With the huge spotlight on electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) in recent times here in the Philippines, it is clear that such vehicles have caused public disturbances and already local and national authorities are working in response to them. Within the city of Manila, an incident happened recently as an e-trike driver, who caught the attention of the local police with illegal parking, got arrested after cursing the police, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
An electric tricycle or e-trike driver who illegally parked his vehicle was arrested for direct assault after shouting and cursing police in Tondo, Manila on Saturday, Feb. 17.
The Manila Police District (MPD) identified the arrested suspect as Abraham Fernandez, 31, a resident of Barangay 123 in Tondo, Manila.
Before the suspect’s arrest, MPD personnel patrolled when they saw the suspect parked his e-trike in a no-parking zone along Juan Luna Street, Barangay 9, Zone 1 in Tondo, at around 4:20 p.m.
The authorities approached the suspect and told him to remove his vehicle blocking the road, which could cause traffic.
However, instead of cooperating, the suspect resisted, shouted, and cursed at the authorities in front of the public, which resulted in his arrest.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Did you notice e-bike or e-trike drivers drive recklessly within your local community? Are there any minors who drove e-bikes or e-trikes in your local community? Are you hoping that the local government and the nation government agencies will ban e-bikes and e-trikes on major roads and have all the vehicles required for registration?
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.
Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the mid-1990s to explore the adaptation of the start of the second season of the X-Men animated series in the form of the X-Men Adventures comic book series.
Before getting to the retro comic book review, I want to address the recent controversy and criticism of the new animated series X-Men ’97, a continuation of the popular 1990s series that turned out to be woke by featuring the so-called non-binary presentation of people. In my view, this is not surprising given the fact that the very woke Disney company has owned Marvel Entertainment for many years now and its wokeness has infected the animated X-Men franchise along with the most recent movies and shows of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Wokeness and Leftist beliefs continue to ruin entertainment and established properties as we know it. It’s the culture of Communist-filled Hollywood (Commiewood).
So how do you reject X-Men wokeness apart from avoiding X-Men ’97? You simply go back to the X-Men animated series of the 1990s as well as the comic books that adapted the stories.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at X-Men Adventures Season II #1, published in 1994 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Ralph Macchio and drawn by Andrew Wildman.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins with the cosmic being the Watcher carefully examining the flow of events on Earth and what has changed for the X-Men since then. Robert Kelly, who previously had an anti-mutant agenda when he was a U.S. Senator, has since been elected as the President of the United States and openly pushes for a policy of conciliation with mutants. His action sparks social unrest.
Meanwhile inside a small church far away from the nation’s capital, the wedding of Jean Grey and Scott Summers pushes through with several members of the X-Men in attendance. Very notable was the absence of Wolverine who turned out to be inside the Danger Room (deep within Charles Xavier’s estate) fighting a giant-sized version of Cyclops…
Quality
The X-Men are troubled by the anti-mutant wave happening in public.
As the opening issue of the second volume of the X-Men Adventures comic book series, this comic book carefully sets up the tone and the plot of a series of future challenges for the X-Men which is clearly reflected on the front cover with Mister Sinister displayed prominently. The story mainly highlights X-Men’s new struggle with the wave of anti-mutant rage in the public while dealing with the absence of their leader Cyclops (on honeymoon with his new wife Jean) while leaving space for potential sub-plots such as the attraction between Jean and Wolverine, the moves of the anti-mutant radicals and, most notable of all, the secretive return of Morph (thought to have died in issue #2 of the first season).
As expected, build-up is the main approach taken by the creators on telling the story and there were some bouts of superhero spectacle (action) that spiced up the reading experience for me. Considering what has been happening in different parts of the world in recent years, the sub-plot of the rabid anti-mutant activists using tactics to destroy the X-Men’s credibility with violence and misinformation magnified through the news networks is very socially relevant.
What the rabid anti-mutant people committed in this comic book reminds me of the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel organized by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas in which violence, destruction and selective images of terror spread through news networks and social media were done. Similarities aside, the wave of evil is clear here and the intent of the anti-mutant believers and Palestinian terrorists obviously expresses intentions of genocide against another particular group of people.
When it comes to weaknesses of this comic book, I cannot help but find Andrew Wildman’s art looking very rushed. There is a lack of precision and detail of his art here when compared directly to his works in the first volume of X-Men Adventures.
Conclusion
The anti-mutant radicals in this comic book have a lot in common with Palestinian terrorists, the pro-Palestine activists, the Black Lives Matter activists and other members of woke mobs. Violence, arrogance, rage and misinformation are their values.
X-Men Adventures Season II #1 (1994) incidentally works well as an adaptation of the animated series, as a standalone comic book as well as being a socially relevant tale in today’s age of social media. While the concept of evil remains in X-Men lore, what was told here shows different layers of it. The X-Men themselves also looked fragile and the return of Morph is a key part of the story clearly designed with future events in mind. Finally, this comic book is a lively reminder of the era when X-Men stories were made for the fans, not the woke mob.
Overall, X-Men Adventures Season II #1 (1994) is recommended.
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that the date of March 27, 2024, has been officially declared by Malacañang Palace a special non-working day in the city in connection with the dual anniversaries, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
The Las Piñas City government has announced that March 27 has been declared by Malacanang as a special non-working day in the city in celebration of its 117th founding and 27th cityhood anniversary.
Mayor Imelda Aguilar said Malacañang issued Proclamation 471 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Feb. 16 declaring March 27 as a special non-working day in the city.
Aguilar said the declaration was made to give residents full opportunity to participate and enjoy the celebration.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? How many members of your local community are aware of the city’s founding as well as the cityhood anniversary?
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, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Parañaque, a woman (mother of two) was shot dead by a gunman in front of a coffee shop in Barangay San Dionisio. Shortly after the killing, the suspect surrendered voluntarily to the local authorities, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The suspect in the shooting to death of a 43-year-old woman in front of a coffee shop in Parañaque City on Feb. 15 voluntary surrendered to the police on the same day.
According to the Southern Police District (SPD), the suspect identified as alias “Cafgu” voluntary surrendered to the officers of San Dionisio Police Substation at around 11:00 p.m.
The SPD said the suspect was accompanied by his relatives when he yielded to the police. He was immediately turned over the Parañaque Police Investigation Section.
The police filed a murder case against the suspect for killing Yolanda, 43, at around 6:00 p.m. in front of a coffee shop on Palanyag Road in Gatchalian, Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.
The victim was with her two sons and was about to board their car when the suspect approached and shot her several times in the head.
Yolanda was declared dead on arrival at the Olivarez Hospital.
Police investigators said the two sons of the victim positively identified the suspect as the one who shot their mother.
During investigation, police learned the suspect’s licenses to own and possess firearms had expired on March 11, 2022.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that more shooting incidents or murder attempts will happen in your local community?
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, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a man who has been wanted for possession of illegal drugs was apprehended in Barangay BF International – CAA by law enforcers who were doing their duty finding wanted persons, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
Members of the Las Piñas City Police- Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) conducted an operation against wanted persons that led to the arrest of a drug suspect on Friday, Feb. 16.
According to the Southern Police District (SPD), the suspect identified as Efondo Masanga, 43, listed as the top eight wanted persons for February, was arrested at around 3:30 p.m. along Barangay CAA, Las Piñas City.
The SPD said members of the WSS in coordination with personnel from the Station Intelligence Section nabbed the suspect by a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Josefina Eco Siscar of Las Piñas City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 201 last Feb. 1, in violation of illegal drug possession.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Does this development make you feel safer?
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, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
As some of you are already aware, I fully stand with Israel which is directly connected with my uncompromising faith in the Lord. I keep on praying to Him for Israel to overwhelm its enemies, rescue the hostages and recover from the effects of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks committed by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. I can assure all of you that nobody from the evil Islamo-Leftist mob, nobody from the pro-Palestine zealots and nobody from any evil society would stop me from supporting and loving Israel.
Now, on with the news.
IDE Technologies Group, a water treatment company based in Israel, is looking for expansion opportunities in the Philippines, according to a BusinessWorld news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…
ISRAEL-BASED water treatment company IDE Technologies Group is eyeing expansion opportunities in the Philippines, the company’s chief executive officer (CEO) said on Wednesday.
“We’re focusing on a specific project, but that project is kind of a very interesting opening for us because it will involve creating a local entity of IDE with mostly local people as employees,” IDE CEO Alon Tavor said during a media briefing.
“We have teamed up with several local partners to come up with very interesting projects,” he added.
IDE is a water company that specializes in the development, engineering, construction, and operation of enhanced desalination and industrial water treatment plants.
Desalination is the process of removing salt from seawater to make it potable, safe for human consumption.
Founded in 1965, it has headquarters in Israel, with offices in the USA, China, India, Chile, and Australia, facilitating client partnerships across the globe. The company has over 400 plants spanning 40 countries.
“We don’t only sell projects. A lot of the time, we own the plant, we operate it, and we simply sell water as a solution,” Mr. Tavor said.
Investing in projects typically starts at “a few hundred thousand dollars for a very small project and can go up to hundreds of millions of dollars for large projects,” he also said.
“We see the fact that the Philippines realizes the level of water issues that need to be managed as an interesting opportunity for us, and therefore we’re here.”
Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss said they are looking into bringing more companies to the Philippines to share their best practices and technologies.
IDE’s focus on the Philippines is indeed a blessing for the nation as water is truly essential for all Filipinos. Experiencing water supply shortages is a constant problem nationwide and to this day, the Philippines still has yet to achieve breakthrough to not only improve access to water but also increase the water supply. IDE’s expertise on desalination could be crucial in helping us Filipinos solve our water problems which will be helpful in building up the national economy.
We should also be thankful to the Lord that even as Israel remains busy fighting the terrorists not only in Gaza but also across the border with Lebanon (Hezbollah), the Jewish state is working to bring more Israeli companies into the Philippines. That being said, Israel-Philippines ties are still essential.
To my fellow Filipinos reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!
We live in a very divided world. Around the world, Leftist forces have been supporting evil forces like the current regime of Iran which is known for supplying and arming the Palestinian terrorists and other terrorist groups around the Middle East. Leftist forces have been supporting the Palestinian Authority and other enemies of Israel. The Leftists and terrorists always go together and their anti-Semitism is clearly obvious. Hamas is purely evil and they are being protected by not only their fellow terrorists but also by mainstream news media outlets who are linked with Leftist forces and people who hate Israel and the Jewish people. Beware of the evil union of the Islamo-Left which is wicked deep within.
With all that said, I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel and believe that He will guide the Israeli forces to another victory which means finishing off Hamas, crushing Hezbollah and force Iran and its terror proxies to give up. Read Joshua 11:1-20 in the Holy Bible for relevance and truth.
A research firm recently raised its forecast of the Philippine economy for 2024 predicting a gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 5.7% this year, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld report. Some parts in boldface…
PHILIPPINE gross domestic product (GDP) may grow by 5.7% this year following the economy’s faster-than-expected expansion in the fourth quarter of 2023, UBS Global Research and Evidence Lab said.
The research firm raised its 2024 Philippine GDP growth forecast from 5.3% previously, Grace Lim, an economist from UBS, said in a note. It also hiked its 2025 projection to 6% from 5.8%.
“This largely reflects carryover effects from the fourth quarter of 2023, rather than a strong bounce in sequential growth momentum through 2024,” Ms. Lim said.
Both forecasts are below the government’s growth targets of 6.5-7.5% for this year and 6.5-8% for 2025.
The Philippine economy grew by 5.6% in the fourth quarter, bringing full-year growth to 5.6% in 2023. This was slower than the 7.6% expansion in 2022 and below the government’s 6-7% goal.
At 5.7%, economic growth this year would be faster than the 2023 pace but is still slower than the pre-pandemic average of 6.6%, Ms. Lim noted.
“On the bright side, we highlight that inflation has been trending down nicely, surprising consensus on the downside for three months in a row,” she said. “Should downside risks to inflation materialize, consumption could surprise on the upside.”
Inflation eased to 2.8% in January from 3.9% in December and 8.7% in the same month a year ago. This was the slowest print since October 2020 and marked the second straight month that inflation settled within the 2-4% target band.
Ms. Lim noted that consumer spending remained robust last year despite inflationary pressures and amid resilient labor market conditions.
In 2023, household spending grew by 5.6%, slower than 8.3% in 2022. Household consumption typically accounts for three-fourths of GDP.
Meanwhile, the unemployment rate dropped to a record low of 4.3% from the 5.4% recorded in 2022.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent report? Do you think the Philippine economy will grow below the national government’s targets for 2024? Do you think UBS’ forecast of 5.7% growth will turn out correct by the end of this year?
Welcome back readers, fellow geeks and electronic gaming fans!
In this edition of the Retro Gaming Ads Blast (RGAB) series, we will examine print ads from the 1980s and 1990s that caught my attention and I will explain why they are worth look back at.
For the newcomers reading this, Retro Gaming Ads Blast (RGAB) looks back at the many print ads of games (console, arcade, computer and handheld) that were published in comic books, magazines, flyers and newspapers long before smartphones, social media, the worldwide web and streaming became popular. To put things in perspective, people back in the 1980s and 1990s were more trusting of print media for game details and images.
With those details laid down, here is the newest batch of retro gaming print ads for you to see and enjoy…
1. Japanese print ad of Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Do you know any Star Wars fan who is aware of the error in this Japanese print ad of Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back?
Back in 1993, the sequel Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back was released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in the West and on the Super Famicom in Japan. Having played all three Super Star Wars game, I can say that this sequel was a huge improvement over its predecessor technically and also with gameplay (read my retro review by clicking here).
Like its predecessor, the game was released in Japan by JVC Musical Industries and in the above Japanese market print ad, the marketing team wisely used the game’s official artwork to give gamers a clear view of the concept derived from the 1980 movie plus a few screenshots showing gameplay. What I find hilarious to read is the line (highlighted in red and all capitalized no less): MAY THE FORCE WITH YOU. Clearly someone from the Japanese marketing team who prepared that line lacked English proficiency or might not have watched the movies dubbed in English. In the 1977 movie, Han Solo said to Luke, “May the Force be with you.”
2. Spider-Man (Atari 2600) print ad
This is an entertaining way to promote a video game based on a comic book icon.
We are back again with the Parker Brothers company and their promotion of the Spider-Man video game for the Atari 2600 which I myself played long ago. Unlike before, the print ad this time was mainly about the Spider-Man game and somehow Parker Brothers coordinated with Marvel Comics to make a comic book-inspired ad. In the above print ad, Spider-Man was shown playing the game about him with an Atari 2600 controller and console, and the Green Goblin taunts him as he plays. This type of ad is a stroke of genius because it shows the Marvel Comics’ icon as a player and the gameplay was emphasized accurately. Even if viewers are not too fond of video games, they can still find themselves interested in reading the literary adventures of Spider-Man.
3. Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Treasure of Tarmin print ad
Apart from emphasizing the fantasy concept of the Dungeons & Dragons franchise, this print ad’s hand-drawn art was strong enough to spark viewers’ curiosity and make them interested in the game or even in the Intellivision console.
Here is a print ad I saw many times while reading comic books in 1983. The game at hand is Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Treasure of Tarmin released on the Intellivision, and it is the sequel to Cloudy Mountain. Like the ad of its predecessor, the above print ad relied heavily on the spectacle of fantasy (and even a bit of horror) by having hand-drawn art as the eye candy promoting Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Treasure of Tarmin. If you look closely, only one screenshot from the game was shown and it was enough to tell gamers that the new game has a completely different visual presentation from that of Cloudy Mountain. Considering the primitive nature of computer graphics and game design of the era, having detailed comic book-inspired artwork was effective to grab viewers’ attention with the intention to make them interested in buying the game. In today’s age of computer graphics and social media, this type of ad for video games is rare to see.
4. G.I. Joe: Cobra Strike print ad
The G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero franchise’s early entry into video games.
Going back to Parker Brothers, the company developed and published the first-ever licensed game of the G.I. Joe franchise – G.I. Joe: Cobra Strike for the Atari 2600. In promoting the game, a 2-page ad was released with comic book-style art work (featuring Cobra Commander and Duke representing different sides) dominating the space, with descriptive text and a hand-drawn illustration of the gameplay (read: not a real screenshot) as well as the game box flling the remaining space. In my personal experience, I saw this ad before I even got to watch an episode of the popular G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero animated TV series, and before I got to read an issue the related comic book series (which started before the TV series). Looking back at the above print ad, I can still remember the time when I was puzzled by the two characters simply because I was not yet familiar with them. Take note that the video game and the ad were released at a time when the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero started rising quickly in popularity on toys, comic books and animation.
5. Alien 3 (SNES) print ad
This print ad appeared in several comic books I read in 1993.
Way back in 1992, I had one of the most depressing cinema viewing experiences with Alien 3 which had a very troublesome production and lacked a solid foundation behind its creativity. Then in the summer of 1993, print ads of the video game Alien 3 for Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) appeared in several comic books I read at the time. The above print ad was actually entertaining to look at. For one thing, the ad makers used three wide layers of screenshots from the game depicting different areas. Then I noticed the details which showed there were more aliens for gamers to encounter (versus only one in the movie) and the playable lead character Ellen Ripley was armed with guns (versus no guns in the movie) being able to fight the monsters. Not only that, the ad makers knew the specific details from the Alien film franchise which is reflected in the ad referencing the Face-hugger aliens, the acid from the creatures and, of course, the alien eggs. To this day, there are old-time gamers who found the Alien 3 SNES game more entertaining than the movie.
As the proliferation of electric tricycles (e-trikes) continues, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) announced that a resolution on regulating the use of the said electric vehicles will be released and it will include fines and penalties, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Metro Manila Council is set to release a resolution regulating the use of electric motor vehicles, especially along major thoroughfares.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Director Victor Nuñez of the Traffic Enforcement Group said Friday that the resolution, up for discussion and approval next week, would include fines and penalties imposed on e-motor vehicle users.
Nuñez said the resolution would reconcile the policies of local government units (LGUs) on e-trikes with those of the national government.
“Nag-TWG [Technical Working Group] meeting kami last week at halos lahat in unison gusto magkaroon ng tamang regulasyon dito, kasama ang DOTr [Department of Transportation], LTO [Land Transportation Office], LTFRB [Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board],” he said in a Bagong Pilipinas briefing aired over People’s Television.
Nuñez said there is an existing LTO circular in 2021 outlining the guidelines on the regulation of e-bikes but without corresponding penalties for violations.
“Nakalagay lang kung saan pwede dumaan pero sa hindi pwede dumaan, kapag dumaan sila wala naman concrete penalty na nakalagay (Only the roads they are allowed to pass are included but it does not indicate penalties or fines). ‘Yun po ang problema kasi (There goes the problem). There’s no definitive fine for them,” he said.
“But now with the recent initiatives magkakaroon po ng fines and penalties at mas na-enhance namin ‘yung regulation pertaining to e-trikes, kuliglig and tricycles kasi ‘di lang po e-trikes nakikita natin sa national roads, pati mga tricycles din (We will include the fines and penalties as we enhance the regulation pertaining to e-trikes and even tricycles),” he said.
Several Metro Manila LGUs have existing ordinances on the regulation of e-trikes even before the pandemic, Nuñez said.
“Kinonsider namin ang mga provisions nila dito. Meron kasing LGUs na wala pa at ngayon pa lang gagawa after mailabas ang Metro Manila Council resolution. They will base their ordinances on that (We took into consideration their provisions on this. There are LGUs that have no [resolution] on this yet and said they would pattern theirs after the Metro Manila Council resolution has been released),” Nuñez said.
Several social media posts have raised concerns over the proliferation of e-bikes, with some seen driving along national highways without protective gears.
Such vehicles, including tricycles, are not allowed to ply major roads and national highways as they pose hazard to other motorists.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think the local authorities will come up with a concrete regulation of the use of e-trikes? Are e-trikes in your city making the flow of traffic worse? Have there been minors driving e-trikes in your local community? Did you spot any abusive e-trike drivers on the local roads lately? When was the last time you saw someone drive an e-trike along the national highway?
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, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
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.
Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the early 1990s and look at the official comic book adaptation of the 1992 superhero movie Batman Returns.
Way back in 1992, I managed to watch Batman Returns in a movie theater here in the Philippines. It was entertaining but I noticed it had an even darker tone, more violence (although the quality of physical action went down) and was more adulterated compared, at least, with its 1989 predecessor. What really stood out for me in the Tim Burton-directed movie were the great performances of Danny DeVito as the Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman.
Even though I was already visiting comic book stores back then, I was not even aware that an official comic book adaptation of the movie was released by DC Comics. It was only recently I finally got to read a copy.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Batman Returns: The Official Comic Book Adaptation of the Warner Bros. Motion Pictured published in 1992 by DC Comics with the adapted story written by Dennis O’Neil and drawn by Steve Erwin.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins decades into the past in Gotham City. A wealthy couple (Cobblepot family) decide to reject and abandon their infant son (Oswald/Penguin) as he was born with freakish features. They placed their son into a metal container (which itself is contained in a large makeshift basket) and dropped it on a local waterway that leads deep into the city’s sewers. At the end of the journey, large penguins find the container.
Decades later in Gotham City, tycoon Max Schreck talks to the mayor about his planned power plant project that needs permits and tax incentives from the local government to be realized. The mayor is doubtful about the project as he believes that the city has more than enough energy sources to sustain growth into the next century. Schreck insists that the local government’s analysts don’t realize the big picture about energy and economic growth. Then Chip Schreck (Max’s only heir) arrives with Selina Kyle (Catwoman) carrying coffee near him.
Minutes later, Max, Chip and the mayor arrive at Gotham Plaza for the local Christmas tree lighting. Even though he forgot to bring his speech, Max Schreck delivers remarks pretending to be caring and charitable to others. As his speech ends, two over-sized objects looking like giant gift boxes arrived nearby giving the mayor the false impression that those are clever gimmicks by Schreck.
As soon as Schreck says that those objects were not his, the oversized gift box opens violently as thugs wearing circus costumes and masks suddenly come out causing violence and hysteria to the unprepared people.
The local police activate the Bat Signal to call Batman for his assistance. Nearby, the Penguin sees it and says, “Ooh, Batman. I’m trembling…”
Quality
Moments from Batman’s first fight with Catwoman.
To get straight to the point regarding the narrative, this comic book adaptation does have the same basic plot and concept of the movie but with noticeable differences (whether technical or creative) that happened here and there. For the most part, Dennis O’Neil captured the concept of the movie but with less of the flavor of Tim Burton’s creative touches (which should not be surprising).
Having seen the movie, it is clear that the comic book creators reduced the dialogue and took shortcuts on adapting scenes from the film not just for the sake of brevity but to ensure they could fill the limited amount of pages to work with. That being said, I can say that the reduced dialogue from the first conversation between Penguin and Max Schreck severely weakened the impact when compared to what was executed in the film. Speaking of dialogue, the comic creators had to down key words (think of it as creative censorship) to avoid offending readers.
This is a unique, alternate portrayal at the aftermath of Selina Kyle’s fall from the high window. When compared to the movie itself, this adaptation emphasizes how far the Schrecks would go to avoid being held accountable for crimes committed.
This particular scene did not appear in the movie at all. Perhaps it was based on an older version of the film script.
When it comes to scenes between the film and this comic book adaptation, I can say that the date between Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle inside Wayne Manor does not appear in literary form at all. Ironically, there is one scene that appeared in this adaptation (the Penguin plotting chaos in Gotham while Catwoman mentions “An orgy of sex and violence,”) that never made the final cut in the movie itself. With regards to the aftermath of Max Schreck’s violent push of Selina Kyle through the high window, this adaptation showed Max’s son Chip present (implying he witnessed his father’s act just steps away) and he goes along with his father to ensure that none of them would be held accountable for Kyle’s fall (caused by “stress” and being “depressed”).
With the way the narrative was completed, this adaptation works well but much less of the theatrical touches of Tim Burton and without the power of the respective performances of Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer and Christopher Walken (Max Schreck). Ironically, I can easily imagine Bruce Wayne/Batman sounding like Michael Keaton through dialogue.
While artist Steve Erwin did not come close to capturing the likenesses of Christopher Walken as Max Schreck, and Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne, his take on Selina Kyle is better as she somewhat resembles Michelle Pfeiffer.
With regards to the visuals by Steve Erwin, he does a good job drawing the locations and help establish geography (albeit in limited scopes) for readers to grasp. In fact, there were drawings in which Erwin literally copied location spots, objects and even camera angles from the film which suggests he had confidential access to the footage. When it comes to visualizing action, Erwin’s approach is pretty simplistic and limited. There simply was no dynamism with the action which theoretically means he had no artistic freedom (sticking closely to script while working within the limits of images per page) or he simply had no intention to make the action look spectacular.
With regards to violence connected with the action, the comic creators had to resort to creative censorship apparently to make this adaptation more acceptable with younger readers. The fall of Selina Kyle from the high window had severely reduced intensity in comic form and the horrific moments of her being surrounded by cats in the film were completely gone. Oh yes, Batman’s use of the Batarang against multiple thugs on the street was executed with a simplistic and not-so-violent (read: little impact) manner by Erwin.
Consider this as a late-20th century portrayal of diversity and inclusion in America. By today’s standards, there are hordes of SJWs (social justice warriors), woke nuts, socialists, Communists, Marxists, and liberals who believe in diversity (racism in reverse) and inclusion (exclusion actually) so much, they intend to destroy families starting with the children.
When it comes to drawing the major characters, Erwin really falls short here. His Bruce Wayne never came close to resembling Michael Keaton and the same can be said about Max Schreck (does not look much like Walken) and the Penguin (does not resemble Danny DeVito at all and with reduced facial details, he looks nowhere as scary as the cinematic villain). Ironically, Erwin’s take on Selina Kyle comes a bit close to looking like Michelle Pfeiffer. Erwin does, however, did a good job drawing Batman and Catwoman in their fully costumed, masked appearances.
Conclusion
Very clearly, Steve Erwin had access to footage of the movie when making this adaptation.
Considering its flaws and compromises, Batman Returns: The Official Comic Adaptation of the Warner Bros. Motion Picture (1992) still works as an entertaining read and I myself have seen the movie many times. It captures the plot and several shots of the 1992 movie, but it certainly lacks Burton’s theatrical flavor and the powerful performances of DeVito and Pfeiffer. To its credit, this adaptation has several visual and literary differences compared with the movie which adds to its entertainment value. If you really want the full impact, full fun factor and artistry of Batman Returns at all, watching the movie itself is the best way. That being said, consider this adaptation as a cheaper accessible counterpart.
Overall, Batman Returns: The Official Comic Adaptation of the Warner Bros. Motion Picture (1992) is satisfactory.
Author Carlo Carrasco 