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A Look Back at Superman #1 (1987)

February 3, 2025February 3, 2025carlocarrasco

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, 1980s pop culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1987 and explore a notable chapter of the post-Crisis DC Comics universe through the iconic Superman.

To put things in perspective, DC Comics rebooted its entire shared universe in 1986 after the conclusion of Crisis on Infinite Earths. They published the 6-part The Man of Steel mini-series to reboot the iconic Superman and modernize him with the creative leadership of John Byrne. By the time the mini-series ended, the new background stories, the supporting characters and creative foundation of the post-Crisis Superman were established. That being said, a brand new Superman monthly series led by Byrne was inevitable.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Superman #1, published in 1987 by DC Comics with a story written and drawn by John Byrne.

Early story

The story begins with Superman smashing his way through into a secretive, high-tech facility. Noticing so much technology, he begins to wonder why would anyone abandon such a facility. As he slowly makes his way inside, he finds several images of him displayed confirming that someone has been devoting a great deal of time and effort to research him. This makes him concerned that someone in his old home town of Smallville could recognize a picture of Superman as their fellow resident Clark Kent.

As he keeps searching, he finds the body of a dead scientist whose neck was broken. He also notices the corpse’s fingerprints are the same as those found on the truck outside of the facility. The truck itself was involved in the theft of his Kryptonian rocket. After finding more nasty evidence, Superman digs deep down underneath the facility then lifts a huge part of the ground with the said structure on top. He lifts up everything and brought them all into space free from the reach of people below.

Superman then flies off to Metropolis to change into Clark Kent to meet with Lois Lane at the city park…

Quality

*I like the way John Byrne told parallel narratives with Superman in the present on the left, and flashbacks of Metallo on the right.*

To begin with, this tale written by John Byrne is another inspire piece of work published at a time when the post-Crisis shared universe of DC Comics was still new and expanding. Byrne really defined Superman’s place in the shared universe by modernizing it with the 1980s in mind and he came up with a story introducing the post-Crisis version of Metallo while coming up with a sub-plot of a mad scientist who was not only obsessed with Superman but also was involved with the said super villain.

The plot is clearly well-structured which starts with Superman doing believable detective work of his own which led to the discovery of the mad scientist whose intense research pose a danger to the Man of Steel. Having dual identities and social responsibilities to live up to, Superman also takes the time to adjust to his normal life as Clark Kent at a time when he has to socialize with his Daily Planet colleague Lois Lane. Without spoiling the plot, I can say that you will see the iconic superhero ranging from being mighty to becoming vulnerable, weakened and suffering tremendous pain. How Byrne handled the transition of Superman is excellent.

The sub-plot of the mad scientist obsessing over discoveries about Superman is short and yet highly significant. For one thing, Superman himself has been very careful on keeping his dual identities secret and yet someone managed to secretly photograph him and come up with a lot of information – including the destroyed world of Krypton and the Kryptonian legacy of the hero – that could expose his deepest secrets and ruin his life entirely. The mad scientist’s obsession has strong sci-fi elements related to UFOs and aliens from deep space.

For the Man of Steel, this is too dangerous and also too personal to be left behind untouched. This aspect of the story makes this old tale more relevant in today’s world of drones with cameras, CCTV systems, hacking and the potential of users (or artificial intelligence) who could collect information on people without their consent.

The post-Crisis Metallo looks inspired by the Terminator and appears in human form. He goes by the name John Corben who previously got fatally injured in a car crash and subsequently was taken by the mad scientist (who transplanted the man’s brain into a robotic body). It should be noted that the said scientist also has an obsession about Kryptonians which led to his plan to send a chosen warrior to go against Superman supposedly to prevent Earth from getting conquered. How Metallo and his physical fight with the Man of Steel is a must-read.

Conclusion

Imagine yourself discovering a secret room filled with information and pieces of evidence and visual references about you. This should resonate with people whose privacy got violated. Also try imagining people inside the offices of tech giants with collected information and images about you.

Superman #1 (1987) is still a great read. It has a complex approach on portraying the battle between good and evil without losing focus on the storytelling and the expansion of Superman’s post-Crisis lore. Its sub-plot of the mad scientist and his obsession on Superman will resonate with people who feel vulnerable over the loss of their private information in today’s world of social media, abusive technology giants and artificial intelligence-driven surveillance systems. There is also a lot of superhero action for readers to enjoy, and the spectacle is never silly nor outlandish to look at. Oh yes, seeing Superman in a vulnerable state and getting actually hurt is believable to see.

Overall, Superman #1 (1987) is highly recommended!

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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

Bureau of Immigration (BI) tells public to report foreigners engaged in illegal espionage

February 3, 2025February 2, 2025carlocarrasco

In light of the recent apprehension of Chinese nationals who were suspected to be working as spies, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) urged the public to report foreign nationals engaged in illegal espionage here in the Philippines, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Sunday, Feb. 2, urged the public to report foreigners engaged in illegal espionage and other suspicious activities.

“We are serious in our efforts to stop these undesirable aliens from abusing our hospitality,” declared BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado in a statement.

Viado aired his plea following the arrest of six suspected Chinese spies who were caught during a series of operations conducted recently by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The alleged spies were earlier identified by as Deng Yuangqing, Cai Shaohuang, Cheng Hai Tao, Wu Cheng Ting, Wang Yong Yi, and Wu Chin Ren.

They have been charged with the non-bailable offense of violations of Commonwealth Act No. 616, the Espionage Act, in relation to Republic Act (RA) No. 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Viado disclosed the BI has been investigating the arrested suspected spies and found that they have been embedded in the Philippines for years.

“Some have been here as early as 2002,” he said.

“They have been holding legal statuses, and have lived in the country for a long time before they were found to be doing suspicious activities by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” he also said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be a lot of spies from Communist China living here in the Philippines doing secretive espionage work? Do you think the government should announce financial rewards for information that would lead to arrest of foreigners who committed illegal espionage in the country?

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

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Almost 600 residents of Barangay Talon Dos avail of health services from Las Piñas City caravan

February 1, 2025January 25, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, almost six hundred residents of Barangay Talon Dos got served with health services by the Health and Wellness Caravan, the City Government announced via social media. Vice Mayor April Aguilar was present during the actvitiy.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan, led by the City Health Office, brought essential healthcare services to Talon Dos residents on Tuesday, January 21, at the Bambusetum Covered Court. Nearly 600 beneficiaries availed of the free services, showcasing the city’s dedication to ensuring accessible healthcare for its citizens.

The program offered free medical consultations, blood sugar and cholesterol screenings, chest X-rays, ECG tests, dental services, and pneumonia vaccinations for senior citizens. Additional support included free medicines, PhilHealth registration, Green Card program assistance, and mobile birth registration.

City Vice Mayor April Aguilar graced the event, accompanied by City Councilors Mark Anthony Santos and Henry Medina. City Health Office head Dr. Juliana Gonzalez was also present to ensure the smooth execution of the services, addressing the needs of the residents throughout the day.

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 Health and Wellness Caravan of the City Government will be able to cover all barangays before the May 2025 election campaign period begins?

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

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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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

I had a nice burger meal at Meat Plus Café in Subic Bay

January 31, 2025January 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Have you visited the Subic Bay Freeport Zone lately? I did. After completing an assignment there, I decided to have a meal at Meat Plus Café before driving all the way back to Alabang. It was an opportunity for me to eat there for the first time since 2018. Not only that, I was curious to try a burger meal there.

For the newcomers reading this, the Subic Bay branch of Meat Plus Café has been in business for a long time and it continues to attract a steady stream of customers (including the loyal ones who love to consume more from them) to this day. The restaurant is very popular for its meat servings like steaks, Beef Salpicao, burgers, oven-roasted beef belly, BBQ pork ribs, hamburger steaks and more. They also have notable alternatives such as the Seaburger, fried chicken and salmon. Salad, soup and side dishes are also offered.

Meat Plus Café is located at 65 Sampson Road inside the freeport, just footsteps away from the SBMA Fire Station. There is also a huge parking area in front of the restaurant which is so easy to find. For its precise Google Maps location, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/6CD6VwZPsGzBanG26

*These are the meat platters being offered to customers and families.*

Eventually on a Friday afternoon, I parked my car and entered the restaurant. Even at past 3PM, there were still several people eating inside with some chairs and tables left vacant. I went to the counter and looked at the menu carefully searching for their burgers. Early on, I chose the Meat Plus Burger and when I asked the lady (behind the counter) if it came with French Fries, she pointed to the combo meal which includes the said burger with fries and a drink. Since it was the complete package, I ordered the Meat Plus Burger combo meal and added a standalone serving of coleslaw (to add more vegetables). I paid a total of P435.

After about ten minutes waiting and sitting comfortably, the waiter served me my meal. Take a look at the images below.

*The combo meal I ordered has the Meat Plus Burger, fries, a slice of tomato, a slice of cucumber, condiments and a small serving of coleslaw. This combo meal costs P355.*

On my plate was the Meat Plus Burger, fries, condiments, cucumber slice, thin tomato slice and a small serving of coleslaw. Good thing I ordered a standalone coleslaw (not pictured) because I really wanted more veggies in my meal.

*A closer look at the Meat Plus Burger. It has two Angus beef patties, cheese and onions. The bread was smooth.*

After consuming the fries first, I grabbed the Meat Plus Burger, carefully inserted the tomato slice and cucumber slice, and then took my first bite of it. The burger was pretty delicious and the flavor of the meat is very unique as the two patties were actually Angus beef patties. With each bite of the burger – with the Angus beef flavor combining with the cheese, cucumber and tomato slices – came more enjoyment on my part. Alternately, I consumed the coleslaw and my drink (diet soda). The burger was so tasty, I did not use the condiments at all.

*This is the remaining Meat Plus Burger I had. The tomato slice and cucumber slice were added already.*

I am very glad I had Meat Plus Café’s combo meal with their signature burger during my last visit in Subic Bay. In fact, my meal there was a late lunch for me and I was really starving when I got inside. I would love to return to Meat Plus Café – Subic Bay once I return.

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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

NLCOM and New Life La Trinidad help fire victims in Benguet

January 31, 2025January 23, 2025carlocarrasco

In response to a fire that struck a community on New Year’s Day in Benguet province, New Life Community Care Foundation International, Inc. (NLCOM) – the compassion arm of New Life Philippines located inside Alabang Hills Village in Muntinlupa City – announced through social media that it teamed up with New Life La Trinidad to help the victims of Barangay Camp 6 in Tuba.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the January 21, 2025 social media post of NLCOM. Some parts in boldface…

A donation drive was held last January 14, 2025 in Barangay Camp 6, Tuba, Benguet, to provide relief bags and jugs of water to the victims of the house fire that occurred on January 1, 2025. The NLCOM team successfully collected donations from their generous contributors while New Life La Trinidad distributed the goods.

Donations and prayers poured in after the house fire, which broke out just an hour after the traditional New Year celebration. The incident destroyed 29 homes, leaving 31 families (135 individuals) homeless.

When the donations were delivered to the Barangay Hall, some of the fire victims arrived to claim their relief goods, and some of the individuals, after receiving their donations, were assisted to their temporary shelter.

The team interviewed the fire victims, shared words of encouragement, and prayed for them. Before leaving the site, they also visited the area affected by the tragic fire. Dreams and memories were among the many things that turned to ashes in the devastating aftermath. We are truly grateful for the capacity to help the community start to rebuild what was destroyed.

For the newcomers reading this, I previously blogged about NLCOM back in 2020 which you can read by clicking here and my most recent blog can viewed by clicking here, here, here and here. As mentioned earlier, NLCOM has an established record of providing relief to disaster victims and helping them rebuild their lives and communities as they recover.

NLCOM is committed to organizing activities from disaster preparedness trainings, relief goods distribution, mobile kitchen feeding operations, Psychological First Aid to kids and adults traumatized by a disaster, and rebuilding of damaged houses. To get to know NLCOM better, I recommend you watch their official YouTube video below…

If you have decided to help people through NLCOM, be aware that New Life’s compassion arm is accepting donations. You may send your monetary donations to:

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CARE FOUNDATION INT’L. INC.

PESO CHECKING ACCOUNT:

Unionbank (Richville Branch)

00-133000543-3

US DOLLAR ACCOUNT:

Unionbank (Richville Branch)

13-133000530-7

Swift Code: ubpphphmm

Via PAYPAL: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nlcomPH

For more information about NLCOM, visit https://nlcom.org.ph/ or visit their office at 2 Don Manolo Boulevard, Alabang Hills Village, Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Contact them at landline 88091542 extension 426.

In ending post, let me share with you a few holy scriptures that should remind you that God is our source, our provider and the blessedness of giving is absolutely true. Be remind that Lord Jesus is the hope of all nations.

Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, and God pays back those loans in full.

Proverbs 19:17 (MSG)

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV)

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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

Fire and flood victims of Las Piñas City receive DSWD aid

January 29, 2025January 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, over two hundred fifty victims of fire and flood received aid provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which partnered with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), according to the social media announcement of the City Government.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR), in partnership with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Las Piñas, distributed Livelihood Settlement Grants to fire and flood victims at the Las Piñas Multipurpose Hall, benefiting a total of 253 individuals affected by recent calamities.

Among the beneficiaries were 86 fire victims from Barangays Elias Aldana, Pilar, Talon Tres, and CAA, and 167 flood victims from Barangays Pamplona Tres, Talon Tres, and Elias Aldana. Each qualified beneficiary received financial assistance ranging from ₱10,000 to ₱15,000, depending on the validation results of DSWD-NCR.

The grant aimed to support individuals with small-scale businesses or livelihoods disrupted by the said disasters. The payout process, handled by CSWDO and DSWD-NCR personnel, ensured that aid was provided efficiently and directly to qualified recipients.

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? Were there any fire or flooding victims in your local community who received DSWD aid?

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

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Las Piñas City a recipient of multiple awards

January 26, 2025January 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government revealed during the flag ceremony that it has received multiple awards and one of them is from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the LGU revealed through social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The City of Las Piñas, led by Vice Mayor April Aguilar, held its weekly flag-raising ceremony on Monday morning, January 20 at the City Hall grounds, highlighting the city’s recent accomplishments.

During the ceremony, Las Piñas City was presented with multiple awards, including a Plaque of Appreciation from the National Youth Commission for the Outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan Federation and a Certificate of Recognition from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) as the Top 2 Best Performing Local Government Unit in Metro Manila for solid waste management in 2024. These recognitions underscore the city’s dedication to youth empowerment and environmental sustainability.

City officials and employees joined the ceremony to celebrate these achievements, reinforcing the local government’s commitment to providing excellent public service and implementing effective programs for its residents.

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 with the latest awards the City Government received?

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

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Lunar Remastered Collection scheduled for release on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on April 18, 2025

January 24, 2025January 17, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back Xbox fans, geeks, retro gaming enthusiasts, RPG enthusiasts and gamers!

GungHo Online recently announced the release date of the anticipated retro Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) collection Lunar Remastered Collection which is April 18, 2025.

For the newcomers reading this, the said collection contains the two memorable fantasy role-playing games (fantasy RPGs) which are Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete (enhanced version of Lunar: The Silver Star) and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete (enhanced version of Lunar: Eternal Blue). Since the releases of the original versions in the 1990s, the Lunar RPGs have been released on a variety of consoles such as Sega CD, PlayStation and Sega Saturn.

*Lunar Remastered Collection will be the first-time the Lunar RPGs will be released on Xbox consoles. It will launch on April 18, 2025.*

For the JRPG-loving Xbox fans, the said Lunar Remastered Collection is indeed coming to Xbox Series X|S and the aging Xbox One. Strangely enough, as of this writing, the said collection has yet to appear on the Xbox online store.

While GungHo confirmed there will be physical copies of Lunar Remastered Collection coming out, it is uncertain if such copies of the Xbox version will be released. The press release mentioned that physical editions “will be available exclusively through Amazon for $54.99 USD” for the North American market. As for the European market, only the PlayStation 4 (PS4) and Nintendo Switch will have physical copies through Clear River Games.

If you are an Xbox fan who loves Lunar and JRPGs in general, are you discouraged about the potential lack of physical copies of Lunar Remastered Collection? If you really want it badly, better express your opinions and questions directly to Team Xbox and GungHo via Twitter, or by email.

For updates about Lunar Remastered Collection, visit https://www.lunarremastered.com/

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President Marcos congratulates Trump, looks forward closely to working with him

January 24, 2025January 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Through social media, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., congratulated US President Donald Trump (whose 2^nd term has started officially) and expressed that he is looking forward to working with him in relation to Philippines-America ties, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). It should be remembered that Marcos and Trump previously talked over the phone.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. extended his congratulations to newly inaugurated United States (US) President Donald Trump following his return to office, emphasizing the strength of the Philippine-American alliance and its role in regional security.

“Congratulations to POTUS @realdonaldtrump and to the American people on another peaceful transfer of power in their Nation’s nearly 250-year history. I look forward to working closely with you and your Administration,” Marcos said in a statement posted on social media Tuesday.

Marcos underscored the enduring alliance between the Philippines and the US, stressing that it would continue to be a cornerstone for regional stability.

“The strong and lasting PH-US alliance will continue to uphold our shared vision of prosperity and security in the region,” he said.

The Philippines and the United States have long been allies, engaging in numerous joint military, economic, and diplomatic initiatives that now face ongoing regional challenges, including tensions in the South China Sea and broader Indo-Pacific security concerns.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there will be breakthroughs with regards to the Philippines-America ties? Now that Rodrigo Duterte is no longer the President of the Philippines, do you think President Trump will be more motivated to have America collaborate more with Philippines economically and militarily? Do you think China will refrain from bullying Filipinos at sea once the Trump administration starts working closely with the Philippines?

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

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A Look Back at Predator #1 (1989)

November 22, 2024November 17, 2024carlocarrasco

Welcome back science fiction enthusiasts, 1980s arts and culture enthusiasts, movie fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1989 to take a look at a significant event of the Predator entertainment franchise – the comic book launch of Predator.

For the newcomers reading this, Predator started as a sci-fi action movie in 1987 directed by John McTiernan (Die Hard) and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, and Jesse Ventura to name some. The writers and creators were Jim Thomas and John Thomas. As the movie became a huge commercial success, it led to the start of its own multi-media entertainment franchise covering video games, toys, novels and comic books. It also led to the release of more movies including a crossover film with the Alien franchise.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Predator #1, published in 1989 by Dark Horse Comics with a story written by Mark Verheiden and drawn by Chris Warner. The is the first chapter of a 4-issue mini-series and it would later be referred to as Predator: Concrete Jungle.

Early story

The story begins during a very hot summer day in 1991 New York City. A man killed his own wife using a shotgun which eventually leads to the arrival of cops, medics and his arrest. The two detectives Errol Rasche and John Schaefer (brother of Dutch) have been working together in the local war against crime and they have a tendency to do things that violate their superiors’ orders.

In one of the rundown buildings of New York, a secret meeting between two gangs got terribly disrupted by a Predator who attacked from the outside. Chaos and destruction followed.

Shortly after, Rasche and Schaefer arrive outside the same building which has been surrounded and isolated by the local police. When a man suddenly fell out of the building and crashed on top of a police car, the two detectives decide to enter willfully violating the order to stay out.

Once they enter the room where the secret gang meeting was held, Rasche and Schaefer are shocked to see many skinned and dead bodies inside. Schaefer is convinced that what happened was not the result of a gang war…

Quality

*A gang meeting about to be disrupted by the unseen Predator.*

This comic book – written as a not-too-obvious sequel to the 1987 movie – is absolutely very intriguing to read from start to finish. Mark Verheiden clearly wrote a crime story that happens to involve the species of deadly hunters from outer space. In fact, this comic book has very notable elements that also made it into the core concept of the 1990 movie Predator 2.

Story is set within a massive city that happens to be suffering from a heat wave – check! There is rampant crime and conflicts between gangs – check! The Predator causes huge disruptions on the criminals – check! The detectives willingly violate protocol to solve cases – check! One of the detectives is gradually getting closer to retiring and his pension – check. It’s almost as if this comic book was a huge influence on the people who made Predator 2.

Going back to the story, this is a strong tale of crime and urban war told through the exploits of detectives Schaefer and Rasche who have worked many years together, they treat each other like brothers (similar to Predator 2’s Mike Harrigan and Danny Archuleta).

With their record of disobeying orders, Schaefer and Rasche simply involve themselves in cases believing they have the right know the details on the spot and to solve problems their way even though their superiors don’t need them. This is the anti-authoritarian portrayal of law enforcers that easily reminded me of certain TV shows and movies of the 1980s.

All throughout, the story by Verheiden is nicely structured, has lots of engaging details to follow and carefully blends sci-fi elements with detective storytelling. Verheiden clearly knows how to build up tension, keep the narrative progressing and use action or spectacle with precise timing.

When it comes to the visuals, Chris Warner’s style is very good. His approach on drawing the characters made them look exquisite and visceral at the same time. In fact, there were some shots of people in this comic book which reminded me of Todd McFarlane’s way of drawing people during his early works in comics. Lastly, I should say that Warner’s approach on hard action and his way of drawing of the Predator must be seen.

Conclusion

*Rasche and Schaefer defy orders. Schaefer (holding the gun) is the brother of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character in the Predator movie of 1987.*

I really enjoyed reading Predator #1 (1989). This is indeed really fine work by the Verheiden-Warner team and as far as building up the lore of the Predator goes, they clearly succeeded and their contributions here strongly influenced the creation of Predator 2 which opened in cinemas in late 1990. This comic book has the visceral touch and violence that make it comparable with both the 1987 and 1990 movies.

Overall, Predator #1 (1989) is highly recommended!

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