Author Carlo Carrasco

A Look Back at Prototype #17 (1995)

April 5, 2021April 4, 2021carlocarrasco

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, comic book collectors, fans of 1990s culture and fans of Malibu Comics. Today we return to the Ultraverse and I should say that I am getting very close to closing my retro review run on the Prototype monthly series. So far, I found Prototype to be a really enjoyable and engaging series. It is too bad that the Ultraverse did not last too long because as far as armored superheroes go, Malibu Comics’ armored hero concept is very unique and fun to read. Had the Ultraverse lasted long, Prototype would have been explored a whole lot more and writers Tom Mason and Len Strazewski would have created more new stories of him.

Last time around, Jimmy Ruiz (who no longer has the high compensation and big-time perks of his original employer) got into trouble and had to use his armor as he was the target of another huge and powerful armored rival. The battle ended costly for Prototype.

What will happen next to him? We can all find out in this look back at Prototype #17, published by Malibu Comics in 1995 with a story written by Len Strazewski and drawn by George Dove.

Early story

The story begins inside a top-secret facility. A man realizes that all the flesh below his waste are gone, completely replaced with metallic tentacles which make him look like a human octopus. The man in shock is none of other than Stanley Leland and his is welcomed to Terrordyne. Terrordyne makes clear they do not want to hurt him but have him as their new CEO and they know he desires revenge against Prototype.

Elsewhere, the Prototype armor is being repaired by Bob Campbell (Ranger). Jimmy, who is desperate to get Angella back, is eager to get back into action but the repair of his armor is not moving as fast as he wanted. Fortunately, Bob’s wife arrives with a man who believes he can help them. She tells Jimmy that the Prototype armor’s power coupling will be improved by forty percent.

Soon enough, the armor gets enhanced and Jimmy could sense the differences already. Soon enough, he goes on a mission with Ranger accompanying him…

Quality

*Prototype and Ranger inside a restaurant.*

Starting with the story, I’m happy to say that the writing here is stronger, the dialogue has more depth and the plot is much more intriguing to read compared to the previous few issues. The concept of this comic book is about the effort to find and save Angella but with Ranger getting involved not only to add assist Prototype on the field but also provide him insight on dealing with a serious matter like the kidnapping done by very powerful opponents. In a way, having upgraded armor and weapons are not sufficient and even though he fought lots of enemies before, Jimmy Ruiz lacks the maturity, the self-control and strategy needed to do his mission. The scenes showing Ranger providing Prototype assistance in the form of strategies related to past experiences (that Bob Campbell went through) were done cleverly and never hampered the pace of the story.

As for the art, George Dove did a good job visualizing the armors of Prototype and Ranger. He also was good with drawing the action scenes.

Conclusion

To be clear, Prototype #17 (1995) is a two-heroes-in-one type of story that is character-led. For one thing, Jimmy is desperate, impatient and does things recklessly while Bob Campbell does his best to keep him stable and to prevent him from screwing up everything due to recklessness. It shows that the protagonist is not only humanly fragile, but also getting close to his breaking point. The emotional element makes the story worth reading.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Prototype #17 (1995), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the comic book costs $27.

Overall, Prototype #17 (1995) is recommended.

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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

A Look Back at The Punisher Meets Archie #1 (1994)

April 5, 2021April 1, 2021carlocarrasco

Welcome back, superhero enthusiasts, comic book collectors, fans of 1990s culture, and fans of both Marvel Comics and Archie Comics! Today, I have a retro review of one of the most wild ideas for a comic book crossover that actually got published in 1994. Back then I was still in college and ramping up my comic book collection. Then one day, I saw a print ad for the Marvel-Archie special project about the iconic Archie Andrews crossing over with the Punisher!

That’s right! The unthinkable concept pushed through and way back in 1994, I ordered in advance a copy of the comic book (note: this was actually one comic book published respectively by Marvel Comics and Archie Comics but with their own packaging and slight adjustments to the title) and eventually got to read it.

Behind the scenes, the management of Archie Comics wanted to take part in the wildly popular trend of intercompany crossover comic book publishing not just to boost their sales but also establish a stronger presence in comic book specialty stores. Back then, Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Tom DeFalco and Archie Comics editor Victor Gorelick were good friends (note: DeFalco entered comic book publishing while working for Archie Comics) and sometimes they would joke with each other about potential crossover concepts between their companies. Gorelick eventually had lunch with independent comic creator Batton Lash and talked about Archie wanting to get involved with crossovers. The Archie editor told Lash about he and DeFalco joking about Archie encountering the Punisher, and in response the independent creator stated that they should really push through with it.

Lash went on to make a pitch for the series and Gorelick sent it to DeFalco. Marvel’s editor-in-chief loved it and eventually the concept was approved complete with strategic involvement in the production by key talents from both Archie and Marvel. For the artwork, Archie’s Stan Goldberg and Marvel’s John Buscema worked together to maintain different tones by means of drawing settings and characters that are specific with their respective companies. The inkwork was done by Tom Palmer.

Now you must be wondering…was the crazy crossover any good? We can find out in this look back at The Punisher Meets Archie #1, published by Marvel Comics in 1994 with a story written by Batton Lash and drawn by Punisher artist John Buscema and Archie artist Stan Goldberg.

Early story

The story begins in a city where a man (in a trench coat and a cap) is seen running away from someone chasing him. As he hurriedly climbs over a wall, he hears the chaser’s gun click and responds by firing some bullets at him. The chaser climbs over the wall and he turns out to be Frank Castle, the Punisher. The Punisher notices that his target left his cap on the floor, and look at the nearby station full of people.

Inside the said station, the man who got away from the Punisher has red hair and a sinister looking face. He buys a ticket going to Riverdale.

The next day in the town of Riverdale, Archie Andrews rings the bell of the front door at the luxurious residence of the Lodge family. A little boy named Leroy (cousin of Veronica Lodge) surprises him and makes him wet using a water-filled plastic gun. In response, Archie grabs the hose nearby and unleashes water. He accidentally hits Veronica who got so angry, she decided to cancel her date with him.

Still wet, Archie walks down the sidewalk being followed by a car…

Quality

*See your favorite Archie characters among them?*

I’ll start with the story written by Batton Lash. To be clear, this comic book has a dominant Archie Comics tone meaning it is wholesome and fun, and at the same time never childish. The Punisher-focused scenes showed lots of signs of restraint meaning in order to connect well with the overall wholesome tone of the comic book, adulterated stuff and violent concepts related to the Punisher are absent. For me, having an overall wholesome tone works given the fact that most of the story is set in Riverdale and there are tremendously more Archie characters than there are Marvel characters.

More on the story, the concept by Batton Lash is wonderful and the way the plot was structured not only ensured a fun story but also made sense. The plot itself is pretty believable and the story is full of nice and interesting moments to read. There certainly were no boring scenes at all!

To have Punisher encounter Archie without ever using the now overuses versus-battle-type approach here was believable, sensible and even impressive. For the most part, as reflected in portrayals and dialogue, Lash captured the essence of the Archie characters and anyone who loves stories about Archie and the gang (plus Josie and the Pussycats and Katy Keene) will have a lot to enjoy here. Even the disruption in Riverdale caused by the gang of crooks and the Punisher has that strong Archie-tone and never went overboard.

*Punisher, Micro Chip, the local cops and a familiar face from the Riverdale high school’s cafeteria.*

With regards to Lash presenting Marvel’s vigilante, the Punisher here is subdued in terms of seriousness. While he is not portrayed to be gritty (note: he’s also less violent), he is still rugged and you will still see him firing guns during the right moments. With the reduction of violent action, Punisher does a lot more detective work and has his companion Microchip with him. While rugged, the Punisher is not as snobbish as one might think here. In fact, there are a few pleasant surprise moments in the story with regards to his encountering certain supporting characters of Archie. These moments, although they make Punished look like he’s out of character, I still find pretty delightful.

More on the characters, there is a whole bunch of them here! As the story is set in Riverdale, it comes to no surprise that supporting characters of Archie Comics are present and for the most part they were presented to delight those who love Archie and the gang. Mr. Weatherbee, Mr. Lodge, Reggie Mantle, Betty Cooper, Jughead Jones, Pop Tate, Svenson, Ms. Grundy, Professor Flutesnoot and others are here and they don’t just make mere appearances.

As this is a special project between Marvel Comics and Archie Comics, there is a lot of fan service here and there leaning towards the interests of Archie fans. For the most part, these fan service elements (note: there are some from Marvel Comics) were actually fun to look at and I personally did not find them distracting.

Conclusion

*Punisher and Micro Chip explore Riverdale as Jughead and Archie are in Pop’s place.*

While it is essentially an Archie comic book in terms of storytelling and visuals and lacks the kind of adulterated stuff that Punisher fans love, The Punisher Meets Archie #1 (1994) is still a very enjoyable crossover to read, and it sure is fun from start to finish. For one thing, the concept about Archie meeting with Punisher with Riverdale as the main setting works wonderfully even by today’s standards. What was an unbelievable concept got executed nicely into a believable and fun product. I should state that this kind of intercompany crossover comic book is still one-of-a-kind and its literary value (as opposed to financial value) is undeniably high. No doubt about, this crossover is a comic book classic!

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of The Punisher Meets Archie #1 (1994), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $53 while the near-mint copies of the deluxe newsstand edition and the direct edition cost $105 and $70 respectively.

If you prefer the Archie Comics-published version – Archie Meets The Punisher #1 (1994) – be aware that the near-mint copy of the comic book costs $70 according to Mile High Comics as of this writing.

*The cover of the Archie Comics-published version of the same crossover. This one is more eye-catching than that of the Marvel version.*

Overall, The Punisher Meets Archie #1 (1994) is highly recommended!

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COVID-19 Crisis: Vaccination of senior citizens in Las Piñas City has begun

April 2, 2021April 1, 2021carlocarrasco

The City Government of Las Piñas announced that the vaccination of senior citizens for COVID-19 (China Virus) in their city has officially started on April 1, 2021 using vaccines sourced from AztraZeneca. They stated that they targeted 300 senior citizens to get injected at the vaccination sites at Verdant Covered Court, Bambusteum Cover Court and Almanza Dos Covered Court.

*A senior citizen got injected for the China virus on April 1, 2021. (source – City Government of Las Piñas*)

*Senior citizens sit in line to wait for their turns to get verified before getting vaccinated. (source – City Government of Las Piñas)*

*Another senior citizen gets vaccinated for COVID-19. (source – City Government of Las Piñas)*

The local authorities also stated that over the next few days, the vaccination of more senior citizens will continue. Local seniors are advised to wait for a text message to arrive which will show them their specific schedule for getting vaccinated.

Meanwhile, local citizens who wish to avail of COVID-19 vaccines are encouraged to get themselves registered with the City Government by means of digital method (QR code scanning, Google account to be used) or the manual method. For reference about Las Piñas vaccine registration, posted below are official images of instruction.

If you are a recipient of a COVID-19 vaccine in Las Piñas City and you wish to share to us your observations or complaints, please feel free to comment below. Thank you!

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The above information was provided by the Las Piñas City Government 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, 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

Las Piñas City Police Force at Work – April 2, 2021

April 2, 2021April 1, 2021carlocarrasco

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 March 31, 2021, elements of Pamplona Police Sub-Station led by PSSg Efren Mimis with two (2) others utilizing MC K2700 under the supervision of PMAJ JOEL P GOMEZ, SS-2 Commander through the strong leadership of PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, COP Las Piñas CPS provided free transportation in line with the PNP “Libreng-Sakay” Program utilizing MC K2700 to some stranded constituents of Las Piñas City going to their respective residence during Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). Likewise, strictly implementation minimum health safety standard protocols and guidelines under ECQ to include police visibility. (source – Las Piñas City Police Department)

Om March 31, 2021, elements of CAA Sub Station Team Led by PMAJ ALBERT DT AREVALO, sub-station commander with Six (6) others through the strong leadership of PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, COP of Las Pinas City Police Station conducted Checkpoint and strict imementation of health protocol , social distancing and mandatory wearing of face mask and to determined those person’s unauthorized person outside residence at Canaynay Road, Barangay Manuyo Dos. *(source – Las Piñas City Police Department)*

On March 31, 2021, PMAJ LEO GLENN CALABIO, Talon Sub Stn Commander,and under the leadership of PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, COP of Las Piñas City Police Station conducted Ugnayan to Mr. Louis Sings and Ms. Arlene Florentino member of Ranger Medic Responder, held at the Talon Dos PNP sub-station, BF Resort Village, Barangay Talon Dos. (source – Las Piñas City Police Department)

On April 1, 2021, elements of Talon Sub-Station utilizing MC 112 Hilux , under the supervision of PMAJ LEO GLENN T CALABIO, TSS Commander, and through the strong leadership of PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, COP of Las Piñas City Police Station conducted OPLAN SITA OPERATION at Marcos Alvarez Avenue, Barangay Talon Singko. Likewise, strict implementation of protocols and guidelines under general community quarantine. (source – Las Piñas City Police Department)

If you are in Las Piñas City and you need the help of the local police, call 85516401 or visit https://www.facebook.com/pcrstation4/

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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.

COVID-19 Crisis: AztraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines used on health workers in Las Piñas City

April 1, 2021March 31, 2021carlocarrasco

The City Government of Las Piñas announced that vaccines sourced from AztraZeneca and Sinovac were injected into their local health workers including personnel in Temporary Treatment and Management Facilities (Safe 1 and Safe 2) at the vaccination site at the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD) Gymnasium, in Barangay Pamplona Tres.

*A local health worker got vaccinated for the China virus. (photo source – City Government of Las Piñas*)

As part of their local campaign against COVID-19 (China Virus), the said vaccines were used depending on the health and protection of front liners. The City Government continues to work to ensure the protection of health, safety and the welfare of the people during this time of pandemic. Already Senator Cynthia Villar expressed happiness about the city’s vaccination rollout.

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The above information was provided by the Las Piñas City Government for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Government distributes food boxes to disadvantaged groups ahead of national government assistance

April 1, 2021March 31, 2021carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa released food boxes to several indigent residents and other displaced workers in the city ahead of the national government’s “in-kind” assistance in a bid to help them recover from economic disruption brought about by the imposition of Enhanced Community Quarantine in Metro Manila.

Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said the Muntinlupa Social Service Department provided 9,989 food packages to tricycle and jeepney operators and drivers, daily wage earners who were affected by the lockdown, families of city scholars, and other members of disadvantaged groups for the month of March.

Tricycle Regulatory Unit chief Willy Gomez leads the distribution of food boxes to tricycle drivers and operators from District 2 at Muntinlupa Sports Complex last March 30. The local government continues to provide relief packs to indigent residents and other displaced workers in the city as part of the local economic recovery program. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Navarro noted that each food box contains grocery items worth P785.00. She added that Mayor Jaime Fresnedi ordered the continuous distribution of food boxes to Muntinlupa residents as part of the local economic recovery program.

Muntinlupa LGU has distributed 695,184 food boxes to city residents since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic last March 2020 up to present.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

A Look Back at The Strangers #6 (1993)

March 31, 2021March 30, 2021carlocarrasco

Welcome back, superhero enthusiasts, comic book collectors, fans of 1990s culture and fans of Malibu Comics! Do you want to see another fight against evil within the Ultraverse? You will find it right here through The Strangers.

Last time around, The Strangers had to cut short their return to private life because they were need to deal with a new force of evil called Deathwish. What was revealed was that the person behind Deathwish turned out to be one of the many people who rode the very same San Francisco cable car with the members of The Strangers (when they were still civilians without powers) that was hit by energy from the sky.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at The Strangers #6, published by Malibu Comics in 1993 with a story written by Steve Englehart and drawn by Rick Hoberg.

Early story

The story begins with the impact of Deathwish still felt by The Strangers and the locals. Deathwish left behind a lot of physical damage and the team does what it can to repair it even though some emergency personnel are already present.

A short time later, an old survivor was found and was brought to a hospital for treatment. Yrial, Zip-Zap and Lady Killer decide to go to the hospital and observe the emergency procedure. Suddenly, a loud voice from somewhere was heard and Zip-Zap speedily went around to find the source. He found a hospital room which had a patient warning others that darkness has arrived.

Back inside the emergency room, something happens to the old survivor and Deathwish suddenly emerges out of thin air. Lady Killer is stunned with the sight of the monster’s return…

Quality

Without spoiling important plot details, this story marks the second conflict between The Strangers and Deathwish. The good news here is that the script is well written and the creative duo found new ways to keep the rematch fresh and fun to read. What the Strangers did the previous time to beat Deathwish did not work anymore which forced their members to find new ways and tactics overcome the challenges. As for the villain, this comic book showed more of his personality (as opposed to his desire for power and absorbing life).

When it comes to character development, it’s pretty much non-existent here. The scene showing Yrial working with her magic does not count as character development but more of exposition of what she could do. It feels hollow but the visuals are nice to look at.

Conclusion

*The Strangers helping with cleaning up the mess.*

While The Strangers #6 (1993) is a fun read and really nice art drawn by Rick Hoberg, it still is a step down from its predecessor in terms of engagement and depth. The rematch between The Strangers and Deathwish was fun but it ended in a way that felt like a creative way of cheating readers who preferred to see a more engaging conclusion.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of The Strangers #6 (1993), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the comic book costs $14.

Overall, The Strangers #6 (1993) is satisfactory.

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COVID-19 Crisis: 5,926 health workers in Muntinlupa receive COVID-19 vaccines, City Government prepares for seniors’ vaccination

March 31, 2021March 30, 2021carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa announced that it has completed vaccinating frontline health workers from primary public and private hospitals providing COVID-19 care and has started preparing the vaccine roll-out for senior citizens.

National Immunization Program Coordinator for COVID-19 in Muntinlupa Dra. Maria Rochelle Abat said the City Health Office recorded 5,657 frontliners from Ospital ng Muntinlupa, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Medical Center Muntinlupa, and other private hospital who received Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines as of March 29, covering 108% of the priority group population.

Further, Abat noted that the inoculation of City Health Workers is ongoing and 269 (37%) local frontliners such as members of barangay health emergency teams and contact tracers have already received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

*A group of frontline health workers waiting to get vaccinated for COVID-19. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)*

Muntinlupa City Health Office acting chief Dr. Juancho Bunye said the City Government eyes to complete the vaccination for the remaining A1 sub-priority group of frontliners from stand-alone facilities, clinics and diagnostic centers, dental clinics, and other institutions within the next two weeks, targeting 444 individuals per day, before proceeding to inoculate the senior citizens.

Bunye added that CHO is coordinating with the Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs in preparing the vaccination of more than 45,000 senior citizens in Muntinlupa. He added that 19 public schools, including one private school, were identified as vaccination centers for the roll-out for seniors.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urged the senior citizens and other members of the priority groups to avail the vaccination services of the government for them to have an added protection against the adverse effects of COVID-19.

He also encouraged the public to pre-register in the city’s COVID-19 vaccination registration through https://vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac and to strictly observe health protocols such as frequent hand-washing, wearing of face masks and face shields, and physical distancing especially during the implementation of ECQ in Metro Manila.

*A health worker gets vaccinated. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)*

Recently, Ospital ng Muntinlupa announced a 129% bed capacity utilization on COVID-19 related cases.

Muntinlupa Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said barangays were ordered to reactivate local isolation centers to accommodate asymptomatic cases and residents with mild symptoms to decongest primary health care and quarantine facilities.

Navarro added that the City Government through the Department of Disaster Resilience and Management will intensify its citywide cleaning and disinfection activities in a bid to prevent further COVID-19 transmission.

As of March 29, Muntinlupa City has 7,051 confirmed cases with 5,945 recoveries, 908 active cases, 198 reported deaths, 242 suspect cases, and 759 probable cases.

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A Look Back at The Solution #3 (1993)

March 30, 2021March 29, 2021carlocarrasco

Welcome back, superhero enthusiasts, comic book collectors, 1990s culture enthusiasts and fans of Malibu Comics! Are you ready for another return to the Ultraverse? I’ve got another retro review of The Solution.

Last time around, The Solution went to Japan on a mission that involved a secret meeting between leader Lela Cho/Tech and a man referred to as Kronstein. However, something unfortunate happened that led to violence. What The Solution encountered was a force of opposition in the form of another team (that was introduced also in issue #1).

With those details laid down, here is a look back at The Solution #3, published in 1993 by Malibu Comics with a story by the late James Hudnall and drawn by Darick Robertson (with ink work done by Barbara Kaalberg).

Early story

The story begins in Los Angeles. A lady is struggling with finding her car key as two monstrous figures approach her. One of them is holding her set of keys. They fully transform into over-sized monsters with razor sharp teeth right in front of her. The monsters’ focus gets disrupted when they hear the sound of a harmonica being played by a man sitting on top of a car. As they approach him, the man grabs his rod and fights them fearlessly.

The next day in nearby Hollywood, Lela/Tech and her teammates have a meeting in a hotel room. Dropkick and Vurk express concern about Lela engaging in media interviews that could undercut what they have been trying to do. Lela does not see anything wrong about it and she reminds Dropkick that their team is a business and they could use the free advertising.

Apart from the media talk, The Solution is preparing to meet their new client at 9PM. Vurk, seeking some fresh air and use the free time, decides to head out for a while. Discreetly, Lela asks Aera to use her magic to put a trace on him…

Quality

*Vurk in his monster form during his fight with the hunter of his race.*

Like issue #2, this one continues to build-up the team but with one notable difference…more focus on the creepy looking Vurk (also referred to as Outrage). While it was established in issue #1 that, like Aera/Shadowmage, he is not human. Rather he belongs to a race called the Darkurians which are oversized monsters in their true forms. In this story, you get to see more of Vurk’s nature as a Darkurian as well as his personality complete with how much he has learned to walk along the many people around him.

This comic book also introduces readers to a new character who hunts Darkurians as part of his campaign to rid the world of them. As it turns out, that man has a history of conflict with Vurk and this issue reignites their conflict. This easily produces the spectacle of this comic book which is filled with hard-hitting action, collateral damage and action moves that Vurk could pull off only in his monster form. It’s pretty entertaining stuff.

Conclusion

The Solution #3 (1993) is a fun Ultraverse story that succeeded in building up the series’ concept but with more focus on Vurk. Vurk is not exactly an appealing character on face value but at least his background details and his rivalry with the hunter of his race added a good amount of depth into the story. It is also interesting to see Vurk trying his best to be good with the good guys (his team). Having read his incidental involvement with the team in issue #8, this comic book makes more sense out of him.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of The Solution #3 (1993), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $14 while the near-mint copy of the newsstand edition costs $42.

Overall, The Solution #3 (1993) is recommended.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Additional checkpoints in Metro Manila for ECQ (until April 4, 2021)

March 30, 2021March 29, 2021carlocarrasco

Are you having trouble moving around Metro Manila during this period of ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine) that’s supposed to end on April 4, 2021? Were you able to study and use the S-PaSS system?

Be aware that today, additional checkpoints (AKA quarantine control points) have been added in Metro Manila.

Below is an excerpt from yesterday’s article published through Philippine News Agency’s (PNA) website. For clarity, locations of the checkpoints are in bold.

National Capital Region Police (NCRPO) Chief, Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao, Jr., said the checkpoints are implemented at Susana Heights Tollgate; Alabang Tollgate; Filinvest Tollgate; Sucat Tollgate; Bicutan Tollgate; Skyway Entry; Nichols Tollgate; and Balon Bato, Balintawak, Quezon City.

Danao said apart from these control points, about 929 other checkpoints are manned by some 7,876 personnel in highly visible areas but these are “less restrictive”, which means it is mainly for anti-criminality, anti-terrorism, and dragnet operations.

He said under ECQ, police manning checkpoints restrict the movement of persons not allowed outside their homes and facilitate the movement of authorized persons outside of residence (APORs) and essential goods and services.

For those living in the South Metro Manila cities of Muntinlupa, Las Piñas and Parañaque, the tollgates of Susana Heights, Alabang, Filinvest, Sucat and Bicutan should be familiar because all of them are accessed through the Skyway and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). I find it weird that the PNA report did not even mention the said highways.

Knowing this, I encourage you all to check the ECQ requirements for travel (note: if you still have your quarantine pass or QP, bring it with you) and study using S-PaSS (note: City Government of Las Piñas encouraged motorists to use it).

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