Carlo Carrasco – Page 190 – Author Carlo Carrasco

A Look Back at Spider-Man 2099 Special #1 (1995)

June 21, 2023June 18, 2023carlocarrasco

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 1995 and explore a part of the Marvel 2099 comics universe through a tale of the Spider-Man 2099 franchise.

Specifically speaking, we will examine a thick one-shot comic book about the futuristic Spider-Man simply referred to as a special. Back in those days, Marvel Comics hired the famous Brothers Hildebrandt and among the projects they worked on were varied pieces of captivating art about Marvel’s 2099 universe. In relation to this particular retro comic book review, the Hildebrandt brothers made the cover art for the special comic book which contained three standalone stories.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Spider-Man 2099 Special #1, published in 1995 by Marvel Comics with the main story “The Menace of the Man-Spider” written by Jon Peterson and drawn by Joe St. Pierre.

Early story

The story begins at 1:45 AM inside the high-tech laboratory of Synthia when the Man-Spider (a human in a monstrous form of a huge spider) causes havoc and tries to hurt the personnel inside in response to their interference of his work. One of the troubled personnel manages to call for help as the Man-Spider tries to get them.

Just as the two workers get hit by the Man-Spider’s organic green web, armored elements of the security force arrived in response to the call and one of them fires a hot at the beast’s right arm causing a serious wound. Suddenly, the Man-Spider violently jumps away smashing through a large window going into the city. The Man-Spider escapes leaving behind a mess at the laboratory including a high amount of organic web that disgusts the people back there.

Hours later at another part of the city, Spider-Man got spotted by a floating drone which declares him as under arrest under the authority of the Public Eye. Spider-Man simply kept on swinging away to another destination until he uses his organic web on the drone and hurls it to a wall and explodes into several tiny pieces. Once alone, he changes into civilian clothes as Miguel O’Hara and rushes to Synthia’s facility…

Quality

Focusing on the main story (the first story), I find this particular tale of Spider-Man of 2099 rather worthy to read even though there were some flaws here and there. Jon Peterson crafted a story that took place sometime before the 34^th issue of the original Spider-Man 2099 monthly series while reflecting what was declared in issue #8 and building up something new with it. The main story was about Spider-Man getting into eventual conflict with the Man-Spider (note: it looks like someone at Marvel decided to copy DC Comics’ Man-Bat and make something new for the Marvel 2099 franchise) who in turn is an antagonist who is deeply troubled and yet not really evil. The Man-Spider is actually a man who does not have super abilities but rather high scientific intelligence and the capabilities to alter genetics using advanced technologies. The Man-Spider is not obsessed with destroying the world or murdering people, but achieving a major breakthrough backed with good intentions.

One of the most notable weaknesses of the script written by Peterson is the emphasis that Miguel O’Hara/Spider-Man 2099, Dana and the so-called resident mad scientist Antoine have a history together since their youth. This one felt very forced and ended up being unbelievable.

Still on the world-building aspect of the story, this comic book showed a true link between the company Synthia and the gigantic Alchemax which reflects what was state in issue #8. This link between the two corporations opened up opportunities for the creators to emphasize Alchemax’s moves on securing valuable stuff for the future.

Ultimately, the main story turned out to be a good read even though there were flaws that somewhat took away credibility from its core concept. I should also state that Joe St. Pierre established a rather unique look for the Spider-Man 2099 franchise. His work here is a nice alternative opposite Rick Leonardi’s Spidey 2099 art.

While the 2^nd story of this one-shot was not worth reading at all, the final story has a unique concept exploring voyeurism in 2099 which accidentally reminded me about how social media in real life could ruin the public’s perception and people themselves.

Conclusion

*Spider-Man 2099, Dana and the Man-Spider in a dangerous situation.*

With a good enough main story, one forgetful 2^nd story and a satisfactory third story, Spider-Man 2099 Special #1 (1995) is ultimately a mixed bag. You will find variety here as well as unique takes on the futuristic Spider-Man and 2099’s society from the creators, but don’t expect great stuff. I think the most die-hard Spidey 2099 and Marvel 2099 fans will enjoy this the most.

Overall, Spider-Man 2099 Special #1 (1995) is serviceable.

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Accountancy exam passers meet with Las Piñas City Mayor and Vice Mayor at City Hall

June 21, 2023June 17, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Las Piñas, eleven scholars of Dr. Filemon C. Aguilar Memorial College Las Piñas (DFCAM-CLP) who passed the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examinations (CPALE) visited City Hall and met with the Mayor and Vice Mayor, 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…

Eleven scholars of Dr. Filemon C. Aguilar Memorial College Las Piñas (DFCAM-CLP) who passed the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examinations (CPALE) paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar.

The new accountants expressed their appreciation to the city officials for the support and opportunities provided to them by DFCAM-CLP.

During her meeting with the scholars, Aguilar lauded the students for their stellar performance, emphasizing the importance of education and hard work in achieving personal and professional goals.

She assured the scholars of the city’s continuous support in their pursuit of higher education and encouraged them to become catalysts of positive change in their respective communities. The mayor said that the 11 outstanding scholars passed the highly competitive May 2023 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Licensure Examinations.

Aguilar said the college’s remarkable achievement placed it in the 10th place among the top 20 performing schools nationwide, with an impressive 50% passing rate, surpassing the national passing rate of 30.36%.

She said the students’ outstanding performance further solidified the school’s commitment to providing quality education and producing highly skilled graduates in the field of accounting.

The mayor added that the commendable overall ranking, the college also secured the 9th spot among schools with first-time takers.

Aguilar added that the accomplishment highlights the effectiveness of the institution’s comprehensive curriculum and the scholars’ ability to excel even in their first attempt at the CPA licensure examinations.

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 happy that the DFCAM-LP continues to have competitive scholars who excelled in CPALE?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

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

Xbox-exclusive Clockwork Revolution looks ambitious

June 20, 2023June 17, 2023carlocarrasco

inXile Entertainment, the Xbox studio behind Wasteland 3, is back with their brand new Xbox-exclusive game Clockwork Revolution which turned out to be one of the biggest reveals of the Xbox Games Showcase 2023/Starfield Direct double feature. While no release date has been set, the game will be released on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Windows PC with availability on Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass and Steam.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the official Xbox.com article describing Clockwork Revolution. Some parts in boldface…

This is a fantastical, first-person action RPG, with dynamic time-bending combat, deep interconnected roleplaying systems, and the ability to create your own unique character from the ground up. The project is led by Game Director Chad Moore and Principal Designer Jason Anderson, who just happen to have created one of the greatest steampunk RPGs of all time—Arcanum.

Setting and Story – Clockwork Revolution takes place in the vibrant Victorian-era metropolis of Avalon, where steam trains fly overhead, wealthy industrialists replace their limbs with ornate clockwork prosthetics, and mechanical servants fulfill their masters’ every whim.

*A vibrant steampunk society with a legacy waiting to be discovered in Clockwork Revolution.*

But this new age of wonders holds a dark secret—it’s been carefully constructed by the ruthless Lady Ironwood. Through use of a time travel device, she’s changed key moments in Avalon’s history, keeping the working class struggling in the slums and factories, while bringing herself immense wealth and power. That’s where you come in…

Time Travel and The Chronometer – Discovering Ironwood’s scheme, you’ll use a wondrous device known as the Chronometer to travel back in time, choose how to influence the past, and then return to the present to experience the effects of your decisions. Through unprecedented and complex visual and narrative depth, the choices you make on your trips into the past will change the people, the stories, and the city of Avalon itself in extraordinary and (very often) unexpected ways. In Clockwork Revolution we’re pushing roleplaying reactivity to new heights, infused with the unique texture and personality that you’ve come to expect from our games.

*Looks like a huge boss you will have to fight.*

This is an exciting project for us at inXile. Not only is Clockwork Revolution our first fully-fledged Xbox Game Studios release, but from start to finish we’re utilizing the resources and support of Microsoft and Xbox to create our studio’s first AAA first-person action RPG.

What inXile is doing with Clockwork Revolution is very ambitious. What they showed during the Xbox Games Showcase made lots of gamers online make quick comparisons with BioShock Infinite as they are both first-person games that involve shooting, exploration, intense action and interaction with fantasy settings that are eerily similar between them. While it is not clear how far inXile has gone with the progress of game development, the Clockwork Revolution unveiling last week showed signs of high production values here and there, and it is clear that the developers have a clear vision of what they want to achieve and bring to players in due time.

*Always make sure your weapons are fully loaded before going on a mission.*

Right now, I am excited for Clockwork Revolution and I can only hope that the high production values inXile showed during the showcase will be maintained until they finish making the game. I really want to explore the game’s world, see how the time-traveling feature will deepen the gameplay and experience how much fun the Xbox-exclusive game will turn out. Not only that, I want to see how inXile will implement role-playing and what they could do with the steampunk concept in relation to the storytelling and gameplay.

Clockwork Revolution is most likely a few years away from release. We can only hope that inXile won’t be hampered during the development. Right now they have a lot of resources and a long development process ahead of them.

In concluding this post, posted below are Xbox-related videos for your enjoyment.

+++++

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. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

Two house helpers admit killing elderly woman in Parañaque City and withdrawing her money via ATM

June 20, 2023June 17, 2023carlocarrasco

Two house helpers tearfully admitted to the National of Bureau of Investigation (NBI) that they are responsible for the slaying of an elderly woman in Parañaque City and even used her ATM card to withdraw her funds, according to a Manila Standard news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Standard news report. Some parts in boldface…

Two domestic helpers have admitted to killing an 86-year-old woman in Paranaque City — the sister of a public relations practitioner — last May 4 and taking her ATM card to get her money, then framing another house helper for the crime.

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation filed charges of robbery with homicide against the two suspects, named “Ken” and “Juliet”, after they owned up to the killing of Noemi Dacuycuy.

A month after leaving their employer bloodied and lifeless at her home, the two were caught on CCTV video withdrawing money from a bank using the victim’s ATM card. They later pointed to their fellow helper, a man, as the suspect to the Paranaque police.

But invited for questioning by the NBI after the video was discovered, the suspects admitted tearfully to the slaying, then agreed to reenact the crime for investigators.

Authorities also learned that the two suspects had stolen jewelry and other items from the suspect before, but had forgiven them for it.

The Dacuycuy family also asked the police to free the framed house helper, which the NBI said they would coordinate with the local authorities.

Meanwhile, GMA Network mentioned BF Homes Parañaque as the residence of the victim in their news video which you can watch below…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Does this tragedy and crime news make you worried about domestic helpers in your home turning against you?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

A Look Back at Amazing Spider-Man #385 (1994)

June 19, 2023June 15, 2023carlocarrasco

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1994 and explore a part of the Marvel Comics universe through one of the many tales of the Amazing Spider-Man comic book series.

In my previous retro review, Spider-Man has been caught by the Jury and gets tried in a makeshift court that is so secretive, getting help from outside is impossible. The trial explored how Spider-Man, who brought the alien costume into their world which later led to the beginning of his murderous mortal enemy, is responsible for the deaths and other tragedies connected to Venom.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Amazing Spider-Man #385, published in 1994 by Marvel Comics with a story by David Michelinie and drawn by Mark Bagley. This issue marks the final chapter of a 3-part storyline between the iconic webslinger and the Jury.

Early story

The story begins with a restrained Spider-Man declared guilty and sentenced to death by the so-called court of Orwell Taylor and the Jury. Just as the team members are about to execute the webslinger, their teammate Ramshot intervenes and says that Spider-Man saves lives which is a matter of public record. Disappointed by Ramshot’s behavior, Taylor mentions their secondary mission is to obtain a weapon that might allow them to eliminate their true enemy – Venom.

Taylor then says that if Spider-Man would help them destroy the greater evil, then the court would consider commuting his sentence…

Quality

*Something unfortunate happens during the mission involving Spider-Man and the Jury.*

Considering all the drama and tension that was built up in the previous two issues, the story here is a letdown. For one thing, all the discussions about Spider-Man being responsible for the killings and violence caused by Venom lead to nowhere as the story took a turn for the bizarre concept of the hero getting spared to work with the very team that went after him. Secondly, the mission that Spidey and the Jury worked on really did not have a justifiable goal. This resulted in a disappointing turn of events. Ironically, in this comic book you will see more of Taylor’s cunning on top of his own distorted view about justice.

If there is anything notable here, it is the fact that Spider-Man’s wife Mary Jane gets a good share of the spotlight as she literally moves towards the edge in relation to the deteriorating marriage. This shows that as Spidey spends more time away to do what is good and push back against the forces of evil, his wife gets lonelier and desperate as life turns for the worse. At the very least, this comic book expresses that the marriage of Peter and Mary Jane could be doomed.

Conclusion

*This is how Mary Jane deals with loneliness and the decline in her life.*

Considering what was built up and heavily dramatized in issues #383 and #384, Amazing Spider-Man #385 (1994) is a rather weak conclusion. The way Spider-Man and the Jury parted ways felt more like sudden retreat than a real finish to what was started between them. Strangely enough, the focus on Mary Jane’s decline and desperation literally saved this comic book from becoming a creative disaster. The ending does not have much to do between Spider-Man and the Jury, but it was surprising in a crude way.

Overall, Amazing Spider-Man #385 (1994) is serviceable.

+++++

Philippine triathletes all set for the 2023 Asia Triathlon U23 and Junior Championships in Japan

June 19, 2023June 19, 2023carlocarrasco

Welcome back my readers and sports fans! Eleven members of the Philippine triathlon team will be competing in the 2023 Asia Triathlon U23 and Junior Championships in Gamagori, Japan in a few days from now, according to a sports news release published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Among the members are those who won medals in the recent Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

The Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) will send 11 athletes to Japan for the 2023 Asia Triathlon U23 and Junior Championships that will be held in Gamagori on June 22 to 26.

The event distance in the U23/Junior (Sprint) will be 750m (swim), 20km (bike), and 5km (run) while in the U23/Junior Mixed Relay (Super Sprint), it will be 280m (swim), 7.2km (bike), and 2km (run).

Cebu City’s Andrew Kim Remolino and Faith Raven Alcoseba, Iñaki Emil Lorbes, Juan Francisco Baniqued, and Joshua Alexander Ramos will compete in the U-23 division while Erika Nicole Burgos, Gene Heart Quiambao, Kira Ellis, Lady Samantha Jhunace Corpuz, Dayshaun Karl Ramos, and Matthew Justine Hermosa, who is also from Cebu, are entered in the Junior division.

The athletes will be accompanied by coaches Ani de Leon-Brown, Louann Ramos, and Cebuano Roland Remolino, as well as TRAP secretary general Ramon Marchan, when they leave on June 21.

“We are sending our next-generation triathletes to the Asian Championships, as part of our long-term program to maximize exposure in world-class competitions and high-performance training camps for our high-potential triathletes. Their performances in these events will likewise be a basis for selection to the Asian Games in Hangzhou (China) in September plus the results of the recent SEA (Southeast) Games in Cambodia,” TRAP president Tom Carrasco said in an interview on Saturday.

Supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Philippine triathlon team is off to competing in more events overseas now that the 32nd SEA Games are over. Watch out for more Philippine multisport updates right here!

+++++

Xbox-exclusive fantasy RPG Avowed to be released in 2024

June 16, 2023June 15, 2023carlocarrasco

Following the Xbox Games Showcase 2023 and Starfield Direct double feature, excitement is high for Xbox-exclusive games as well as other games coming into the Xbox Game Pass (XGP) subscription service plus the others that the 3^rd party game publishers will be releasing.

During the showcase, I was very delighted to see the gameplay trailer of Avowed, the brand-new fantasy role-playing game (RPG) from genre specialists Obsidian Entertainment (an Xbox game studio) for the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Windows PC with availability on Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass and Steam. The Xbox-exclusive RPG should be released sometime in 2024.

Avowed’s recent showing is significant not only because it is the first major update in three years but also because Team Xbox and the developers showed a trailer that ran on in-game graphics and featured the first-ever gameplay clips. To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Xbox.com article written by Obsidian’s studio head Feargus Urquhart. Some parts in boldface…

Expanding the universe that we created for the original Pillars of Eternity games, Avowed brings a new perspective, a new way to fight, and a new land to explore in the world of Eora. The Pillars games are near and dear to us and we can’t wait to share Avowed with everyone next year.

In Avowed, you’ll explore the Living Lands, a plagued, wild island set in the world of Eora. The Living Lands are full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, and choice and consequences.

*What comes to your mind with this view from Avowed’s fantasy world?*

Unique to the world of Eora, the Living Lands is home to bustling port towns and rolling hills adorned with weird and fantastical plant life. Every part of the Living Lands is home to its own ecosystem. Around every corner there are creatures, sentient mushrooms, or tribes of lizard-like Xaurips looking to make you their next meal…

As with all our past RPGs, the companions in Avowed play a major role in your adventure. The first companion you will find is Kai, the narrator of this gameplay trailer. Kai is a Coastal Aumaua currently residing in the Living Lands and is one of the only friendly faces you’ll find here. He is a former soldier, and his idealistic and pragmatic temperament will help guide you as you venture out into this wild frontier.

First-person combat has been a huge focus for us. We’ve incorporated a host of ways for players to fight the flora and fauna of the Living Lands. You will have swords, shields, pistols, magical spells, and more at your disposal, including the ability to dual wield, creating a vast number of combinations to choose from.

*A look at the first-person combat in the game.*

With combat so full of possibility, diversity in choice will be needed as you explore the treacherous Living Lands. Home to the Xuarips, plagued undead, and dangerous flora, this island is full of unique enemies to encounter. 

 We’re looking forward to sharing much, much more with everyone as we get closer to the release of Avowed next year.

I have reasons to be very excited for Avowed which happens to be one of the main reasons I bought an Xbox Series X and subscribed to Xbox Game Pass. In my experience as a gamer, I played past RPGs that Obsidian Entertainment made such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II on the original Xbox console, Fallout: New Vegas on the Xbox One and The Outer Worlds on the Xbox One and Xbox Series X. Whatever concept or type of gameplay they came up with, Obsidian delivered on gameplay that is fun and engaging, supporting characters that are worth remembering, and making role-playing really work.

On face value, Avowed looks inspired by Bethesda’s juggernaut RPG Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Like the old game, Obsidian’s new RPG has a first-person view and a lively fantasy setting filled with lots of characters and monsters. However, Avowed is distinct as it has the Pillars of Eternity as a fantasy foundation and the gameplay trailer shows how stylish and functional battles are. Definitely this is not a blatant rip-off of Skyrim.

While the Skyrim comparisons are raging in many gamers’ minds, it should be noted that Avowed won’t be having the open-world design for exploration. Rather, the upcoming game will have inter-connected open zones and the size of the in-game world will be comparable with those of The Outer Worlds and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II as stated by game director Carrie Patel. Her interview is included in the Xbox Games Showcase 2023 Extend video below…

While it could be disappointing to others that Avowed is looking like it will have the huge and separate maps for exploration instead of the massive open-world design, I don’t see this as a mistake since I myself have played The Outer Worlds which had separate maps that were not only huge but also dense and filled with side-quests, exploration opportunities and memorable discoveries. Take note that using the open-world format to present the in-game fantasy world would have definitely extend the development process of Avowed by at least a few more years not to mention costing a lot more money.

Now that Obsidian gave us a glimpse of the fantasy world, the conflict and moments of gameplay of Avowed during the recent Xbox Games Showcase, they will have to show us next time (note: Xbox Games Showcase 2024) more gameplay and demonstrate other aspects such as selective dialogue sequences, their approach to side quests, the tinkering and customization of weapons and equipment, and perhaps building up villages or taking over the castles occupied by enemy forces.

*Imagine yourself facing many armed and armored people responding to your presence.*

Right now, I am excited for Avowed. Here is hoping that Obsidian will be able to complete and polish the game for 2024 release. At this moment, Xbox is gradually becoming the haven for gamers who love not only fantasy RPGs but RPGs of different kinds.

In concluding this post, posted below are YouTube videos related to Avowed, Obsidian Entertainment and Xbox for you to enjoy.

+++++

Man with grenade and replica gun arrested in Parañaque City

June 16, 2023June 15, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, police officers arrested a man for the illegal possession of an explosive and a replica gun, 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…

A 48-year-old man was arrested by members of the Parañaque Police Station Intelligence Section (SIS) for illegal possession of an explosive and a firearm during anti-criminality operations on Tuesday, June 13.

Col. Renato Ocampo, city police chief, identified the suspect as Abdul Sallam Silongam, also known as Hakim, 48.

Ocampo said Hakim was arrested at around 8:39 p.m. on Old Sucat Road in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.

Confiscated from the suspect was one replica of .45-caliber pistol with magazine and a hand grenade. Ocampo said the suspect was detained at the police custodial facility after his arrest.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you think more loose explosives and firearms (both genuine and replicas) are still out there?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

A Look Back at Superman vs. Aliens #1 (1995)

June 15, 2023June 13, 2023carlocarrasco

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1995 to examine what was back then one of the most unthinkable comic book crossovers to ever happen – Superman vs. Aliens (also referred to as Superman/Aliens).

I remember sometime back in 1994, I bought a new superhero comic book from the local comic book retailer and what caught my attention was the print ad on the back – an Alien chestburster crashing through the iconic Superman S logo. A few of my friends who saw the same print ad chuckled at the concept of having the Man of Steel together with the monsters from the movie franchise that first started in 1979 with Ridley Scott’s Alien. Then came 1995 and eventually the first issue of the Superman vs. Aliens mini-series made it on the shelves of local comic book stores. Its cover easily attracted the attention of many and I saw the image of Superman being smaller to the Xenomorph alien in the background, the concept of the crossover started to intrigue me.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Superman vs. Aliens #1, published in 1995 by Dark Horse Comics and DC Comics with a story written and drawn by Dan Jurgens with ink work done by Kevin Nowlan.

Early story

The story begins in space when a fast moving object from nowhere heads towards Earth which was detected by a satellite of Lex Luthor’s corporation. Behind the scenes, personnel initiated an alert for a certain Dr. Kimble.

Clark Kent (Superman) and Lois Lane arrive at the headquarters of Lexcorp. It turns out they were suddenly called for by the corporation due to what happened in space. As they ride the elevator heading towards the rooftop, Clark and Lois talk about Lexcorp’s space program and Dr. Kimble who happens to lead the said program.

At the roof, they meet Dr. Cheryl Kimble and immediately ride with her in the helicopter going to a certain destination in anticipation of the probe’s estimated arrival. During the trip, Kimble reveals that they received radio signals from the incoming probe which were garbled almost unintelligible. She then plays an excerpt of the radio signals for Clark and Lois to listen to.

For Clark, he cannot help but feel shocked as he finds the audio sounding like Kryptonian…

Quality

*Superman finds a dead Facehugger alien.*

Firstly, I can say without any hesitation that the creative team succeeded in making the crossover between Superman and the Aliens believable within this very comic book. For one thing, Dan Jurgens came up with a script and visual design that radically different from what was shown in Superman comic books of the time. The script had this somewhat adulterated tone that made the comic book move away from superhero fantasy and move into the realm of cinematic science fiction. For setting the tone and the look, the creative team scored a home run.

Secondly, the script was properly structured to immerse readers with the tale initially following Superman, Lois Lane and Dr. Kimble which ultimately served as a build-up. The good news here is that readers don’t have to wait too long for the pay-off to be executed. In fact, the pay-off itself (which happens when the Man of Steel finally encounters the Xenomorph for the first time) is huge and immediately the tension and depth of the plot really shifted into high-gear which I enjoyed. Along the way, the expository dialogue or the presentation of details (to help readers understand) was nicely balanced.

Thirdly, I love the way how Dan Jurgens presented Superman as being more troubled and more vulnerable than usual. To see the American icon go into personal obsession over the Kryptonian details was a really unique way to presenting his human side. Also having Superman deep in space far away from any sun or star (the essential source for his powers) really made him truly vulnerable as he actually got weaker even before facing off with a Xenomorph. Being in a vulnerable state, you will see the Man of Steel in real danger which truly goes against type (note: being super strong and invulnerable all the time). As such, the danger of the Aliens against him is believable and intense. What I do find weird, however, is how awkward it is for me to see Superman actually trying to reason with the first Xenomorph he encounters. Of course, he has no previous knowledge about the violent nature of the Aliens but we readers – and millions of people who saw any of the movies – know better than him.

As part of the build-up, Dan Jurgens inserted details and flashbacks that recalled previous tales that were published during the early stage of the post-Crisis era of DC Comics. This not only includes Superman’s arrival on Earth but also his strategic killing of General Zod, Zaora and Quex-Ul using green Kryptonite (as published in Superman #22 of 1988). As such, Superman’s deep regret of taking life away from others serves as a build-up for his avoidance of killing in this crossover. This actually races the stakes for his upcoming encounters with the Aliens.

Even though the story is told through Superman, Dan Jurgens still had enough room to develop Lois Lane and Dr. Kimble. Kimble symbolizes the driven corporate executive who is in-charge of operations that could help her make claims on scientific discoveries and new technologies. Lois Lane here served as the intellectual opposite of Kimble without ever going into the extremes of gaining something for her journalistic career.

Conclusion

*Superman with Lois Lane and Dr. Kimble.*

Very clearly, Superman vs. Aliens #1 (1995) is indeed a great comic book as well as great opener for its mini-series. Dan Jurgens established a tale that had sufficient build-up and when the pay-off started, the crossover aspect really made the story more compelling to read. Ultimately, this one made the crossover between Superman and the Xenomorphs believable, engaging and intriguing. This comic book is a great start and I am eager to find out what happens next.

Overall, Superman vs. Aliens #1 (1995) is highly recommended!

+++++

COVID-19 Crisis: Bivalent vaccines being distributed

June 15, 2023June 14, 2023carlocarrasco

The bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 are being distributed in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other regions here in the Philippines, according to a news report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Specifically, the patients who are qualified to receive the shots are the elderly, individuals with co-morbidity, and health care workers.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Health (DOH) has begun distributing the 390,000 bivalent coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines donated by the Lithuanian government.

“As we speak, I think they have already been redistributed to the different region(al offices) of the Department of Health,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in a Palace press briefing on Tuesday.

Herbosa noted that most of the jabs went to the National Capital Region while the rest were distributed to the other regions.

The elderly, individuals with co-morbidity, and health care workers will be prioritized in the administration of the bivalent vaccines as booster shots.

The prioritized population must be vaccinated immediately as the bivalent doses only have a six-month shelf-life upon delivery.

“So, kapag binili mo iyan (if you buy them) out of the shelf, like this one, this donation, they end on November 23, that’s the expiry date,” he said.

Although the World Health Organization has already declared an end to Covid-19 as a public health emergency, Herbosa emphasized that the public must not be complacent in its fight against the virus and get vaccinated or receive booster shots.

He explained that getting infected could still lead to death, especially among individuals with co-morbidity.

Acknowledging that the donated doses are not enough, he said the DOH is negotiating to acquire more donations and considering procurement of additional jabs.

However, there are “snags and issues,” which may slow down the procurement process, he said.

“So, the issue of the vaccine is in terms of the EUA (emergency use authorization). So, to procure it, kailangan ma-i-rehistro sa ating (they have to be registered with the) FDA (Food and Drug Administration). But, we are trying hard to get all these bivalent (vaccines),” he said.

Earlier, the DOH reported that 1.002 million doses of Pfizer’s bivalent jabs from the COVAX Facility would arrive in March.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you qualified to receive a third booster shot? Has your local government been distributing the bivalent vaccines?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

	#blogpost on Almost 4,000 Las Piñas City Se…
	Politics Channel on Almost 4,000 Las Piñas City Se…
	AI Channel on Almost 4,000 Las Piñas City Se…
	#southies on Almost 4,000 Las Piñas City Se…
	#blogpost on Panel By DHSUD To Check Concer…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: