DINO, Son of ZUMA: Blind Date with a Dinosaur

"I love you, you love me..."

Dino was one of the bizarre characters made famous in Jim Fernandez and Ben Maniclang's long-running Aliwan Komiks serial, Anak ni Zuma (1976-1984). The dinosaur-headed son of the Aztec demigod Zuma has also been portrayed on film, appearing in the 1987 sequel based on the serial.

During the mid-1990's, Grahic Arts Service, Inc. published Zuma And Other Amazing Stories (or Zuma Komiks, for short). The anthology featured the further adventures of the sinister snake-man (Zuma The Series), while another strip, Mga Anak ni Zuma ("The Children of Zuma") was devoted to his offspring Galema and, of course, Dino.

In this short tale from Zuma Komiks #112 (December 29, 1995), we find that Dino has been playing Lizard King of the Jungle, living in peace and harmony with his animal friends. But then, an injured and blinded young woman enters his life...

LASTIKDOG - Lastikman's Best Friend

Since October 4 was World Animal Day, and October 9 was the birthday of komiks legend Mars Ravelo, I thought I'd feature this character who, while not a Ravelo creation, is affiliated with one of his greatest heroes.

Lastikdog first appeared in 1995 in the pages of Lastikman Komiks (where else?), and later in Aliwan Komiks. The series was written by Jeffrey Marcelino Ong, with art by Larry Santiago and Zer Hipolito.

Trojan was an intelligent pet dalmatian owned by Dr. Manuel De Lastico, who also happened to be the superhero Lastikman.

One day, while his master was away, Trojan spotted a passing pickup truck carrying a female dog at the back. Infatuated, Trojan follows the truck to the house of an eccentric scientist named Professor Pakto.

As the dogs were playing, Trojan knocked over a container of chemicals that the professor was working on. He then proceeded to drink the chemical that spilled on the floor.

The formula gave Trojan shape-shifting abilities similar to those of his master's. He would go on to follow in his owner's footsteps, using his newfound powers to fight evil as Lastikdog. All the while, Lastikman is totally unaware of his pet's crime-fighting activities!

Come to think of it, wouldn't it reflect badly on Lastikman as a superhero that a crime happens right under his nose, and his pet is the one who responds to it?

HARIBON

When Lastikman temporarily vacated Aliwan Komiks for his own book in 1995, Haribon (Hari="King", Ibon="Bird") was brought in as the magazine's new resident superhero. This high-tech winged warrior was created by writer Jeffrey Marcelino Ong and illustrated by artist Ariel Padilla.

   

By his nature, Haribon is primarily an airborne hero. But in this installment from Aliwan #2133 (March 17, 1996), he proves that he can be just as formidable under the sea. 

 

Incidentally, September 3 is International Vulture Awareness Day.

Happy Father's Day, ZUMA - Love, GALEMA

Fatherly love. (Read what happens next at Filipiniana.net)

 

Galema, daughter of Zuma, has always been an important part of the Aztec anti-hero's mythos since her introduction in the long-running Aliwan Komiks serial, Anak ni Zuma (1976-1984). Raised by human foster parents, Galema never saw eye-to-eye with her natural father, choosing to protect humanity from his malevolent machinations. 

 On film, Galema was first portrayed by actress Snooky Serna in the 1985 movie Zuma, and by Jenny Lyn in the 1987 sequel Anak ni Zuma. A television series is reportedly in the works, Galema, Ang Anak ni Zuma ("Galema, The Daughter of Zuma"), to star Andi Eigenmann in the title role. (And before I forget, ZUMA ASUNCION?! SERIOUSLY?!) When Zuma was given his own title in the mid-90's, Zuma Komiks, Galema (along with her half-man/half-dinosaur half-brother Dino) also appeared in a back-up strip, Mga Anak ni Zuma ("The Children of Zuma"). In the following episode from Zuma Komiks #111 (December 22, 1995), Galema has a heart-to-heart talk with her dad about religion, parent-child relations and sacrificing virgins.

 

MACHETE - Hunk of Wood

Not to be confused with the Robert Rodriguez film, this Machete has long been famous in the Philippines through comics, but most especially in the movies, and now, on television.

Image from Komixpage

For the uninitiated, Machete was a wooden Indian (as in Native American) statue, who would come to life at night to, um, give pleasure to whoever love-starved lady had him in her thrall. But he would always turn back into a statue at dawn, giving new meaning to the term "morning wood." Created by veteran writer Pablo S. Gomez and artist Louie D. Celerio, Machete first appeared in Pinoy Klasiks (published by Graphic Arts Service, Inc.) in 1989. Judging from the original serial's title, Machete: Batong Buhay ("Machete: Living Stone"), it would seem that the character's original komiks incarnation was actually carved out of stone.

MACHETE AT THE MOVIES

Machete first became flesh on screen in the 1990 film Machete: Istatwang Buhay ("Machete: Living Statue"), starring Cesar Montano in the title role. Produced by Seiko Films ("If it's from Seiko, it must be good!"), which was notorious in the 1990's for its string of ST ("sex trip") films, the picture naturally played up the erotic elements in the story. The movie was successful enough to spawn a sequel, Machete II, which was released in 1994. It starred Gardo Versoza, who did not actually portray Machete himself, but rather played a murdered man who similarly has his spirit infused into a wooden statue (yes, I actually watched this when it came out. I was curious, okay?). This film was also notable for being the first major starring role of '90's sex goddess Rosanna Roces.

Image from Video 48

MACHETE III

In 1999, creators Gomez and Celerio revived the living wooden sex toy in a new series, Machete III, which was serialized in Aliwan Komiks. This serial, however, was never adapted into film. Here's a chapter from Aliwan Komiks #2441 (August 22, 1999). Nothing much happens in it, though.

MACHETE ON TV

In recent years, Machete has been brought to life on television a number of times, though of course, the sexual aspect of the character had to be dropped in order to make him suitable for the general TV audience. A 2006 episode of the ABS-CBN fantasy anthology Komiks presented a much more wholesome romantic-comedy adaptation featuring Joseph Bitangcol as Machete and Korean pop star Sandara Park as his love interest.

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ABS-CBN would make use of the character again, turning him into a full-fledged superhero in the 2006-07 series Super Inggo. This time out, the hunky hunk of wood was played by model/actor Derek Ramsay, who was not only the first incarnation of Machete not to have long hair, but to date the only live-action version to keep his pants on.

And just as many Filipino celebrities have been switching networks as of late, it appears even fictional characters aren't immune to the trend. This year, the GMA Network gave Machete his own TV series, with young heartthrob Aljur Abrenica as the latest to don the loincloth.

For this re-imagining, Machete is no longer an Indian, but instead belongs to some indeterminate ancient Filipino tribe. This version wears his hair short, though he does start out with long hair. His real name is revealed to be Dakila, and the name Machete is supposedly taken from the weapon he wields. No, not a big knife, but a hatchet (shouldn't his name be "Hatchete," then?). The story goes that he was mortally wounded in battle and died in his lover's arms. His soul was bonded to a tree which, in the present day, would eventually be carved into a statue in his likeness.

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Broadcast from Monday to Friday nights, the series' first week moved a lot faster than most local shows usually do (yes, I watched a bit of it. Again, I was curious). Whereas other shows would spend a week or two on the lead character's childhood, Machete's past history and the female lead's tragic childhood were covered in the first episode. By the second episode, the statue was sculpted, and it finally came to life by the third. On the downside, the show still suffers from the soap opera syndrome that typically plagues pinoy TV dramas, so it's not really something I'd be interested in following. At the moment, the story is focused on the love triangle between Machete, the sculptress who "made" him, and the reincarnation of his lost love, but the action should pick up when they start searching for his missing hatchet (which turns out to have magical properties, kind of like Thor's hammer, Mjolnir).

Machete co-creator Pablo Gomez passed away on December 26 of last year at the age of 79. Prior to his passing, a number of his stories were adapted for the ABS-CBN fantasy series Wansapanataym, and the recent remake of another of his creations, Petrang Kabayo, was a box-office hit. Aside from Machete, there are currently 2 other television programs based on his works, Juanita Banana and Mutya, both airing on ABS-CBN. At a time when Mars Ravelo and Carlo J. Caparas adaptations usually lord over the airwaves, it's nice to see another respected komiks master getting his due for a change.

How ZUMA Saved Christmas

More of a villain than a hero, Zuma is nonetheless one of Philippine comics' most iconic characters. Created by writer Jim M. Fernandez (who, as an illustrator, co-created Captain Barbell with Mars Ravelo), the serpentine demigod first rose from his tomb in the serial Aztec, but really came to prominence in the classic komiks novel Anak ni Zuma, serialized in Aliwan Komiks and published by Graphic Arts Service, Inc. (GASI). Illustrated by Ben S. Maniclang, it ran weekly from 1976 to 1984, making it one of the longest-running series in komiks history. It also introduced other memorable characters such as Zuma's children: his kind-hearted daughter Galema, and his dinosaur-headed son Dino. _

Art by Ben Maniclang

So great was Zuma's fame that he was practically a household name. He would come to star in a succession of spin-offs, some of which even ran concurrently with his main series. Among these was Dugong Aztec ("Aztec Blood") by Fernandez and artist Elmer Esquivas (who delineated a much more sinister-looking portrayal of the character), which appeared from 1978 to 79 in the pages of Rex Komiks, published by Rex Publications, Inc. Another series was the prequel Angkan ni Zuma, written by Fernandez and drawn by Mar T. Santana for Pinoy Klasiks from 1978 to 83.

Art by Elmer Esquivas

Image from KOMIKERO DOT COM

_ With Zuma reaching the peak of his popularity, a movie adaptation would not be far behind. Imposing actor Max Laurel would portray the Aztec anti-hero in 2 films, Zuma (1985) and its sequel Anak ni Zuma (1987). Here's a clip from the latter film, dubbed in English (and sounding kind of like an old kung-fu movie). _ By the way, it appears ABS-CBN will be producing a new television series, Galema, Ang Anak ni Zuma ("Galema, The Daughter of Zuma"). I'm looking at its Wikipedia page, and I don't know how accurate the information on it is, but apparently, this version of Zuma is going to have a last name ("Zuma Asuncion?" Seriously?) That sounds weird as hell to me, but we'll see how it goes. _ Anyway, Zuma's popularity had somewhat waned by the 1990's, but he had one last run when he was given his own magazine in 1993. Published by GASI, Zuma And Other Amazing Stories (also known as Zuma And Other Horror Stories or simply Zuma Komiks) was a horror anthology book whose main feature was Zuma The Series. Written by various writers, with art by Clem V. Rivera and, later, Vic Catan Jr., the character was revived with a new twist. Zuma now had the ability to heal the sick, which he used to make up for all the evil he had caused in the past. That doesn't necessarily make him a good guy, though. There's some moral ambiguity in that he has amassed himself a fanatical cult of worshippers, and he was still required by his religion to make virgin sacrifices to the Aztec serpent god Kukulkan. _

Art by Vicatan

_ Although the character of Zuma may have been watered-down a bit, the new stories did cast him in the interesting role of the outsider who commented on and (violently) reacted to the foibles of "civilized" human behavior. In this yuletide tale from Zuma Komiks #112 (December 29, 1995) by writer Arman T. Francisco and artist Vicatan, Zuma makes observations on the gaudiness of Christmas celebrations, and gives a blind beggar boy the gift of sight... a gift that not everyone appreciates.

[Special thanks to Reno Maniquis and Komiklopedia for the additional info.]

WOLFGANG

Not to be confused with either the 18th century Classical composer or the Filipino heavy metal/grunge rock band, Wolfgang was a team of vampire-slaying superhero werewolves. Created by writer Jeffrey Marcelino Ong and artist Rol Enriquez, this wolf-pack ran in the pages of Aliwan Komiks in 1998.

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This Halloween post is dedicated to my favorite radio station.

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Congratulations on your 23rd anniversary.

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And my deepest condolences on your impending demise.

The DEATH of LASTIKMAN

Not a dream, not a hoax, not an imaginary story (but aren't they all?). In the same decade that saw the death of Superman and the breaking of Batman's back, one of the Philippines' greatest superheroes would also find himself at death's door. And it happened in the very first issue of his new comic book!

Cover Art by Sonny Trinidad

Lastikman is, of course, the stretchable alien crimefighter created by Mars Ravelo and artist Mar T. Santana in the pages of Aliwan Komiks in 1965.

In the mid-1990's, Aliwan's publisher Graphic Arts Service, Inc. (GASI) brought back the character in a new series of stories by various writers and artists. For this revival, Lastikman was given a new costume and, for the first time, a secret identity, that of scientist Dr. Manuel De Lastico (Very inconspicuous. The world will never know).

Cover Art by Lan Medina

The feature was apparently so successful that GASI decided to spin off Lastikman into his own magazine. The first issue of the new Lastikman Komiks was released on September 28, 1995. However, it seemed as though success had gone to the checkered champion's head. In the first episode Color of Death (written by Almel de Guzman and illustrated by Arnel Coronel), the once-noble hero has become boastful and arrogant, much to the dismay of his once-adoring public. One day, an old soothsayer warns Lastikman of his impending doom. Naturally, the proud hero laughs the prophecy off. Soon after, Blaab, an alien from the planet Thufpox, threatens to move the Earth a few degrees from its orbit because it's blocking the radiowaves vital to his new intergalactic weapon, the Cyberbeam. Kind of reminds me of Marvin the Martian wanting to destroy the Earth because it obstructs his view of Venus. At first, Lastikman doesn't take the alien runt seriously. But once Blaab makes good on his threat, causing several natural disasters in the process, the prideful protector is forced to take action. Lastikman first takes on Blaab's bulky minion Megan, who manages to twist and bend him out of shape, but the elastic egotist eventually succeeds in keeping his opponent under wraps. And to prove just how big a jerk he has become, Lastikman shows blatant reckless disregard by hurling his defeated foe towards an oncoming plane.

Next up to challenge our hero is Frikton, who looks like an evil teaspoon with arms and legs.

As expected, Lastikman underestimates his new foe, which turns out to be a fatal mistake. Frikton transforms into a super-heated ball that causes the swell-headed hero's body to melt (It also causes him to scream like a girl. Rather undignified way for a hero to go).

And with that, Lastikman kicks the bucket. Or rather, oozes right into it.

Detaching from his liquefied remains, Lastikman's spirit ends up in Limbo. There, he is confronted by the League of Pinoy Superheroes, whose members include a big muscular guy with a barbell and a woman with stars on her bra.

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Standing trial before a jury of his peers, Lastikman is judged guilty of the sin of pride. The fallen hero shows remorse for his arrogance and pleads for a chance to redeem himself. The jury of heroes exercises leniency, combining their powers to restore Lastikman back to life.

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When Lastikman returns to action, he flies through the air by turning his ears into little-bitty wings. I'd just like to point out that I don't get this at all. I know it sounds silly quibbling over this while I'm perfectly willing to accept a guy who can stretch and change his shape. But really, I just can't get myself to believe a man can fly just by flapping his little wing-shaped ears. Heck, I even have a problem with the Sub Mariner flying on those tiny wings on his feet! And why does he even have tiny bird wings on his feet, he's from under the sea, for cripes sake! It just doesn't make sense!

Oops. Getting side-tracked. Sorry 'bout that.

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Anyway, the resurrected Lastikman eventually defeats the alien invaders and emerges from this adventure with a renewed sense of humility.

But this was only the beginning. Next, we shall take a look at Lastikman's further 90's exploits, including the time that he contemplated suicide!