'd look like- she certainly looks like Katara from the first series, albeit more buff and angry. Lots of new information has been revealed about the Korra series, and I'm so glad to find these awesome tidbits.

• The series, entitled The Last Airbender: The Legend of Korra, is due for release on Nickelodeon in Mid-2012. WAAAH! So far away...

• Though initially only 12 episodes were planned, Nickelodeon has since ordered 14 more. WOOHOO! More! MORE! According to the creators of the show, the World of Avatar is full of ideas and may be tapped 'for years to come'.

• As of right now, the series' first 12 episode scripts have all been recorded, and is in the process of being animated.

• The tone of the show will be older than the first series, and heroine Korra herself is 16 or 17. There will be a return of the romantic elements or 'shipping' from the first show.

• The World has advanced quite a bit in the 70-year gap from the end of the first Avatar to Korra. There will apparently be cars and motorcycles!

• Fans of the old series can count on familiar faces to appear in some way, even if in the 70 years most of the characters from the first Avatar have already passed on. There are definite links between the two shows.

• Korra can be described as the 'Anti-Aang'. She's more aggressive, headstrong and danger-seeking, and often starts fights on her own. She still has her own charm and is very much still a teen trying to find her own way.

• The show's main villain (at least in the first 12 episodes) is described as a 'kind of anti-bending revolutionary' and is 'very scary' and 'a challenge to Korra'.

• Issues such as the fate of Zuko's mom (left unanswered at the end of the first series) will be answered but not necessarily in the show. It has been announced that there will be Avatar: The Last Airbender comics released in the near future, which may be where fans can find the further adventures of the original Avatar crew. I can't wait!!!

MAN, this is awesome. This pretty much makes up for that traversty which was the Live-action Avatar movie. BAH, EFF THAT! I don't need any stupid Shaymalan crap when the REAL DEAL is coming. Something to look forward to and hope that the world goes on after 2012, I guess. WOOHOO!!!

2011-02-15T15:17:00.003+08:00

The MADman's Must-Watch Ninja Flicks

Be vewy, vewy quiet... there's ninja about!

Ninja are awesome (yes, and the correct plural of ninja is ninja, not ninjas) and I’ve been a fan of these shadowy spies and assassins since I was old enough to wrap a towel around my head. Heck, one out of two comics I make star ninja babes in them.
So you’d understand when I recently saw the quite atrocious Ninja Assassin movie, I was suitably outraged. What a mess that was. It just goes to show that a gazillion dollars, fancy CG and a hot action trilogy in your resume can’t guarantee a good ninja flick- all you need are some game stunt guys, lots of loose pajamas, a cool story and a couple extra game stunt guys. Seriously, most of the old, cheesy ninja B-movies (most of which are probably only available on dusty old VHS) are better than the Ninja Assassin crap. So I wanna do my part in steering those not learned in the ways of the Shinobi from such junky ninja fare by recommending a few of my favorite films featuring the mystical shadow warriors. At the very least, these are the flicks I’d bring inside my Emergency Life Preservation Vault’s limited archive space once the meteors start dropping onto the planet. Check ‘em out.

Ninja III: The Domination. I never saw Ninja 1 or II, but who cares- III is the best of the lot, I guess. Why? ‘Cause it has the uber-hot Lucinda Dickey (she did all her stunts, apparently) as an aerobics instructor and telephone linewoman being possessed by a dead ninja out for revenge on the cops who killed him. Oh, and it has Sho Kosugi with an EYE PATCH. This has it all- funny yelps, smashing tombstones, a Jacuzzi assassination, mind-controlled monks and funny special effects like a grade school Poltergeist. But really, this was a fun, sexy, action-packed flick that was never boring, and the ninja-on-ninja action was awesome.

The Octagon. This Chuck Norris flick has him battling a secret cult of ninja. The fight scenes look laughably staged nowadays (actually this is true for most of the old ninja movies), but this was pretty cool regardless. The penultimate fight between Chuck and a masked ‘sub-boss’ ninja warrior is still awesome today, in any case. Oh, and the main bad guy is named Sakura! WAHAHA! Okay, it’s actually Seikura… details, details.

Ninja Scroll. The one animated film in this lineup is also probably the most explicitly violent, complete with nudity, sex, a rape scene, multiple dismemberments and blood gushing in torrents. Get past that though and you’ll know why this flick is the single most awesome piece of Japanese anime out there, still unmatched to this day. Oh, and yeah, there are actual ninja in it in between all the freaky mutants and demon creeps.

The Hunted. An understated but awesome action-suspense flick and one of actor Christopher ‘Raiden’ Lambert’s best, in my opinion. Lambert is the titular prey, a foreign businessman being stalked across Japan by a ninja cult led by Kinjo (played by John Lone with a deadly calm and confidence). Every action scene is brilliant, with the best being an awesome battle on the Shinkansen bullet train and the final battle on an ancient samurai clan’s island stronghold.
To me, this is probably THE definitive modern ninja action flick, which makes it a bit ironic that two important cast members (Lone and Joan Chen) are Chinese. Suspense, action, humor in spades- this film is still excellent today.

Arhat vs Ninja (Shaolin vs Ninja). Okay, this is a glossed-over, faded memory of my youth- I'm really not sure about the actual title. Basically it's a pretty old and obscure period kung-fu flick. As the story goes, a royal heir was hidden among the young monks of the Shaolin Temple. The villains send out their assassins- at first Chinese fighters- to find and kill the kid. Despite taking out quite a few monks at first, the Shaolin youths eventually turn the tables and slaughter the baddies. The villains then turn to a different source for muscle- from the Japanese ninja. The Shaolin are totally unprepared for the ninja style of combat, which is all about striking from secrecy and shadows- 'Unfair' as they describe it (I guess this is more of the anti-Japanese sentiment prevalent in Kung-fu flicks). Eventually there's a stalemate, and several Shaolin kids sacrifice themselves with bombs on their bodies to try and take out the bad guys, and end up blowing themselves up with the ninja (who at least are honorable enough to die for their employers). The film ends with a treaty guaranteeing the safety of the Shaolin Temple. Pretty strange and odd fantasy/action flick, and if you can find this, good for you!

And that's it. I guess part of the reason as well for my writing this article is that I'm psyching myself up for writing some scripts starring ninja. What's it for? Well, that's gonna have to wait a bit. For now though, chase down these titles before the VHS tapes they're on warp away forever. GO! IKUZO!

2011-02-14T12:30:00.002+08:00

Bringing Back the MADness

Lately I've been trimming the fat a bit from my online fingerprint. This has resulted in the passing away of my two sites for my comics Angel Ace and K.I.A.. However, I simply couldn't bring myself to do away with this particular site- Stark Raving MAD, my personal online journal, was my first-ever blog and I think it's a significant chunk of who I am, or was, for 8 years (and counting). I think it's worth capturing life and times from my eyes in this little pocket of the web.

So, I'm resolving to post here on SRM a lot more often, be it about my hopefully to-be-rejuvenated comic book pastime, anything about pop culture (the odd movie rant or review) and anything I encounter deem blogging about. Whether I have just one reader or none at all, I'll continue speaking my mind here- I'm a MADman, after all.

2011-02-09T17:20:00.004+08:00

Disney's Tangled Review

Disney's 50th animated film takes the Rapunzel fable to unheard-of lengths.

I haven't had the pleasure of watching many good movies lately, so it was quite refreshing to finally have a movie tug at all the right strings with Disney's Tangled. This film has had a lot of baggage heaped upon it from development up to it's release, about everything from the film's name change from simply being named 'Rapunzel' from the source fairy tale, to the marketing of the movie to boys by building up sidekick character Flynn Rider, to the fact that this is Disney's 50th animated feature and supposedly, it's last 'Princess' animated feature. Well, pooh-pooh to all that. If you ask me, it's no biggie that this isn't entitled Rapunzel (though I wouldn't mind that, given how awesome this latest Disney Princess is), since it's an adaptation and quite far from the original source material anyways. And that rumor of this being the last Disney animated flick? Apparently not true. Well, after the positive response to Tangled after it's showing in theaters, I don't think it is anymore, if ever.

Anyway, looooong story short, all that baggage shouldn't get in the way of you getting your butt into a theater, recommended with a really nice date, to see Tangled, arguably one of the most refreshing and beautiful animated films I've ever seen, and perhaps my new all-time favorite Disney flick. There's a wonderful, modern energy to this- thankfully perhaps due to the Pixar influence from John Lasseter. Directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard (BRAVO!) have crafted a tale full of earnest energy, action-adventure, drama, humor and heartfelt emotion from beginning to end. Everything comes together, from the design of the picture-perfect animated fairy tale world to the utterly believable, gorgeously animated characters and the wonderful script, performances and music.

Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) is a lovely young woman with 70 feet of golden, magical hair who has lived most of her 18 years inside a hidden tower. Though without bars or locks, she is kept there for fear of the outside world, impressed upon her by her single parent, Mother Gothel (Donna Murphy). Unknown to Rapunzel, she is a princess from the nearby kingdom, kidnapped when she was a baby and hidden away since her hair now holds a magical healing power which allows Gothel to retain her youth indefinitely. However, all these years, Rapunzel's curiosity of a mysterious night phenomenon- beautiful lights that fill the sky far off in the distance once every year on her birthday- is about to make the timid heroine step out of her comfort zone.

When a dashing rogue named Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi) bungles upon the tower while trying to escape after stealing a tiara from the royal palace (ironically it's Rapunzel's own tiara). Rapunzel knocks the intruder out but then later realizes that the thief is her one and only chance to see the lights that have fascinated her all these years. And so begins an adventure that will take a lost princess on a road trip and adventure of a lifetime.

What works so well in this film at the very least are the characters- Rapunzel herself is utterly adorable; a modern young woman, creative, determined, courageous and kind, yet limited and shackled by her own moral code of loyalty and misplaced love in the only parent she's ever known. It's this hold that Gothel has over Rapunzel which is more potent than any spell or magic in past fairy tales that makes the tale more mature and modern than most. Mandy Moore gives a wonderful vocal performance in both speaking and singing parts, and the animation for this adorable, barefoot blonde heroine makes her a truly convincing and lovable character to root for. It is no stretch for me to say that thanks to how more involved and expressive Rapunzel is portrayed and shown, she is easily the best Disney heroine for me so far. Literally... Best. Disney Princess. EVER!

Zachary Levi's smooth-talking Flynn is a great match to Rapunzel, though sometimes his jokes are so fast if you blink you'll miss them. Wonderfully though, his transformation from rascal to hero is effectively portrayed. Backing up Rapunzel and Flynn with humor and action are two characters who ironically do not speak at all- Pascal the obligatory (but welcome) chameleon pet sidekick and the pretty awesome Maximus, a royal guard horse who could probably star in his own detective action series. Stealing the show though whenever she appears is villainess Gothel, thanks to an amazing performance by the sultry tones of Donna Murphy. She may not be the most scary or powerful Disney villainess, but she's definitely one of the most sinister and easily the most realistic, and lethal (perhaps she's a Level 32 assassin).

There are moments in this film that made me laugh out loud, and some brought my eyes to the verge of tears, thanks to the convincing emotion coming from these CG characters (again, another mark of Pixar). But they're not from big drama scenes either- it's the quiet scenes like the wordless exchange between the grief-stricken King and Queenl, and that moment when rogue and princess finally connect and start to become a couple. Oh, and aside from that there's an AWESOME action scene with a freakin' amazing waterfall.

On the film's music and songs- there have been reviews saying that the songs by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater are not as memorable as those in previous Disney musicals. In my opinion, the songs are perfect matches to the story being told, and well that they should- Tangled is more of a straight adventure with some musical moments, not an animated musical play (like the earlier Disney classics were). That all said, songs like Mother Gothel's Mother Knows Best, the Thuggy theme I've Got a Dream and the climactic love song I've Seen the Light are wonderful pieces that go with the amazing visuals perfectly.

But probably the one great thing about Tangled as a whole is, that despite being a thoroughly updated, modern take on the source fable, it's NOT a cop-out, jaded pandering of pop culture references or throwaway slapstick- this is still a Disney classic through and through and a very fitting 50th Anniversary offering.

If you haven't watched this gem of an animated masterpiece yet in the theater (better in 3D), do yourself a favor and wait for this on DVD or Blu-ray. Don't get any crappy cam vid or bootleg off some street corner. This is a quality film that should be seen the way it's meant to be. Get a mate, or a date, watch and enjoy.

Disney's Tangled is now showing in theaters all over Metro Manila (in both 2D and 3D).

2010-11-24T12:11:00.002+08:00

The Calm Before the Storm

Earlier this week I finally got to watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1... perhaps the last movie I'll watch in a theater this year. Perhaps that's a good thing, to end 2010's movie-watching memories with a good, perhaps even great, film.

This penultimate chapter in the Potter movie series is, of course, only the first half of one whole movie that adapts the seventh and final book in J.K. Rowling's worldwide hit series of children's books. Unlike most every other film in the franchise, this chapter has none of the trappings that one would think part and parcel of the Potter saga- a jolly train trip to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the expected magical pranks and sight gags along with the requisite wide-eyed expression of wonder from Harry and the gang (which happened so many times even after several years of being around magic and sorcery on a daily basis). There's little to no laugh-out loud comedy, no silliness or mirth in the current state of things in the Wizarding World. Though refreshingly still bursting with familiar faces as most of the Potter cast return, the reunions are somber and guarded.

The movie opens with heartbreaking scenes of silent farewell- from Hermione Granger literally erasing herself from her muggle (non-wizard) parents' memories to Harry watching the Dursleys depart forever from Privet Place, to the Weasleys' hiding out in a remote camp, away from their usually warm and cozy homestead. The situation truly is dire, and the enemy is very real and very, very serious. Voldemort and his Death Eaters are in control, and they seem to be taking out anyone in their way in very quick and easy fashion. All that's standing in his way is Harry- a clueless youth being protected desperately by a small band of loyal friends and associates in the Order of the Phoenix- an organization that is losing members daily, that has already lost it's leader one movie ago.

Before even the first thirty minutes is up, no less than three characters- all recognized and beloved, two of whom have been in the films since the beginning- are maimed or killed. As the opening monologue from Bill Nighy's Minister Rufus Scrimgeour intones, "These are dark times."

What follows is a short respite of forced normalcy, before the core trio of Harry, Hermione and Ron are forced on the run on the cold streets of London, complete with a chases and a magical firefight that seems more at home in the Jason Bourne films, albeit with spells and curses rather than bullets. It doesn't take long though for the trio to vanish off into the wilderness, far away from the cities and hunters, and into a time of seclusion.

It's this part of Hallows Part 1, the extended time spent in the middle of the forest by themselves, that this film is, depending on the viewer, at it's best or worst. For some it may be something like Harry VS Wild. Or the Potter Witch Project. But for those who let the mood of the scene take you, it's pretty atmospheric and powerful, showcasing some of the best acting from the young actors yet in these movies. The forest scenes are deathly quiet, with minimal music, if any. The young wizards are left alone with no clues on how to progress, the fates of their friends and family unsure. Their only trump card is that in their possession is a Horcrux- one of the pieces of Voldemort's soul that are the keys to his destruction. Unfortunately, like some ring from another fantasy series, the object seems indestructible, and worse, corrupting. Before the lengthy forest sequence ends, friendships are tested to their limits and the trio won't be leaving their refuge intact.

As this is only half of one book, an incomplete chapter, it's still a good testament to the script that there's still quite a few action scenes as well as a good finale with a fair bit of climax, ending with an event that is heart-piercingly sad and personal. It's a quiet moment of profound sadness and loss for Harry which does wonders into making sure that any viewer who has loved these films and characters will not be able to wait to get to the next and final chapter of this series for some well-deserved comeuppance.

While previous Potter films have consistently shown differences in directorial and visual style, this Potter's striking difference is in the tone and dark mood, an oppressive aura and feeling of defeat that you see or feel rarely at this caliber in any film franchise. Really, did you think that the Fellowship of the Ring or The Rebel Alliance had it bad? Harry Potter has it worse, in his own right! As usual though, the uniform and consistent excellence of production quality, characters and performances and the sheer brilliance of the execution in bringing Rowling's continually-evolving world to the big screen are things that I continue to enjoy with this series.

One more film to go, and it's all over. Man, July 2011 should be so profoundly glorious and, as well, profoundly sad.

2010-11-22T16:00:00.003+08:00

My Story So Far...

It's been a while since I last posted on this blog. Things have happened, or not happened as the case may be.

I haven't been able to post much here, since, well, blogging on the personal journal isn't as eventful as it was before, and sadly, the circle of friends and readers that once made this kind of intimate writing has long since gone. On the comic side, I haven't been as active as I was before in terms of local indie publishing. For the most part I write for comics these days, but don't do the art. It's proven to be, for the most part, a lot more profitable, if not as creatively satisfying.

For the most part I've been game-blogging on my other current blog, The Lone Gamer. It's proven to be fun and continues to be my daily writing stint. However, I do miss the days when I could just blog about lunch or something weird that comes to mind that doesn't involve videogames.

The longtime, long-standing Angel Ace website is gone. Poof. Dead. Nada. Gone without so much as a goodbye or a whimper, aside from an entry in Facebook. It has been lingering all these years, but now it's really gone. I just declined to pay the bi-annual fee and it was no more. Well, in the end it was for the better. I can do better.

So what happens now?

2010 is pretty much gone. Too late for this year. But I think I may make 2011 a bit different. I'll try my darndest to get back into making comics next year. With the help of some friends, and perhaps the egging of some fans (if they're still out there). I want to make something all new. Or something familiar. Or both. We'll see.

In any case, I don't think I'll be taking down this blog anytime soon. It's still here for me to post on, to take down my thoughts, to rant or rave on whatever comes to mind. Anyone and everyone is welcome to chime in.

And that's all there is to say right now. Later then!

2010-09-06T16:19:00.002+08:00

Pixar-esque Pinoy Animation: RPG Metanoia

Just saw this earlier today, and I have to say I'm intrigued. Haven't seen this on TV, nor have I heard anything about it. That should change soon, since this is by Star Cinema, so there should be a budget behind this. Apparently from the trailer I can surmise that this is an MMORPG-esque adventure. The style has a Dreamworks type of look to it, but the quality is impressive if you base it on past stuff from local animators. I particularly like how the Hero apparently uses a Yo-yo as his weapon... very Pinoy (since the weapon was supposedly invented locally). I'll want to see this in full, if I can tear myself away from home and actually venture into a movie house in December Crowded Mall Season. The only things I see though that can derail from this being awesome is if they borrow too much from foreign stuff. Here's to this flick having it's own unique style and flavor apart from the usual anime, Western or European cartoon. For now, anyway, color me intrigued and hopeful.

2010-07-25T03:06:00.003+08:00

Avatar: The Legend of Korra

The next Avatar is ready to bend the world to her iron will.

As disappointed I am with Shyamalan's lackluster Last Airbender, I am now quite excited and elated upon hearing news of Avatar: The Legend of Korra (this may be just a working title at this point). Just announced recently upon being greenlit by Nickelodeon, this sequel to the acclaimed Avatar: The Last Airbender animated series is ready to start the cycle all over again and surely please fans of the original, like ME!

So far it's known that Legend of Korra (LOK) will be set 70 years after the events in the first Avatar series. Korra, the new incarnation of the Avatar and Aang's reincarnation, is a rebellious, headstrong teenager who originally hails from the Southern Water Tribe (Katara and Sokka's neck of the woods). Unlike Aang, at the start of the series Korra has already mastered Waterbending, Earthbending and Firebending. Her main quest is apparently concerned with finding an Airbending teacher- not an easy task when the Last Airbender, Aang, is dead. Not to fear though, since Aang and Katara DID have a son named Tenzin, who may be the new Last Airbender (or there may be more, who knows?). Intriguing stuff!

Other bits of info being thrown about are that this new series may actually be a mini-series instead of a full show, and that it will have many flashbacks and references to the first Avatar show- in effect, the old gang may be appearing still despite either being very very old or very very dead. Perhaps we'll learn if Zuko ever found his mother and other loose ends.

Anwyay, given the caliber and quality of the first series, I've no doubt that Korra will surely be another classic and favorite of mine, once it debuts sometime in 2011. I'll be keeping my eyes out for every scrap on this one, but for now I'll be content with just carrying the original Avatar show with me all the time on my iPhone or iPad. Heheh...

2010-07-18T17:36:00.004+08:00

iCame, iSaw, iPad.

I'm gonna need a bigger pocket.

As if getting a couple of iPhones, an iPod Touch and a desktop iMac hasn't qualified me as a Mac addict, now I've gone and passed the point of no return. I bought an iPad. Yep, the oversized iPod Touch. I may have mentioned once, twice or perhaps ten times in the past that I would never get Apple's tablet- "I can't picture myself taking this out of the house!" I said. "What would I use it for?" was another statement. Yeah, back then I never saw myself wanting or using this seemingly extraneous, uncategorized machine. For a person who usually wishes to travel fast without anything weighing me down, even just the Pad's 1.5-lb. weight seemed too much.

Well, what can I say? In the past, years ago, I also said I never saw myself ever needing a cellphone with a color screen. Silly me.

Anyway, one reason for my sudden turnaround was caused by the recent news of the reception problem with the iPhone 4- I just got turned off to this device whose basic functions can be affected by simply holding it a certain way. So I found myself gravitating towards the iPad. I was happy with my 3GS, and would be for the near future. But I needed a tech toy to occupy myself.

So here I am with the iPad. As I expected, it's gorgeous- a slate of black glass and aluminum that once again feels so solidly high quality in the hands, as with the past Apple iDevices. After my first week of using the thing, I can easily say that the iPad has changed my whole way of doing things. It has, effectively, unseated my iPhone 3GS as my portable media center, online connectivity device (through WiFi only though), entertainment device and productivity tool. My phone's still sure to be my constant companion, but now I am relegating more stuff to the Pad so my phone can remain, well, a phone.

This includes watching videos, although now I can enjoy the gorgeous HD content available in full resolution- something that the smaller screen of the iPhone (or any phone, for that matter) could never do (even the iPhone 4, arguably, retina screen regardless). Surfing the net, keeping connected to social networks and sending emails is now far easier and more pleasurable with the Pad, although I am limited to WiFi- but this is by choice as well. In terms of productivity, the iPad is a viable tool for me to type out Word documents (typing documents on a phone is, while doable, ultimately impractical), thanks to the larger screen, larger keyboard and better battery life. Then I can send out copy and documents via email, making it a useful tool for work as well as personal matters. Need to write a review and post it asap? Done. Need to write out copy for work? Just get to a WiFi spot, type out the script and then email it to the office. Done! Waiting in between commercial shoots? I'll play a game. Or ten games. Or sketch out some pages. Or watch a movie. Amazing.

And the battery life! I have to say, the iPad blew me away with how awesome the battery is. You can just work or play on this thing for hours, it outlasts any laptop to my knowledge.

That all said, the iPad isn't perfect of course- it doesn't have the power or versatility of a full computer, but what it can do it does well, and all in a pleasantly fun and engaging package that I just can't get enough of. Funny that this thing which I thought was so useless has turned out to be a great investment that I am totally enjoying right now. I can see myself making full use of this on my next TV shoots, on long road trips or anywhere boredom may strike.

The iPad has made me a believer. Don't honk it right away unless you've tried it yourself first- this device is a winner. You may not need it at first, but give it a chance and you may want it. And then you might not be able to do without it.

My iPad's a 64 Gigabyte WiFi-only model, bought at 40K in Greenhills. Got a nice spiffy leather book-type case which was a bit pricey, but worth it.

2010-07-09T12:33:00.011+08:00

Life, Love and Loss in the Gutter: Arnold Arre's Kaye for Komiks Review

Arnold Arre's second film is a biting, often humorous tribute to the local Indie Komiks scene.

A couple of nights ago, I braved yet another stinky cab and Fort Boni rush hour to make it to Arnold Arre's debut screening of Kaye for Komiks, his second short film and outing into the world of moving pictures. As with Chapter:-One, the venue was the underground theater at Fully Booked at Bonifacio High Street. But unlike last time, the house was PACKED. As in, the place was made for about sixty people, but there were well over a hundred confirmed guests for the night, and most of them came. It only added to the enjoyment, in any case.

In contrast to his first short film (which was of the horror/suspense genre), Kaye for Komiks is one part tentative, opposites attract romance, two parts local comic book industry documentary and one part retelling of Arnold's own experiences as an indie comic book creator. Filmed mostly at the Sputnik X comic book store in Cubao, the main story is about the relationship between a jaded, failing local comic book creator (Mihk Vergara) and a bubbly ex-advertising artist (Cathy Ferolino). In between we're also treated to various interviews with some luminaries of Komiks, such as Gerry Alanguilan and Leinil Yu.

Running at just short of an hour at about 57 minutes, K4K moves by fast at a quick pace. Edited tightly and containing elements of green screen hocus pocus and even some bits of animation (complete with art from Arnold's past illustrated works and some other local titles), the film has a slightly off-kilter, surreal visual style that fits well into the comic book theme, and is downright impressive for what is basically a one man (well, one man and wife) operation. But even ILM effects would be for naught if the central figures had no charisma, and thankfully that's no problem here.

For (as far as I know) first-time actors, Mikh Vergara and Cathy Ferolino shine as the leads, and thankfully not just because they're just pretty faces that stand up great even to Arnold's VERY intimate camera (though they are indeed easy on the eyes).

Vergara is able to convey the martyred air of the struggling, world-weary artist he's portraying, through his eyes and the gravity in his words. A lot rides on him delivering in the film's most intense moments, and he passes with flying colors.

Ferolino's Kaye on the other hand, is all sweetness and light, a bubbly outsider looking into a world she knows little about (at least, initially), and carrying on with just an open smile and bright eyes. Again, as far as I know her performance works because partly it's real (she's probably mystified in real life by all the comic book geeks and oddballs surrounding her on set), and partly because there's a sincerity and genuine quality to her smile and the look in her eyes.

The other members of the cast, from the Jay and Silent Bob tributes (played by none other than Sputnik's owners) to odd characters and weirdos encountered throughout the film, are as usual composed of Arnold's friends and associates, all looking and acting with the exuberance of pizza-and-soda-laced performers. There's even an appearance by celebrity R.J. Ledesma as a 'childstar-turned-comic book legend'. Once again, somehow, you know people had fun on the shoots.

Kaye for Komiks is an entertaining watch and in my eyes a definite notch up from Arnold's first work. Once again, he tells a complete and satisfying story, laced with drama, comedy and anecdotes from a world he once played in (and should again, I hope), along the way regaling viewers with his own visual flair and comic book sensibilities.

It's also a story very close to my own experiences (very much akin as I am to Arn as well in the Komik Industry), but that doesn't mean you have to be a komikero to enjoy it. I can't wait for his next issue then. What's next Arn? Action Movie? Sci-fi Extravaganza? A Pinoy Lord of the Rings???

After watching this, I can easily believe the possibilities are endless.

2010-07-06T13:22:00.006+08:00

Full Metal Alchemist Ends Again! (Anime)

Seeya, Ed!

It was just several weeks ago that I posted about the ending of the Full Metal Alchemist manga, and now here's the ending of the anime version. Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood takes its final curtain call at Episode 64. The last ep was all epilogue, giving the cast of characters their due desserts and resolutions. The anime version alters/improves on some aspects from the original manga ending. All in all, it was a great send-off, and the emotional parts were handled superbly with the gravity and emotion needed for a good impact.

It's nice to note that FMAB's endings, at least for the main heroes, are not vague as is often the case with anime. It's no surprise who ends up with who, but more with that they actually show us quite a bit, which is lovely. From all indications, the lands of Amestris, Xing Et Al are in a new Golden Age, free of machinations by evil forces, open to exploration and adventure. Who's willing to bet that Ed's kids will grow up to be master alchemists like their dad, uncle and granddad? Perhaps if Arakawa-san sees it fit, we'll see the next generation of Elrics go on their own adventures someday.

There's actually a bit more FMAB to come, surprisingly- apparently there's a movie version coming, though what it contains will probably be more of a summary of the series rather than any continuation. It will be nice to see what it turns out to be, I guess.

In any case, it's been a wild ride. Few titles hit me with the impact that FMA has, and none but FMA has hit me like this TWICE. Awesome, just freaking awesome. Good thing I can always rewatch and enjoy this classic anytime. Later then!

2010-06-30T11:44:00.003+08:00

FINALLY.

Evil has left Malacanang.

It's the start of a new era, hopefully what the martyred population of the Philippines has been waiting several years for.

Just as the US found hope with President Barack Obama, Filipinos are pinning their hopes on the new President Aquino.

All I can wish for is that he is true to his parents' legacy. No good son would betray such a trust.

Congratulations, President Noy.

Let the new journey begin.

2010-06-12T13:35:00.002+08:00

Full Metal Farewell

Ed and company take their final bow.

AND... it's over.

The final chapter of Full Metal Alchemist (manga) was released recently, ending a long and celebrated run of this much-beloved, popular and critical manga hit. Nicely enough, it ended with mostly a positive note- it's just short of a Happy-Happy-Joy-Joy ending, but at the very least, everyone got their just desserts for the most part, leaving the world of Amestris, Xing and even the shattered land of Ishval on the way to a brighter tomorrow. In a nice divergence from the original anime, the manga (and eventually the second anime) ends with the two brothers actually going their separate ways and lives, instead of throwing everything away (including a poor girl named Winry) just to stay together. I can't see this world being revisited anymore, it's pretty much done with an ending that leaves little to interpretation or need for continuation. All's well that ends well. Now all that's left is to see this ending animated in Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

Goodbye, Ed, Al, Winry, Roy, Riza, Scar, Lin, May and the rest. Thanks for an amazing ride.

2010-05-14T12:25:00.003+08:00

Join the Brotherhood!

ALL TOGETHER NOW!

I just read the penultimate chapter of the Full Metal Alchemist manga, and what can I say? This freakin' title rocks. Let blasted Bleach give you 18 measly pages per dole-out... Hirasawa-san is clocking in at 60+ pages per issue in these last few installments. It is sad to note that FMA will most surely be ending with next month's supposedly mammoth last chapter, with what will probably be mostly epilogue to the long and colorful saga of the Elric Brothers, their friends, allies, associates and enemies, and the lands of Amestris and Xing. That's a lot of people and plots to join up, but it's been awesome. I don't know how it's going to end- it could go for the stereotypical Japanese melancholy ending- there will be a victory, but with a price. I'm not so much worried for Ed as I am for Al... but knowing Edward Elric, he's not going to stand by without his brother, whole and alive, standing with him at the end. But we'll just have to see, won't we?

It's amazing to note that as the manga ends next month, the anime- Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood, which has been doing an awesome job of adapting the pages to animated life, will also be wrapping up. Supposedly the anime will end at episode 63, which leaves only 7 more to go. With tons of stuff happening in these final manga pages to be squeezed into these last few episodes, I am thinking maybe the final ep or so will be an hour long or so. I hope they manage to get everything and everyone in. Once it's all said and done, this series has surely made it's mark. I'm gonna enjoy this title till the sky falls down. Awesome stuff.

2010-05-11T15:55:00.003+08:00

The People Have Spoken

Yesterday, despite the sweltering El Nino heat and long queues that tested patience and resolve, Pinoys headed off to polling precincts to participate in the National Elections. Me? I waited two hours before I was able to cast my vote- once I was there it took several minutes for me to finish as I painstakingly tried to keep my markings within the egg-shaped selections. Not easy, considering that the spaces for your selections are tiny, and you're provided with a felt-tip marker that can easily blot out and potentially invalidate your vote. Thankfully though my ballot was accepted no problem, so I headed home with satisfaction.

Today it seems that Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III has won by a large margin, with him being the only one in the way of 'Erap' Estrada from reclaiming the presidency. Yes, I voted for Senator (and soon President) Aquino, in the same hope that everyone else who voted for him- the hope for change, the hope for a new government that should combat corruption and graft, what many of us feel are the main shackles keeping our country the poor, sick man of Asia. So far, so good. But even when the proclamation is done and the new regime takes over, it's still not over. We've got a long way to go before the taint that the current government has left on our society can be erased, if ever.

But at least we've taken the first step.

2010-05-08T23:12:00.004+08:00

War is Hell

A whole new theater of operations...

I loved HBO's Band of Brothers. No, that's a lie. I freakin' ADORED it. It was pretty much Saving Private Ryan the TV series, but in becoming that it was so much more. The Men of Easy Company were a great bunch of soldiers and characters to follow through America's war against Nazi Germany, from the iconic Richard Winters to foot soldiers like Shifty Powers, each episode was a mini-masterpiece of the horrors, highs and lows of war, from Market Garden to Bastogne to the Eagle's Nest. To this day I can still watch any episode ('cept maybe the Doc-centric one...) repeatedly with anticipation. And so it was that I expected HBO's follow-up series, The Pacific, with great anticipation. I mean, how could it fail? The same production team and philosophy, just with a whole different setting and enemy for the US soldiers to face. It is, supposedly, the most expensive mini-series by HBO and Tom Hanks' production so far, and it shows in the cinematic epicness and grimy, bloody texture of the whole story of the US marines and their efforts to defeat a suicidal, brutal enemy in the Imperial Japanese empire.

That said... I have to say... it has come up short.

As much as I would like it to be as great as BOB was, it just isn't. The Pacific has the same quality production values, a cast that gives their all to convey the terror and filth and horror that was the war against the 'Japs'... but it just doesn't get to me as well. Which is weird since this series is set in a place closer to home, within the theater of World War II in Asia.

Perhaps it's in the characters- the series centers on three main soldiers, none of whom resonate with me that much. Most everyone else is either forgettable or looks the same as everyone else, too covered in blood, dirt, mud and grime to be identifiable. There is little company or banter in the marines, not like it was with Easy Company's likable band of grunts, not enough humor to balance the heavy weight of near psychotic fear, constant dread and manic depressiveness each soldier seems to evoke as they fight against a ruthless enemy willing to fight tooth and nail for every inch of soil in the islands they defend.

Then there's the action. For the most part the first several action setpieces are set in darkness, with the Americans' guns blazing away at an enemy we rarely ever see. The Japanese are voices in the distance, silhouettes that appear in a flash, then melt into piles of corpses in the morning. There is little thrill, cinematically, in these scenes for me. It's like this isn't a war between equals, between men of opposing beliefs- it's more a bloody face-off between hunters and packs of wild animals that need to be exterminated. instead of the thrilling, tactics-laden and brilliant encounters in Brothers, such as Easy's initial capture of Nazi cannons, or even the helter-skelter rush for safety in the chaos of Market Garden, we get smaller skirmishes and shadowy run-ins in the jungle, with the action obscured by darkness or the simple confusion of who's onscreen or what the heck is happening. And really, there's not much excitement in watching machine gunners or mortar crews (who seem to make up most of the cast) at work. The airstrip battle (which was portrayed in the videogame Call of Duty World at War) is one rare point so far where we actually see a stand-up, real battle. Still, there are two episodes left unseen which will hopefully have at least one or two more sequences of considerable action.

I guess it's to be expected that the Japanese are nowhere near the same enemy as the Germans were. Where the Nazis were more tactical, strategic enemies who used heavy armor and efficiency, the Imperial Japanese were known more for savagery, brutality and fanatical zeal... hence suicidal Banzai charges into machine gunfire. They were totally different psychologically, which in some aspects makes them a more terrifying enemy. However, I guess it makes it a bit of a backfire on The Pacific as a whole since you kinda need to be a bit masochistic to want to watch it repeatedly (unlike Band of Brothers)... the replay value gets killed a bit.

In the end, The Pacific isn't horrible or bad by any means- in terms of production values it's right there with it's brother series. Perhaps it's just in the simple fact that compared to Band of Brothers, the war in Asia is just not as palatable or 'pleasant' to watch. War is hell indeed in the Pacific. Perhaps too hellish, even for the small screen. I guess fighting the Nazis is just a lot easier to watch.

2010-04-15T13:56:00.002+08:00

Komikon Summer!

I don't have anything ready yet, but I'll probably be at UP this weekend to pick up the latest Pinoy comics and komiks. Maybe I'll even finally decided on my next comic there as well. I've got several ideas, but I haven't quite decided yet what to do. Decisions, Decision! Gotta decided soon so I can get something out by October. We'll see!

See you there, Komikeros!

2010-03-08T13:59:00.009+08:00

Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood

Anime Awesomness.

Years ago, when I was still neck-deep into anime, the original Full Metal Alchemist anime was one of my favorites. I remember loving the quality of the character designs, the animation, the world and the storyline, even though ultimately it disappointed with a depressing 'ending' that dragged out into an iffy series of OAVs and an even more depressing movie. Yeah, it was only until recently that I realized how crappy FMA really was- when compared to Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood from renowned anime production house, Studio Bones.

What is apparently a very straightforward adaptation of the original (and still ongoing) manga by creator Hiromu Arakawa, in so many ways Brotherhood is a massive improvement over its predecessor anime. The scope of the story is so much broader and complex, thankfully without having to resort to bringing the action to our own mundane Earth.

After losing their mother to illness years ago, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric innocently commit an act forbidden by the laws of alchemy- human transmutation. In the process Ed loses an arm and a leg, while Al loses his entire body, reduced to just his bare soul, quickly attached by his brother to a suit of armor. Though still young and inexperienced, the two brothers later set off on a journey to reclaim what they have lost by finding the legendary Philosopher's Stone. This quest will bring them into contact with the darkest forces in their land, as well as many who will become friends or enemies as their personal crusade soon becomes a war for the survival of their country.

To match the epic scope and story, the cast of characters both evil and good properly enlarged as well. Not only do we have the Elric Brothers and Roy Mustang's loyal officers to root for- Brotherhood gives us a literal army of allies and comrades for Ed and Al, many of them once only seen in the original manga. There's the Ice Queen of the North, Olivier Armstrong and her battle-hardened troops, newcomers from the foreign land of Xing- Lin, Ran Fan, Fu and May, rebel Chimera and so much more. Characters like Scar, Izumi Curtis, Tim Marcoh and Zolf Kimblee become so much more complete and in many ways endlessly more bad-ass and awesome than they ever were in the original. The Homunculus have never been as scary and powerful- King Bradley, formerly Pride in the first anime, is now ten times more deadly and powerful as Wrath in Brotherhood. Then there's the new Homunculi- the 'real' Pride and Sloth. Now these villains aren't just underground, secret enemies- their reach goes far deeper and higher than ever before. At the heart of it all, the mysterious and enigmatic, seemingly omnipotent Father, whose sinister agenda is still to be fully revealed.

Nearly every episode of Brotherhood is an event to be savored since it debuted last year. The direction, the drama, the characters, the humor, the action and the music all reek of top quality, rarely seen in such a great degree. I can't count how many great moments have gotten the hair on the back of my neck perking up in delight as with Brotherhood. As the manga closes Brotherhood looks to capture it as well in a suitably awesome endgame that has just begun in the most recent episode.

If there's a title I can say encapsulates everything awesome about anime, certainly FMAB is one excellent example. I'd go as far as to say that this may be my favorite Japanese anime ever, placing it alongside my other non-Japanese animated series all-time fave, Avatar: The Last Airbender. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting an anime show to watch and get into. Join the Brotherhood!

2009-12-09T14:43:00.007+08:00

Streetfighter Legends: Ibuki Announced!

The super-cute kunoichi finally gets her due.

What a treat!!! Udon Comics just announced the next title in their Streetfighter Legends line; Streetfighter Legends: Ibuki is a 4-issue limited series that stars the mega-popular ninja girl from Capcom's Streetfighter 3 games. The comic will take on Ibuki's adventures as she juggles her ninja training, battles with rival Geki Ninja and high school hi-jinx all at the same time. All this, PLUS a crazy karate girl named Makoto! Will she even make it to lunch hour?

Man, it's no exaggeration for me to say that this is a dream come true. Ibuki is easily my favorite character in the Streetfighter games, and was the primary inspiration for my own Ninja Girl KO! Having her in a comic of her own is beyond awesome. This is surely a sideways confirmation hopefully of Ibuki's appearance in the upcoming Super Streetfighter IV game, which is also set for Spring next year. Man, lotsa Ninja Girl awesomeness! I gotta lie down. Hahaha!

Streetfighter Legends: Ibuki, with story by Jim Zubkavich and art by Omar Dogan, is set for launch in March 2010.

2009-12-07T17:25:00.005+08:00

Inuyasha: The Final Act

I've been a fan of Inuyasha: A Feudal Fairy Tale, ever since the first anime episode. That was YEARS ago, and 140++ episodes later, the first anime series ended in a status quo. Several years later though, the inevitable finally happened. With the end of the manga version, the epic adventure of the sword-wielding Dog Boy continues to it's conclusion in animated form with Inuyasha: The Final Act.

I have to admit, I was kinda lukewarm to the new series at first- the animation and characters weren't as good as the original anime (particularly the earlier, really awesome eps)- but now I am eagerly awaiting every new installment. Even though inevitably the episodes took on what I feared so much- the death of my favorite character in the title, Kagura, seeing it finally in animated form though was a bit of a release for me. It was sad, definitely, but it was also wonderfully portrayed, which satisfied my inner softie. Definitely and thankfully, the series has been hitting the emotional chords perfectly.

This is shown particularly in the recent episode where another major character, priestess Kikyo, meets her final end as well. Though I'm not particularly a fan of the character, the moment of her end was exceptionally directed; powerful and moving- the scenes building up to it, the choice of music, Kikyo's contented smile and her final words... gloriously sad and wonderful.

At the end of it, I found myself itching to move forward into the next ep, and the wait is killing me. That said though, with Kikyo's end, there's pretty much no surprises left as there are no major deaths left aside from one- and that one is someone who's end is something that's been long coming- yep, big Bad Naraku himself. I'm hoping his demise is as satisfying as Kikyo and Kagura's were emotional and affecting.

Inuyasha: Final Act and Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood have really gotten me back into anime again. Who knows, maybe I'll find myself going back to caring about what happens in Bleach and Naruto Shippuden again... heheh.

2009-11-17T15:35:00.009+08:00

2012 Review: End it now, please!

Last night, out of the blue, I went to watch Roland Emmerich's latest world-beating flick, 2012. I went in having read various reviews, some praising, some lambasting the movie. I set my expectations low and just wanted to enjoy the special effects... however I still left the theater with less than stellar thoughts about this film. End of the World films aren't new to me- Deep Impact still stands as probably the best one I've seen so far, taking a very emotional look at what would happen in the last days building up to a worldwide apocalypse. Even with the grim premise, that flick left me uplifted and believing in the human spirit to survive. This one left me jaded, resentful and just tired, not to mention utterly frustrated at the maudlin, clunky script.

2012 opens up in current 2009 with a geologist named Adrian Helmsley (Chiwetel Ejofor) finding out from his scientist friend in India that the sun is sending out dangerous neutrinos that are basically microwaving the planet Earth, causing the core to heat up rapidly (why humans aren't being affected is one of the huge plotholes, I think, but hey, I'm no scientist). From this discovery, Helmsley realizes that this will result in a chain of events which will basically cause the End of the World. He immediately gives word of this to the US government, via White House Chief of Staff Carl Anheuser (a very ruthless at portly Oliver Platt). Thus a secret plan is set in motion to preserve the human race through giant arks that will ensure the survival of 400,000 select humans (and a bunch of animals, apparently) through the coming armageddon. To help fund the big operation, 'tickets' for boarding the arks are sold at the very reasonable price of 1 billion Euros a seat. How... nice.

Anyway, after all this setup, the 'heart' of the film is revealed in divorced former writer-turned-limo driver Jackson Curtis (John Cusack), who just happens to be taking his kids camping to Yellowstone Park. In a fortuitous series of events, he finds out about the coming crisis from a pretty nutty conspiracy nut (Woody Harrelson) and soon is racing with his estranged family (including his ex-wife Amanda Peet and her new husband) to find supposed salvation in the China-made arks.

So that's the movie- about a third of it is about the super-secret and super-stingy operation to save the world's rich and powerful via their futuristic ocean-going luxury star destroyers (including a captain that seems to have graduated from Star Wars' Imperial Starfleet Academy). A third of it is all about showing the world getting destroyed in spectacular CG fashion (albeit strangely bloodless and impersonal) by earthquake and flood, while the last third is the clunky, totally ridiculous story of Cusack and the people he uses/tags along with to try and save his family's skins.

The movie is at its best when it's a roller coaster ride- though really, Cusack and family are always one inch away from doom so many times, it becomes predictable very quickly. Really though, even from the first time you KNOW that there's no way they're not going to make it- which pretty much kills the thrill in some ways, although it's still fascinating to see all the wholesale destruction rendered so onscreen.

It's funny- you see Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Italy and Washington fall to ruin with little emotion- it's all shown as grandiose, cartoony spectacle for the most part. When the movie tries to go in close to show the personal drama of a character's last moments, it turns out maudlin and yet again, does it far too often with characters who really don't matter or the audience doesn't give a damn for; are we supposed to feel worse for the family of a side character than we do for all the countless others lost in the rest of the film? Danny Glover's defeatist, depressing US president, who elected to stay behind and die in the White House, is woefully pathetic as he spends his last few moments in a useless and pointless gesture right before he gets a tidal wave and an aircraft carrier in the face. Morgan Freeman he ain't (yet another place where Deep Impact one ups this flick- the black president there was way more sensible and effective).

When it's not showing wholesale destruction, 2012 sadly bogs down with the adventures of Cusack and company, who are so painful to watch (these idiots deserve a facepalm so many times) that you'd wish they did indeed get swallowed up by the earth. Man, I'd rather that the Indian guy and his family survived instead of Cusack and clan.

Anyway, the film ends with a pretty odd choice of finale; in contrast to how the rest of the film has been occupied with wide vistas of carnage, it all finishes with a rather closed-in conflict with Cusack braving a submerged room full of big gears that he has to un-jam in order to save the Ark from certain doom thereby eliciting a requisite HURRAH from everyone on board (even though he and company were the cause of gears getting jammed in the first place).

I think a lot of my distaste for this film lies in the premise of the US-sponsored, China-made Arks. The whole operation was secretive and selective, and basically gave up the rest of the world just to save a select few. I actually wish that the ending was different- that the Arks ultimately fail and sink and send their nasty contents to a much-deserved drowning death (with Oliver Platt's slimy Chief of Staff first and foremost), even as we find out in the end that good people were able to go into some hidden valley and ride out the storm to survive. But no, that doesn't happen. For the most part, the good people of the earth die, and only the very powerful and very rich (along with a smattering of very lucky Chinese laborers and a bunch of super-lucky but otherwise utterly brain-dead nobodies) live to inherit the earth.

Despite some pretty impressive CG, 2012 is otherwise an incredibly bad and dragging movie, thanks to a nasty and clunky script that only tries (and fails miserably) to find it's humanity and redemption at the 11th hour. I've never had so many moments where I found myself throwing my hands in the air in frustration. Man, Let it end. Let it end already. Anyway, I guess it's inevitable that many will watch this disaster, in the same way that you really can't avoid staring at a car crash when you see one on the road- and this movie is indeed a car crash... on a global scale.

2009-10-24T20:17:00.002+08:00

Komikon 2009!

Congratulations, Mangaholix!

Thanks to everyone who went to Komikon 2009 last week at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall! Though I myself wasn't a direct participant with my own booth, I went there to see my Komik Komrades at Mangaholix Presents and Groundbreakers Inc., as they manned the tables for some all-day sketching sessions and meeting readers. Of course, I also was able to share a bit of spotlight with my Main Man Kriss Sison, artist extraordinaire of Ninja Girl KO!, since we won this year's Komikon Award for Best Comic Character of the Year for our heroine, Michiko Yamashita. Kriss also picked up the Grassroot Award for his ashcan epic, Nurse Macho!

Standing Guard at Komikon.

Kriss Sison and Ian Cang man the Mangaholix Booth.

I spent most of the Kon just milling about, grabbing all the comics and indies that caught my eye. Among these were the latest stuff from Budjette Tan and Ka-Jo Baldisimo, including Trese: Mass Murders and the second installment of Skyworld. Great stuff!

The Ol' Alamat Crew, Together Again! Well, Kinda.

At the end of the day, I was tired and thirsty, hungry and hoarse from all the commotion. I slipped out for a Thai Halo-Halo somewhere quiet and looked over the booty. Unfortunately Komikon was sharing the day with SM's Three-Day-Sale, and I just couldn't take the massive crowds choking the whole place. So I bailed early on, leaving while the leaving was good. In all though, an awesome Kon! The next big comics event will be M3Con this November. See you all there then!!!

2009-08-25T11:35:00.010+08:00

Return to Eden (AKA Back to the iPhone)

Getting into the iPhone 3GS.

Aaaand... here we are. Yeah, I know, I know... just a few posts ago I seemed to be past my days as an Apple Addict, satisfied with my Nokia N97 'mini-laptop phone'. Well, I had to make some choices recently and re-assess my priorities and needs in my everyday companion gadget. Ultimately, I chose- no, I REALIZED- that Fun and Ease of Use are what really mattered to me. All this time I've been looking for my needs in devices that not really to my tune. The N97 just wasn't me- in the end I realized it was just too 'professional-looking' and 'officey' (no, that's not really a word) for someone like me who regularly wears t-shirts and jeans to work, who still enjoys videogames and cartoons. All this plus the most enjoyment you can get out of it requires you to be online and connected- and I'm not really one to spend frivolously on 3G and GPRS unless it's being paid for by the office.

I can only blame myself for doubting that I am, for better or worse, Heart and Soul an Apple Addict at this point- I own a freakin' iMac at home after all, and have spent (and am spending) obscene amounts on apps from the Appstore. But then, I don't regret the time I spent with the Flagship Nokia- it's still a great phone... it's just not for me. Perhaps in another life, in another reality, but not here in this one.

Anyway, moving on... yeah, I now have an iPhone 3GS. Moving back into Apple's fold was a particularly easy and problem-free affair, thanks to a lovely 'Import from SIM' button (ah, no more inputting contacts by hand!!!) and the seamless syncing with iTunes for the return of all my apps and content. In a flash, my brand new iPhone was good as OLD!

There are probably thousands of other writeups online raving about the new stuff about it, but what the heck. Even though it looks pretty much like the previous iPhone 3G (albeit now there's a variant with a white back, which I have), many new features and improvements have been incorporated. Overall there's the faster, zippier aspect of the whole thing, as the 'S' in 3GS stands for Speed after all. Certainly, the phone IS faster though I never really had a problem with loading times before. Thanks to the more powerful guts and processing power, the 3GS runs apps and games, particularly those with 3D graphics, a lot better and faster. Yeah, Time Crisis played a LOT better.

The highly-upgraded memory is pretty great- I got the 32 Gig version, which makes this the equal to my now-gone iPod Touch 2G. Of course, there's the ability to nicely organize all the tons of video and music I have thanks to iTunes (something sadly lacking from the N97). The 3GS's speakers are a LOT louder than the previous models, making the whole video experience a lot better now. This pretty much translates to me no longer having to strain myself listening to vids without headphones... AND having a lot more fun with my Lightsaber and Gun apps. WAHAHA!!!

Then there's the new camera- it's now 3 Megapixels, which admittedly is not that impressive given that my N97 had 5M's and a flash. Most that can be said is that the 3GS camera has a neat 'tap to focus' feature which makes it more fun than it really is, and now has the ability to record pretty nice and clear VGA video. I don't really think I'll be editing much on the actual phone (I'd rather sync the phones at home and edit on iMovie if ever), but it's a neat thing to have. Anyway, I really won't be relying on the 3GS for video, since I have my Flip Mino HD anyway, but it's still great to have decent video recording anytime, anywhere.

Then as I said, there are all the apps and games. The Apple AppStore simply has no equal in terms of easy access and use- other companies really need to do their homework to keep up. The huge variety of apps, and the relative cheapness of most of 'em is awesome. And man, there can only be tons more to come. Who's to say there won't be an iPhone Tekken game? At the very least, I'm looking forward to a port of that cool Plants vs Zombies game later this year. There are those who still doubt that the iPhone and iPod Touch is really, truly, actually a new game console... maybe they're right. But then again, quite a few (okay a lot) crappy games and countless Tower Defense titles aside... an iDevice fully loaded with games is a sure-fire bore-killer.

Now, all these features would be useless if, well, the battery life sucked. I initially was worried about the 3GS's battery, thanks to several reports of horrible battery life with some iPhones. Well, apparently I confused the 3GS with the 3G- supposedly the 3GS's life is a lot improved from before, that is, if you're not a heavy user who has everything turned on and online all the time. Anyway, after my first full charge, with unneeded online functions like WiFi, 3G and Push Email turned off and the screen set to about 20% brightness (which is still quite fine to the eye in any case), my 3GS is still at a healthy 65% battery life on the second day, which is pretty good. I tested it, and playing an hour of video eats up about 10% power, which makes Apple's claims of 10 hours of video playing quite accurate. So... yeah... If I ever wanted to I can watch the Lord of the Rings Trilogy on my 3GS. WOOHOO!

That all said, what can I say? The last time I had an iPhone, I was in mobile gadget bliss, and that was with a 'measly' 8 Gigs of space, free 'bootleg' apps and so-so battery life. Now, with everything pretty much perfected and still as fun and easy to use as it ever was, with TONS of proper apps and games and very good battery life to enjoy all these things... I think I can safely say... I think I've found my Perfect Gadget. The fun, ease, elegant simplicity and just overall excellent quality build just SINGS to me. I can't say it enough how much I love this freakin' device. All this time I've been looking for something I've never found in other phones, other devices, other brands, no matter how cool-sounding the specs. It's here, in the iPhone 3GS. Found it. Gadget Shangri-La for me.

So I guess I'm set. That's it. Over. Done. Live Happily Gadgety After.

At least, till the iPhone 4. Heheh...

2009-08-10T19:56:00.003+08:00

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra Review

The classic cartoon goes live on the big screen.

I'll admit it... the first time I saw a trailer for G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, I wasn't at all pleased. Really, the trailers SUCKED. All I remember from them were the hokey Accelerator Suits and Marlon Wayans; Honestly, these two things formed the basis of my reservations with the movie; I was afraid that the flesh and blood Joes would become CG cyborgs, and that Wayans would turn this into a very Scary Movie. However, in the end I got over these little bumps and convinced myself to give this action movie a good ol' fashioned look-see. Yeah, it wasn't screened for critics, but from every review pretty much I saw online, word was that it was not bad. Not bad at all. Well, I watched it last Friday... is it a Yo or a No?

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra is set in the 'near future'- which means the world still looks pretty much like today, but with stuff existing that can make James Bond's Q Branch look like a shoe factory. The bad news is, the bad guys have more hi-tech toys than the good guys, it seems. When James McCullen (Christopher Eccleston), the head of MARS, the world's largest weapons developer, supplies NATO with a new nanobot-powered missile, veteran special forces soldier Duke (Channing Tatum) and his buddy Ripcord (Marlon Wayans) head up the security detail for the superweapons. The two men of action soon find themselves neck-deep in a secret war between the super-secret international strike force known as G.I. Joe and a terrifyingly well-financed unknown enemy armed with next-generation weaponry. In short, it's The Joes versus Not-Yet-Cobra.

An origin story may get cynics flinching, but as Iron Man has proven, start-ups aren't always bad. In fact, they can be pretty good. Thankfully in this case, director Stephen Sommers has somehow rediscovered that fun gene he tapped into when he made the original Deep Rising and the first Mummy film, but lost when he made the Mummy Returns and Van Helsing. G.I. Joe is a fun ride, packed to the gills with action and set up with likable characters off the bat. Unlike some other big cartoon-to-movie sequel that utterly horrified some time ago, this adaptation pretty much does everything right; at the very least, there's a distinct lack of tasteless supposed-comedy or racial slurring (although there is your usual funny French accent) and the action is actually easy to follow. ZOUNDS!

As a longtime fan of the original cartoon, I have my little fanboy nitpicks, but it's all still good. Yeah, the Baroness doesn't have an accent but man, Sienna Miller is killer with those glasses and black leather, and she's a pretty slick character who's central to the plot (which is great, since she's pretty much the poster girl of the movie, even more so than good soldier-girl Scarlett (Rachel Nichols). Storm Shadow (Lee Byung Hun) looks like he's gonna bust out a mike and start singing a Korean pop song at any moment, but he's still every bit as bad-ass and lethal as the Cobra ninja should be, so why not. Ray Park's Snake-Eyes has a MOUTH but at least he never talks, and well... IT'S FREAKIN' RAY PARK.

But my biggest gripe has to be with a big secret of the film- which you see coming after a bit. I miss the old design for the character, and I wish they stuck to it. Man, if Attack of the Show can do this character almost perfectly (even if in comedy), why not the big movie version?

I also found it quite entertaining to see so many faces from the Mummy movies making appearances, from little cameos like Kevin J. O'Connor (Benny from The Mummy) and Brendan Fraser to much bigger roles for Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (bad guy Lock-Nah from Mummy Returns) and the always-reliable Arnold 'Imhotep' Vosloo. Where's Rachel Weisz and John Hannah?

Anyway, the story moves along at a fast pace, with several big setpiece sequences and tons of firepower and explosions going off all movie long. The CG effects are fine and dandy, and it all sets up the franchise perfectly for what I expect will be a fast sequel coming up next year. Yes, I want that sequel, especially after the cliffhanger ending!

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra is high-octane action entertainment, a fun popcorn movie that's sure to entertain action junkies, and there are lots of nice little details and nods to the original series that will make fans smile. Great production values, engaging action scenes and likable characters make this something worth watching for the young and the young at heart.

No, it's not Oscar material. No, it's not rocket science. But neither was the source material. It's a refreshing throwback to the days when cars could just pop out missiles and other defenses at the push of a button, when at the end of the movie you can expect the cavalry to arrive and a big freakin' battle over the enemy's secret base can be expected. We see far too little of that kind of action these days- too much handheld-cam crap for action, with an overabundance of grit and blurring of lines, too many shades of gray. G.I. Joe is simpler but still smart, fantastic without being too over the top, fun without being too kiddy or juvenile. In short, it's exactly what it needs to be... a live-action version of one of the coolest cartoons of our youth.

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra is now showing in theaters all over the Metro. Mobilize and Watch it NOW! YOOO, JOE!!!

2009-08-01T22:32:00.006+08:00

Cory Aquino, 1933-2009

Today, the day was gray and overcast, rain falling like tears, as if to let us know someone we all knew and loved had passed away. I heard from Mom that President Corazon C. Aquino was gone. Though I cared little for politics, especially now, I found myself feeling the grief. In this day and age, when there are few heroes and inspirations among Filipinos, where everyone in government is tainted and suspect, one person could always be seen as true. And that, I believe, somehow, was Tita Cory. The housewife and widow turned leader of the country and people, and even after her term, a surrogate mother for the Pinoy, a moral center and heart to a people. To the end, she was a beacon of courage and hope. Truly... she represented the best the Filipino could be, in the most trying of circumstances. Hero

The Philippines' Madame President. The Best-loved President of the Philippines. A True Hero.

Salamat, Tita Cory. Farewell. May God and Ninoy welcome you to your rest with open arms. You deserve no less.

2009-07-31T11:09:00.003+08:00

Flippin' Out!

Easy HD: The Flip Mino HD.

I've gotten myself a slick new tech-toy... and incredibly enough, it's NOT a phone. But damn if it doesn't look like one. It's the Flip Mino HD, an ultra-compact and light HD camcorder. Surprisingly it's apparently a pretty high-profile gadget, being the fave toy of some celebs like Ellen Degeneres and Oprah Winfrey. Anyway, what does it do? Well, as it's name implies, it takes HD video- that's footage with 720p resolution (1280 x 720 pixels). That's about three or four times bigger than the regular VGA videos taken by your usual non-HD digital camera or mobile phone. And a whole lot clearer and crisper. The controls as well are about as simple as you can get- click to record, click to stop. You get 4GB of storage for about an hour of HD footage. You can connect to a laptop or PC via USB and just drag-and-drop your vids which are MP4 and ready for iMovie or your usual editing software.

Basically after getting my N97 and trying out it's video, as well as looking through samples of the iPhone 3GS's recording capabilities, I've finally given up on mobile video from cellphones. So now, I got myself an HD cam that LOOKS like a cellphone. HAHAHA!

As far as I know, the Flip Mino HD isn't formally available locally, but there seems to be a growing number of people with the device, apparently being brought home by some enterprising folk (like the nice guy I got it from) or by relatives. It's also available on Amazon or eBay and at Flip Video's official site. I really count myself lucky I got this device, for a price far below the price of a standard digital camera. It's still a toy though, not really one for making serious movies, but for stuff like short films, parties, trips and anything you want to remember in extra-clear quality, this just can't be beat.

It's FLIPPIN' COOL!!!! WAHAHAHA!!!

2009-07-22T15:51:00.006+08:00

Bruthaz in the Hood

Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood: Bringing the manga original to animated life.

I was a big anime fan a few years ago. These days, I still consider myself an otaku, but I don't have the time to watch as much as I want to. When I actually get to watch and stay glued to something, I must really like it. These days, that's Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood. This really isn't a big surprise- I was also a fan of the original anime FMA series, and watched it right to it's bittersweet kinda-ending. When I heard there was going to be an all-new, all-different Hagaren series based on the actual manga source of the franchise, I was easily hooked up. Thanks to Animax (and some great subbing groups online), I've been able to enjoy this refreshed, redone title the way it was originally meant to go.

Set in a fantasy world where alchemy is a kind of super-power given to a select few, Full Metal Alchemist is all about the adventures and events of and around the Elric Brothers- Edward and Alphonse. Two pure-hearted, kind but courageous and adventurous kids born with alchemy in their veins, they commit a terrible taboo- trying to raise their dead mother back to life. The act fails and instead takes away Ed's arm and leg, which he eventually replaces with mechanical prosthesis called Automail and thus giving him the title Full Metal Alchemist. Alphonse, or Al, has it even worse- he loses his entire body. To save him from oblivion, Ed is able to bind Al's soul to a suit of armor, and since then both brothers have been walking the road, seeking a way to restore what they have lost. It's this personal quest at redemption that brings the Elrics into encounters with various groups and individuals, including their country's military, other alchemists, foreigners and most dangerous of all, a group of inhuman enemies called the Homunculi.

In the first several episodes, FMA Brotherhood seems very similar to the original anime series... However Brotherhood eventually reaches a point where it diverges from the first anime version, and from here on in it's unfamiliar (well, to me who hasn't seen the manga) and intriguingly addictive territory.

So far, I've got nothing but praise for this new incarnation. The animation is flawless, the characters familiar but seemingly even more likable than before, most of all the two leads, Ed and Al. They're not as 'clueless' all the time as they seemed to be in the original anime, which is refreshing. Ed is even more sensitive about his height, which gives to tons of hilarious moments and the usual wonderful performances from seiyuu Romi Paku. The secret conspiracies, this time more up front and deeper, are more insinuative and it's great to see various characters in totally different roles than before. What I have been enjoying so much recently though is how the series so wonderfully handles things like grief and loss, guilt and heavy emotion so well- the heroes feel the weight of their actions so profoundly, and there is heart and soul backing the action and the comedy ladled onscreen.

Again, it's something so familiar yet pleasantly different, and every week now is such a treat. As much as I loved the original series, it had so many flaws and the ending and resolution really let me down... I'm hoping that Brotherhood fixes all of that in Spades. And so far, I think it's going great. I can't get enough of this awesome new anime.

With the manga still ongoing, I'm hoping Brotherhood goes all the way- which means I've got a LOT of alchemical adventures in store for the months ahead. Awesome.

Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood is shown locally on Animax every Friday.

2009-07-16T01:14:00.004+08:00

Nokia N97 Review

My Current Phone.

The last time I posted about the Nokia N97, I said that the Finnish Flagship for 2009 would be my next phone. Well, lo and behold... here I am with a final, retail version in my hands. I've had the phone for the past couple of weeks, and so, how has it been?

Classy Looks, Studry Build
First off, the N97 looks premium. I've got the black version, which is a nice, classy black bar of simple, elegant design. Very much like the iPhone, the N97 has only one actual button on its face, the 'Home' button whose basic function is to send you back to the main screen (exiting any apps you may be using). Aside from, there are a couple of indicators next to it, for answering or ending calls. Other than the unobtrusive sensors on the top part of the phone, it's all a smooth, shiny bar of futuristic flash. Really nice, really pretty. Comparing the N97 to the iPhone though, the Nokia handset is narrower but taller, and quite a bit thicker (and probably weights a bit more).The back of the phone has the 5-Megapixel camera lens and flash, which is nicely protected by a cover that doubles as the Camera On/Off switch. Overall, the N97 is made of hard plastic, not metal, but has a nice sturdy, high-quality feel that wasn't apparent in previous models (the N96 in particular).

The N97's thickness has a reason- press inward at one side and you'll open up the phone's big feature- a full QWERTY keyboard. The keyboard opens up with a nice clicky motion, like a brand-new bus door. It's super-tight like one of those secret artifacts from some Indiana Jones movie, and so putting out the keyboard is always a cool sight to see or show off with. The keys themselves are almost flat, but are easily discernible thanks to their matte finish and a lovely backlight which switches on in low light... Star Trek console anyone? Anyway, despite some quirks (the spacebar is small and placed to the right), once you use the board for a bit, you'll be typing like a pro in no time. It may be a bit overkill to bring out the QWERTY for a little texting, but for typing out long emails, chats, notes, that little novella you've always wanted to write... it's pretty nifty. The board pretty much makes the N97 pretty much a miniature laptop, but this time it's got the power that previous earlier handsets or palmtop devices have lacked.
That all said, it's nice to note that the N97 isn't too bulky- it's still a nice snug fit into any holster at your side and isn't too obtrusive or heavy by any means.

Back to Basics
Okay, how is it as a phone? Well, as a typical Nokia, the N97 is typically excellent. For short texts you don't have to bring out the QWERTY- there's your usual alphanumeric keypad which, even though it's a touchscreen, is pretty responsive and easy to use. The touchscreen may not be as responsive or as versatile as the iPhone's, but it's pretty good- though a weird little lipsticky stylus is included in the package, unless you have exceptionally hammy fingers it's really not necessary. However the screen IS prone to asking for double taps or repeated inputs for some items- and in particular the hardware Screen Unlock/Lock key often needs to be pulled a couple of times before you can access your phone.

That said, the N97 is so far an excellent phone- calls are clear and stable, ringtones are loud and clear, and there usability is on par with your usual Nokia friendliness.

Media and Storage
But of course I do look for particular facets in my devices, and media playing- in particular video- is vital, particularly since the N97 is a replacement for the iPhone and a rival to my current iPod Touch. Thankfully, the Nokia is formidable in such functions. Video-wise, the native Realplayer uses regular MP4 files and plays them at a silky-smooth 30FPS. The N97's screen has a 640 x 360 resolution- bigger than the iPhone plus it's in widescreen by default. This makes the Nokia far better at showing off long movies or new media, though if you're playing SD resolution vids (320 x 240 or even 640 x 480) they'll actually be smaller sized. Yeah, you can change aspect ratios but stretching SD video to the widescreen will result in weird distortion.
Another complaint is the native Realplayer's way of filing videos- or really, it's non-ability to file videos. Basically you just pile in your videos in one big, hefty list. There's no way to organize them into playlists, genres, sections or such. This is a pretty big oversight in the light that the N97 has 32 Gigabytes of space- well enough for tons of videos. If you have many, many such files, going through them is a bit of a chore. Hopefully someday or soon, Nokia will fix this up, so us video freaks won't have to resort to 3rd Party apps to fix up our media.

That all said, watching video on the N97 is made so much better than on the iPhone or iPod by two things- the N97 speakers are waaaay better, louded and clearer than Apple's weaker sounds, even giving a bit of surround-sound for a really nice palmtop theater experience. Also, once you open up the keyboard you can set down the N97 and have it in perfect position for watching movies and such.

Music isn't that important for me, but in this regard the N97 is functional and as good as previous handsets- allowing you to do what you can't with video- organize playlists, group songs under albums, artists, etc. Quality is the usual cool, and you can use any regular earphones with the phone. The handset also has FM radio capability, though you will need to connect the bundled earphones to access this function.

As mentioned earlier, the 32 Gigs of space available on the N97 pretty much kicks off most other models in the race, with only the iPhone 3GS matching it- but then the N97 can also pack in as much as 16 Gigs more memory with a memory card (for a grand total of 48 Gigs of storage!), so in terms of space Nokia's handset takes the lead in terms of storage.

Connecting People
Just as the Nokia tagline goes, the N97 makes connecting a cinch. As long as your settings are in place, getting online from anywhere via GPRS or 3G (or even 3.5G) is a snap. WiFi is also a breeze for finding and using all those free hotspots. The only problem is that it's a little bit TOO EASY to connect; unless you're careful you may find yourself connected even if you don't want to, or without your knowledge. The best way I guess is to set your Globe plan (if you're on Globe) to Time, so you pay by the minutes and not by the Kilobyte. Still, I'd make it a matter of course to always check your Connectivity Manager regularly or right after a bout of Mobile Surfing to avoid unnecessary spending.

Another problem though is, well, content. If you're used to Apple's AppStore, Nokia's equivalent OVI Store is sadly not as well-stocked with apps, nor is it as easy to navigate (or spend on). So far I've been able to download about two or three pretty basic touchscreen 'games', and one ringtone. Not much otherwise in terms of cool apps, and connecting on the PC was kinda problematic. I really hope they fix this up soon to make surfing onto OVI both fun and easy.

Not for Work or Play?
Gaming so far has been... well... DEAD. Apparently the N97 does not support NGage yet, so all you have is Guitar Rockband and some basic 'games' from OVI. Otherwise... pretty much nothing in terms of gaming. Once the phone gets NGage this will be remedied, I guess, but for now... blah. I'm glad I still have my iPod Touch for my pocket arcade needs.

On the other side of the spectrum oddly enough- the N97's bundled QuickOffice doesn't work. At least, the equivalent of Microsoft Word won't let me create a document. It always tells me that I need to purchase a license before I can use the phone, but then doesn't let me get one. It's maddening and pretty much keeps me from using the N97 as a word processor (unless I use the Notes app), which is really supposed to be one of it's big functions. What the HECK? I hope a visit to Nokia Service fixes this up, because it's really crappy in this regard.

So basically this makes the N97 pretty much shot in the leg for WORK and PLAY. Odd right? Well, it's good that other functions- media playing and storage, connectivity and mobile online- are excellent otherwise.

Lights, Camera, Action!
The N97 comes with a 5-Megapixel snapper, which is slightly better than the one in the previous N96. At the very least it comes with a nice flash, autofocus and some options for stuff like white balance and that jazz. Still not as great as stuff from more camera-centric models, but still pretty good. As for video recording, you can capture VGA vids at 30fps in either the standard resolution (640 x 480) or in widescreen, which is cool. The quality of video recorded is lot more stable than in the disappointing N96, which is great. And with 32 Gigs of storage, you can probably shoot that experimental movie or short film you've always wanted to make with just this phone! Too bad it doesn't come with on-board editing like the iPhone 3GS, but then you get better video quality overall.

Odds and Ends
Okay so other bits. I really love the ability to customize, and the N97 gives quite a lot of nice options to make the phone your own. The homescreen can be filled up with widgets and apps or you can opt to keep it clear to show off your slick wallpapers. You can organize stuff and shortcuts and fix up your desktop to make access to your most used items easy as swiping the screen (instead of having to manually touch the Home Button to take you to the Desktop and Apps).

So far battery life has been nice, if a bit erratic. With some use, the phone can last on standby for about two to three days before the battery meter suddenly drops from the full 7 bars to 4. Playing videos, surfing on WiFi or GPRS/3G will make it run out a LOT faster though. Thankfully you can charge via the micro-USB cable as you sync or load files into your phone.

Overall...
In the past couple of weeks I've gone on ups and downs with the N97. I love the form factor and the premium build quality. I love the keyboard (when I need to use it) and the screen (even with the quirky touchscreen functionality). I love watching widescreen video, even if filing media is unwieldy. The camera is cool and video recording is the best yet in a Nokia. There are quite a few quirks and maddening flaws, like the lack of games and lack of access to QuickOffice apps- which hopefully will be remedied by updates or a visit to the service center. But otherwise... man, finally I have upgraded to a handset from the iPhone which doesn't make me feel I made a mistake. For an all-on-one device, the Nokia N97 is as good as you can get right now. The phone's already in stores all around the Metro, so if you're a bit of a techie and looking for that premium do-everything handset, then give this cutting-edge Nokia a look-see.

2009-07-08T22:22:00.003+08:00

Chapter:-One, Part Deux (Or, A Review of a Short Film by Arnold Arre)

Last night, I and a bunch of people hied off to the basement of Bonifacio High Street's Fully Booked to watch a film. No, not Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (which I still vehemently swear is one of the messiest and absurdly bad films I've seen all year- never mind the coolness of battling robots). We were watching a short film- an indie, first-time outing for local grafictionista Arnold Arre. Though known primarily for his graphic novels such as The Mythology Class, Trip to Tagaytay, Andiong Agimat and most recently, Martial Law Babies, Arnold has for some reason found that a filmmaking itch was bothering him. This project, Chapter:-One, is the result of him scratching it.

Running at about 27 minutes, the film centers on a writer (Sam Alapan) who suddenly and abruptly suffers that most dreaded of dilemmas- writer's block. Stare as he may at the glaring computer screen, no matter how many push-ups he does or magazines he browses through- he's stumped. It is at this moment that a knocking at the door rouses him from his musings. Once answered though, the doorway to his apartment is empty save for a brown envelope containing a DVD (no crappy out of date VHS tapes here). Perhaps making a big mistake you'd think anyone who has watched The Ring would never do, he watches the disc and starts a slow descent into unease, paranoia, fear and borderline madness.

The best thing I can say about this short little yarn is that Arnold accomplishes something that for the most part, eludes most commercial 'horror' or 'suspense' films in local cinema- he creeps you out. He is able to brew a sense of impending doom and expectation of something BAD. And he does it without fluff, without ever a wasted or unnecessary scene. The story starts, hooks you in, then ends. A story was told, and it does it's job pretty well for a film budget less than a fancy dinner at The Fort.

So what was Arnold trying to say? Was there any profound message or big theme like he often has in his comics?

Perhaps he was trying to tell us that, even in a world interconnected by the incomprehensibly complex yet incredibly mundane alternate reality that is The Internet where we are all in constant communication via vehicles like Skype, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Phlogs and Vlogs, in the dark and even more imcomprehensibly complex maze that is The Human Mind, we are all Ultimately Alone.

Or maybe he was just trying to tell a pretty creepy story.

Chapter:-One's cast is composed of Arnold's friends and college batchmates- most of whom were present at the screening, and includes Yours Truly in a very minor role. Perhaps I may be biased then, you may ask. Well, I never saw the completed film until that night, and I am an avowed critic of Arnold's stuff as much as an enthusiast. So probably. Or probably not. Anyway, the performances were mostly earnest and natural since Arnold's main direction was for everyone acting to just 'go with it', and thankfully no one really let their roles get away with them. Again, for the most part, everyone did their job without much fluff, and thankfully it worked. No theatrics, just acting real.

So to be honest, this isn't really so much of a review as it is a report of what happened that night. And what's to say other than Arnold, even this early, just may turn out to be at least as cool a filmmaker as he is a comic book creator. Now that he's extended his palette, who's to say what he'll come up with next (probably not another suspense film though).

Chapter:-One isn't or won't be screening in any theaters in the Metro, but look for it in indie film festivals or competitions, or perhaps showing at UP Fine Arts film showings or such.

2009-06-25T19:57:00.002+08:00

Tekken 6: Dark Stars Rising

It's been a while since I last finished a comic page- in fact, a couple of years! But lo and behold, here are pages made from by my rusty hands, scribbled together slap-shock and bandied together with Photoshop crazy-glue. It's Tekken 6: Dark Stars Rising and I guess it pretty much reveals what I am totally obsessed with these days. The long story short- it's still a freakin' FOUR MONTH WAIT before I get my Tekken 6 on my Playstation 3, and to help me get through the excruciating wait, I'm doing this little side project. I'm writing and drawing it on the fly, as I go, when I can, as often as I can (at least one page a day). Maybe the crazy mess of plotlines and characters that is the Tekken Universe is too odd and convoluted a story to tell... or maybe not. Well, I'll find out, won't I?

Anyway...

At the End of The King of Iron Fist Tournament 5, Jin Kazama defeated his demon-possessed great grandfather Jinpachi Mishima and took over the powerful Mishima Zaibatsu. Since then, everyone lived happily ever after... NOT!

Ominous signs began to appear, rumblings of war rippled across the globe. Though megacorporations and armies gird for battle, this is one crisis that can only be resolved in battles fought between individuals. The world's greatest fighters, heroes and villains converge, each with their own agendas as they sense that The King of Iron Fist Tournament 6 is fast approaching...

Check it out by clicking on the big pic above. Enjoy!

Tekken 6 is set for release on the PS3, Xbox360 and PSP this October 2009.

2009-06-24T01:45:00.002+08:00

Something I Am Looking Forward To Next Year

What can I say? The original Avatar: The Last Airbender from Nickelodeon is already pretty much perfect... but I can't say I'm not giddy with glee at the prospect of seeing a live-action version of my all-time favorite animated series.

I shudder to imagine what role Mr. Shaymalan will give himself in this one though... oh well.

2009-06-14T02:24:00.002+08:00

Still MAD After All These Years

Yesterday, I turned on year older. Today, I'm a little bit wiser, a little bit more guarded, a bit more cynical. But I still love to laugh, to have fun, to not take things too seriously and enjoy stuff like comics, videogames, gadgets and cool, stupid movies. There are things you outgrow, and things that are just... you. So what I'm trying to say is... it's still business and fun as usual.

Thanks to everyone who has greeted me online, offline, in person and on text, from close friends to Facebook affiliates. I take all the goodness I can these days, and I love every iota of it. Much appreciated.

2009-06-08T17:36:00.004+08:00

Nokia N97

My Next Phone.

Just when I thought I was content with my nice little 'simple phone and iPod Touch' combo, something pretty awesome comes along to rattle my cage once again. It's the Nokia N97, the latest and seemingly greatest mobile computer and communicator yet from the Finnish phone meisters. The funny thing here is that I can actually speak a bit from experience- through a pretty long and convoluted story I was able to handle a prototype N97 for a while, and man, was I impressed.

Sporting an elegantly simple look, the N97 is in the same feel and size range as the Apple iPhone, albeit more substantial (but in a good way). You can feel the quality of the device, even if it isn't metal. The N97 feels solid and reassuringly firm in your hand, and you'll definitely not want to let this baby fall off. Unlike past smartphones, the N97 doesn't come with a stylus- finally Nokia has come out with a model that can be operated totally by finger presses. But perhaps listening to all those clarmoring for tactile feedback, they also slipped in a pretty awesome full qwerty keyboard for composing long messages or that novella you've been dying to finish.

Running on the latest Symbian OS, the phone does pretty much everything- the hallmarks being media playing, surfing the web and running apps and widgets. Of course for me the most important aspect is video, and with this the N97 pretty much rocks. The widescreen face is great for playing movies and other vids running at a pretty perfect 30 FPS- same quality as my current benchmark for best mobile video, the iPhone/iPod. But the N97 trumps Apple with its speakers. Your video's sounds come out crystal clear, in seeming stereo sound even, which is pretty awesome and totally blows away the competition's weaker speakers. And best of all, you've got 32 GB of memory for storing all your movies, TV episodes, trailers and unmentionable media you want. All that PLUS a sharp 5 Megapixel Camera with perhaps the smoothest and most stable Video Capturing/Recording I have yet seen on a mobile phone.

I have to say, this phone was the model I was looking for a year ago, when I was desperately seeking an upgrade to my first iPhone. It has the huge screen, high quality video and vast storage I wanted (and still want), all in a beautiful package that just screams class and awesomeness. The phone is available this June here in Manila, but I guess I'll have to start saving up (just bought a freakin' sound system). Not in a hurry to upgrade right away, but if I do- I know where I'm going.

Learn more about the N97 here.

2009-05-26T11:30:00.002+08:00

Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Complete

That's gotta hurt.

The final, final, complete, overstuffed cut of the ultimate fan service movie, Final Fantasy VII Advent Children, entitled Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Complete, is more than two hours of CG awesomeness that will have it's main audience- FFVII fans- happy and content. I watched a nice and crispy-clear subtitled version and it looks pretty sweet on a big-screen HDTV. If only for that, it should be worth getting the Blu-ray when it comes out on June 2.

What do you get? Well, for the actual movie you get about 25 minutes more footage- which mostly boils down to a lot more of the charismatic and likeable former bad guys, the Turks (all four of them- Reno, Rude plus Elena and Tseng) and their boss, Rufus Shinra (whom I still believe is the coolest character in FFVII). There's probably a bit too much of Denzel, one of Cloud's orphan wards who has a particularly sad story to tell (which is chronicled in an anime episode entitled On the Way to a Smile: Denzel's Story which is included in the BD). Other nice odds and ends are extensions of action scenes and an altogether clearer script which makes a lot more sense. There are also subtle changes to music selections during certain scenes, which overall makes the movie that much closer to the game which spawned it. But there will of course be people out there who still will profess that 'it still all makes no sense at all', like some idiot writers of some game sites.

There are a lot of changes in the visuals as well- characters now get dirtied or sport injuries (and BLEED) after or during battle scenes- something which was noticeably missing in the original version. Overall, it's all wonderful eye candy, and the action is still the closest you'll get to seeing live-action anime.

FFVII Advent Children Complete is the best version of this slick CG fantasy features, and those who loved it before will do well to just plunk down the moolah for the Blu-ray (if you got a PS3 or BR Player). In any case, this is one of those films you'll love to show off on your big-screen LCD, and that is reason enough to get it. Those who hate the movie or FFVII, well... nah, who the frack cares about those bastards. HAH.

2009-05-15T17:44:00.005+08:00

Star Trek (2009)

Boldly going where no Trek has gone before.

Well, what else can I say that all the countless other glowing reviews of J.J. Abrams' re-imagined, re-booted Star Trek movie haven't already said? Well, not much aside from the usual, I guess- the new cast of actors assigned to playing the iconic crew members of the U.S.S. Starship Enterprise are pretty much pitch-perfect, with Karl Urban's Leonard McCoy and Zachary Quinto's Spock looking eerily like cloned younger versions of their previous performers. Chris Pine extricates himself from the bonds of immortal William Shatner by not even attempting to mimic his predecessor, but still succeeds in projecting the Trek's brash, eternal hero with a double shot of hormones and testosterone. It's a complex tale of Time Travel and Alternate Realities which pits the neophyte Trekkers against a revenge-mad Romulan named Nero (Eric Bana) bent on rewriting history one planet at a time.

Performances aside, the special effects are spectacular, with energetic space battles and action occuring in space, in starships, on-planet. Abrams conveys lots of emotion through music and frenetic images which gloriously never devolve into the horrid handicam nonsense of Cloverfield. I felt chills go down my spine in the first few minutes of this film, with a hero's birth juxtaposed in the fires of a deadly attack- pretty much sums up the whole saga of this movie. In any case, that was a good sign that this was going to be a thrill ride, and it was. As an Abrams show, this has its share of wit, snappy dialogue, sexiness, hard-hitting action and quite a lot of humor in between the phaser blasts, transporter beams and collapsing stars. They just took the original premise, the established characters and just. went. wild. Die-hard, purist Trekkies may bristle, but this is just brilliant. THIS is how you re-invigorate a franchise. Or, in this case, re-energize.

Star Trek is out in theaters all over the Federa- er, Metro Manila. Bring together your away team and see this one, all speed!

2009-05-11T11:13:00.009+08:00

Dragonball Evolution

Goku's facial expression just captures my own feelings towards this film.

Finally got to watch this last night. On the plus side, the copy I got was wonderfully clear (although I really, really need to get a home theater setup to enjoy good sound) on The Sanctum's big-screen TV. On the bad side, I've heard lots of bad things about this live-action adaptation of Akira Toriyama's mega-popular manga and anime about super-powered aliens fighting it out with massive power blasts... and they're all pretty much true. I'm not the biggest Dragonball fan though, so this really hasn't the magnitude of my Chun-Li review.

Anyway, a legendary alien villain named Piccolo (played by an unrecognizable James Marsters) has escaped his 2,000 year prison and is now trying to obtain all seven mystical dragonballs in order to gain one perfect wish for his revenge against the world. The only one who can stop him is Goku (a totally miscast Justin Chatwin), a youth raised by the kindly Gohan (Randall Duk Kim) with mysterious origins. After Gohan is murdered by Piccolo, Goku sets out to avenge him, joining up with the hot Bulma (Emmy Rossum, whom I have to commend for being able to say her character's whole name with a straight face) and Gohan's mentor, Roshi (a particularly goofy Chow Yun Fat). Oh, and some guy named Yamcha joins up somewhere along the way.

Unfortunately, as is the case that usually happens, Dragonball Evolution falls woefully short in pretty much every aspect in trying to adapt the epic scale of it's source material. This is pretty much TV-grade fare (This is the sort of thing you'd see on the Hallmark Channel), watered down further by the typical silly tendency of Hollywood to force-fit every story into a template (Goku turns into an offbeat teen trying to fit into a high school?) they're comfy with. Mediocre action, cheap-looking CG, a rushed feel to pretty much everything and a lackluster finale fail to reach any power level of significance. Kung Fu Hustle was more Dragonball than this... speaking of which, did I see Stephen Chow's name attached to this flick? Yeesh.

In the end, just a harmless, inconsequential pseudo-fantasy martial arts flick that you just watch and forget. Moving on...

2009-04-20T16:22:00.004+08:00

Simply Amazing

My mom(!) sent me a link to a Youtube vid showing then-unemployed 47-year old Susan Boyle coming onstage on the talent show Britain's Got Talent. It was thoroughly satisfying to see this seemingly ordinary, out-of-place lady stand in front of a very demanding audience, quite a few nutters jeering at her age and appearance, and then totally, absolutely BLOW THEM AWAY with a crystal clear voice seemingly piped in from Heaven. Let me say, seeing this for the first time brought tears to my eyes. Simply amazing and thoroughly uplifting. Bravo, indeed. Bravo.

2009-04-04T22:57:00.005+08:00

No Reservations: Philippines

Anthony Bourdain enjoys Bulalo and San Miguel beer.

Perhaps a result of my being a very visual person, I love to watch shows or videos about food when I eat. I reason that it may be a way of enhancing the actual food I am scoffing down at the time with the perceived flavor of the stuff I am watching about. Well, no other show is as great for me to eat food by than Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations. Well, years ago it was another show- Cook's Tour (also by Tony Bourdain). I have Mr. Bourdain to thank for countless good meals made even better, making even simple spoonfuls of rice and tuna taste like Foie Gras, or routine Jolly Hotdogs taste like Black Pudding. Not just the food, but the wonderful travelog experience, the insightful narrations into various countries and peoples, and the genuine appreciation of good taste and good friends makes sure that my iPod Touch will never be without an episode of No Reservations or Cook's Tour.

So it was with real enjoyment that I watched the Philippines' episode of No Reservations. I remembered the 'Fan-atic' episode of NR, where Tony almost went to RP (but eventually settled on Saudi Arabia) but ultimately decided against it due to Filipino fan Augusto's apparent scant knowledge of the country being recommended. Nicely enough, NR eventually made it a point to come to Manila and Cebu and finally have the fickle Bourdain feast on Pinoy fare.

My being a Filipino made watching the Philippines' episode kinda odd- on one hand, all the food being shown was pretty familiar to me, so I wasn't as interested as much in the food (as with other countries) as I was in Bourdain's reactions to the meals. I was kinda disappointed though by Augusto, our country's main representative to Tony. Where you'd expect a country's guide to be fun, energetic and enthusiastic in taking Tony on wild rides and showing the best of their homeland, Augusto was sadly very subdued and pretty much spent most of the time musing over his plate, with Tony serving as a kind of shrink, helping him over his search for his heritage and national identity. Gladly though, it just showed a particularly insightful and empathic side to Tony that was quite wonderful to see.

I'm pretty happy that Tony enjoyed the food and the visit to Philippines in general- the crowning glory being that Cebu Lechon got his highest marks as The Best Pig Ever. I also totally agree with his analysis of the Filipino people- Yes, we ARE too nice. Oh well, nobody's perfect.

Glad you enjoyed your trip, Mr. Bourdain. Hope you visit Manila again someday.

2009-04-03T02:04:00.002+08:00

Abangan ang Susunod na Kabanata!

Here's the cover to the next release of Mangaholix Presents, issue 8. It's been a while since the last ish since the Groundbreakers have been busy at work with other stuff, not the least of which is the upcoming release of Mangaholix in the US! Yep, once again Pinoys are breaking into the US comics pie. Hopefully, this time we'll strike it rich.

Anyway, the next ish will still have the Usual Suspects of MP's Pinoy-made Manga stories- Aporia, Midknighters, Sampaguita Daydreams, Kraust and Ninja Girl KO! Release information will be coming soon, so stay tuned. Later then!

2009-03-31T18:05:00.004+08:00

New Transmutations

The Elric Brothers return in a new incarnation... Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

I've seen a lot of great anime series through the years, but only a few have made a real imprint on my grey matter. One of them was the fantasy-action drama Full Metal Alchemist. FMA had all the traits of the best anime- an unusual and kinda twisted premise (two brothers who lost their body/body parts while trying to resurrect their dead mother embark on a quest to recover what they lost), lots of action that doesn't shirk away from getting bloody, sexy babes, multi-layered conspiracies, hidden agendas, interesting characters, betrayals and plot twists aplenty... you name it, FMA had it. 52 episodes and a couple of movies later, FMA ended (well, the anime did while the manga went on) on some decisive, if not altogether happy, resolutions. Neither Elric brother ever did get to end up with Winry, you don't really know what happened to the nation after the war, and lots of characters (particularly Mustang and his comrades) didn't get enough development as they should have. Still, FMA was awesome and I remember it fondly.

This month, all that I have known that is Full Metal Alchemist is set to be rocked and thrown off the board with the all-new interpretation that is Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood. This new series will supposedly reboot the series and reintroduce Edward and Alphonse Elric as anime fans have never seen them before. The new episodes may also be more faithful to the source manga, thus ensuring that we will be seeing a new master villain, and more pronounced roles for Roy Mustang and Company. Some things though will remain the same- most of the major vocal cast, notably Romi 'Edward Elric' Paku will be reprising their beloved roles.

FMA:Brotherhood will be premiering this month on Animax on cable, supposedly the same time as Japan (along with the series Tears to Tiara), so that's cool... although I will probably be looking for fansubs or downloads online on my own. Whether the new series turns out to blow the old FMA away or not, I am looking forward to more transmutations and transformations this April. Awesome.

2009-03-22T19:52:00.004+08:00

A Must Watch for Comic Book Fans

As Graphic a Graphic Novel-turned-Movie can Get.

I FINALLY got to watch Zack Snyder's comic book opus, Watchmen, last Friday. I was told a lot of things about the movie, going into it. Fans of the book who also liked the movie say that it isn't exact to the source material, but that it was still pretty good. Some say it left them unsatisfied and cold. Some say it was all about big, glowing blue penises. Now, I haven't read the graphic novel/comics yet, so I went into the movie with little baggage and expectations aside from expecting that the movie would at least blow me away with the visuals seeing as this was from the guy who brought us 300.

Well, what can I say? It's easily the densest, most complex comic book movie I've watched so far, with stuff flying at you left and right and images that are probably filled with pages worth of subtext, meaning and references, although all of it probably escapes me. Kinda like Forrest Gump with Superheroes. Despite that, I didn't feel too lost at any time, and I found the action pretty kick-ass (and the whole movie probably just as bloody and graphic as 300 was- at least Snyder is consistent). Visually, once again Snyder has made a world from the page jump up at you in the big screen, this time an 80's era world where very human and very fallible superheroes and supervillains are part and parcel of reality.

Best stuff for me? Rorschauch. Freakin' amazing character, and the actor who brought him to life, Jackie Earle Haley, gives a great performance both in and out of his character's awesome mask. He's like Wolverine crossed with Batman and Hannibal Lecter, and I love how he moves and fights... too bad we probably won't be seeing a Rorschauch Spin-off. Also great, Jeffrey Dean Morgan's Comedian... at once despicable and sympathetic, and he rules the screen whenever he appears even if he dies early on in the movie.

Love the costumes- from the old era heroes to the 'present' Watchmen... retro bliss. Yet another point to my argument that All the Movie Directors and Production Designers who recommend Generic Black Leather Costumes for Superhero Movies Should Be Fired. The action in the movie is hard-hitting and powerful- very NOW, which I love. I've never seen action done like they do in this movie- the opening fight with The Comedian, the brawls with Silk Spectre and Nite Owl, the Prison Riot brawl, the final fight between the heroes and the villain... pretty awesome. It's great that despite being a movie full of information and exposition and dialogue, the action is second to none.

Bad stuff? Nixon looked funny. Dr. Manhattan's such an asshole. Aside from that, not much.

For the most part- I really enjoyed Watchmen. No doubt I'll be getting the Blu-ray or DVD, and hoping for lots of cool extras. May buy the comic. Man, that was pretty cool. Way, way cooler than Streetfighter. Heheh.

2009-03-13T23:01:00.003+08:00

Streetfighter: The Legend of Chun-Li Review

Well. I certainly took one for the team tonight. I could have gone and watched Watchmen. But NOOOOOOOO... I had to go and watch Streetfighter: The Legend of Chun-Li. I told myself, it's been a long week and I just want to turn my brain off with a fun but stupid action movie. Well, WRONG. This crapper isn't even much of an action movie. It's just plain stupid, for many reasons.

First off, let me give due respect to the much-flogged and ridiculed Streetfighter movie of Jean Claude Van-Damme and company. Today, we all see it as a hilarious camp-fest but with all it's flaws, it's freakin' fun. And back then, in the late 90s, believe it or not, it was actually pretty cool. It had that effect on you- you're a SF fan to the core, you watch it and you are freakin' amazed that they actually got so much from the game on the film- it was ridiculous, really, but damn fun. I remember picking out the signature moves they threw in- Cammy's Frankensteiner, Ryu's one Hadoken, Ken's Dragon Punch, Balrog's Charging Punch, Honda's Thousand Slaps... Guile's Freakin' Flash Kicks and Bison's silly flameless Psycho Crusher. It was fun and damn I enjoyed it then, and I still have a laugh- albeit a good-natured laugh- everytime I see the flick on cable today.

And now... Streetfighter: Legend of Chun-Li. A movie that has none of the campy charm, fan service fun, cool action or the level of sheer spectacle of the previous movie. It's just plain bad, people. So bad that probably people won't remember this crapper years from now (which is a good thing). It's so bad, it's in the league of the Double Dragon and Mario Brothers movie in the levels of game-to-movie bombs. Pretty much everything is wrong with this stinker, I am a bit at a loss of where to begin.

Legend of Chun-Li follows the titular heroine's 'origin' from her childhood, as a daughter of some rich, connected Chinese guy who practices wushu and kung fu in the garden. The childhood sequence drags for far too long, and for all that boring establishment we get an unnecessary action sequence with Balrog (Michael Clark-Duncan) bashing in to kidnap Chun's father on the orders of Bison (Neal McDonough), a blonde guy with an Irish accent, whom you know is Eeh-vil since when he moves and turns there's a properly sinister and Eeh-vil sound effect. Chun-Li sees her father getting taken away and vows revenge, right? Nope. She just goes on with her life and grows up into Kristin Kreuk. I guess that night wasn't that motivating. More dragging minutes go by. Yawn.

Chun-Li FINALLY gets off her piano-playing butt when a mysterious scroll (Chun-Li: This scroll... could it be a message..?") arrives and has her go on a sort of trip of discovery. NOTE: The freakin' version shown in the theater has NO SUBTITLES in the MANY scenes where they speak all Chinese or Thai, which is just stupid. Anyway, apparently the scroll tells Chun-Li that she must leave her old life behind and find some guy named Gen to find her true destiny. Man, what a very dense and easy-to-manipulate girl. Just send her a scroll and she's all over the place killing herself. Anyway...

She dismisses her servants and leaves her family home to go all Lonely Planet backpacking in Bangkok, and wastes quite a lot more dragging time trying to find the mysterious Gen. Meanwhile, we find out that Bison is planning something BIG. After taking total control of his Shadaloo organization, Bison is planning to TAKE OVER ALL OF BANGKOK'S SLUMS. Well, it's not exactly world domination, but it's early in his career, right? FEH. Once again, there's far too much of Bison scaring public officials to do him favors, forcing Chun's dad to work his connections and having ol' faithful Balrog go here and there as his private gopher.
Trying to find Bison is Interpol agent Charlie Nash (Chris Kline) whose performance is indeed as BAD as they say. The guy is acting like a bad impression of Jim Carrey doing a bad Keanu Reeves action hero cliche skit for the whole movie. Backing Nash up is the sexy cop Maya (Moon Bloodgood) who is supposedly based on Crimson Viper (yeah, right).

Anyway, eventually Chun finds Gen (Robin Shou), who starts teaching her the way of The Force, via really bad CG fireballs. As they do, Chun sneaks out every so often to tangle with Shadaloo (which she finds out all about after reading two newspaper articles on the internet... man, you can find everything on the web but that's ridiculous) and beat up bad guys. She even tussles with Cantana, Bison's secretary/female aide in a pretty unnecessary lesbian mating dance that just comes out of nowhere (so apparently Cantana's sexual preferences were also common knowledge on the Internet) and is just another tacky nail in this film's coffin.

We learn that Bison was the orphaned son of Irish Missionaries (which shows that accents are ingrained in the genes) who grew up a thief in the streets of Bangkok and became the seemingly-invincible super crime boss he is today by killing his pregnant wife in some cave.

WHAT. THE. HELL. Raul Julia's M. Bison was way classier than this. My gosh. Let me say that I was willing to let a lot of things slide with 'Bison' in this film. I accepted that we wouldn't be seeing the military outfit, the metal shin guards or any of his fighting moves. But damn, we never really get a sense that this was going to become the fearsome M. Bison. Psycho power is reduced to 'having no conscience'? Man, ANYONE can do that. You don't even need to go to a weird cave in Thailand. Just be a politician here in Manila.

So everything just kinda-sorta-somehow works it's way to some kind of endgame. Chun-Li gets captured and reunited with Dad, sees Dad get killed by Bison, escapes and then participates in the final assault on Bison's lair with Nash and Gen.

Oh, and sometime before that, she beats up what is probably the most pathetically incompetent incarnation of Vega EVER (Taboo from Black-Eyed Peas) and Balrog apparently gets killed by Gen in a bad kinda-fight scene. All with Balrog never ever showing any sign that he was a boxer. Or that Vega was ever a graceful, deadly elite ninja-like assassin. No, they just get fragged, so basically Bison is all alone with some nameless, nothing guards in the film's action FINALE.

Finale? There's nothing really to the movie's wrap-up, just lots of silly brawling and bad wirework, some crap about Bison's daughter (who is supposed to be important in some way) and lots of sneaking and tumbling around. You know there's something wrong about the movie's 'action-packed' finale when the coolest guy onscreen isn't Chun-Li or Nash, but the lone SWAT guy backing them up. Un-freakin-believable.

Anyway, Chun-Li hits Bison with a Kikouken fireball and a neck snap, and it's over. So... why the hell was Bison so hard to take out in the first place? That was pretty easy. I mean, what made him special? Well, I guess we'll never know.

We then have a little mention of a 'Streetfighter' tournament and a guy named Ryu-something. Sequel? Do I smell sequel???

Oh by all that's holy NO.

I have to say, the one big sin of this Streetfighter movie is, well... it's NOT a Streetfighter movie. It's a revenge-drama flick with martial arts overtones, but not Streetfighter. All the appearing characters who are supposedly based on SF characters pretty much never measure up to the source material. Liberties be damned- if you're gonna make a movie entitled Streetfighter then work the the hell hard to get it to live up to that name. Make some freakin' effort to get the characters recognizable or at least having a faint shadow of who they are supposed to be.
Let me say this- Michael Clark-Duncan is, despite being a black guy, totally miscast (the guy in the Van Damme movie got the look and feel down perfect, in contrast, aside from the change that he was a good guy). Everyone is pretty much miscast, save for Robin Shou who could have at least had dressed like the 'real' Gen and had some of his fighting style.

But really, it's a movie about Chun-Li. WHY CAN'T THEY AT LEAST GET CHUN-LI TO KINDA-SORTA LOOK LIKE CHUN-LI??? I'll accept they can't use the blue outfit, the spiked bracelets, fine. But at least give her those trademark hair buns. The buns ARE Chun-Li. They're not impossible to do. They don't need prosthetics. They don't need CG. They're freakin' cutely-tied up hair. WHY THE HELL NOT?

Even the freakin Chun-Li action sequence from Jacky Chan's City Hunter is better than this whole movie. You could retitle this "The Schoolgirl" and it would probably work better. Or "Stand Up to Fight" if you wanna follow the style of the old Hong Kong action films of the 80s and 90s.

With all that, needless to say I didn't like this movie.

It's badly written, badly directed, badly shot and badly performed. There are no cool moments, no set-piece encounters to speak of worth remembering. Low production values are just another hit to a movie that is humorless and joyless, not fun, not enjoyable and frequently dragging. Action sequences are rarely good (mainly just the 'practice' scenes are kinda neat) and for the most part are clunky, ugly and just plain bad- the DOA movie kicks this one's butt at least in terms of fighting. You can just tell, there was no love for Streetfighter, no reverence or even respect for the material, in the makers of this film. I wonder just what the hell went into Capcom's minds when they allowed their property to be defaced or connected with this crap.

It would have been better if I said I didn't like this movie because it's been so long and I just am not that big a SF fan anymore. Or that the Van Damme movie is just so much better (it is, actually). Or that I am just a lot older and wiser now, so am immune to blind fanboy wonder when I see any film of a franchise I like taped on the cover. Nope... it's just that Streetfighter: Legend of Chun-Li is a very, very bad movie.

Wanna see Chun-Li done right? Watch the old Streetfighter II the Animated Movie. Or the Streetfighter: Ties that Bind anime loaded in with Streetfighter IV. Or Streetfighter The Later Years from College Humor. Just. Not. This.

2009-03-07T13:38:00.003+08:00

A Salute to The Man from Manila: Francis Magalona 1964-2009

I wish I was posting something happy, but what can you do?

Back in the 90s, Philippine Rap found its niche in the hearts of music-loving Filipinos thanks to one man- Francis 'Kiko' Magalona. His unparalleled national pride and true performer's heart will always be something Pinoys should cherish and remember. Goodbye, Francis M.

2009-02-17T16:33:00.003+08:00

Fallen

I've seen a couple of short teasers for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, and I have mixed feelings. Yeah, I enjoyed the first movie, albeit with some reservations (basically too much humans, not enough robots, and the simple fact that the whole film played more or less like the flashiest U.S. Armed Forces commercial ever). The sequel looks to be a lot darker, seeing from how the start of the film has Armageddon-like imagery and has an entire aircraft carrier (maybe even the whole fleet) going down, apparently with all hands. Apparently the arrival of the autobots in the first movie has grave repercussions on the human race as even nastier decepticons, including one supposedly known as 'The Fallen' have come to wreak untold havoc on the puny earthlings. Anyway, Shia LeBeouf, Josh Duhamel and Megan Fox, as well other cast members are back for this more dangerous itineration.

This early though I have more reservations- it doesn't feel like Transformers at all. Perhaps that's because I could not recognize a single character in the trailer- most were just shapeless metal things that were exploding everything around them. Heck, you could tape on Terminator: Revenge of the 1000000 at the end of this and it would still work. Well, hopefully the full trailers will give back that feel.

With Fallen and the real Terminator sequel up later this year, it seems to be the Era of Giant Robots. Hmmm... Transformers vs Terminators... wouldn't that make a cool movie...? Nah.

2009-02-13T18:40:00.003+08:00

Less is More, Part Deux

Sony Ericsson W890i.

It's been more than a week since I traded in my Nokia N96 for a new W890 Walkman phone, and I have to say I'm still in honeymoon phase with my new mobile. Despite not being a smartphone, the ultra-slim W890 is awesome thanks to the ease of use, great keypad, nice camera and cool games (Tennis is awesome, if freakin' hard). The screen, while tiny compared to my iPod Touch, is so bright and colorful and makes pics and images light up so nicely. The most fun I am having though with it is the customizability... as with most Sony Ericsson phones, you can create your own themes (thanks to an easy-to-use Theme Creator software that's available free for both PC and Mac). So I can fashion my own complete graphical look for the phone, complete with wallpapers and backgrounds for various screens as well as a message alert tone straight from the game. And since the phone supports animated pics, I can use moving GIFs as cool screensavers as well. So now, just a click can shift my phone from being a Metal Gear Solid 4 (complete with Codec alert tone and Gekko attack screensaver) phone to a Tekken 6 phone or a Final Fantasy mobile. Awesome for an OC fanboy like me.

I guess it's partly culture shock for me to have so much fun from such a slim, tiny device when I once sought out the thickest, most tech-heavy cellphones I could get. And maybe it's also because it's such a freakin' gorgeous and awesomely cool little phone. Sigh. Anyway, enough gushing I guess... gotta make another theme. Heheh...

2009-02-08T00:36:00.004+08:00

Less is More

Sony Ericsson W890i.

Yep, I've upgraded again to a new phone. Well, not exactly- it's not an upgrade since I'm actually shifting to a less-flashy mobile to my now-gone Nokia N96... and it's not new either since the Sony Ericsson W890i I have now was released early last year. No, I'm not reverting or anything. It's all in becoming more compact and less redundant with my gadgets.

Of course, it all started with my old iPhone last year. I loved that device (and my Mom still loves it today), but I just had to upgrade eventually. I didn't want to get the iPhone 3G, so I got what I thought was the next best thing- a Nokia N96. On paper, the N96 sounded good. 16GB memory, 5 megapixel camera and high quality video recording, dvd-quality video playing, games... it even kinda-sorta looked like my old iPhone. So I jumped back into Nokia's camp. Unfortunately, it only took a couple of days of me trying to (unsuccessfully) convince myself that the N96's relatively small screen was in any way a nice replacement for the massive real estate that was the iPhone's screen. As a mobile video enthusiast, it was just asking too much.

Less than a week after I got my N96, on a whim I ran out of the office and got myself a new iPod Touch. My 32-Gig 2nd Gen Touch is awesome to this day, and is my portable gaming, video, image and music center. Which means... I didn't need my actual phone to do the same thing any more.

To be fair, I really like the N96... it looks great (one of the really slick Nokias), the overall quality and feel is high, and the tons of vids I can put in the 16 Gig memory is great. However, managing two different devices' worth of media is just too much. Plus the phone's much-touted camera just doesn't stand up to my standards of quality for video and pics... I'd much rather lug my Canon Ixus if I'm gonna snap pics or shoot vids. So... well... all we're left with is a big black block whose talents are inferior to other, nicer gadgets. So something had to give.

So I decided, I have my iPod for games and media as well as a proper digicam... all that's left is just... a phone. So I decided to get the slimmest phone I could get. The W890 ended up being the winner- it's slim and light but feels reassuringly solid in the hand. Plus, it's no slouch in functions (3G Quad Band, Walkman phone, 3.2 MP Camera) and it's very easy to use. Also, using it is far faster and smoother than the sluggish soup that was the N96's interface (slooooow as molasses). So, here we are.

After more than a couple of years of having chunky, do-it-all phones... it's kinda refreshing to have a small, slim and light mobile. Yeah, I still have my iPod, but it's pretty slim too, so the overall feeling is like I just cast off a heavy load. I think I done some good with this configuration... a commuter-commando like me needs to move fast and not be too bulky. And after all this time, I've realized all-in-one devices are just... overrated. At least, up to now. I think I'm at a good balance. Everything's copacetic. Okay, gotta go play with the new toy, er, phone again...

2009-01-20T22:55:00.002+08:00

Hope

Today, I am watching a true moment in history as Barack Obama becomes the next President of the United States of America.

The hopefulness, the enthusiasm, the glowing pride and the warm optimism is, I have to say, infectious and something that gives me a smile in these hard times.

Here's to Mister Obama somehow fulfilling his promises and taking the US in a different direction from the tailspin he found it in.

Hopefully this inspires someone here in the Philippines to just WANT to change our country for the better as well. Someone to step up and just. Fix. What's. Wrong.

Probably, probably not.

For now, let's all just enjoy the Warm Glow.

2008-12-31T18:55:00.003+08:00

One Last Look: 2008

T'was the Year of the Superhero Movie. After tons of disappointing drivel like Superman Returns, 2008 saw some of the best comic-to-film translations yet. Iron Man, Incredible Hulk and The Dark Knight have laid the foundation for superhero films to rise even higher and greater than before. With X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Watchmen looming, I can't wait to see comic book movies can accomplish.

T'was the Year of Sequels both crappy and cool. Rambo was bloody awesome, while Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was... not.

T'was the Year of Big Endings. This year saw the end of one of the best animated series I have ever seen, with the closing of Avatar: The Last Airbender. 60 Episodes of Awesomeness culminated in a finale that truly lived up to expectations. Metal Gear Solid 4 came after years of waiting, and finished the Saga of Solid Snake in a big, big way. Metal Gear may continue on without him, but Snake will live on forever. SNNNAAAAAAAAAAKKKKEEE!!!

T'was the Year of the Apple Gadgets. My first-gen iPhone lasted me well into the third quarter of the year, and it's actually still around (with Mom). But I wasn't Apple-less at any point; I use a Macbook Pro at work, I bought an iMac for use at home, and eventually topped it all off with a 2nd Gen iPod Touch. What's next? If a spiffier, cooler Apple device arrives next year, I'll surely be on the lookout.

T'was the Year of the Game. This was the time that I really knew I am a gamer through and through, and I probably will be until the day I die. Gaming has never been as awesome as it is these days, with HDTVs and HiDef making the experience truly a feast for the senses. I can't wait to see what great games and titles are in store in 2009.

T'was the Year of Jet-setting! Yeah, in less than a month's time, I found myself in another country twice in 2008. First in Bangkok, Thailand, and then a couple of weeks later in Taiwan. It was for work, but man, staying in posh hotels and living it up was damn fun.

T'was the Year of Overtime! Let me say this- I don't think I ever went home with the sun in the sky in 2008. Pitches kept me busy day after day, week after week. But despite it all, it just made time move fast and I enjoy a challenge. Better yet, I think we won more pitches this year than any before, so it was all worth it. Work won't be any easier next year, but what the heck... it's a living.

T'was the Year of the Ninja Girl! And hopefully, with Mangaholix and Kriss Sison behind her, Michiko Yamashita will continue to adventure on in 2009.

It was an interesting year, but I have to say... I'm glad it's over. Onwards into 2009!

2008-12-31T00:59:00.002+08:00

Looking Back

Here I am, typing away in The Sanctum, where I've been vegging out for the past week. Due to the current clime of holiday traffic and crowds, I have decided to just quit cold turkey with any idea of venturing into malls. Staying home and just Staying Still is the Thing, but that doesn't mean I'm meditating on some higher truth... actually I'm just enjoying the stuff I've squirreled away all these past months but never really got into. Actually, there's so much stuff I doubt I'll finish them all by the time work begins again, but hopefully I'll make a big dent in the backlog.

Anyway, the past year. Man, the past year. It wasn't the best of times. But that's for the world in general, I guess. For me... well... it was a year of working and working and living and working and just getting along. As usual, I got along fine. I have stuff to be thankful for- in work, basically having a pretty great job and a great workplace I continue to enjoy going to and people I enjoy being around with. That's all you can ask for in this challenging economic bunghole we're all in. The next year won't be any easier, but well, it should be cool to keep the thing working as long as we can, as best as we can.

For me, the Comic scene wouldn't outwardly be anything special- I didn't publish any comic by myself. However, I can probably say that this year was my most successful in my comic 'career', thanks to Mangaholix, who let me create Ninja Girl KO! with my art master partner Kriss Sison. Hopefully 2009 will see more and more adventures of Michiko and Anton reach more readers here and, well, wherever. Even so, I STILL do hope to do other stuff with pen and page, so wish me luck. There's a comic yearning to break free into the wild from my head, I just need to tear it out and give it... wings.

There are other stuff too. I'm looking forward to games, comics, movies and other fun stuff in 2009. What's the next cool gadget I can get into? Will there be a new iPhone? A new Do-it-All device? Man, I think we're all going to be blown away by the stuff coming based on what came last year.

Yeah it's going to be hard next year, but hey... it's always hard. What else is new. Just the New Year, and whatever we have before us. That's all we have, and all we need. See you in 2009, everyone.

2008-12-26T02:15:00.002+08:00

Rainy Christmas

Perhaps fitting for the way the whole year has gone, Manila saw a rainy, sodden Christmas. Not much in the way or sound or even feeling of festivity from Christmases Past. It was more subdued, less extravagant and more introspective, I believe. The economic crisis, a corrupt, ruthless regime that's filthy and incompetent from top to bottom, and a puzzling frequency of fires has taken it's toll. Yeah, it's still Christmas. Still, Filipinos want to have their Noche Buena feasts and gifts and stuff. But a bit quieter this time.

Not really a biggie for me... we've always had a simple but hearty dinner every Christmas Eve, and that's all we need. Despite it all, I am so happy that I'm still around, and this big chance to just chill, pause and rest for quite a while is something that I treasure. Just some Me Time, some time to savour and just BE without something looming in a couple of days. Bliss, in spite of it all.

Let's be thankful for small miracles, for life and our loved ones. That's all we need.

2008-12-04T22:14:00.006+08:00

Death Becomes Them

It's like Harry Potter... with SCYTHES.

What is it with entertainment and its fascination with DEATH? There are quite a lot of movies, comics and anime that have a big focus on the Grim Reaper, the Great Beyond, Davy Jones' Locker and What Have You. Meet Joe Black, Death Note, Bleach... maybe its an unconscious way for us to be desensitized towards dying. I mean, if Death was a hot albino Goth chick, you wouldn't be that afraid now, would you?

Anyway, such matters aside, my latest anime fixation is yet another title that deals with death. Soul Eater is an action anime based on the manga by Atsushi Okubo and produced by Studio Bones and Square Enix of Japan. It's all about the adventures of students of the Shinigami Weapon Meister Vocational School, or Shibusen for short. Think of it like Hogwarts, complete with gangs of young students and oddball teachers... but instead of wands and brooms (although you might find such wizardly things around), you're more likely to find them swinging katana or even brandishing high caliber firepower. Shibusen specializes in the training of humans who have the ability to turn into weapons(!) and the ones who will actually wield them in battle. Their targer- other humans who are so evil that they have been turned into demonic beings known as the Eggs of the Demon God. As the story goes, any such Egg-head has the capacity to eventually turn into the Demon God, or Kishin, himself, and lay waste to the world. To prevent that crisis from happening is the ultimate goal of Shibusen, it's headmaster Shinigami (a comical Grim Reaper Himself) and the three groups of heroes upon which the series revolves.

The main heroes of Soul-Eater are the members of three groups of Weapons and Meisters (Masters). Maka Albam seems to be the main heroine; a long-legged, cute and over-achieving young girl whose specialty is using a nasty scythe. Her weapon parter is Soul Eater Evan, or Soul for short, a spiky-haired and spiky-toothed teen for whom being cool is top priority. Maka and Soul seem to be total opposites (she's serious and driven, he's cynical and laidback), but they're a pretty good team particularly because they care for each other selflessly.

The second team is the ninja duo of the Meister Black Star and his walking Ninja Arsenal, Tsubaki Nakatsukasa. Black Star is yet another spiky-haired shorty, albeit a ninja warrior of great potential power. Unfortunately he's also got the world's biggest ego and he can't seem to resist announcing to the world his entrance before diving into combat, often with disastrous results. Though he can make even Naruto cringe, he's inexplicably likeable, and no one can resist the cuteness and undying patience of the lovely, long-suffering Tsubaki.

Finally, there's the team of Death the Kid and his twin pistols, Liz and Patti Thompson. Death the Kid, or 'Kid' is, literally, Shinigami's son- the fruit of the Grim Reaper's loins. He's dignified, slick, mannered and... possessed of the most severe case of Obsessive Compulsive disorder ever. Totally consumed by the idea of symmetry, just seeing anything uneven or imbalanced can send him into convulsions. Thankfully, his two Weapons, the ditzy Patti and the level-headed Liz, can usually reign in his bouts of disorder depression. Despite being technically a God of Death himself, Kid has decided to slog it along with the other student Meisters of Shibusen to hunt down evil souls and keep the Kishin from reemerging.

Soul Eater is a pretty funny, often light-hearted show with some pretty impressive art and animation quality, fluid action scenes and some wild characters. The world is a wacky mix of fantasy and reality, a stylized battlefield where Meisters and their Weapons hunt down evil souls based on real world villains (Jack the Ripper and Al Capone have already been found and Eaten) and do battle with mysterious and powerful witches dedicated to causing chaos in the world. But deep down, it's also about teen angst, growing pains, friendship and family. With Scythes.

So if you're looking for a cool action anime title to get into, you may want to check out Soul Eater at your local anime dealer.

2008-11-25T18:00:00.003+08:00

Komikon and Mangaholix Presents #7 Wrap-up

Available now in National Bookstore branches all over.

Last Saturday, I attended the fourth Philippine Komiks Convention or Komikon 2008. As usual, this annual event was held at the Bahay ng Alumni at the University of the Philippines in Diliman (and as far as I'm concerned, that's where it should stay). As usual, it was a day of milling crowds, rows and rows of comics (most of them indie and local publications), the usual suspects of longtime local comic creators/artists/personalities and a budding new crop of young grafictionists wanting to break into the local comic publishing biz.

Unfortunately this year found me without any publication of my very own, though of course my work in Mangaholix Presents was present in full force. As usual though I found myself being asked when the next Angel Ace book will be coming out. As I told them, it's still in the works. Yes, I'm still intending to release the definitive, compleat, final Angel Ace book. We'll see. Next year.

For the most part though, being untied to any particular booth or function I had the luxury to just mill around with the crowd, to check out this or that shelf, pick up this or that indie and just sweat it out happily. I picked up quite a few things, so that should be fun. I met up with komik comrades Ian Cang, Kriss Sison and the Groundbreakers, Carl Vergara, Budjette Tan, Ka-Jo Baldisimo, Elbert Or, Jaime Bautista, Gerry Alanguilan and of course Arnold and Cynthia Arre. Everyone was for the most part busy as bees till the Kon finished at about eight in the evening.

Happily, business was pretty brisk- as far as I know, copies of Issue 7 of Mangaholix Presents sold out in the late afternoon, as did copies of Budj's Trese. Carl's appearance at the Visprint booth also boosted sales of Zsa Zsa. That's the great thing about the Komikon- people are there for the comics, first and foremost... the odd cosplayer regardless.

Once again, I found myself going away from the Komikon refreshed and reinvigorated. Hopefully next year, same time, we'll have tons more Mangaholix and Ninja Girl KO as well as a book of my very own on offer. We'll see. For now, let's leave it at a nice feeling that at least once again, the Komikon proves that love for komics is not lacking in Manila.

2008-11-18T02:10:00.007+08:00

Graphic Novel Review: Martial Law Babies

The latest opus from Arnold Arre takes us back a generation...

It's been a while since the last project from local master grafictionist, Arnold Arre, but the wait has been worth it. You really can't predict what Arn has up his sleeve. Last time, it was a tribute to tagalog action movies/local fantasy with Andong Agimat. This time, it's a decidedly less magical and whimsical tale- in fact, you can't get any more real with this. Martial Law Babies is a look back at Arnold's (and incidentally, my) origins. It's the often not-so-simple story of a bunch of friends who grew up in the 70s and into the present day.

While the story follows the characters' intertwining plots and interactions, the real stars of the book are the various anecdotes, experiences, ironies, in-jokes, games, music, moods and quirks of the decades they go through. And all made all the more funny and ironic looking back at it all now.

While the characters are mostly fictional or at least fabricated from various sources or inspirations (as far as I know), it's clearly Arnold's voice speaking throughout. It's part journal and diary (far earlier than the blogs of today), part love letter, part confession, part validation, part rant, part sermon, part comedy, part tragedy... and all real. The emotion invested in the pages is heartbreakingly sincere, and that's what makes this work easily Arnold's best so far. The pages also reflect his maturity as a storyteller in pictures, mixing panels with prose in some instances, and using a more graphic and sketchy style in lieu of the super-detailed art he is capable of to convey more emotion and mood rather than minute detail.

You can't expect any whimsical, happy-happy-joy-joy endings in this one, which is admittedly pretty much the same as in real life. I actually found MLB to be extremely dark in parts, and a high amount of angst which I actually find a much for if it be something we'd characterize for our generation. But that's just optimistic me talking. Perhaps it's simply because the story's ending isn't written yet. Or it's something we make ourselves. Anyway, I'll be sure to grill Arnold about his latest masterpiece when I collar him at the Komikon. Heheh.

Martial Law Babies is now available at bookstores and Comic Quest branches in the Metro. Go. Get. Now.

2008-11-05T12:31:00.002+08:00

Change

It's done. Barack Obama makes history today as the first African-American to hold the highest position in the United States of America.

Should be very interesting to see what happens next.

Good stuff. Congratulations, America. First step to a better world, hopefully.

2008-10-21T21:08:00.003+08:00

Creepy Planet

I love getting creeped out. That's pretty much the reason why I love shows like Ghost Hunters. Another show, on the same Sci-Fi Network, is Destination Truth, another documentary/reality show in the vein of Ghost Hunters (in fact, the host of DT has appeared as a guest on GH). Whereas Ghost Hunters concentrates on the adventures of The Atlantic Paranormal Society as they investigate various locales in the United States purported to be haunted or beset by paranormal goings-on, Destination Truth is all about mysterious phenomenon, monsters and local legends from all over the world.

This pretty much entails having imposingly tall but amiable host Josh Gates running around the globe with his team of investigators, visiting various countries and looking for a rumored boogeyman. Pretty much invariably, this boils down to the show's host and company (awkwardly or hilariously) interfacing with the locals, meeting up with 'witnesses' or specialists on the monster-of-the-show, and then trekking to the remote location where the creature/object of their hunt is said to lurk. What follows in the last third of the episodes is usually a hodgepodge of night-vision footage as the team encounter eerie sounds, blurry dark shadows and creepy atmosphere.

For the most part, footage and evidence found is inconclusive and vague, and suspense often occurring not due to a face-to-face meeting with any monster but due to someone slipping on a log, seeing a big bug or normal, non-supernatural animal. Still, the atmosphere is usually always creepy in that Blair Witch sort of way. In other words... very similar to Ghost Hunters, just all about monsters and more world-spanning. In the end, it's all a little bit Globe Trekker/Lonely Planet travelog, but with a creepy twist, which I thoroughly enjoy, despite the overall light tone, campiness and fact that it's all in a tongue-in-cheek way, non-committal but intriguing. Just good, clean creepy fun. I'll probably have a Destination Truth marathon along with a Ghost Hunters marathon this Halloween... Heh...

2008-10-18T00:57:00.002+08:00

iMom

Today was a bit of a crossroads for me. I counted the minutes to the arrival of my new Nokia N96, which I won from eBay in a one-sided auction. Getting into my first Nokia after several years of using Pocket PCs and then the iPhone resulted in a bit of disorientation, but my fingers went back to keypad texting with little problem. As I sat there with the N96 in one hand and the iPhone in the other, I realized part of the reason why I chose this particular model to replace my Apple device- the N96 is very similar in look to the iPhone- glossy black with little visible trimmings save for the one button (though once you activate the thing, a myriad lights turn on like a Christmas Tree). Unfortunately, the similarity ends there, at least in substance. While the iPhone felt like a solid bar of sturdy metal with a lovely heavy feel, the N96 feels like a toy with it's plastic body. However, the phone has a nice feel to it regardless, and the size is just right to rest comfortably in my hand. I spent the evening (and the meager factory charge of the N96's battery) testing out the camera, trying out the video and Mass Storage capability and troubling over a file that refused to be deleted (forcing me to format the phone's memory).

Needless to say, I'll probably be spending most of the weekend getting to grips with my new toy. I'll also probably be spending a bit of time helping my Mom- who has consequently become the owner of a used First-Gen iPhone- get used to her new device.

All things are new again...

2008-10-15T16:25:00.007+08:00

iChange

My next phone?

I love my Apple iPhone 2G. Even to this day, I haven't seen a phone out there that looks as sexy and as slick as Apple's first-generation effort in the mobile arena, not even the iPhone 3G. The phone still looks as sleek and lovely as the day I got it, and feels just as solid, sturdy and classy all around. It's still got, as far as I know, the most user-friendly and fun interface on a mobile device I've ever experienced, the best video playing and the loveliest screen around. So, why do I find myself continually thinking of making a switch to a new phone?

Well, it's natural... I'm a gadget freak. I yearn for always finding the next big thing, the next cool toy. Stability, sameness and status quo are nice, but ultimately... boring. Right now, everything's peachy with the iPhone, but there are several glaring things that I can't deny. One, my iPhone is of a dead species- like that silent Kurt Russell in the film Soldier, replaced by a new , slicker generation of plastic-backed descendants. Though it's working quite well now, I have no idea what I will do once the battery- which has to be sent to Apple for replacement- finally starts acting up. Two, support for apps and new stuff on the free, jailbroken side of the iPhone has apparently dried up. Installer, once a rushing river of cool free applications, games and nice stuff, has as of late grown stagnant. Everyone is developing for the Apple iTunes App Store, and who can blame them? They can get paid. So far the games and apps on my phone currently are cool, but aside from the most useful stuff like Sketches, Pool and Tetris, most are just stuff to take up space on the screen.

And finally... well... better things are coming. Phones with great cameras and video. Great functionality and features. These can't be denied. Even though the form factor of the iPhone is still king for me, looks can only get you so far. There's substance to be found in other phones coming out or out right now that I, as a gadget enthusiast, can't ignore.

So what are the options I'm looking at?

Definitely I am NOT getting an iPhone 3G. I'm just sick of the overblown priced plans from Globe and the overpriced models sold by the Grey Market. I asked myself, is it worth going through all that for just added storage and some nifty games from the App Store? Nope. Man, if the App Store had a Tekken or a Street Fighter game, if the iPhone had a decent camera and video-recording and 32 GB at least, I'd plunk into it in a heartbeat. But right now? It's pretty crap. At least, for someone who has already had an iPhone for a while, the 3G model isn't an upgrade- it's a grudging kiss to Apple's ass. No thank you.

I found myself gravitating a bit towards a couple of new phones out recently- the Samsung i5810 blew me away when I first saw it in a shop at Megamall's Cyberzone. The sleek black slider has an 8-Megapixel Camera (!) and the ability to take VGA videos at 120 frames per second- that means you can play them back in butter-smooth slow motion if you want. Add to that 16 Gigabytes of storage (which you can further augment with a memory card), the latest Symbian OS and you've got one heck of a smartphone that gadget geeks would cream over. The only problems are- well- supposedly the battery life sucks eggs, the screen isn't as sharp as you'd expect and the thing's a heavy, bulky bar. Well, at least if you need to defend yourself you can use it as a blunt instrument.

The other option I am thinking of is the Nokia N96, which is the Finnish upgrade to their now-classic N95 superphone. What sets it apart is a lot more focus on video and multimedia- both of which score high with me. The 5-Megapixel camera and DVD-quality VGA video recording look great, as well as the 16 GB storage, nice big 2.8 inch screen and Symbian OS (which includes NGage gaming support). This is a true all-in-one device that can pretty much serve as my phone, PDA, media player and camera/video recorder in one compact (albeit still substantial) package.

So it's pretty obvious- I'm teetering towards a return to Nokia. It certainly seems to be a better solution than an earlier plan I had for upgrading- getting myself a 32 GB iPod Touch and a Sony Ericsson Cameraphone combo. However, this route could potentially have me at one time lugging around THREE devices at a time (a proper digicam), which is just... dumb.

It's not yet a total done deal- everytime I look at my iPhone, I just find myself totally enamoured in that huge, lovely screen and my determination slightly falters. Ultimately, I probably won't be selling my iPhone... maybe I'll just retire it and keep it around in The Sanctum like my old O2 XDA2i. But someday, it seems to be invetable... I have to move on to something else. Man, decisions, decisions.

2008-10-07T03:13:00.006+08:00

Award Winner KO!

HEEEEYYYY!!!!

My incomparable partner-in-ninja-crime, Kriss Sison, just took home a nice little souvenir from Japan. His work on Ninja Girl KO! won for him the Bronze Award at the 2nd International Manga Awards. The Second International MANGA Award had 368 entries from 46 countries and regions, which was 222 more entries and 22 more countries and regions from the First International MANGA Award.

He was one of the 12 finalists and the ONLY Filipino among the prestigious list! How about that, eh? Yes, the Filipino CAN! Heheh.

CONGRATULATIONS, KRISS!!! May this be a sign of much more good things to come! And more Ninja Girl KO! as well! Heheh. Thanks of course to all the Mangaholix readers and NGK fans out there for the continued and enthusiastic support.

You can be sure me, Kriss and the rest of the Mangaholix crew will be working hard to bring more of Michiko's world-class, award-winning ninja girl adventures to you as we can.

2008-10-06T22:48:00.002+08:00

Remembering Twister

I came home tonight and caught Jan de Bont's Twister on HBO. Now, despite all the less-than-stellar reviews that this blockbuster got, I am quite ready to say at anytime that this nature-action film is one of my favorite movies ever. There's such a coolness about the film- how it actually made a bunch of weirdo scientists/thrillseekers a gang you almost would want to run into a tornado's path with. The effects were pretty awesome, the music was great (still trying to find the score to this day) and the whole film is just... FUN. This was a good-natured flick that just hit the right notes with me, sappy love story aside. Little funny tidbit... I finally realized that one of the cast, the happy-go-lucky 'Dusty', was played by none other than Philip Seymour Hoffman! MAN! Looking at him then, you'd never think that the guy would go on to play far more serious charaters and roles, from Truman Capote to the cold-blooded Owen Davian in Mission Impossible 3. That's pretty cool.

Man, it was great to just see the flick and reminisce watching it in theaters years ago. Those were the days.

2008-09-24T02:06:00.002+08:00

Snake eater

Okay... I just watched the obligatory 'Food Episode' of Man VS WIld. And I have to say... MAN. And I thought the stuff Ian Wright ate way back in the earlier days of Lonely Planet/Globe Trekker were bad. I mean, the stuff that host Bear Gryll scarfs down in the episode are positively FOUL. Forget the usual goat's eyeball or live, wriggling snails or maggots... what REALLY got my hackles up in a bunch was seeing the man tear away at a dead zebra's meat (although the meat was supposedly fresh) and a dead camel's fat. But even more horrid was the hunt for water- how does drinking your own pee sound? The guy does it onscreen- FRESH, WARM PEE. My. God. But it didn't stop there... next Mr. Gryll was squeezing the fluid out of fresh elephant dung. But the worst was, for me, opening up a dead camel and drinking the liquid pooled in the carcass's stomach, and then getting the half-digested clumps of matter in the stomach, then squeezing THAT sludge for drink. GYYYYAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!

It was horrific and utterly, utterly... fascinating.

I don't think I'd survive in the wild, but damn, you may probably surprise yourself if you were put into that situation. Still, I prefer any raw stuff I eat to be either fruit or sushi, thank you very much. Oddly enough, after watching all that, I suddenly found myself having the munchies. Man, where's a Big Mac where you need one...?

2008-09-13T15:10:00.002+08:00

Sobra-sa-Overtime Part... I Lost Count

After a week's straight of overtime at The Salt Mines, here I am still at a TV shoot for the weekend. Man... 7 days straight. Still, there's a twisted sense of accomplishment that I seem to enjoy after all the hubbub of last week. Whatever doesn't kill you just makes you stronger, I guess. But that doesn't mean I won't be demanding to take a break afterwards. Got things to take care of, and rest to catch up on. Nope, you really can't take back lost time... but you can try.

2008-09-05T23:21:00.005+08:00

Better Than Six

Now available!

Heeeey! Mangaholix Presents Issue #6 is now out on shelves in National Bookstore, Powerbooks and Fully Booked! So if you want your latest local manga fix, go get your copy. There's a reason for the flowery artwork on the cover- this issue sees the debut of Sampaguita Daydreams (whose characters are actually cosplaying personages from other MH stories) which should please the romantics out there. As usual, it's also brimming with the latest episodes of Chronicles of Hao Ran: Kraust: Ten Roars of the Heavens. Midknighters: Fist-Fight Manifesto, Pulis Pangkalawakan, Aporia and, well, of course, Ninja Girl KO!

Let me give you guys a tip- Mangaholix is found with most of the other comics, and is often places inside deep of NBS or Powerbook branches. If you can't find copies, ask one of the ladies to help find them.

Man, I gotta get my own copy. Can't wait to see the finished art...

2008-09-04T23:21:00.002+08:00

Cracking Up

Okay, day by day I'm reading all these complaints with the new iPhone 3G. The most vocal I see on Attack of the Show on G4TV, where the once-iPhone-loving hosts are now loudly castigating Apple for their new iPhones' extremely short battery life, non-working 3G. synching issues, lost apps and other stuff. The most recent issue though is that of cracks- little hairline cracks- appearing supposedly spontaneously on some iPhone 3Gs even though the owners swear they have never dropped or sat on their mobiles. The cracks- which appear often on the white plastic casing, have OC iPhoners up in arms and wanting Apple to take responsibility.

Heh. I remember when the 1st Gen iPhones came out, everyone was raving how they could throw the device around, drop it onto concrete or run blades on the screen without any scratches. Man, I am loving my First-Gen phone more and more each day.

But seriously, I think a lot of this is overreaction, particularly about the cracks. If it does seem to be chronic and widespread, maybe Apple should do something. Still, it seems these cracks are appearing only under the scrutiny of UV light or magnifying glasses- in which case maybe the owner should just take a chill pill.

Then again, if my iPhone got a crack for no reason I'd freak too. Oh well. Such is the price for beauty and coolness.

2008-09-03T12:18:00.002+08:00

Superman Retooled

HBO's been showing the Bryan Singer debacle movie Superman Returns a LOT recently, and it really just reinforces what I knew two years ago when I first saw it... it's a load of crap and probably one of the WORST, if not THE worst superhero movie ever made (along with Hulk and Elektra, I guess). Boring, overlong, insanely-obsessed with the Richard Donner original and again, BORING as freaking hell, it just gets all the more horrible in the light of the recent releases of superhero movies done right like Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk and The Dark Knight. Well, it appears that validation has come as well- Warner Brothers has signalled their intention to 'reboot' the franchise, wiping away Superman Returns from existence like Ang Lee's Bulk, er- Hulk and starting anew. Man, I wonder what they will do with all those Brandon Routh-faced dolls and other Superman Returns merchandise? Bury them all in a landfill with those Atari ET videogame cartridges? Anyway, that's all behind us with good stuff like the Avengers and JLA being developed. Oh, and that awesome Watchmen movie too. Let's have enough of small-minded, short-sighted fools with superhero and comic book flicks. Yes, we do want yellow spandex, if the comic requires it.

2008-08-26T18:32:00.002+08:00

Ninja Girl KO has a Mega-Fan!

A while ago, I was informed by Mangaholix that Henry Sy, the big boss of Shoemart and one of the richest guys in the country, is a fan of our little mangazine and, particularly, of Ninja Girl KO! Of course, that our comic got the attention of the mall magnate is pretty cool... but that Michiko's adventures are something he likes is even cooler. That actually got me thinking of some weird storyline of how I'd be walking along one day when this big car comes along and I'd be met by a line of SM Girls. They'd take me over to the Main Branch of SM- which turns out to be SM Centerpoint- to meet The Boss Himself. Then I'd sign his copies of Mangaholix and he'd ask me if I'd approve of letting him have his SM Girls' uniforms to be changed to match Michiko's ninja outfit. Heheh.

Just a weird little yarn. Anyways, Ninja Girl KO! continues to Hai-YAH and KIAAAIII in the pages of Mangaholix Presents, with the next issue (Issue 6) coming soon to a National Bookstore near you. I can't wait for readers (Mr. Sy Included) to see the upcoming episodes. Lots more action, laughs and Ninja Girl-powered coolness to come!

2008-08-25T01:24:00.005+08:00

New iPhone!

Well, actually... Not really. No, I didn't go running off to the nearest Globe Business Center to grab an iPhone 3G, as did quite a few people who've without a doubt been waiting for the device for some time. To be sure, I did find myself surfing the web for information about the local release of the phone, but even a visit to PhilMUG and seeing some positive comments and experiences shared didn't convince me. For one thing- the phone itself. I've heard not-so-nice things about the new 3G model, from sluggish performance and slow web browsing to the disconcerting change of the phone's back from the original brushed aluminum to either black or white plastic. Also, the biggest and best thing about the new model for me is- well- it's available in 16 Gig memory capacity. 3G doesn't make my eyebrows rise- I mean, why would I be excited by what is basically a way to burn my money away? I'd rather surf or browse on free Wi-Fi spots, and save any actual GPRS surfing use for emergencies. Aside from that... nothing else. No upgrade in the camera. No text-forwarding or MMS. The App Store? Just more ways to squeeze money from you... although the Lightsaber app seemed kinda fun.

No, I wasn't getting the new 3G iPhone. But I DID get something new. I upgraded my iPhone 2G's firmware- from the original 1.0.2 Firmware it shipped with, I've now switched to 1.1.4. What does it do? Well, they're mostly tweaks and small additions, but are quite good- you can now send a text to multiple recipients (FINALLY). Rearranging icons on the screen is now as easy as tapping and holding an icon and then sliding them to where you want them to go- pretty neat, and the OC in me can waste hours away just rearranging apps. There are also new text alert tones and a tweak (third party download) lets me amp up the volume a bit. Nothing world-beating, but they're nice.

One of the more fun things the firmware upgrade allows me is the ability to download more apps again and get my constant gadget companion- which had stagnated in terms of any new stuff lately- refreshed and loaded with new stuff again. Thankfully, the web is alive with the stuff you need to do the upgrade, so I was able to do the deed myself, instead of running off to the highway robbers in Greenhills or elsewhere. So far, my new 1.1.4 version iPhone seems cool- I've installed games and themes, and it's once again mine after a short time of being a blank slate. Man, the OC in me is having a field day again... to the distress of my wallet as I find myself downloading stuff using EDGE. Thanks a lot to the new GPRS-payment scheme with Globe, actually.

On the topic of the new 3G iPhone though, it's supposedly available in most Globe Business Centers, notably in Podium, for even walk-in customers. There have been reservations made, but not every reservation was filled or taken, with fault on both sides of the equation. I am irked to read that Globe puts more value with new accounts and put people like me- loyal customers who already have an account with them- on secondary priority. That's another reason why I'm not getting the phone, at least from Globe. However, it's not a good idea to get it in outside stores either- apparently the device (16 GB) is selling for as high as 55K. MAN! Isn't the damn thing supposed to be cheaper? You can get a freakin' good laptop with that money! Crazy. Even an iPhone fan like me is appalled.

Anyway, that's all to be expected as the device is still new and the rave of the town right now. I'd advise those who can get it free or for lowered price at Globe to do so if they really want the thing, though the Globe iPhone plans are pretty pricey and the prepaid kits quite on the level of higher-end mobiles. I'm just so glad though that I am well past the iPhone craze. I wonder where it will go from here though? It will be interesting to see.

2008-08-19T11:22:00.002+08:00

Morpheus and Murder

WHOA! I really haven't been watching CSI: Las Vegas recently, but the show's still a big favorite of mine. It didn't help though that William Petersen's Grissom is leaving the series after being the team's main man all this time, but this little bit of news made me pretty excited. Yep, Laurence Fishburne aka Morpheus from The Matrix is joining the CSI team come the series' 9th Season, airing this November. From movie star to TV star, Fishburne will come on as a pathology professor who starts off being consulted for a murder investigation but is eventually lured into joining the CSI team full-time. Should be pretty interesting! I wonder if there'll be a dojo fight scene or something? Heheh...

2008-08-18T20:33:00.003+08:00

Returning to the Source

Having a Blade of the Immortal anime is all well and good... but darn, the manga is where it all started and where you get the whole story, raw, unadulterated and uncensored. Sadly, while I religiously collected the issues years ago, some weird thing with Dark Horse Publishing happened that prevented local distributor Comic Quest from acquiring the title. I was forced to stop, and now I'm pretty much backlogged with my BOTI fixes. Well, that should change pretty soon. I just went and ordered a truckload of graphic novels online, so I'll hopefully be back in the know soon. Ultimately, I think this was all for the best- single issues of BOTI were about as substantial as cotton candy, so it's better to just wait for graphic novel/trade paperbacks to collect the chapters before I dive into a chapter.

It'll take a couple of orders, but I'll have the whole collection eventually. Gosh, I love the internet.

2008-08-18T03:22:00.002+08:00

Of Criminals and Conquest

I just watched the first two episodes of the Blade of the Immortal anime. I came away pretty impressed- the animated version of Hiroaki Samura's ultraviolent, sexy samurai revenge epic seems pretty close to the source manga. The art style is close to Samura's lovely pencilled art, and even the action approaches the stylized tableaus of violent death by various bladed weapons. There are some changes- characters like the Mugai Ryu and Habaki Kagimura, personages that figured much later into the manga, are immediately shown even in the first episode. Also, there are some discreet editing of unpleasantness from the more violent and bloody scenes in the manga- such as the death of Manji's sister, Machi. This censorship will no doubt figure more in the future episodes when the more unsavoury bits of Samura's manga are translated. That said though, the series looks like it won't be lacking in fan service, sexy ladies and bloody action in any measure... certainly looks like I'm in for the ride. I just hope this doesn't take as long as the manga to develop though...

2008-08-16T02:00:00.003+08:00

OMG! Blade of the Immortal ANIME!

The Immortal Manji. In animation.

Just this night, a bit of surfing let me discover something utterly awesome (well, for me). One of my all-time favorite manga- Hiroaki Samura's ultraviolent punk-samurai epic, Blade of the Immortal- is finally an anime! I've been a bit out of touch with the anime scene of late, but THIS is truly something I've been waiting for, well, FOREVER!

The TV anime series will be animated by Bee Train, which is responsible for the .Hack series and the suspense anime Noir. Seiyuu Tomokazu Seki, famous for roles like Van in Escaflowne, will voice the immortal Manji, while Rina Satou (Negi in Negima) will voice heroine/sidekick Rin Asano. The rest of the voice cast was also announced, and already include characters like Anotsu Kagehisa to Makie Kotono-Tachibana as well as Hyakurin and Giichi.

Revenge-driven Rin Asano.

To date, two episodes are out, and I will be watching them over the weekend. Awesome.

MAN! This is so great. Finally something to get me watching anime again. WOOHOO!!!

2008-08-15T16:06:00.004+08:00

Mummy Dearest

Last night, torrential rain forced me to seek shelter in Rockwell Power Plant mall, and to pass the time while waiting for the taxi lines to thin, I headed off to the theaters. I had a choice between Pixar's Wall-E, X-Files: I Want To Believe and Mummy 3: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Well, even though I was intrigued with Wall-E, I didn't feel like it was the proper time to watch it, nor did I think I had the patience and state of mind proper for digesting X-Files. In fact, I just wanted to watch Dark Knight again. Ultimately I settled for some dumb, fun action- and opted for Mummy 3.

The Mummy 3: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is the true sequel to the last real entry into this action-adventure franchise (which was sidetracked by the utterly horrid Scorpion King). The first movie was a classic, surprisingly excellent action-horror hybrid... the second was a more heavy-handed CG-heavy action romp which, while greatly inferior to the original, was still quite fun. And so I went into the third movie expecting little but lots of bang and boom.

The sequel sees Brendan Fraser (who still looks fit, if a bit puffier and a bit hoarser) reprising his role as man-of-action he-man adventurer Rick O'Connell, along with John Hannah as his brother-in-law, fast-talking hustler Jonathan Carnahan. It's a bit of a sad note that most of the other cast do not return this time around. Missing, of course, is Arnold Vosloo as Imhotep the original Mummy (though a nod to the undead Egyptian high priest is present in the movie), since he was last seen being carted off into the underworld by countless tortured souls. Evy O'Connell, Rick's wife and adventuring partner, has been recast with a new actress- Maria Bello, who takes over the character from Rachel Weisz... this 'changing of the guard' is actually pointed at in the script, with Bello's Evy stating that she's 'a whole different person' from the Evy of the previous films. Hmmm. Anyway, there are sad goodbye's and there are happy goodbye's as well- the annoying kid from Mummy 2 (okay, he wasn't THAT annoying but still) is gone, as the character of Rick and Evy's son Alex is now 21 years old, and played by actor Luke Ford. Oh, and Oded Fehr's not around since the movie's mainly set in China and Tibet. Tuareg warriors would kinda seem out of place, I guess.

Shades of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Rick and Evy O'Connell are 'enjoying' the fruits of their long careers- apparently saving the world from an evil mummy and the Army of Anubis wasn't enough for the intrepid husband and wife... they had to go off and become espionage agents during the war (the movie is set in the 1940s, after World War II). With a beautiful palatial estate and servants, all Rick has to contend with is learning fly-fishing, while Evy has to deal with writing her next best-selling novel. But it appears that success has it's price- both are plainly wanting to get their blood fired up again, and the life of the idle rich isn't going to do that any good. And so, as if on cue, we see Alex O'Connell, now freshly-dropped out of college and following in his parents' dubious footsteps as an archaeologist and tomb pillager. The kid's got a chip on his shoulder- mainly the need to prove he's as much a man as his dad- and he's thinking that discovering another mummy is the thing to do it.

Anyway, this time around the Mummy in question isn't from Egypt. As if in line with the Beijing Olympics and the current China craze on Discovery Channel, the magical heavy is Emperor Han (Jet Li), a fictional ruler apparently juxtaposed with the real Emperor Chin who unified China and built the Great Wall. As cruel as the real Chin was, Jet Li's Han comes with Elemental Powers that would do the Avatar proud, as well as a Terra Cotta Army to resurrect. And so, with the inevitable awakening of the evil Dragon Emperor by the O'Connells through the manipulation of a Chinese paramilitary group dedicated to serving Han and returning him to power, the battle begins. Rick, Evy, Alex and Jonathan, along with a mysterious girl named Lin (Isabella Leong) and the immortal sorceress Zi Yuan (Michelle Yuan) struggle to keep the world safe from the thud of Terra-Cotta boots.

The Mummy 3 isn't that far-off from Mummy 2- with all that this entails. It's still got some cool action, lots of explosions and gunplay, nice CG (and bad CG too) and a BIG battle sequence at the end (which kinda beats out the finale in Mummy 2).

Brendan Fraser's the heart and soul of this franchise, now even more with Rachel Weisz gone, along with John Hannah (who is sadly a bit lacking for this one, though that's probably the fault of the script). Even though he's not as trim as he was in the first film, he's still pretty much a solid action guy. Maria Bello is pretty, but darn- Rachel Weisz is a tough act to follow. However, the weird transformation of Evy from the first to the second film made accepting this new incarnation not that hard. She's still a kick-ass adventurer as well as a prim and proper lady, so that at least gets it right. As for new boy Alex- I'm not that fine into how Alex is being groomed as another action guy like his dad. I figured him more of a brainy type, as his younger self was. Clever and quick-thinking, more brains than brawn. He should be able to shoot and fight, but all that heavy stuff is Rick's territory. And the guy, Luke Ford, kinda looks like a Wahlberg. Not a minus, but it's weird.

And then there's the Asian cast- Jet Li, once again, is underused. Emperor Han is just a mean guy, and that's all there is to him. Much more interesting actually are the modern-day paramilitary group that throws their loyalty to him. Michelle Yeoh, as the sorceress Zi Yuan, is getting along in years, but still as classy as ever. The Chinese Paramilitary Cult, led by General Yang (Anthony Wong Chau-Sang) and his lieutenant Choi (Jessey Meng) are portrayed in some ways as ruthless enemies but also with admirable qualities of loyalty and courage... albeit misplaced, given that the object of their worship and servitude is a self-serving son of a dragon bitch.

For the most part, the production is slick and is in line with the rest of the Mummy franchise, with lots of pretty locales and settings, cool guns and lots of firepower, and a kick-ass battle at the end to mix it all up. It's probably a bit better than the Mummy 2, although the second movie had sexy chicks fighting with sais, and this does not.

So, what's next? Incan Mummies? How about the Hanging Mummies here in the Philippines? Heh. Well, supposedly there are plans for more Mummy movies to come so we'll be waiting.

In the end, Mummy 3 is an enjoyable action flick- at the very least, I actually enjoyed it a bit more than I did the last Indiana Jones flick- which is more a testament of how low Crystal Skull fell from the tree. You can do a lot worse than this for some escapist entertainment, and if you're a fan of the series it's something to see. Check it out! Mummy 3: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is now showing in theaters all over the Metro.

2008-07-29T12:18:00.002+08:00

Mac Attack!

My latest toy.

Last night, my new iMac arrived. I guess it's finally safe to say I'm officially a Mac Addict, although the way that I am body-and-soul still held by my iPhone was probably a sign of my allegiance to the Apple. It's actually pretty surprising, since I've been a staunch PC user pretty much for all my working life. But in the past four or five years I've been working with Mac Powerbook laptops and Macbook Pros so much, I've been steadily converted. All the apps I once thought were exclusive to the PC have revealed improved equivalents on the Mac, so it was really just a matter of time- the fact that Macs are just so damn sexier and more beautiful than any PC (pretty much the same way as the iPhone is so much sleeker and lovelier than any other cellphone) was the icing on the cake.

So when I got the chance, I went for it. I got a mid-range model iMac, with 2 GB Ram, 2.66 Ghz Dual Core Intel processors with 320 GB of Hard Drive space and a lovely 20-inch screen. I have to say, it was pretty awesome to just come home and see the big box greet me in my room... it was even more awesome to just pop out the thing from the package (it's basically just the monitor and keyboard), insert the power cord, attach the mouse and keyboard, plug in the ethernet and I was off. MAN that was damn easy. Sadly, Apple's been saying this for years, but I only now really appreciate it. Freakin' fantastic.

I'm still keeping my old PC in The Sanctum though as my Internet Server and for storage, but even so, an era has been passed, I think. The guard has been changed. I'm gonna live and work from now on with a bit more style, a lot more fun and whole lot more power. Man, technology rocks.

2008-07-22T00:54:00.006+08:00

Avatar: The Last Episodes

Animated Awesomeness.

It's been three years. Three long years, yet the road of the Avatar has finally indeed ended when it was supposed to end... in easily one of the most amazing, intense and jaw-droppingly action-packed animated features I've ever had the pleasure to watch. The 4-episode ending to Avatar: The Last Airbender, collectively called Sozin's Comet (consisting of episodes 3.18 to 3.21) reveals to us the climax of three seasons of superb cartoon craftmanship. As his fated battle with Fire Lord Ozai approaches, Aang must come to a decision whether or not he can truly take a life- an action that is against every fiber of his being. But even the slightest hesitation will cost him his life against the most powerful firebender on earth.

Meanwhile, his friends and allies face battles on their own as a multi-pronged battle to take back the Earth Kingdom from the forces of the Fire Nation explode. On the night when Sozin's Comet finally arrives, the true powers and mastery of bending are revealed and the destiny of the world is finally decided.

MAN. OH MAN.

I have truly never seen an animated finale like Avatar's Swan Song. Though the first half of the 'movie' starts out leisurely (with a beach party, no less!), it's a steady build to the non-stop action of the final third of the climax. Once the action starts, it's a roller-coaster ride from there, with reunions aplenty, revelations and some of the finest and intense animated action you'll ever see from a US-made kid's show.

The execution of the climactic battles- the retaking of Ba Sing Se; Sokka, Toph and Suki's airship battle; Zuko and Katara's confrontation with a progressively imbalanced Azula, and Aang's own destined duel with Ozai are surely some of the best animated action scenes I've ever seen, be it in anime or otherwise. In fact, Aang vs Ozai is a battle that would make Saiyans stand up and take notice. Perhaps the best thing I can say about Aang vs Ozai is... for a battle that has been hyped and built up for 60 episodes- it doesn't just live up to expectations, it blows them all away.

Amazingly, all the action comes with no graphic violence, no blood (it IS still a kids' show ultimately) just PURE ACTION AWESOMENESS. And despite the A-team level of firepower and body count, it ALL WORKS. All the characters you've come to love (and hate) it all comes to a head in this one in one amazing action sequence after another, and I came away totally satisfied.

At the end of it, there is a bit of a convenient Deus Ex Machina and happy endings are delivered, though it is totally deserved. Not all issues are finished or ended totally (in fact, there are some new plots opened!), but after all is said and done we come to blissful contentedness a bright future ahead. Surely, this can't be an end to this incredible world given to us by Avatar's creators, artists, writers and vocal performers. I can't wait for more. New stories will probably follow, with new characters... but the Saga of the Boy in the Iceberg is one show I will cherish for the rest of my animation-loving otaku life.

For Avatar Aang and his new family, his new world and people... may you all live Awesomely Happy Ever After. Man, that was a freaking great ride. Is this series out on Blu-ray already or WHAT??!

2008-07-20T13:25:00.002+08:00

And So It Ends

Avatar Ends.

Today, the finale to Avatar: The Last Airbender aired. The conclusion to the story of Avatar Aang was a 'movie' consisting of four back-to-back-to-back-to-back episodes.

I haven't watched the finale yet, though I have seen the previous two episodes- 3.16 The Southern Raiders (kinda underwhelming) and 3.17 The Ember Island Players (pretty funny and cool). There was a bit of a lull before the finale, so I'll be going into the climax with a clear head.

Man, this series has been awesome throughout... I can't believe it's over. I do hope that the creators still decide to revisit the amazing, deep and beautiful world they have made, and somehow give us more of the beloved characters we have seen. Anyway, there's also still the live-action movies from M. Night Shyamalan someday, so what the heck. Review of the finale to follow soon.

2008-07-18T16:22:00.005+08:00

The Dark Knight

I watched the latest Batman film, The Dark Knight, on the night it opened here in Manila. What can I say? The sequel to Batman Begins has been hyped astronomically in the months building up to its arrival... and man... it actually lives up to the hype. More detective story and thriller than capes and fisticuffs, this latest Batman adaptation to film kicks all the versions that came before in the nuts.

The cast is in that zone of familiarity and comfort in their roles- Christian Bale manages to have a little more humor in his role as Gotham's resident billionaire and vigilante, with his loyal Alfred (Michael Caine) at this side. Acting chameleon Gary Oldman vanishes once more into soon-to-be-Commissioner Jim Gordon. Finally, Morgan Freeman is back in a more noble role after his stint in Wanted. Taking over the role of Rachel Dawes from Katie Holmes is Maggie Gyllenhaal... certainly she doesn't have the star power or recognition of Mrs. Tom Cruise, but she does what she can with the role, which is pivotal to the film. Also new to the franchise is Aaron Eckhart's Harvey Dent, Gotham's new D.A. and 'white knight', a man so good and true that you know there's something cooking on the other side of the coin. I was even pleasantly surprised to see Scarecrow back, albeit briefly- and he was unmasked so you know it's still Cillian Murphy and not just some substitute.

But of course, we all know who's the real focus of The Dark Knight's beating black heart.

Heath Ledger's Joker is, easily, the most disturbing, formidable, scary and fascinating villain yet seen in a superhero film. You just can't take your eyes off this guy for a second, for all the right reasons. Among them, that quaking feeling of dread that he's about to do something really horrifying yet fascinating. In the deadly game of chess that he plays in Gotham, he always seems one step ahead. Can the Batman really stop this maniac? You're not really sure he can. And that's where the film succeeds- keeping you in that state of fear and tension for most of the 2 1/2 hours it runs. Ledger invested a lot in this role, and it may easily become his legacy for years to come.

That said, it's not the easiest film to follow- the action is reminiscent of the first film in the franchise; fight scenes are dizzying to watch, but stunts with vehicles and explosions are top notch. Lots of fireworks, lots of firepower and things go boom. People, good people and bad, die. It's far darker and more disturbing than any previous Batman, and so much braver. It takes that gutsy step to call forth imagery and fear of terrorism, much more so realistically that it ever was in the first film. This is indeed the Batman from the comics, The Dark Knight indeed.

However, when things seem darkest, the relief is just that more satisfying. As much and as hard evil may beat down the human spirit, somehow the good in people ultimately wins through. A jaded viewer may say, that's not entirely realistic. But damn it, this is a superhero flick still, after all.

This is the year of the Comic Book Movie, and this is the crown jewel. Watch this in theaters, and get ready to be blown away.

2008-07-13T17:24:00.002+08:00

Waiting for Knightfall

This week, one of the most awaited superhero flicks is set to arrive in our local theaters. I freaking missed The Incredible Hulk, I'll be freaking damned if I miss The Dark Knight. Yeah, though I can't watch Batman Begins in full ever again after realizing it was actually a pretty boring, overlong biopic/origin story with an Sith-like Qui-Gon Jinn in the place of what should have been Ra's Al Ghul, the sequel looks thoroughly amazing.

I won't hide that much of my anticipation stems from what appears to be a truly bad-ass interpretation of The Joker by the late Heath Ledger. The few reviews I've read online have been glowing in their praise of the actor's final performance, a masterpiece of psychotic villainy. Perhaps this is the Joker we've all been waiting to see- the madman from A KIlling Joke finally given cinematic life, far from the initial mark made by Jack Nicholson in the original Batman flick.

Darker, disturbing and powerful. That's what the film has been described as. I freaking can't wait. Later this week, or over the weekend. I'm gonna have me one Hell of a Knight.

2008-07-05T19:29:00.003+08:00

Wanted: Dead or Alive?

I finally got to watch Wanted last night. The last movie I watched was Kung Fu Panda, and I'm kinda pissed that I missed The Incredible Hulk and Prince Caspian in theaters (as penalty, I'll be sure to buy the Blu-Ray versions). Anyway, my movie drought ended finally, but did I regret it or not?

Wanted is based on the comic book by Mark Millar about super villains. Whereas the original source material was all about amoral assholes with an ending that basically says 'EFF YOU' to any reader sappy enough to care about the characters, the movie takes a softer approach by making hero Wesley Gibson just a repressed wimp instead of a egocentric selfish bastard. On the less good side though, it also downgrades the story from being about supervillains with super powers to just a bunch of professional killers, some of which can do some neat tricks with bullets.

Starting off life as a nobody in a go-nowhere job, His girlfriend is cheating on him with his best friend, he's broke and constantly plagued by anxiety attacks. But one day his dreary life changes forever when Fox (Angelina Jolie), a professional assassin and member of the mysterious Fraternity finds him and tells him about his father, whom Wesley had thought up and left him and his mother when he was a week old. Apparently, his father died just the other day, and the man who killed him- another assassin named Cross (Thomas Kretschmann) was now after Wesley. After a harrowing car chase complete with Car-Fu similar to that in Speed Racer, Wesley finds himself among the Fraternity's odd bunch of killers/textile workers (apparently the Fraternity started off thousands of years ago as weavers). Their leader, Sloan (Morgan Freeman) tells him that he's one of them, an assassin of unequalled skill and power. And he's the only one who can kill Cross. But is there really a caged lion inside this mouse of an accountant?

Wanted is uneven for me- it's certainly got lots of flashy, eyebrow-raising CG action sequences (usually involving cars), but I found the ability to 'bend' or 'curve' bullets kinda hokey, and didn't really make me too impressed with the Fraternity, or it's nondescript members who never really get to play up their roles aside from searing-hot Angelina herself (who is, for some reason, the only female member). The story's interesting anyway, and the action was unusual so in the end director Timur Bekmambetov's style from the Daywatch and Nightwatch movies pays off.

James McAvoy plays a pretty convincing dope in Wesley (say, maybe he'd make a great new Peter Parker) and his performance is funny when it needs to be. Morgan Freeman has a nice twist in what seems to be his usual noble role, while Angelina Jolie seems to have put in her contract that she has to look gorgeous and impressive in every freakin' frame of film she appears in. She's pretty smoldering in this film... including one pretty impressive bit of nudity (I wonder if it was actually her though)...

Wanted sadly dispenses with the superhero trimmings of the overrated original and substitutes in fancy CG gunplay as well as a more palatable hero and ending. If you didn't read the comic, you'll find this a stylish and fun, mature action romp.

2008-06-30T18:20:00.002+08:00

Malicious (Translation: Wrong Footwear)

About a month ago, I found myself stricken with impaired mobility. My back hurt, no doubt due to sitting in a chair all day at The Salt Mines, but a new pain had developed with my legs. To be exact, the joints that linked my legs to my torso. Moving my legs was excruciatingly painful, and it made things as simple as getting up from bed hard as hell. Walking was punctuated with pain in every step (although minor), and I found myself limping most of the time. It reached a point where I was taking painkiller medicine on a daily basis. What was going on?

After weeks of this crap, I finally found the cause. Frickin' SHOES. I found that the shoes I had taken to wearing a lot- a pair of moccasins, had very slick soles that apparently made walking in them difficult due to the fact that I was slipping every which way on anything even slightly polished. And so, in places like malls or buildings where floor tiles are regularly smoothened, it was like I was walking on slick ice everytime. Apparently this improper way of walking all developed into that long-term pain in my leg joints.

Well, a couple of weeks ago I bought a new pair of sneakers, and have been wearing them since. After a while, the pain eased and left, and hasn't been back since... and not a single pill. So I guess that was it. You really can't take things for granted, and it's so easy to ignore something that's underneath your feet. I'll just have to take these things in to account more. Man, I was pill-popping like a rock star or football champion... minus the big bucks. Glad to finally be getting back to working order.

Now, I wonder what's causing that third arm to sprout from my knee..?

2008-06-13T12:22:00.003+08:00

Birthday Blast

War and white hairs go well together.

As I kinda mentioned earlier, I'll be spending the lion's share of my birthday break and weekend with Solid Snake, AKA Old Snake. The game, the latest and apparently GREATEST yet for the Sony Playstation 3, is titled Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. It is, quite frankly, one of the reasons I got the console for. The latest of this much-beloved franchise (which is the pillar of the 'Stealth-Action' genre of games) is also the last chapter of the adventures of ol' Snake, due to various reasons including the fact that he seems to be suffering from a case of Werner's Syndrome, afflicting him with rapid aging. But if Snake's gonna go down, he's not going away quietly with an I.V. plugged into his arm in a hospital bed. Nah, he's strapping on the latest in stealth technology suits and hi-tech boom-sticks and James Bond-tech and heading into the most chaos-ridden war zones all over the world... all in the purpose of hunting down and eliminating the one bad guy out to destroy the world.

To say that MGS4 is a beautiful game would be an understatement- the game's in-game graphics look as good as CG cinematics, and the detail, intricacy and design of pretty much everything you see, hear and experience is a cinematic experience. The gameplay is smoother, more playable and accessible than ever, melding both the traditional stealthy sneaking with balls-out shooting action depending on the player's desire. And as for the story... well, it all ends here, and everything you've been wondering about in Metal Gear- like how the hell is Liquid Snake still alive in a severed hand, who the heck are The Patriots or why is MGS2 hero Raiden now sporting a new cyborg body will be explained, in-game or in the multitude of amazing cutscenes.

Easily one of the most anticipated games ever (it's been in development for YEARS), it's finally here, and it's fitting I guess that I received it at this time.

What a damn freakin' cool birthday gift!

So I guess I'll end it here for now. For a more detailed review of this opus of a game, check out my game blog at The Lone Gamer. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go stealthily save the world... with a bad back, at that!

2008-06-13T12:10:00.003+08:00

The Luckiest Day of My Life

While others may shirk, I don't see today as being in any way unlucky. In fact, it's perhaps the most important day of my life- the beginning, actually. Yep, I turn one year older today and damn... I'm getting old. It doesn't help that one of my favorite gaming heroes- whose game I am currently enjoying over the birthday weekend- also has some age-related issues, and a chronic bad back. Still, things are pretty good for me, all things considered, and I really can't complain (though the frackin' bad back is murder sometimes).

Thanks, everyone, who chimed in to greet an Old MADman. Much appreciated! What can I wish for aside from I hope there are lots more Fridays or Saturdays or whatever-the-13ths to come. I still plan on doing more comics, playing more games and having more fun with friends yet.

Man, it's good to BE! Later! WOOHOO!!!

2008-06-12T08:55:00.006+08:00

Simply Flabulous!

Prepare for Awesomeness, Indeed!

Last night, I was able to finally catch a movie before my upcoming Metal Gear Solid 4 weekend, and luckily I picked the Dreamworks' Animation film Kung-Fu Panda (over Prince Caspian, which I wanna watch too anyway). I can honestly say, that was the most fun I've had in a movie theater in recent months.

Dreamworks' animation features have always been- shall we say- a bit hit and miss. But this latest offering simply hits every punch, kick and ribbing with the skill of a master. As much a whimsical, fantastically-animated and realized look at an anthropomorphic animal-populated ancient China as it is a heartwarming story of a hero discovering his true worth, it's also one BAD-ASS kung fu flick. I have to say, If I wasn't laughing, I was gawking at some of the amazing martial arts action- I haven't had this much fun in a martial arts movie since Kung Fu Hustle.

Aside from the awesome animation and fight choreography, props go to Jack Black (in the titular role of Po the Panda) and Dustin Hoffman (as Master Shifu) for bringing in wonderful vocal performances (easily Black at his funniest), with able support from Randall Duk Kim as Master Oogway (probably the coolest, wisest and most powerful turtle you'll ever see in animation), Angelina Jolie as the formidable Tigress, the ever-reliable James Hong as Po's loveable, noodle-obsessed father, and Ian McShane as the intense, powerful villain, Tai Lung. Yeah, I have to mention Jackie Chan is in there as well, and his presence, while kinda minor, goes a bit of a way in making this flick that much more kung-fantastic.

Gorgeously animated, hilarious throughout, heartwarmingly emotional when it needs to be and jaw-droppingly amazing during the high-kicking, high-flying fight sequences, Kung Fu Panda is a 10-hit combo of Fighting FUN! Watch it in your nearest theater NOW!

2008-06-08T09:27:00.002+08:00

Home Sweet Home

I'm back in The Sanctum. And I couldn't be happier.

Traveling to international locales and spending time in first-class accommodations in posh hotels is awesome, but it's just... not totally right. I mean, my hotel room was luxury itself- big screen TV was awesome, but man, there's really NOTHING to watch save for CNN or National Geographic, or HBO- anything else, you have to pay for. Food was great- I ordered room service several times- but it's damn expensive. The king-sized bed with the man-sized pillows looked incredible, but the proof is in the sleeping... I just couldn't get as much rest as I wanted to. It was fun to seal yourself in under the snug, warm (but HEAVY) sheets and insulate yourself from the cool AC though.

The thing is, hotels are beautiful, luxurious and impressive and all... but it's all stuff that's paid for and manufactured. All of the pleasure, all of the smiles, all of the ingratiating service is from money. No money, all of that goes away revealing the machinery underneath like some freaky cyborg or killer Terminator.

Not that I'll be any less excited to go on another overseas work trip and enjoy another hotel stay (but not anytime soon, PLEASE). I just want to say that the saying really is true.

There's no freakin' place like home.

2008-06-05T18:49:00.004+08:00

Where in the World is Marco Dimaano?

This week, it's Taiwan!

Yeah, I seem to be a bit of a jet-setter these days, as the folks at The Salt Mines would say. It was only a few weeks ago that I found myself suddenly flying off to Bangkok, Thailand... and now I'm in Taipei, Taiwan! Again, it's just for work and for quite a bit shorter than my previous jaunt. I'll be back under Manila's skies by the weekend. Still, it's cool to just zip off and find myself in an altogether new environment, albeit still a bit familiar since we're all still in Asia. As I arrived at the Taiwan airport, my mind raced about all the Hong Kong action films shot here. The place is clean and proper and lovely, although there seems to be much less of a tourist vibe. Still, I enjoyed the long drive to the hotel, with mountains and hillsides teeming with foliage and trees on either side, the occasional odd temple or oriental structure breaking up the green carpet of leaves.

My room, turns out, is awesome... and comes with a BIG-ASS flatscreen TV that makes me wish I brought my PS3, to hell with the effort. It's so darned wasted on the drab hotel TV fare... I wanna see hi-res games on this thing... something like Metal Gear Solid 4 (out in a week) or Soulcalibur IV (out next month). Oh well, I guess CNN will have to do.

Today was a bit of a breather, but tomorrow will see me manning a TV shoot again as the imported Filipino dialogue consultant. It'll be a full day of work, I think, then it'll be a zip back to home. Thank goodness for the long weekend. That's that for now. Room service is at the door. Later!

2008-06-04T18:42:00.008+08:00

Mingling at the M3Con

Ninja Girl KO!

Last Saturday, I went off the SM Mall of Asia's SMX Convention Center to attend the Mangaholix Manga, Anime and Cosplay Convention or M3Con 2008. It was my first Con with the Mangaholix/Groundbreakers crew, so I was pretty excited and pumped.

The Ninja Girl KO Team- Writer (Me), Cosplayer (Jac) and Artist (Kriss).

Going in, I knew that Mangaholix Presents Issue #5 would be launched, with my very own Ninja Girl KO! starring on the cover (thanks to the incomparable Kriss Sison for the consistently awesome visuals). Also, it seems that our girl Michiko Yamashita is proving to be a big favorite among readers, receiving the most fan art (and also later in the day, revealed to be the most-requested character when it came to sketches at the Mangaholix booth... GO, Michiko!). Aside from that, it was a great opportunity to watch the wonders of the local cosplaying crowd, with all the flashy costumes and otaku geek pleasures that come with that. Toy stores, manga and hobby shops were also out in force, so there was everything for a manga/otaku/anime fan to spend their cash on.

Energetic Jac, Mangaholix's cool MichiKosplayer.

Strike a pose!

Of course, I had the pleasure of meeting the Mangaholix crew (so many talented artists and comic creators), and in particular finally meeting my own heroine, Michiko, in the flesh! Yep, I finally got to meet Jac, the cool girl who cosplays Michiko Yamashita AKA Ninja Girl KO (I call her my Michikosplayer). What can I say? She definitely has the ninja girl scowl and poses down pat- plus, from the way she was zipping here and there all day, accommodating requests for photos and helping the Mangaholix crew keep things going... she surely has Ninja Girl-like endurance and stamina. Thank you, Jac! You're Awesome.

In the middle of the day, Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo went up onstage to talk about their comic, Trese. Although Budj was kinda apprehensive that the crowd wasn't into their kind of comics, there was a good reaction and several Trese fans threw some nice questions to the pair.

The Trese team (Kajo Baldisimo and Budjette Tan) on stage.

A big part of the M3Con was Cosplay, and there were TONS of cosplayers around. In fact, almost two hundred contestants in wigs, capes, schoolgirl uniforms, spandex and ruffles were on hand to show off their costumes. It was fun just walking around and suddenly recognizing a game or anime character, and snapping a pic. Later in the day, I manned the Cosplay Judges' Booth with Mangaholix's Comipa and Cosplay Princess Alodia Gosiengfiao, getting myself a royal view of the competitors. All I can say is, the local cosplay community is alive and well, and should be giving other countries' a run for the cosplay crown soon.

MADman with Tekken's Lili Rochefort, care of Alodia Gosiengfiao.

At the end of the day, I was tired but incredibly happy. Ninja Girl KO is proving to be mega-popular among Mangaholix readers, I got to meet the fans (along with the inevitable requests/questions about Angel Ace and even someone asking about a Ninja Girl KO/K.I.A. crossover!), man the Con along with the Mangaholix Crew (Thanks, Ian, Emman, Comipa, Xavier, Orgen and all the rest!), grab some nice Ninja Girl KO! merchandise and hot copies of Issue 5. The only wrinkle was that Kriss and me had a bit of a bitch of a time going home thanks to some traffic caused by a just-concluded fireworks display, but otherwise, it was all awesome.

Michiko vs Lili. Now THAT is a dream match...

Till the next M3Con, guys! Hope you all had fun!

Check out my other M3Con pics here and here.

2008-05-29T22:10:00.006+08:00

M3Con

This Saturday May 31, 2008 is the M3Con or Mangaholix Manga Mania Convention 2008! At the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia all sorts of great otaku stuff will be happening- manga and local comics, toys and hobby stuff, cosplay and more cosplay! Aside from the Mangaholix crew of artists, creators and local manga-kas, we'll have guests like Budjette Tan and Ka-Jo Baldisimo of Trese to, well, I dunno... to be dragged up on stage to talk about their comic and characters. Heheh. Of course, me and Kriss Sison will be around to answer all your Ninja Girl KO! questions as well!

So come and join the fun! Buy manga or anime stuff! Buy local comics (particularly ALL 5 Issues of Mangaholix Presents!!!)! Buy some indie manga! Watch some cosplayers! Listen to some guys chatter about making comics! Oh, and buy some cool Mangaholix merchandise! There's gonna be so much to do!

Ever wanted to rest your head on Michiko's soft chest? NOW YOU CAN!!! WAAHAHA!!

It should be awesome. So, see you all there, okay? SATURDAY! Mall of Asia! COME! COME!

2008-05-23T11:32:00.008+08:00

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Indiana Jones returns for one more adventure.

It's been a long time since the last time we saw Dr. Henry Jones, Jr. in fighting form, but Indy's back. Like John Rambo and John McClaine, Jonesy has come out of retirement for one more shot at glory. I have to say, the Indiana Jones series is, for me, THE number one title when it comes to pulp-action adventure with a historic/mythical schtick. Nothing else comes close- Tomb Raider, National Treasure... NO ONE can touch Dr. Jones. Even though I have to say that since the perfect and sublime Raiders of the Lost Ark, the quality has gone down by notches in every sequel after, an Indy film is head and shoulders, whiplashed-to-the-chandelier-higher than any other adventure movie delving into ancient secrets or mythical treasures.

That said, we all didn't think another Indy would be possible- when Indy, Henry Sr., Salah and Marcus Brody rode off into the sunset after Last Crusade, we all thought that was it. But apparently since then things happened and we do have another entry into the series, thus forever quashing the name Indiana Jones Trilogy and making it the Indiana Jones Foursome of movies.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (Man, what a cumbersome title) takes a turn to the sci-fi, referring to the Roswell Incident with flying saucers and little gray men from outer space. It's soon revealed that a small army of Russian cold warriors, led by the supposedly psychic agent Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett doing her best Natasha impression) is after remains of aliens- crystal skulls- in the hopes of unlocking some mysterious powers to rule the world. Of course, the one man who can stop them is the one man they bring in to help them unlock the secrets of the skull- Indiana Jones himself.

Indiana (Harrison Ford) has seen better years- he's a lot older, a lot puffier and grizzled, and with old friend Marcus Brody and father Henry Sr. having passed away some time before, he's not in the highest spirits. But thank god- it's still Indy as we know him. Harrison Ford still has it for the most part, and he can still swing a punch, deliver a line, crack that whip and swash that buck like no other hero.

Unfortunately, even with nostalgia and the pleasure of seeing Indy again, the mere fact remains that Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is, without a doubt, the least of the series.

It's not because the heroes are old, though I have to admit I was jarred a bit to realize how old Harrison Ford and Karen Allen are now... Harrison is Indy, Karen is Marion Ravenwood- it would have not been the same without them. The biggest problems I believe with Kingdom are the below par story, script, direction and pacing. That may be harshy, but really, I believe that given the pedigree of the series, this entry is just not done as well as with the previous installments. It certainly hurts that it isn't as intense as before (everything is so strangely bloodless), just as the demand to be more ratings-friendly hurt Die Hard 4.0. But for the most part, the movie just isn't tight, with scenes messily transitioning into one another with as much grace as Mutt Williams' (Shia LaBeouf) simply punching a random guard which inexplicably lets the heroes all escape an enemy camp into the jungle.

It's a problem that the actual quest for the Skull and its secrets is also not as clever, well-presented or clear as in previous movies. There's not as much sense of wonder or awe that permeated the quests of previous films- experiences like finding the Hell of Holes and discovering the resting place of the ark in Raiders, or even just finding the big 'X' marks the spot in Last Crusade- perhaps it's in the imagery and music as well as the script. Here things just seem to happen on autopilot, with the settings and ruins looking strangely generic, with odd live guardians (who are never really given explanation or any depth aside from being just obstacles to take out). The actual Crystal Skull, once found, is actually... strangely cheap-looking and under-whelming... and much too convenient as a device to just keep the quest going and going and going.

The pacing problems persist to the end- again, it's hard not to refer to previous films- as while all of the previous movies were thrill-a-minute rides, Crystal Skull has gaps between the big set-piece action scenes, things that just pop in and pop out as if they were there just to add a bit more spice to the scene (like the aforementioned live guardians of the ruins Indy and company head into). The finale/endgame and resolution sadly feels anti-climactic (coming right after the best action in the movie), predictable and unspectacular, and actually mirrors the same ending of X-Files the movie- just a spectacle for the characters to stand back and watch, rather than be a part of.

The new characters are hit-and-miss; Mutt Williams kinda starts off with a bum leg since we ALL know just WHO HE REALLY IS even before stepping into the theater, thanks to all the hype and news on the internet. He's not THAT bad, but I really feel they tried a bit too hard to make him 'cool' or likeable as a way perhaps of passing the fedora to him, maybe. Not yet ready, I say. Not quite there yet.

Then there's Mac (Ray Winstone), Indy's old friend who turns out to be a double-triple-quadruple dealing agent. He's never a real threat, doesn't really impact on the story much and just feels like extraneous, unnecessary baggage and dodgy comic relief.

As villains go, Irina Spalko is, at least, a physical adversary instead of just being a behind-the-fodder mastermind like Belloq or Donovan... but she still falls behind them in villainy, and Mola Ram of Temple of Doom still rules for me as the best Indy baddie. The sad thing about Spalco though is that she's woefully underused where she could have been really cool. Like Mola Ram's Heart-plucking trick, more should have been made of her psychic powers, instead of her fencing ability and physical prowess. No, I wouldn't have liked her to have become the Indy equivalent of Professor X, but at least make her deserve that offbeat uniform, poses and hairdo by making her more formidable. Also, the Russian soldiers are sadly nowhere near as nasty or fun to take on as the Nazis or Thugees. They seem brain-dead a lot of the time, and are strangely presented more sympathetically or more human than the cartoon baddies of previous films, which takes away a bit from the fun in dispatching them.

What makes me feel bad most about Kingdom is how many missed opportunities there are, I think, that could have made the overall experience so much better. It would have been more intense to give a bit of danger to Marion or Mutt near the end, or at any point of the movie, to give Indy that much more incentive to fight given it's HIS FAMILY at stake. However, we never really feel they're in any danger at any point, certainly not like how Henry Sr. is shot and taken to death's door at the climax of Last Crusade. We never really learn much about the Skull, what it's real powers were or what the point was to the whole thing after all was said and done.

Sigh.

Even with all that, I have to still say- it's an Indy film, and it's impossible for me to hate this film, flaws and flaws and all. There's still cool action about, memorable scenes (Indy and the Mushroom cloud is pretty amazing) and a nice, well-deserved ending for one of cinema's greatest action heroes. This just makes me want to bring out the old movies and watch them again... which certainly can't be a bad thing.

It's Indiana Jones, people. I'll take this Indy over No Indy anytime. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is now showing in theaters all over the Metro.

2008-05-17T19:00:00.002+08:00

Back from Bangkok

Scarfing down some Thai Chow.

I'm back! Certainly I enjoyed my Bangkok experience, even though it was mainly for work and I spent the lion's share of my time sitting in a set or shooting location (albeit a couple of the shoots were on really nice, interesting places). I unfortunately didn't get to go to the scenic, cultural spots of Thailand, but I think I was able to see the city in a nice way, walking the streets among the Thais and tourist crowds, eating stuff from street food to proper Thai cuisine and seeing the place both during rain and shine, both figuratively and literally.

Apparently Han Solo is still a carbonite prisoner, displayed in a Bangkok production house.

Japanese bookstore in Thailand...

Some of my more random, interesting bits in Bangkok include...

... walking the streets in the rain with just my raincoat, eating chicken crisps on the sidewalk and ogling some guy's spiffy media player as he watched some video on the street (more on this later)...

... Eating in a Mexican Restaurant (nice, chunky soup and tasty tacos)and realizing that half the staff are Filipino...

... Stalking a little baby elephant down a sidewalk...

... Walking the techno-paradise known as Panthrip Plaza (four floors of gadgets!!!) and seeing Buddhist Monks shopping for PC parts and talking on cellphones...

... Staring at millions of dollars' worth of jewelry and gems in a Bangkok government-run workshop/tourist display...

... Getting my abdomen crushed by the frickin' barrier at the BTS entrance...

... Finding a taste for Rose Apples...

... Experiencing Credit Card Crappiness as my BPI Mastercard proved USELESS and unusable in Bangkok and being left out with my arse hanging in the wind as their 89-100 service line was unreachable. This pretty much forced me to use up most of my cash to buy the Personal Media Player/Digital Recorder I had discovered. WHAT. THE. HELL. I am SOOOO going to complain about this on Monday.

All in all, I enjoyed myself immensely. The Hotel was awesomely classy and luxurious, the Thais are a lovely, friendly people (albeit I eventually found that Taxi Drivers can be irritating even here, and some are still not immune to the ol' "I don't have change" trick). Perhaps someday, on my own time, I'll come back to Bangkok to experience the culture and see the sights. Maybe. We'll see. For now, I have my memories, a new DVR player and other little doo-dads to enjoy my time living the Thai Life.

2008-05-12T22:48:00.007+08:00

Hanging in Bangkok

Here I am, chilling (literally... the AC's pretty strong) in my hotel room in Bangkok. I'm staying in a pretty good hotel... in fact, probably one of the best in the place, and that alone is worth the trip. A week in luxurious executive class comfort? Thank you very much. Anyway, as much as I'd want to just vegetate in the room and surf on the complementary high-speed internet, I just had to go out. There were souvenirs to buy, things to see.

Day One had me going out and riding Bangkok's BTS, their equivalent to Manila's MRT. It works similarly, save here you buy tickets from vending machines with coins- the booths with tellers provide change for bills. The trains are well-maintained, cool and spacious... albeit smaller than the Edsa MRT. They're also apparently totally covered with advertising stickers, which makes sightseeing from the train impossible, weirdly enough.

A couple of stations' trip away from the hotel was Siam Square, Bangkok's central mall district, and it's BIG. I walked around for an hour or two, looking at the gorgeous setting, salivating at big-screen TVs and perusing some bookstores (including one that sold all Japanese/oriental books, manga and catalogs). Outside the big malls are countless flea markets, garment stores and shops revolving around the central malls. In a word- dizzying. It didn't help though that it was drizzling so I was walking around in my raincoat, stoically determined to experience the Bangkok night of a street pedestrian, even if it was through the rain. I ate some street food, went into a 7-11, walked through sidewalks and sidestreets and generally had an interesting watch of an altogether new but strangely familiar place.

Day Two had half of the day alloted for work, attending a meeting. Afterwards, I was free to go and I was determined to finish my souvenir-shopping to get it out of the way at least. I got a taxi which was driven by a young Thai driver named Tom, who thankfully had very good english. While I originally wanted to go to Wat Po and look at some temples, I eventually gave up since the traffic was pretty bad and the place was located on the other side of the city. I instead went off to a government-run facility (the name escapes me) where they produced Thailand's famous jewelry (along with other Thai souvenirs). Of course, I didn't exactly have countless dollars to spend on jade, rubies and sapphires, so I just slid over to the cultural goods shop and picked up some stuff for the folks back home.

Afterwards, Tom drove me over to MBK, a large market area where bargains could be had. I spent the next couple of hours walking around, wandering and buying a couple of gifts. On the sidewalk, I passed by video stalls and resisted the temptation to grab a couple of discs. Man, they have a LOT of malls here, albeit some are a lot less posh than others. The price though definitely goes down along with the ambience. Despite all that, I felt safe walking around among the Thai people... there was a nice air to everything, and it was nice to just be just another face in a place where Europeans, Americans, Indians and other Asians walked along as well in a pleasant, eclectic mix. I found myself admiring Bangkok for lots of stuff- the air was definitely cleaner (and not as much, if not at all of the stink you'd find in corners and alleys of Manila...) and sidewalks made for walking. Taxis as well seemed easier to get and plentiful, though I heard and read that even here there are unscrupulous cabbies. I haven't met one yet though.

Had dinner at a nice resto which served good Thai food... I was determined to do this since my first night's dinner was eaten at McDonald's. Don't scoff- I just wanted to see any differences from McDo at home. Not many, though incredibly enough they have a DOUBLE BIG MAC. Four freakin' patties. My. God.

After dinner, I walked back home and found myself inhaling a smell that reminded me of armpits times ten. I realized that walking ahead of me was a little elephant. A real, live pachyderm, on the street, walking along with it's owners/herders (who were vendors of some kind). I followed, just wanting to stare at the thing all the way. That moment I really regretted I left my camera in the hotel room. Well, at least the smell won't ever be forgotten.

And so, my second day in Bangkok passed. I finished my souvenir shopping and here I am. with the week still young. There's work to be done from here on in, but I think I'll still have chances to have more fun here in Bangkok. We'll see.

2008-05-11T09:15:00.003+08:00

Fast and Not-Too-Furious

On a side note, I spent my pre-departure night with El and Jonas watching the Wachowski-directed Speed Racer movie. I wasn't that hot for this anime-to-film translation (not really a race fan) but kinda knew what I was getting myself into from a couple of reviews, but what the heck. The movie looked like it would be a blast to watch, at least visually. And what do you know... it was.

On the bright (or psychedelic, to be exact) side, Speed Racer is indeed eye candy overload. Pretty much every frame is exploding with bright bubblegum colors as the movie depicts the world as a futuristic, sunshine-bright pinball-machine in which full-contact acrobatic car racing is the biggest craze. It's amazing though it's easy to get lost in the twisting, faster-than-you-can-comprehend races (being seated in the very front row didn't help either). Since the movie is like, 80 percent all-CG and filmed in blue screen, it's kinda like Sky Captain except instead of all sepia it's like someone spilled a gumball machine's worth of colors on everything.

That all said, the movie's kinda long, it's very cheezy and a bit too family-friendly (no deaths like in the anime, save for one supposed death of a major character), but even through the family/friend bonding and long tirades and constant flashbacks and stream-of-mind cutaways for many characters, there's an earnest theme to the movie about being true to yourself, about love of family and how ability and talent and drive rising above the system despite all odds. Yeah, it sounds shmoozy but it actually works.

High points? Man, Christina Ricci is UBER-hot in this film (despite the movie being family fare) and every time she's onscreen you can't take your eyes off her. John Goodman and Susan Sarandon were also great as Speed's parents, and the little kid and the monkey were constant crack-ups.

Goofy and silly at times, often thrilling with lots of action on and off the racetrack but having a bit of an anticlimactic climax, Speed Racer was nevertheless surprisingly enjoyable and worth seeing. The movie's playing now in theaters all over the Metro so check it out.

Another aside- perhaps the coolest thing in the night was the surprise showing of a trailer for the new CG Star Wars: Clone Wars movie! Clearly based on Genndy Tartarovsky's CW cartoons, this new reveal of the battles fought between Star Wars Episode Two and Three looks like it's gonna kick as much arse as the CW series did. Definitely want to watch out for that. Heh.

2008-05-11T08:56:00.002+08:00

Out the Door

Nope, I'm still in Manila.

Got up at the crack of dawn this morning. Fortunately, I was able to get some sleep despite my usual pre-departure insomnia. A chartered cab took me to the airport, and here I am. It was kinda unnerving to go through the various checkpoints and stages- divesting yourself of metal objects and depositing them on trays or conveyor belts about twice, going through security and having documents checked and fees paid. After it was all said and done, I had only enough pesos left to buy myself breakfast- lukewarm sausage roll and Coke from Delifrance... which were grossly expensive but tasted like nectar and ambrosia to my rumbling stomach. No more money though, aside from the dollars that I'd be using for the trip, and my credit card. Hopefully I won't use up either. I'm not much of a shopper anyway, save for things that I really love. But I doubt I'll be finding a copy of Tekken 6, Soulcalibur IV or Metal Gear Solid 4 anywhere in Bangkok. Or anywhere else for that matter, yet.

Anyway, I've got a small list of requests to track down in my free time. A duster or two for Mom. A bag for the boss. Souvenirs and sweets for The Salt Mines folk. And... a tube of Thai toothpaste. Shouldn't be a problem.

Less than an hour left to boarding. It's almost time.

2008-05-11T00:53:00.002+08:00

The Night Before

This always happens before I go on a long trip... I usually can't sleep, and it's because I'm excited or anxious or just had too much soda to drink. This time, it's a particularly long trip. I'll be off to Bangkok for about a week, attending a shoot for a TV commercial as a Filipino language consultant. Conceivably most of my time will be spent stationed at the shoot itself, but perhaps I'll be able to slip in some personal touring, sight-seeing and shopping as well.

But of course, I'm also a bit antsy because it IS my first time traveling alone in a foreign land. It's like that Sting song. I wonder how the people will be? How will it be different or alike from home?

From all indications, I'll have internet in my lodgings, so I'll most probably continue to update the blog (one way to keep my sanity and ease homesickness, I guess, if that creeps in) and surf. Gladly, the web knows no miles or borders... just bandwidth. Anyway, have PSP, will travel. Before noon, I fly off. The next post I put up, will be from Bangkok.

2008-05-09T19:10:00.004+08:00

Bangkok Bound!

And now for the news! Midway into this week, I suddenly was told a pretty surprising thing- I'm going off to Bangkok early next week! And just like that, I am now on my way to my third trip outside the Philippines, and my second off-country destination. I've only been to Hong Kong (twice) before, so I'm really excited to be heading for Thailand. I've been told by everyone and their mother (well, my Mom, actually) that Bangkok is beautiful and a great place to tour and enjoy. Unfortunately, I'm actually not going on a vacation- it's work, though I apparently have some time to run wild before I have to report in to earn my per diem. In any case, I'll be there for up to a week, so I guess I can lay to rest any worries that I might over-pack this time around. I have to worry more about under-packing.

Fortunately, there'll be internet where I'm staying, so the blogging will continue. Man, I'm excited! Later then! Gotta prep.

2008-05-07T15:18:00.002+08:00

Mangaholix Presents Issue 5 Cover

Ninja Cover Girl KO!

As of this writing, Mangaholix Presents #4 is already available in comic book stores and branches of National Bookstore, Power Books and Fully Booked all over the Metro, so get your copy now (and a copy of issues 1 to 3 if you haven't gotten them already)! But even better, Mangaholix Presents #5 will be heading to shelves in a couple of weeks time as well! The coming Issue 5 will, as seen above, have my very own Ninja Girl KO! as the cover story, with the ever-gorgeous art of Kriss Sison. Goodness Willing, we'll have a straight flush of Mangaholix Issues 1 to 5 on sale and available at the upcoming M3Con at the end of the month. WOOHOO!!!

Man, I can't wait. And I don't even have my copy of Issue 4 yet, darn it. Gotta head for the mall soon, I guess.

2008-05-03T02:37:00.008+08:00

Tony Stark Raving MAD Review

Iron-fisted.

Let me say this going in. I never was an Iron Man fan. Never really got into the character or the comics. The recent Civil War mini-series from Marvel did little to make me like the hero as well. Earlier this year, I really wasn't looking forward to the movie version- didn't like the trailer, saw nothing but another movie laying all it's eggs in CG effects and little else.

Well, I've seen the film, the latest superhero adaptation from Marvel, and what do you know.

I have to say it's the freakin' best superhero movie I've seen yet.

Better than all the Spiderman flicks. Better than the X-men flicks (although what Iron Man is missing is a naked blue shapeshifter babe...). Better than Fantastic Four. Better than Batman Begins, by far. At the very least, it's the most FUN superhero flick so far that I've seen.

Bold words, I guess. But what can I say? This film works. It works on every level, impresses me from beginning to end with a story, character, cast, effects, pacing and script that had me in my seat to the end, aching bladder and all.

Robert Downey Jr. as billionaire industrialist/weapons-dealer Tony Stark OWNS this movie. He freakin' NAILS it. He IS Tony Stark (Though I kinda felt that from the trailers). Downey's Stark is funny and fun. He's Bruce Wayne with about a gazillion times more technical genius and none of the psycho baggage. But the big difference between Stark and Gotham's Favorite Son? Stark knows how to live it up and enjoy himself. He looks, feels, acts and swaggers like a billionaire, and you eat it up. He's funny, he's irreverent, he's a little kid in a grown man's body, and you just like him right away.

But of course, all is not fun and games, and shortly after we meet Stark who's on top of the world, he gets kidnapped, dragged near to death and back, and sees the fruits of his labors... all the warmongering evil of it. So what happens? Tony grows a conscience. He's always been a good guy, but this momentous event focuses him and turns him from just someone with great power to, well, to coin the cliche, someone who decides to take on a great responsibility. This transition from fun-loving, Devil May Care playboy to Devil May Care playboy superhero is handled perfectly and drives the movie forward on repulsor thrusters.

Giving strong support is Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, Stark's Girl-Friday and kinda-sorta-love interest (her scenes with Stark are really nice and add heart to the tech) and she looks beautiful. Although her unflappable performance in this one brings to mind, in a kind of good way, her stint in the somewhat tragic Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow.
An almost unrecognizable Jeff Bridges has a delicious role as Obadiah Stane- a bit of a cross between Apple's Steve Ballmer and Saruman. Stane will immediately be recognized by Marvel fans as the movie's antagonist, the Iron Monger, and his slow unmasking is a good buildup for the very physical finale at the end.
Then there's Terrence Howard, as Tony Stark's best friend James Rhodes (whom we all know will someday wear The Suit), and his role, while understated, is damn fun. The straight man to Stark, he's like a cross between Cuba Gooding Jr. and Forrest Whittaker.

As much as the script, pacing and consistency of the production values of the movie were things I enjoyed thoroughly; everything feels right and has a glossy, big budget feel, as it should., it has to be said as well that the special effects are amazing. The action is pretty hard-hitting, though never graphic (the film has a high body count, actually, though blood is almost never seen), and Iron Man doesn't shirk from using lethal force. Some parts in the movie made me go YEAH! MAN, I want a damn Iron Man suit too, damn it!

Great action and special effects, solid pacing, a great script with tons of witty, snappy banter that's been updated to the times and loaded with cool payoffs (and lots of little details that will have Marvel fans giddy- I have to admit the thing with SHIELD caught me off-guard and had me smiling after) and a great cast, I of course have to applaud director John Favreau who batted this bad boy out of the stadium for a marvelous home run. I can't wait to see the next movie (this is supposedly just the first of a trilogy, with the cast all signed up to the end).

Iron Man really surprised me. Enough to make me a fan of the comic? Probably not, but I am a darn fan of this movie, and I'm gonna have to watch it again too since I freakin' missed the extra scene at the end after the credits.

Iron Man is now showing in theaters all over the Metro. WATCH IT. WATCH IT NOW!

2008-04-30T01:55:00.002+08:00

Mangaholix Presents Issue 4

Coming out this week!

According to a very reliable source, the fourth issue of Mangaholix Presents is out in stores (most probably National Bookstore branches) this week. The latest ish will have the latest installments of the local manga antho's mainstay stories, led by cover story, fantasy-action title Kraust: Ten Roars of Heaven. Filling up the book along with it are Fist Fight Manifesto, Aporia, Pulis Pangkalawakan and, of course, Ninja Girl KO! (which is on it's second episode). So check out the comic stands soon for your local manga fix. I know I will. Heheh.