DC Black Label | Superman Year One

Superman has more than just a thousand stories from the first time he debuted in Action Comics #1. Most of his stories and adventures is about his powers are punching the bad guys. But over time the narrative expands and slowly grounds the character to be a relatable hero to most readers growing up and its understandable how challenging to craft a narrative around an archetype character. There are already a lot of interpretations of how he came to Earth, and the diverse stories about his origins with each one interpreted through the writer’s perspectives. But one that really redefined a modern Superman was the story told by John Byrne in The Man of Steel, but DC Comics did not stop there in crafting his other origins. Over the years, there are writers taking Superman’s origin to great heights, and a fresh take that would also be considered canon. This is due to the multiple earths that DC Comics would bring back in their major events like Crisis on Infinite Earths. Fans would debate and discuss these stories that gives clarity, which all of these interpretations are part of the wide DC Multiverse. The most recent origin of Kal-El back in the mid-2000s was written by Mark Waid with art by Leinil Francis Yu that have masterful inks by the Great Komikero, Gerry Alanguilan that was the maxi-series, Superman Birthright.

The Batman | Gotham's Tragic Hero

When it comes to reboots things are uncertain, it is either a breakthrough or a bomb. The mere term is like something people mostly won’t like to associate with an iconic film or series. ‘The Batman’ is no slouch in terms of a superhero film with Matt Reeves and Peter Craig put in the work to create a new take painting a new canvas. There’s so many aspects of the previous Bat-films have been retold with a different take, but this one breaks that monotone and adds layers gritty and what could be considered a scarier Batman as the Bruce Wayne persona doesn’t pretend to be, but deals with his own mental health and trauma without even re-telling the story how he lost his parents at the back alley of a theatre as a young boy. The best part of it how grounded this world building that it is more of a crime noir-film with superhero elements. The opening just goes straight to the branded red logo taking over the big screen in bold letters and then straight to the Robert Pattison’s narration as how Gotham City has been drowning in fear and darkness. The usual feel how it gets you immersed in the same city with a new perspective. WARNING: Proceed with caution when reading this review as it might contain some minor plot point of the film that would be considered as a SPOILER. But in case you have seen the film or just want to read and don't care for this do read on...

Digital Library Reads | Batman: I Am Gotham

There have been well-written and drawn graphic novels about Batman over the years. Batman: Year One and Batman: The Dark Knight Returns certainly sits up top of the heap for most books being bought as a collection or borrowed several times in a library. Of course, that counts for digital formats that has become part of the norm since the pandemic it is the only way you can find time to acquire them unless you’re nearby library to be able to physically borrow a copy or two. But a good digital read in the form that tells the tales of a modern Batman gives you something to look forward to now that today is Batman Day. Sure, there won’t be gatherings this year due to COVID-19 though to celebrate this year is sharing a good read of anything related to the cape crusader as the character is 81 years young after appearing in Detective Comics #27 seems a stretch for saying it was just yesterday. Currently, Detective Comics is now on issue no. 1027 and its timely to have the opportunity to reads six-issue run of the Batman series from 2016, which was compiled as Batman Vol. 1: I Am Gotham, which feature Tom King with Scott Snyder and also features David Finch artwork that also includes Mikel Janin, Ivan Reis, Matt Banning, Danny Miki, Sandra Hope, Scott Hana, Joe Prado, and Oclair Albert as the creative team for the duration of the first six issue of the series.

Aquaman | A Redeemed Hero

12.15.2018 – There have been popular DC heroes most people are familiar with the trinity of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. The fans gravitate to these characters compared to the rock stars they follow, and none of them would be interested on the underrated ones that would make them relevant. Aquaman is not your cup of hero as previous representation of the character is ridiculed in the past for his lame abilities in communicating with sea creatures. This is the reason his comic books where rebooted several times in the past.

Superman: Birthright | A Man of Steel Story

07.16.2018 – Action Comics has made monumental number reaching issue #1000 a couple of months back and bringing back the red tights that he’s been known for. The comic book that introduced this character revolutionized the industry still continue to fight for truth, justice, and not only the American way but representing the world. Whenever in other mediums like animation, television, movies or video games “The Man of Steel” has been an icon and what shape him are these stories. There have been many origins, but “Superman: Birthright” was those you might forget.

Wonder Woman #37 | A Battle in the Philippines

01.14.2018 – Wonder Woman was a beacon of success for Warner Bros in 2017 outshining its contemporaries to the box office with Gal Gadot in the role directed by Patty Jenkins. The character’s popularity was the best parts of the not-so box office returns with Justice League, but not comparable to its comic book counterpart. Recently Philippine mass media has chimed and hyped Wonder Woman #37 that has spilled all over social media since late December 2017. This just because the setting was in the Philippines?! This wasn’t the first time American published comic books have put the country as its background for a major beat down. It’s kind of overblown that talked about this particular issue just because it was set in the Philippines. Besides that Darkseid has ‘boom tube’ his way to Metro Manila while battling Wonder Woman’s father Zeus, the Justice League showed up at last minute like how Filipino films do when Police arrive when the battle has ended and was there to clean up and help repair the damage after a major fight. The issue is the last story arc for “Children of the Gods” which was written by James Robinson with artists representing the country are Carlo Pagulayan, Stephen Segovia, Jason Paz, and Romulo Fajardo Jr. obviously make the setting in the comic book authentic with its Filipino elements down to the flying jeepney being thrown by Darkseid in the fisticuffs with Zeus.

TV Review | The Adventures of Supergirl

10.11.2016 – Welcome to the second season beginning with “The Adventures of Supergirl” to start a new narrative for National City based ‘The Girl of Steel.’ The much anticipated kick-off episode also introduces the ‘Arrowverse’ version of Superman portrayed by Tyler Hoechlin. This is also the debut of its new series being aired in the US on The CW from last season’s CBS. The new season had many upgrades besides adding Superman as a guest cast and it wasn’t that obvious until it was finally aired.

Comic-Con 2016 | Justice League Sizzling Trailer

07.24.2016 – This just in and if you think DC Comics is way behind with their Extended Universe maybe you might want to take a second look. There’s always going to be a knee jerk reaction what people immediately would say. But Comic-Con International is steamrolling with a lot of updates. Its past 3 AM in the morning on the other side of the world and we’re just about to head to bed when Zach Snyder drops the bomb on the sizzler with Justice League well now…

When a Bat came to Hell's Kitchen & a Devil went to Gotham.

07.22.2012 – There’s a few things I talked about that I’m excited to read and anticipate to wait. Admitted I’m a comic book fan but never put “I” myself in the direction of this discussion rather share you something that I find interesting. The unauthorized company crossover between Batman and Daredevil which I’m sure some of you are excited or having mixed reactions from the big two that won’t even happen. Rarely this would be a discussion here since THIS IS my personal space where I share limited engagements of what I think it’s cool for me other than your usual blog post from here and there.

Counting the days before David Finch in Manila!

03.05.2012 – Saturday afternoon was not your usual extravagant event though for comic book junkies it’s a preview of what are things to come. The guys and gals who went masquerading as their Batman Family of characters for Fully Booked to promote David Finch’s arrival for next Sunday. This was received by photo opportunity and individual portraits from all walks of life. While they scour the grounds of Bonifacio High Street I took the liberty and checking out the set up display to promote the up coming event. Fully Booked teams up with Comic Odyseey to bring one of DC Comics’ well known artists to the country next week.

Emerald Geek Day of Fun!

06.15.2011 - Every fan has its day and there's so much green to go through it. I've seen the Green Lantern special screening twice. Though just to commit to the promise the review I wrote was posted as scheduled. I've seen it on March 14, 2011 along with fellow geek friends from the community.

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