Created by writer Berth Brucal and artist Al Cabral, Tobor appeared in GASI's pocket-sized science fiction magazine Speed Komiks from 1985 to 1986.
A breakthrough in artificial intelligence, Tobor was a super robot with the potential for human emotion. Following the death of his inventor Oliver, Tobor travelled to the Philippines, where he quickly established himself as a hero.
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CAPABILITIES
Tobor's body is built from extremely hard LX alloy and titanium carbide (basically, he's really tough). His eyes are equipped with automatic-focusing infra-red lenses (basically, he can see really good). He possesses superhuman (or rather, super-robot) strength, and his feet has turbo boosters which enable him to run fast, as well as leap great heights and distances.
Tobor's computer brain is capable of telekinesis, telepathy and ESP. He can also release powerful waves of magnetic force. Tobor was originally powered by a battery pack that required periodic electrical recharging, later modified into a solar battery deriving unlimited energy from the sun.
ALLIES
OLIVER
Tobor's late creator, presumed killed in a bomb blast. It is said Tobor's character traits were based on Oliver's own personality.
Oliver's fiancee and fellow scientist. A trusted ally of Tobor, she is responsible for the later modifications in his design (mainly, his turbo boosters and solar battery). There is more than a hint that Tobor may be developing feelings for her-- and Marianne herself doesn't seem to be discouraging it.
Aquatic warrior from the lost continent of Atlantis.
The youthful monarch of Atlantis. According to Atlantean custom, their leaders are elected at the age of 12 and retired at 25, believing that a young ruler reigns with a pure conscience.
An alien Ranger from the planet Xarth. Disguising himself as Oliver, he seeks Tobor's help against the space bandit Vart Daver.
ALIEN COMMANDER
The leader of a group of alien invaders scheming to conquer the world (as usual).
"ALIENS" FROM "BULLION"
A group of pirates who disguise themselves as aliens from the planet "Bullion" to trick Tobor into finding the lost continent of Atlantis for them.
SALOT (PLAGUE)
A race of barbaric humanoids inhabiting a subterranean prehistoric world. So-named because they are regarded as a "plague" by the highly-advanced Atlantean civilization.
MONGOLUX
VART DAVER
Dreaded space bandit and would-be emperor of the universe.
Looks kinda familiar, doesn't he?
THE ORGANIZATION
RECYCLED PARTS?
Tobor's late creator, presumed killed in a bomb blast. It is said Tobor's character traits were based on Oliver's own personality.
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MARIANNE
Oliver's fiancee and fellow scientist. A trusted ally of Tobor, she is responsible for the later modifications in his design (mainly, his turbo boosters and solar battery). There is more than a hint that Tobor may be developing feelings for her-- and Marianne herself doesn't seem to be discouraging it._
NEPTO
Aquatic warrior from the lost continent of Atlantis.
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SUPREME RULER
The youthful monarch of Atlantis. According to Atlantean custom, their leaders are elected at the age of 12 and retired at 25, believing that a young ruler reigns with a pure conscience.
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TROX
An alien Ranger from the planet Xarth. Disguising himself as Oliver, he seeks Tobor's help against the space bandit Vart Daver.
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ENEMIES
ALIEN COMMANDER
The leader of a group of alien invaders scheming to conquer the world (as usual).
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TXANDU
An evil sorcerer who wields the mystical wand of Oynomed. Self-proclaimed "Master of the Mystic Arts," "King of Black Magic," and Lord of the Fourth Dimension.
An evil sorcerer who wields the mystical wand of Oynomed. Self-proclaimed "Master of the Mystic Arts," "King of Black Magic," and Lord of the Fourth Dimension.
"ALIENS" FROM "BULLION"
A group of pirates who disguise themselves as aliens from the planet "Bullion" to trick Tobor into finding the lost continent of Atlantis for them.
SALOT (PLAGUE)
A race of barbaric humanoids inhabiting a subterranean prehistoric world. So-named because they are regarded as a "plague" by the highly-advanced Atlantean civilization.
MONGOLUX
The massive armored bodyguard of an alien gangster and fierce gladiator of the Thunder Arena.
VART DAVER
Dreaded space bandit and would-be emperor of the universe.
Looks kinda familiar, doesn't he?
THE ORGANIZATION
After being defeated by Tobor, Vart Daver escapes to the planet Earth and organizes a gang of animal-based costumed criminals. The members are cat burglar Felix Pusa ("Felix the Cat!") alias Catman, escaped convict Brunong Gorilya ("Bruno the Gorilla") alias Apeman, illegal "5-6" lender Alex Aguila ("Alex the Eagle") alias Birdman, and ex-navy frogman Tomas Palaka ("Thomas the Frog") alias, well, Frogman.
RECYCLED PARTS?
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Vart Daver aside, the more knowledgeable comic fans may notice that some of Tobor's foes resemble a few very obscure Marvel villains. Indeed, it appears illustrator Cabral had referenced American comics for some of his layouts. Let's see if anyone can tell where the following sequence was swiped from...
TOBOR-culocis!!!
ReplyDeleteThose were the "Animal Men" baddies in X-Men. Although I don't know where the fight sequence was swiped from, I recognize the cover of Mongolux vs Tobor as one swiped from Daredevil, where he's fighting Gladiator (in fact, Mongolux's look is swiped directly from Gladiator).
ReplyDeleteVart Daver? Doesn't remind of anyone. :)
The Ani-Men, to be exact. You also got the Gladiator right. As for the fight sequence, it was swiped from a Daredevil comic, the same issue that Gladiator appeared, in fact.
ReplyDeleteAnd it should be very obvious where Vart Daver was taken from.
Dark Helmet from Spaceballs!
Sayang ganda na sana yung character kaso umatake na naman yung pagka-pilipino at ginaya yung iba.
ReplyDeleteRe-reading my Essential Daredevil, the Ani-Men were originally DD's foes! I guess Al Cabral is a DD fan. hehe.
ReplyDeleteI had a lot of copies of speed komiks before. May archives pa ba?
ReplyDeleteWhere can i buy old copies of TOBOR (Speed komiks)?
ReplyDeleteI don't know, maybe you can find some online. But I'm not selling mine! (=^_^=)
ReplyDeleteConvert mo sa PDF bro :)
DeleteTOBOR was my favorite during my kid days, I cry if don't have a copy of speedy comics for the week. Is TOBOR inspired from DC Robotman?
ReplyDeleteTxandu is definitely modeled after an enemy of Doctor Strange. They even have the Wand of Watoomb!
ReplyDeleteHello. Can you post more comic pics of tobor?
ReplyDeletematigas na tobor
ReplyDelete