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...

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

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...

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!!!

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.

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!!!

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.