Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
After reviewing the first ten issues of the Hardcase monthly series, I should say that the title character is one of the most defining lead characters of not only the Ultraverse but also 1990s superhero comics in general. The late James Hudnall really defined the character Tom Hawke/Hardcase and established his rightful spot in the Ultraverse.
Now is time to take a look back at Hardcase #11 published in 1994 by Malibu Comics with a story written by James Hudnall and drawn by Scott Benefiel.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins with Hardcase and Choice riding a car in high speed going to Nevada to uncover a mystery. Their destination is Aladdin base, a top secret facility that the two believe contains the answers to Choice’s past.
Suddenly Hardcase slammed the brakes of the car as they encounter a helicopter in front of them. Worse than that, four powerful adversaries – Foxfire, Head Knocker, War Eagle and Hardwire – jointly confront them ready to fight to the death…
Quality
Really dynamic art by Scott Benefiel.
As before, James Hudnall delivered yet another compelling story and artist Scott Benefiel nailed it visually. To begin with, this comic book is packed with a lot of action and the blows and hard hits can be felt. As it is loaded with action, the narrative never felt brainless nor dumb. Rather, there was nice variety mixed with the spectacle as Hudnall made solid efforts to make each bad guy express himself respectively when fighting with Choice or Hardcase. Take for example, Hardwire is creepy and ruthless. Along the way, the coordination between Hardcase and Choice as well as between the bad guys themselves was well executed literally and visually.
As the conflicts went on, Aladdin’s presence was also felt even though there were no images used. In fact, the sudden involvement of the bad guys reflected what Aladdin does whenever it captures and uses individuals with special abilities or talents for its own gain.
More on Hardcase and Choice, I like the fact that the creators explained that Choice’s powers could only last 60 minutes and will take two hours to recharge. This adds weight to their mission of finding and infiltrating Aladdin’s base. How Choice and Hardcase deal with the challenge is worth reading.
Conclusion
The money shot!
Hardcase #11 is not only a really great comic book to read, it is also a clear attempt by the creators to build up something and conclude the first year of the monthly series with something strong. If course, this issue marked the 2nd part of The Angry Past storyline. We will find that out soon enough what will turn out next in Hardcase #12.
If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Hardcase #11 (1994), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $4.
Overall, Hardcase #11 (1994) is highly recommended!
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
It has finally happened. Microsoft organized this past Thursday the much-awaited digital event Xbox Games Showcase. Let me cut to the chase that, for the most part, I actually enjoyed watching. It’s not a perfect showcase of games for Xbox fans and other gamers, but it sure is a major improvement over the disappointing 3rd party games showcase of last May.
For one thing, Xbox head Phil Spencer himself confirmed that less than ten of the fifteen Xbox game studios had prepared for the showcase. This is not surprising because it takes a lot of time and work to make video games nowadays and it is a fact that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic had forced game developers (as well as countless other surviving businesses) to adapt the work-at-home model which tremendously slowed down production. Regardless, the showcase included unveilings of five new first-party games.
“What you’ll see today is how Xbox game studios are harnessing their passions to bring their dreams to life,” Phil Spencer said in his welcome message to viewers.
With those words declared, here is what I think about the games that I personally find the most interesting or the most notable (note: not all games discussed below are exclusive to Xbox Series X), and what it all means for the upcoming launch of the next-generation Xbox Series X console and the remaining life of the Xbox One.
The showcased games
Halo Infinite
Two long years since I first saw the original unveiling of Halo Infinite, the gameplay demonstration of the game (note: it actually ran on a PC, NOT the Xbox Series X itself) was actually worth the long wait even though there were some imperfections. What made it compelling to watch was the presentation of the ring world’s environment which recaptured the wonder and beauty of the original landscape first seen in 2001’s Halo: Combat Evolved (note: I’m talking about the landscape where Master Chief first crash-landed). Apart from the in-game environment, the gameplay rocked with the classic Halo formula of shooting (fast-paced and intense) which got shook up with the implementation of the grapple plus a few new animation sequences and moves seen on the Covenant. It’s classic Halo but also modernized in terms of look and gameplay.
What caught my attention was the freedom for gamers to explore an entire Halo ring confirmed by 343 Industries’ Studio Head of Halo Chris Lee. Even though the term open-world was not stated, this confirms that Halo Infinite will have a much bigger in-game environment and locations for gamers to discover. Hopefully, this also means that there will be a wide variety of activities to do on the locations very much like other open-world games. The game demonstration is only a taste of what is to come. Not only that, Lee also confirmed that the game will run at 60 frames-per-second (60FPS) which for me is the sweet spot for playing in the modern age.
When it comes to imperfections, I saw some pop-in during some sequences of the demo and there also seemed to be some slight dips in the frame rate during the most intense sequences. Right now, 343 Industries still has months left to optimize the game not only for Xbox Series X but also the aging Xbox One. Now I wonder how the developers will be able to get good enough performance from the basic Xbox One (which I own) and the slightly upgraded Xbox One S to play Halo Infinite. One last thing…I should express my disappointment over the revelation that the demo did NOT run on the Xbox Series X hardware itself.
To Microsoft and 343 Industries, please, please make the best you can with Halo Infinite using real Xbox Series X hardware! Also, please at least try to include ray tracing at launch, not after launch. Disappointments aside, I know you guys can do better and I still am looking forward to this game. The ball of time is on your side of the court, Microsoft and 343 Industries. You still have time!
Everwild
Everwild is a brand, new game developed by Rare (Sea of Thieves, Perfect Dark games) mainly for Xbox Series X and Windows 10 PCs. First unveiled months ago, the new video of the game at the Xbox Games Showcase showed a lot more of the game with what looks like a wide-open world to explore with lots of wildlife and creatures that are out of this world. The animation also looks great. My only problem here is that the new trailer had scenes done in a cinematic fashion and left no clear sign as to HOW THE GAME WILL PLAY. Will it be a single-player game or an online-multiplayer game? Will it have a good combat system? What is the story if any? Please, Microsoft and Rare, do explain if Everwild will be fun to play. Enough with the beauty and take time to really define the game. Thanks.
As Dusk Falls
This new game by Int./Night and Microsoft is easily the most intriguing of the Xbox Games Showcase. It’s described as an interactive drama that will follow and explore the lives of two families across thirty years starting with a robbery in Arizona. Players will determine the fate of the characters by making choices (kinda like the Choose Your Own Adventure pocket books in concept). At least in this game’s trailer, there is a clever mix of 3D polygons with 2D art. If I were you gamers, don’t just ignore this game. If you are already an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, As Dusk Falls will launch on Day One on the said service.
Avowed
The rumors turned out to be true and I’m very happy to say that the RPG specialists Obsidian Entertainment is working on a brand new, fantasy role-playing game (RPG) titled Avowed. Set in the fantasy world of Eora, Avowed is a first-person view RPG. Having played Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and Elders Scrolls V: Skyrim on Xbox 360 long ago plus last year’s The Outer Worlds (by Obsidian) on Xbox One, I really am looking forward to this new game and I have full trust in Obsidian’s, dedication, legacy and specialty on making RPGs that are fun and compelling.
To say the least, Avowed will mark the beginning of a new fantasy RPG property (soon to be a franchise…) for the Xbox ecosystem as a whole adding variety for Xbox fans who love fantasy RPGs alongside the already established Fable.
Speaking of Fable…
Fable
The long-time rumor is also true! Fable is being revived and the new game is being produced by Playground Games, the very same studio behind the best-selling and highly acclaimed Forza Horizon series! While the above trailer is purely cinematic and carried nothing to suggest gameplay, at the very least the Fable franchise is on its way back after years of being dormant. What I hope to see next time is real-time gameplay complete with how the Playground employees can present the fantasy world in this new generation of console gaming. I personally enjoyed playing the original Fable and still managed to get some fun from the disappointing Fable III. For the future of Fable, things are looking promising.
Forza Motorsport
While this one is too short and lacked gameplay sequences, the Forza Motorsport official video composed of real-time graphics (note the Footage Captured In-Engine posted on the lower-left corner of the video) is very impressive and the future of next-generation simulation racing looks very bright. I know the experts of Turn 10 are working hard with the new Xbox Series X technology as I write this and in terms of presentation of the Xbox Games Showcase, this extremely short look of things to come from the Forza Motorsport franchise is ironically one of the best (and most transparent) presentations from Microsoft. Too bad Halo Infinite was used with a PC and lacked transparency on its presentation which Microsoft knew. More on the game, I wonder if Forza Motorsport will be the definitive title of the next-generation sim race from Turn 10 following 2017’s Forza Motorsport 7. Gamers expected Forza Motorsport 8 as the title. The video presentation’s shortness is a missed opportunity for Microsoft and the developers to show a lot more of what simulation would look and feel like on Xbox Series X. An additional sixty seconds of in-game footage with some gameplay sequences (like driver’s seat view with steering wheel) would have made the Forza Motorsport video even greater and more engaging. Now that the Xbox Games Showcase is over, we can only wait as to what MS and Turn 10 can update us with. Right now, I am passionate with simulation racing thanks to the Forza Motorsport franchise and I am confident that the next entry coming out on Xbox Series X will be worth the wait.
Tell Me Why
Here’s another new Microsoft-published game that surprised me. Tell Me Why is developed by DONTNOD, the same team behind Capcom’s Remember Me and Square Enix’s Life is Strange. Given the French game developer’s dedication on making original, narrative-driven games, Tell Me Why follows twins Alyson and Tyler and players will get to use their unique bond to unravel mysteries in their lives. Visually, it does not have the next-generation look as the game itself was made specifically for Xbox One and Windows 10. How it will look on Xbox Series X remains to be seen. This should attract the attention of gamers who enjoyed Life is Strange games.
Psychonauts 2
This multi-platform game made by Double Fine will be released sometime next year and I should say that what was shown during the Xbox Games Showcase made me confident about it. For the newcomers reading this, Psychonauts 2 is the sequel to the award-winning 2005 game Psychonauts (then published by Majesco Entertainment) and as a platforming game this one could stand out in the modern age for its artistry, creativity and promised fun gameplay. Microsoft promised that the game will be optimized for Xbox Series X.
Honorable mentions
The Outer Worlds: Peril on Gorgon
I love Obsidian Entertainment’s work in The Outer World which is easily one of the best RPGs I’ve ever played in this current console generation. As such, the revelation of the previously announced story downloadable content (DLC) is something I find very delighting and it sure gives me another reason to replay The Outer Worlds on my Xbox One. The Peril on Gorgon DLC’s description is as follows: A severed arm and a mysterious message lead the crew of the Unreliable to the Gorgon Asteroid, formerly the site of one of Halcyon’s most ambitious and disastrous scientific undertakings – now a lawless den of monsters and marauders. Wealthy recluse Minnie Ambrose tasks the crew with finding answers about Dr. Olivia Ambrose, her mother and the doomed project’s disgraced director, but they are soon ensnared in an intrigue that will change the colony forever.
The Outer Worlds: Peril on Gorgon will be released on September 9, 2020.
Destiny 2: Beyond Light
It’s kinda weird to see Destiny 2: Beyond Light part of Xbox Games Showcase, the same event highlighted by Halo Infinite. This is because Bungie created Halo on its own before they got involved with Microsoft and played a major role in the respective success of the original Xbox and Xbox 360 consoles with several acclaimed Halo games that sold a lot. Now that it is no longer involved with Activision, Bungie is now a standalone developer and publisher, and the Destiny games franchise is what they are carrying now. The above video presentation looks good and energetic.
Conclusion
Overall, the Xbox Games Showcase was good, not great. The efforts to showcase the 1st party games and the potential of next-generation gaming Xbox Series X were made but felt uneven here and there. Halo Infinite had a good presentation but there were shortcomings that prevented it from being great which is too bad because the game was supposed to highlight Xbox Series X and prove that there is a promising future of fun and engagement with the Halo franchise. Ironically, the very solid but short video presentations of Forza Motorsport and Avowed proved to be better efforts on selling Xbox Series X than Halo Infinite. When it comes to disappointments, I should point to the complete lack of new stuff regarding Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.
While imperfect, the Xbox Games Showcase still had nice surprises that kept me interested enough to finish it. At the very least, Xbox Games Showcase was a big improvement over the disappointing showcase of 3rd party games last May.
Now that the Xbox Games Showcase is over, Microsoft and its Xbox teams still have time left to improve their efforts to sell their games and prove that Xbox Series X will be worth buying for the next several years of home entertainment. They also still have time to emphasize how the optimization of games on Xbox Series X and how the Smart Delivery can be beneficial to gamers.
In ending this, watch Colteastwood’s interview with Xbox’s Major Nelson.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
Muntinlupa Mayor joins Metro Manila Mayors in Project Ark Meeting
On July 24, 2020, Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi joins other Metro Manila in a virtual meeting and press conference of Project Ark. Fresnedi thanked Project Ark and Filinvest Foundation execs for providing 2,016 testing kits to Muntinlupa that were used in recent localized community quarantine in several areas in the city. Project ARK is a private sector initiative to make mass testing available nationwide. Joining the virtual meeting were Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez, San Mateo Mayor Cristina Diaz, and Pasay Mayor Imelda Tubiano. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)
Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release.
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation,NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.
Las Piñas City Police Force at Work – July 25, 2020
The Las Piñas City Police Department continues to serve the local constituents by means of securing places, implementing rules and helping those who need assistance. Check out these recent media releases and pay close attention to the details written.
On July 24, 2020, the above-mentioned LPCPS personnel led by PMAJ SALVADOR GARCIA C, SOPS under the supervision of PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, OIC, LPCPS provided security assistance and implemented strict implementation of social distancing during the conduct of Processing of Travel Authority held in coordination with the Office of the City Mayor led by Hon. Mayor Imelda T. Aguilar at the said venue. (source – Las Piñas City Police Station)On July 23, 2020, elements of LCPS with personnel of Sub Station 3 under the direct supervision of PMAJ ALBERT DT AREVALO, Sub-Station 3 Commander through PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, OIC of Las Piñas City Police Station conducted Distribution of IEC Materials/ Flyers Re: Safety Precautionary measures against Corona Virus Disease ( COVOD-19) in relation to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) Ugnayan/Lecture and Galugad as reminder to the health protocols to the public to include the presence of police in the area as part of visibility patrol. (source – Las Piñas City Police Station)On July 23, the above-mentioned personnel led by PCPT ELEAZAR B CAMILING C, SIDMS thru the SCADS Office led by PCPT ERNIE B ORTEGA C, SCADS/PIO under the supervision of PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, OIC conducted PNP GOOD DEEDS/ONLINE DALAW to the Persons Deprive of Liberty (PDL) held at the said venue. (source – Las Piñas City Police Station)
The above information and images were provided by the Las Piñas City Police Station for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation,NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
Are you readers craving for another tale of crime-fighting and vigilantes set within the Ultraverse? Get ready for another bout of conflicts told through the eyes of Solitaire, one of the more unique crime-fighting superheroes to have ever existed.
As such, here is a look back at Solitaire #7, published in 1994 by Malibu Comics with a story written by Gerard Jones and drawn by Jeff Johnson.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins with the arrival of Double Edge, a caped swordsman who strong believes that all things in life must be balanced no matter how hard it could be. As far as he is concerned, only he can help achieve balance whenever the scales are tilted. Double Edge jumps down on a man (outside of a parked car), knocked him out and grabbed the keys from him. Another man comes out of the café and spots Double Edge with the keys, which made him think the swordsman was stealing the downed man’s car. Double Edge strikes him impulsively to balance things out but ends up leaving him down on the sidewalk with a lot of blood lost. The swordsman regrets it.
Double Edge drives the car still obsessing with balancing. Suddenly another car – driven by Solitaire – gets into his way forcing the swordsman to move his car leftwards and hit another vehicle.
Immediately, Solitaire and Double Edge jumped out of their vehicles to start a fight…
Quality
Really nice action between Solitaire and Double Edge by Jeff Johnson.
For a pretty wordy comic book, this one still managed to entertain with lots of action and intriguing dialogue. As far as narrative is concerned, this one is about Solitaire dealing with a fellow costumed vigilante who is obsessed with balance even thought it complicates his ways of fighting criminals.
What is easily the strongest selling point as well as the most interesting aspect of this comic book is the clash between Solitaire and Double Edge not only with armed combat but also with the very different ways they look at fighting crime and helping people in times of danger. Their exchange of words is engaging thanks to the strong dialogue.
As with the previous issues, Jeff Johnson delivered good visuals complete with a smooth flow of transition.
Conclusion
Double Edge jumps on someone.
Solitaire #7 is indeed entertaining and intriguing. It’s not an Ultraverse story with a high-stakes concept, but it succeeds in telling a more grounded story within the said universe through the eyes of not just one but two costumed crime fighters. This comic book was released with an “Ultraverse 1st Birthday” mark on the cover and considering what happened in the first six issues, this one really felt like a turning point in the saga of Solitaire.
If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Solitaire #7 (1994), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $4.
Overall, Solitaire #7 is recommended.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
Hey everyone! Are you ready for another return to the Ultraverse following the tales of Prototype?
We can start now with this look back at Prototype #7, published in 1994 by Malibu Comics with a story written by Tom Mason and Len Strazewski, and illustrated by Roger Robinson.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins high above the city street with a battle between Prototype (piloted by Jimmy Ruiz using a more advanced armor provided by his boss) and Arena. The boss of Jimmy could only express surprise to see Arena return having believed that Bob Campbell finished him off some months back.
As the fight goes on, Arena realizes that it is not his old nemesis Bob Campbell occupying the Prototype armor. For his part, Jimmy struggles with the uncertainty that comes with fighting his predecessor’s nemesis from the past.
Meanwhile at the roof of Ultratech’s headquarters in the city, armed and armored personnel take position following the orders of Leland…
Quality
Once again, Tom Mason and Len Strazewski crafted another strongly engaging story with the established mix of spectacle, corporate intrigue and the continued development of the two pilots of Prototype – Jimmy and Bob.
Speaking of the two, I love the way the story explored the other key elements from the respective personal lives of Jimmy and Bob. While Bob tends to his friend Jake in the hospital, Jimmy’s girl continues to pursue him (Jimmy) even though he is occupied with working as Prototype. This comic book also went the extra mile confirming the shared universe connection with a certain other Ultraverse character (note: he had his own series) making an appearance.
Artist Roger Robinson continued to deliver nice visuals that reflected the script, from the subtle drama scenes to the dynamic action scenes.
Conclusion
The money shot!
Prototype #7 is another solidly enjoyable comic book of the Ultraverse, worthy of inclusion in your collection.
If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Prototype #7 (1994), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $4 while the near-mint copy of the newsstand edition costs $13.
Overall, Prototype #7 is recommended.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
Business group recognizes Mayor Fresnedi’s response vs COVID-19, assistance to local businesses
PCCI-Muntinlupa awarded City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi for sterling growth and leadership. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Muntinlupa (PCCU-Muntinlupa) has recognized the City Government’s efforts in curbing the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the city and its assistance to local businesses amid the pandemic.
During the local business chamber’s virtual general assembly on Wednesday, PCCI-Muntinlupa president Elvie Sanchez-Quiazon conferred the Sterling Growth Catalyst Award to Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi in recognition of his leadership in addressing the health crisis while still boosting the sustainability of local economy.
Quiazon said the local chamber lauds Mayor Fresnedi’s “transformational and adaptable leadership, commitment and eminent public service to boost the development and sustainability of the Muntinlupa City in challenging times.”
PCCI-Muntinlupa has also awarded the City Health Office with Noble Award for its “unwavering generosity of providing its expertise on allocating help to the community to attain public health safety.”
CHO chief Dra. Teresa Tuliao virtually received the awards from PCCI-Muntinlupa. Annually, the local chamber recognizes outstanding innovators and leaders through its Paramount Awards.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi extended his thanks to PCCI-Muntinlupa for their recognition of the local government’s COVID-19 response efforts to minimize its health, economic, and social impacts in the city.
Fresnedi said the recognition is not a testament to a single person’s efforts but to the hard work of Muntinlupa’s front-liners who are driven by a shared goal to eliminate COVID-19 in the city.
Further, the mayor assured the group of the City Government’s continuing concern and support to MSMEs and local businesses in Muntinlupa.
Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release.
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation,NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.
COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City releases food packs to displaced workers
A package of food released by the City Government to a displaced worker. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)
Recently, the City Government of Muntinlupa provided much-needed assistance to hundreds of displaced workers whose livelihoods were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Specifically, on July 16 the City Government organized a registration process for the displaced workers residing in the city. The number of applications received was at eight hundred forty-five (845) and food packages were released to them.
Registration was required in order for applicants to receive food packages. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)
At first, the registration covered workers in the formal sector but will eventually cater to other sectors. Mayor Jaime Fresnedi has ordered assistance packages for displaced workers, formal and informal sectors, whose livelihood were affected by the pandemic.
Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release.
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation,NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book, watching the movie and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
I already published that I really love the 1990 sci-fi action movie Total Recall which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside and Rachel Ticotin under the direction of the highly talented Paul Verhoeven. The movie is one of my all-time favorites and most notably it has aesthetics that are totally unique mainly due to the combined expressions and artistry of Schwarzenegger and Verhoeven. Behind it all, Total Recall would not have been realized without the short story We Can Remember It For You Wholesale written by the late sci-fi author Philip K. Dick whose published works led to other movies from Hollywood.
As part of a business strategy, Total Recall also had multi-media releases in the form of a novel (by Piers Anthony), video games and a comic book published by DC Comics. Very recently I was able to finally read the comic book adaptation of the film titled Total Recall Movie Special #1. It had a cover that was technically a copy of the American movie poster with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s face dominating it and it came with a cover price of $2.95 which was pretty high for 1990.
Is the comic book adaptation any good? Does it capture the essence of the blockbuster film? We can find out by finally starting this look back at Total Recall Movie Special #1, published in 1990 by DC Comics with a story written by Elliot S. Maggin and drawn by the late Tom Lyle (read my first article of Lyle’s work).
The cover of the comic book.
Early story
The story begins on the surface of planet Mars where a man and a woman (both wearing space suits) walk together heading towards an unknown destination. Suddenly a small stone cracks the glass face shield of the man’s helmet exposing him to the deadly atmosphere of Mars.
Like in the movie, Douglas Quaid and Lori wake up.
It turns out it was just a dream for Douglas Quaid who was in bed with his wife Lori. The dream turned out to be a recurring one as Lori asked him if the dream lady was in there again. Lori then asked Doug who the dream lady was. A short time later, Doug reports to work and while doing construction work on the field, he asked a colleague about Rekall (note: he saw a video ad of it on his way to work). The guy told Doug about someone getting lobotomized at Rekall and discouraged him from availing of their service.
Douglas Quaid at Rekall for his virtual holiday.
Doug eventually visits Rekall after work and availed of their virtual holiday as a secret agent. Something goes wrong as Doug goes berserk while strapped on one of Rekall’s seats. Dr. Lull (in-charge of the operation) explains to her boss that Doug was not acting out his virtual holiday as her team has not even implanted it yet on him…
Quality
The bad guys on the hunt for Douglas Quaid.
When it comes to presenting the story, Elliot S. Maggin clearly paid close attention to the details, the plot and dialogue of the movie while implementing adjustments along with artist Tom Lyle to make the story work in comic book format. Clearly, this is not a word-for-word, scene-for-scene adaptation but it comes close to capturing the essence of the film. Unsurprisingly, the comic book adaptation never captured the unique Schwarzenegger-Verhoeven aesthetics of the movie but it still performed well on replicating the sci-fi, hard action moments. I find it surprising that Total Recall Movie Special #1 carried the seal of approval of the Comics Code Authority (CCA) as there were some bloody shots and several moments of strong violence inspired by the R-rated film.
When it comes to the visuals, Tom Lyle succeeded in capturing the sci-fi look of the movie and even had the literary Douglas Quaid occasionally resemble Arnold Schwarzenegger. Lyle’s drawings on other characters like Lori, Melina, Coohagen and Richter looked NOTHING like the actors who played them but that’s not a problem at all as this gives this comic book its own unique touch. In fact, there were some drawings of people that sometimes reminded me of what I saw in EC Comics’ Weird Science comic books.
While Lyle scored nicely with the action scenes, his own drawings of planet Mars and the human colony are quite nice to look at. With regards to the urban environment, Lyle drew a nice mix of 20th century inspired urban areas laced with futurism. Unsurprisingly, the futurism got stronger when the story was set in Mars.
If there is anything lacking with the art, it would be visual dynamism. This can be forgiven however given the high amount of dialogue and story details that had to be presented with each page carrying a lot of panels.
Conclusion
The human colony in planet Mars.
I can say it out loud that Total Recall Movie Special #1 is a fun read and serves nicely as a literary companion to the cinematic masterpiece Total Recall. As a comic book adaptation of a blockbuster movie, this one is pretty good and in some ways captured some of the flair of the film even as it never successfully replicated the Verhoeven-Schwarzenegger aesthetic in the film. Really, if you want the best of Total Recall you really should watch the movie. This comic book on its own is entertaining and should encourage you to watch the film.
If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Total Recall Movie Special #1 (1990), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $11 while the near-mint copy of the newsstand edition costs $31. If you are looking for something more valuable, the near-mint copy of the numbered-and-signed edition of the comic book costs $51.
Overall, Total Recall Movie Special #1 (1990) is highly recommended!
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Las Piñas City Police Force at Work – July 21, 2020
The Las Piñas City Police Department continues to serve the local constituents by means of securing places, implementing rules and helping those who need assistance. Check out these recent media releases and pay close attention to the details written.
On July 20, 2020, the above-mentioned personnel led by PCPT ELEAZAR B CAMILING C, SIDMS thru the SCADS Office led by PCPT ERNIE B ORTEGA C, SCADS/PIO under the supervision of PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, OIC conducted PNP GOOD DEEDS/ONLINE DALAW to the Persons Deprive of Liberty (PDL) held at the said venue. This is to ease the worries of their loved ones who could not visit them due to Pandemic COVID-19.(source – Las Piñas City Police Station)On July 20, 2020, elements of Sub-Station 2 under the supervision of PMAJ JOEL P GOMEZ, SS-2 Commander through the strong leadership of PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, OIC of Las Piñas City Police Station conducted Distribution of Flyers and Ugnayan/Dialogue/Lecture re: Safety Precautionary Measures against Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), Health Advisory Flyers, General Community Quarantine Flyers, Anti-illegal Drugs Flyers, Anti-Rape Flyers, Wakasan ang Pang-aabuso sa Kababaihan Flyers and RA 9710 Magna Carta of Women Flyers. (source – Las Piñas City Police Station)In line with the PNP Full Alert Status and Presidential Proclamation No. 922, PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, OIC, LPCPS led the distribution of face shields to all station personnel held at the said venue. This is to ensure that all PNP personnel are complying to IATF guidelines on safe distancing, washing of hands, and as a safety measure to avoid COVID-19. (source – Las Piñas City Police Station)On July 20, 2020, elements of LCPS with personnel of Sub Station 3 Outpost under direct supervision of PMAJ ALBERT DT AREVALO, Sub-Station 3 Commander through PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, OIC of Las Piñas City Police Station conducted Re: Strict implementation of Social Distancing and Mandatory wearing of Facemask at Puregold Naga Road Pulang Lupa Dos Las Piñas City and Oplan Galugad in relation to General Community Quarantine (GCQ).This operation is conducted purposely for crime prevention,possible apprehension of law violators and remind health protocols to the public to include the presence of police in the area. (source – Las Piñas City Police Station)
The above information and images were provided by the Las Piñas City Police Station for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.
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