Recently in Las Piñas City, the Pamplona Hospital and Medical Center has been accredited officially by the City Government for inclusion in the local Green Card program, 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…
Patients of the Pamplona Hospital and Medical Center can now avail of the benefits included in Las Pinas City’s green card program after the hospital received its accreditation from the local government.
Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the city government added Pamplona Hospital and Medical Center to the growing list of accredited facilities for the green card program, citing it as a significant step towards enhancing health accessibility for its residents.
The green card program provides free hospitalization worth P30,000 to its residents, Aguilar said.
The inclusion of the hospital is set to further widen its reach and ensure better medical care for the city’s population, the mayor added.
The other hospitals in the city that are accredited to use the green card are Perpetual Help Medical Center-Las Piñas; Las Piñas Doctor’s Hospital, San Juan de Dios Hospital, Philippine General Hospital, and Las Piñas City Medical Center.
The mayor said the City Health Office (CHO) has outlined a smooth transition plan to integrate private hospitals into the green card program.
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? Are there many Green Card holders within your local community right now?
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
A new economic age for the Philippines has started as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., signed into law the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) bill which formally establishes the nation’s sovereign wealth fund, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday signed into law a bill establishing the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), the Philippines’ first-ever sovereign wealth fund.
Marcos signed Republic Act (RA) 11954 in a ceremony at the Kalayaan Hall of Malacañan Palace in Manila.
In a keynote speech, Marcos said the MIF is designed to drive economic development in the country.
“The MIF is a bold step towards our country’s meaningful economic transformation. Just as we are recovering from the adverse effects of the pandemic, we are now ready to enter a new age of sustainable progress, robust stability and broad-based empowerment,” Marcos said.
“We now have an available fund that will provide us the seed money for investments and to attract other foreign investments and for us to be able to participate in those operations, in those investments without additional borrowings,” he added.
Following the signing of RA 11954, Marcos said his administration would “go out to the world and do the changes that are necessary for the Philippines to become an investment-friendly nation.”
“The fund will fail if we do not make money on the fund. It’s that simple… That is why we put up a Maharlika Fund so as to be able to give us the capacity and the ability to join in those investments, be part of that,” he said.
He reiterated that he would make sure that the MIF would be “well-run” by professionals.
He added that the country has the “best” economic managers both in government and the private sector to ensure the proper management of the MIF.
“Let us make sure that the decisions that are being made for the fund are not political decisions, that they are financial decisions because that is what the fund is,” Marcos said.
The MIF is established to optimize national funds by generating returns to support the Marcos administration’s economic goals laid out in the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, the 8-point Socioeconomic Agenda, and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
In a separate statement, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will continue to provide support and technical assistance in the formulation of the implementing rules and regulations of RA 11954.
“The creation of this development fund is very good news because this means we now have an opportunity to expand our fiscal space for the government’s priority programs,” Pangandaman said. “Of course, we fully support this as it will help expand our fiscal space. So we at the DBM remain committed to helping ensure that this development fund will be a success and implemented with utmost integrity.”
Under RA 11954 , the MIF will be used to invest in a wide range of assets, including foreign currencies, fixed-income instruments, domestic and foreign corporate bonds, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, real estate and high-impact infrastructure projects that contribute to the attainment of sustainable development.
The establishment of the MIF will provide the government with a long-term source of income, as well as ease the burden on the national budget by providing additional funding for other priority projects of the government.
Unlike other government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), the MIF will be able to maximize government assets through its investments in projects that generate bigger returns.
The proposed measure seeks the establishment of the Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC), which will act as the “sole vehicle for the purpose of mobilizing and utilizing the MIF for investments in transactions in order to generate optimal returns on investments (ROIs).”
The MIC is expected to have at least PHP75 billion in paid-up capital this year, with PHP50 billion sourced from the Land Bank of the Philippines and PHP25 billion from the Development Bank of the Philippines.
The law prohibits government agencies and GOCCs that provide for social security and public health insurance to contribute to and invest in the Fund.
These include the Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Home Development Mutual Fund, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office pension fund.
For the newcomers reading this, if you want to understand what a sovereign wealth fund is and how it would work with the Philippines in mind, watch the video below…
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What do you think about the Maharlika Investment Fund that is now officially a law? Do you expect financial or economic breakthroughs to happen for the Philippines soon?
Based on the statistics released by the Philippine National Police (PNP), the national crime rate fell down by over 10% during the period of January-June 2023, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. Take note that the statistics do not even country cyber crime.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The country’s crime rate has dropped by 10.14 percent in the first six months this year as compared to the same period in 2022, Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said there is continuing decline in peace and order indicators, particularly in index crime, from 20,765 in January to June 2022 down to 18,660 for the same period this year.
The eight focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, robbery, theft, vehicle theft, motorcycle theft and rape.
Index crimes are serious crimes such as murder, homicide, physical injury, robbery, rape, theft and carjacking, while non-index crimes are violations of local ordinances and laws and vehicular accidents.
Citing collated data across the country, Fajardo said carnapping of vehicles registered the highest decline with 28.90 percent or from 173 from January to June in 2022 to 123 this year.
This was followed by physical injury with 20.01 percent, or from 2,893 to 2,314; and rape with 18.19 percent, or from 5,025 to 4,111.
Theft also went down by 9.33 percent, or from 6,506 to 5,899; caranapping of motorcycles with 8.82 percent decline, or from 998 to 910; and, murder with 1.89 percent, or from 2,177 to 2,077.
Robbery, however, went up by 6.86 percent, or from 2,434 to 2,601; while homicide with 2.75 percent increase, or from 511 to 525.
The figures, however, do not include cybercrimes which were earlier reported to have increased by around 192 percent nationwide, and 152 percent in Metro Manila.
“We are now conducting a study to determine if these cybercrime-related activities could be included in our index crimes,” Fajardo told reporters in a press briefing held at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Based on the data released by the PNP-AntiCybercrime Group, a total of 4,104 SIM card-aided crimes were reported from January to June this year, compared to only 1,415 in the same period in 2022.
SIM card-aided crimes, according to PNP-ACG, include GCash-related transactions, text scams, bank frauds and fake news.
The PNP-ACG, however, noted that it solved almost all of the reported incidents.
Fajardo said a technical working group (TWG) was created to look into suggestions that cybercrime-related incidents must be included since they are both crimes against property and persons.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you feel safer knowing that the national crime rate fell down by over 10% during the first half of this year?
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government was awarded by the Anti-Red Tap Authority (ARTA) for innovation with regards to business registration, 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 Muntinlupa City government was recognized by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) for its innovative business registration.
Muntinlupa is one of the cities that received the Accelerating Reforms for Improved Service Efficiency (ARISE) Award to recognize initiatives to improve the delivery of government services.
“We are definitely proud of this recognition, as this is validation of the City Government’s commitment to bring quality public service to every Muntinlupeño,” Mayor Ruffy Biazon said.
The city’s Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) and its electronic format eBOSS, which places all the necessary agencies for a business license or permit in one location, was commended earlier this year by ARTA in its latest compliance monitoring as a benchmark for other local government units (LGUs) to follow.
In addition to BOSS, Muntinlupa also has the Business Permits and Licensing Office Single-Window Transaction (BPLO-SWiT) program in partnership with Festival Mall in Alabang in order to bring tax payment and registration services closer to business owners.
Alternatively, business owners may also renew their license and mayor’s permit at the BPLO at Muntinlupa City Hall, as well as online via the Business E-payment System (BESt), through the city’s official website (www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph).
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted with the award from ARTA for the City Government?
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
The developments related to the recent raid in Las Piñas City continues to be surprising as another foreign fugitive was identified among those who got rescued by the police, according to a GMA Network news report. Take note that previously there were other foreign fugitives uncovered.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
Another Chinese fugitive was identified among the rescued workers from the raid in a Las Piñas City establishment in June, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.
In a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said the fugitive was identified as one of the “big bosses” of the company that was raided by authorities over suspected illegal activities.
“Noong in-apply natin ang search warrant ay identified na po siya as one of the bosses po ng Hong Tai company,” Fajardo said.
(When we applied for a search warrant, he was already identified as one of the bosses of Hong Tai company.)
“Noong nag-background check na po ang embassy ay nalaman po natin, nagbigay po sila ng document na may warrant of detention na rin pala ito at lumalabas po noong chineck, isa pala siya doon sa mga big bosses ng company,” she added.
(We learned about it when the embassy conducted a background check and it gave us a document showing this person already has a warrant of detention.)
Four Chinese and three Taiwanese fugitives were previously discovered among the rescued workers. They were turned over to the Bureau of Immigration on July 7 for deportation.
On June 26, authorities implemented a search warrant in a compound in Las Piñas over an alleged human trafficking situation.
The police reported that 1,534 Filipinos and 1,190 foreigners were rescued from the raid.
According to Fajardo, authorities also discovered two minors — an Indonesian and a Malaysian — among the rescued workers.
On June 30, five Chinese suspects identified as Li Jiacheng, alias Li Jiachang, Xiao Liu, alias Xiao Lin, Yan Jiayong, alias Pan Wen Jie, Duan Haozhuan, and LP Hongkun, alias Li Yang, underwent inquest proceedings at the Department of Justice (DOJ).
But according to DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, the five Chinese were ordered to be released due to lack of evidence.
Remulla slammed the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), which spearheaded the raid, for supposedly failing to coordinate with the DOJ before conducting the raid.
The suspects’ lawyer, Atty. Christian Vargas, said the five Chinese nationals are still under police custody despite a release order from the DOJ.
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? Are you feeling concerned that there could be even more foreign fugitives among the many employees of the raided POGO?
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 year 1993 to take a close look at the second issue of the second Venom comic book mini-series Venom: Funeral Pyre.
In my previous review, the Punisher and Venom encountered each other for the first time ever and along the way Gray – who is secretly a journalist with a mission – struggles to maintain his composure and his sanity as he finds himself in the middle of a very violent gang war in Oakland, California. The more time Gray spends time with the crime gang he joined, the tougher the situation becomes for him.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Venom: Funeral Pyre #2, published in 1993 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Carl Potts and drawn by the late Tom Lyle.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins with Gray and his gang companions riding a car approaching a group of people on the street. The gang leader pressures Gray to use his weapon to kill them. Gray is deeply worried not only because he has to prove his worth to the gang by killing other, but also because the rescue attempt he was waiting for had not yet happened.
Meanwhile, Venom finds himself trapped on the doorway of a building with the metal gate locked and with rays of microwave from the Punisher’s van radiating him painfully. As the Punisher leaves them behind, Venom manages to use the symbiote to reach into the van and smash the control panel inside which disabled the microwave rays.
Immediately, he recovers and breaks out to continue his mission: to rescue Gray…
Quality
The murderous Venom actually helped the Punisher.
When it comes to the storytelling, there are some improvements that made this comic book more readable than issue #1. For one thing, the exposition has been reduced which allowed the pace of the story to move faster. Most of the exposition here has been limited to Gray who at this stage of the mini-series was clearly bound to become the central object of the Funeral Pyre concept. Another thing is that the story’s structure here is simpler and easier to follow as Venom and Punisher moved on their own struggles separately before predictably getting together again.
While the mini-series has clearly been a tale of a city gang war – with a pretentious and unwilling gang member who expected to be rescued before things become too chaotic – that happened to pull the Punisher and Venom in for different reasons, Carl Potts added some elements that would resonate with Marvel Comics fans who are familiar with HYDRA and the Super Soldier aspects of the Marvel Comics universe history. Not only that, there is a science fiction-inspired setting near the end of the story that added variety to the in-story environment.
Like the first issue, this one is packed with a good amount of action scenes and that means Punisher and Venom fans have a lot of stuff to enjoy. Tom Lyle really is good with showcasing the respective spectacle of the vigilante and the symbiote-wearing murderer, and when he has the two together, his visual creativity intensifies.
Conclusion
Grey shooting blindly at the targets while riding the car of the gangsters he joined.
Venom: Funeral Pyre #2 (1993) is clearly an improved reading experience over issue #1 mainly because of the reduced information dump, the simpler plot structure and the creative showcase of Venom and the Punisher. While Gray remains uninteresting, his late-stage transformation turned out to be somewhat surprising and it was only near the end of this comic book that the Funeral Pyre concept became clear.
Overall, Venom: Funeral Pyre #2 (1993) is satisfactory.
The recent raid in Las Piñas City was referred to once more as Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla emphasized that coordination between agencies of the government when it comes to tackling Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) believed to be illegal, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. This is not the first time the Secretary made a reference to the Las Piñas raid. Already there were foreign fugitives uncovered in the same raid.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA news report. Some parts in boldface…
Government agencies must exert concerted efforts to ensure that illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) are discontinued, according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday.
Remulla underscored the need to scrutinize the rules on regulatory compliance following recent raids conducted on boiler room operations staffed by thousands of local and foreign workers in Pampanga and Las Piñas City.
“A lot of sensitive legal salient points have to be threshed out and this involves the agencies of the DOJ (Department of Justice) coordinating with every other office in the government that will help out in the efforts to weed out illegal POGOs,” Remulla said during a press conference.
The coordination will include the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Foreign Affairs, and the police, according to Remulla.
“We will thresh out these issues so that we will not be pointing at each other. We will be working as a team for the government,” he said.
Remulla said they will also seek guidance from the Supreme Court so that the procedures necessary to carry out their mandates to stamp out illegal POGOs will be done properly.
“So ang ginawa namin tiningnan namin lahat ng (we are exploring every) weak points from the experience that we have. We are making sure that the weaknesses of the cases in the past will no longer be there,” he added.
Remulla said the BI will continue to enforce the rules against illegal aliens or offenses involving foreigners.
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? Do you think the POGO raid in the city was not handled properly by the local authorities?
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
In Las Piñas City, the City Government honored three more local athletes who won in sports tournaments overseas including the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, 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…
Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar warmly welcomed three athletes who won medals in international competitions, making the city proud.
The athletes met the mayor in separate courtesy visits last July 13 and 14.
Aguilar commended Jeon Bardley dela Cruz, a five-year-old Jiu Jitsu athlete who won silver medals at the Asian Sport Jiu Jitsu Federation (ASJJF) Philippine International Jiu Jitsu Open and the Abu Dhabi Pro (AJP).
Dela Cruz with the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Las Piñas City. (source-City of Las Piñas FB page)
She said despite Dela Cruz’s young age, he displayed immense skills and determination in sports, serving as an inspiration to aspiring athletes.
Joseph Arcilla and Sherwin Nuguit, renowned tennis players, were also honored for their remarkable achievement in the sports abroad.
The two local SEA Games medalists with the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Las Piñas. (source – City of Las Piñas FB page)
In the recently concluded 2023 South East Asian Games held in Cambodia, Arcilla clinched the highly coveted gold medal in soft tennis while Nuguit secured the bronze, adding to the growing list of accolades earned by Filipino athletes.
Aguilar expressed her immense pride and appreciation for the athletes’ hard work, commending their exceptional performances and remarkable contributions to the sport.
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? Are you delighted to find out that more local athletes got honored by the City Government?
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 progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government formally declared November 17 of every year as “Students’ Day” by means of approving a piece of legislation, 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 Muntinlupa City government has designated Nov. 17 of every year as “Students’ Day” to recognize and honor the youth.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed Ordinance 2023-095, passed by the City Council, “declaring November 17 of every year as Students’ Day in the City of Muntinlupa, and advocating for student participation in nation-building.”
“Our students are the lifeblood of the city, and it is important that we provide all the means available to empower and enable them to build up Muntinlupa with their own contribution, young as they are,” said Biazon.
The ordinance, called the “Students’ Day Celebration Ordinance,” noted that student leadership is part of Biazon’s “7K Agenda” under “Karunungan” (Knowledge) and “Katarungan” (Justice).
It suggests that the city government may conduct activities including an Education Summit; trainings, seminars and workshops; student leadership forum; recognition of student leaders; and student competitions.
“The National Students’ day is included in the DepEd Annual Activities and shall be observed every November 17. The Education Sector, all public and private schools, all local and national government employees, and all Barangays within the jurisdiction of Muntinlupa shall participate in this event,” according to the ordinance.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you consider “Students’ Day” in Muntinlupa necessary or needed?
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 fellow geeks, pop culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Way back in 1982, the horror comedy anthology film Creepshow was released in cinemas and it gave moviegoers a fun time getting scared as it featured well-made short stories written by Stephen King and directed by George Romero. The two creators were strongly influenced by the 1950s horror comic books of EC Comics when they made the movie. Very recently, Creepshow was released on 4K Blu-ray loaded with lots of extras for fans and moviegoers to enjoy. The said 4K Blu-ray release can be ordered online now.
I myself first saw Creepshow on home video sometime in 1983 and got to replay it occasionally on cable TV and DVD. Strangely enough, it was only a few years ago when I first learned that there was indeed a comic book adaptation of the movie that was also released the same year it hit cinemas.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Stepehen King’s Creepshow published in 1982 by Plum with stories written by Stephen King and drawn by Bernie Wrightson (with Michele Wrightson). The cover was illustrated by the late EC Comics legend Jack Kamen.
The cover.
Early stories
Father’s Day – Sylvia Grantham, her nephew Richard, niece Cass and Hank (husband of Cass) enjoy time together at the Grantham estate anticipating the arrival of Bedelia for the annual family dinner. It is an open secret within the family that Bedelia killed her late father Nathan Grantham who was so overbearing to her as she became responsible on nursing him full-time.
Bedelia apart from her relatives in Father’s Day.
The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verril – A lonely farmer named Jordy witnesses the unexpected arrival of a meteorite from out space which landed violently on his farm. After realizing what it is, he touches it without any protection and gets his fingers burned. Considering the rarity of the object, Jordy begins to imagine making a lot money by bringing it to the local college.
A page of the story of Jordy and the meteor.
The Crate – In the basement level of Amberson Hall (science building of Horlicks University), a janitor accidentally finds a very old wooden crate located right under the staircase. The writings “Ship to Horlicks University via Julia Carpenter – Arctic Expedition – June 19, 1834” were marked on the crate. Meanwhile a faculty party is taking place across town. During the party, the mild-mannered college professor Henry Northrup experiences embarrassment as his unhinged wife Wilma (note: referred to as Billie) talks way too much in front of professor Dexter Stanley and many others. Henry reveals to Dexter that he has grown to hate his wife. Suddenly, someone tells Dexter that a telephone call for him is waiting. It was the janitor who made the call.
Henry, wife Wilma (AKA Bilie), the janitor and Dexter Stanley in The Crate.
Something to Tide You Over – At a beach, Harry Wentworth could do nothing but remain helplessly immobile as his entire body and neck have been buried under the sand by Richard. It turns out that Harry has been having an affair with Becky, Richard’s wife. The helpless Harry expressed that he and Becky were really in love with each other. For his part, Richard has something else to show to him and he certainly has some things prepared.
Richard and Harry in Something to Tide You Over.
They’re Creeping Up on You – A wealthy and cruel businessman named Upson Pratt is alone in his well-lighted apartment. He has been suffering from mysophobia and has been living in isolation and only communicates with others using the telephone and other electronic methods. Slowly but surely, cockroaches begin to multiply in his apartment.
Upson Pratt and the cockroaches in They’re Creeping Up on You.
Quality
Starting with the storytelling with emphasis on how the comic creators selected content from the movie and translated it all into illustrated literature format with a little over sixty pages to work with, I can say that this comic book is pretty much a faithful adaptation of the film’s five short stories (note: the cinematic prologue and epilogue were never adapted). For each short story, it is clear that sufficient details from each cinematic tale were adapted and the overall concepts, acts and characterizations were pretty much maintained. This is a credible piece of illustrated literature work as each tale is not only readable but also engaging and entertaining complete with shock moments. Take note that Stephen King not only wrote all these tales for the movie, there were two tales that were previously published in literary format before Creepshow was even made. Whoever participated in the editing process behind the production of this comic book deserves commendations.
While the writing used in adapting the film’s concepts and characters turned out good, it is clearly obvious that certain cinematic elements could not be translated here. Remember how frantic and scared Dexter Stanley (played by the late Fritz Weaver) was in the movie after he witnessed the janitor got killed by the monster? Those cinematic emotions never made it in illustrated literary format here.
The artworks by Bernie Wrightson are pretty good to look at. Similar to the writing, the visuals here were made to recapture the look of the movie not in a shot-for-shot manner but with the artist’s own approach on how such scenes should be presented. That being said, I should state that the comic book panels that appeared in the movie’s transition scenes (example: still live action image slowly turning into illustrated comic book form) are NOT here at all.
You will instead see Wrightson’s own visual interpretation of the scenes from the movie and the artworks were inspired a bit by the 1950s horror comics of EC Comics and ultimately were more in line with the contemporary approach of drawing comic book art of the 1980s. The gory scenes from the movie made it in this comic book. When it comes to drawing monsters or the undead, the art result was uneven. While Wrightson’s art of the monster in The Crate was really scary to look at (in accordance to how it appeared cinematically), the work on the walking dead in Something to Tide You Over looked much less scary compared to those in the film.
While Wrightson clearly did not prioritize recapturing the likenesses of the actors to illustrate their respective characters, there were a few shots in which professor Henry Northrup somewhat looked like the late Hal Holbrook, and the illustrated Bedelia resembled the late Viveca Lindfors.
Conclusion
The best way to describe Stephen King’s Creepshow (1982) is this…it is indeed a very solid adaptation of the movie and its five short stories. While it was clear that not all the dialogue and other types of content of the movie could ever fit in this comic book, the creators did a very credible job of adapting Creepshow’s core elements and succeeded in making what they had solidly presented for readers to enjoy. Each short story from the movie turned out to be cohesive and enjoyable for reading.
When it comes to really enjoying this graphic novel, I personally would recommend you readers to watch the Creepshow movie first before reading. The film is the complete package of entertainment showcasing the combined works of Stephen King and director George Romero, while this comic book is ultimately the companion piece for those who enjoyed the movie as well as EC Comics’s horror comic books of the 1950s.
Overall, Stephen King’s Creepshow (1982) is highly recommended!
Author Carlo Carrasco 