In Parañaque City, a wanted person from South Korea was apprehended by local law enforcers and their foreign counterparts this past Monday, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect is wanted for robbery hostage in his home country and the warrant of arrest was issued almost two years ago.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A Korean fugitive was arrested by members of the Southern Police District-Special Operation Unit (SPD-DSOU) and their foreign counterparts in Parañaque City on Monday, Dec. 12.
The suspect, identified as Kim Mihngyu, 29, a businessman, is now detained at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City pending his deportation.
SPD Director Brig. Gen. Kirby John Kraft said the suspect was arrested around 5:45 p.m. at Solaire Resort and Casino located in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.
Kraft said the Seoul Central District Court issued a warrant of arrest against the suspect on December 23, 2020 for robbery hostage in violation of Article 336 of the Criminal Act of the Republic of Korea.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Are you concerned that wanted criminals from overseas could be staying secretly within the borders of Parañaque City? Are you thankful to the law enforcers for the apprehension of the suspect?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
Welcome back, superheo enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts, X-Men fans and comic book collectors! Today we revisit the X-Men Adventures monthly series which was the literary adaptation of the popular X-Men animated series of the 1990s.
Within the lore of the X-Men, Juggernaut is a significant supervillain who not only gave the X-Men a lot of trouble but also did the same with other heroes within the Marvel Comics shared universe. In the 2006 movie X-Men: The Last Stand, Juggernaut made his first-ever cinematic appearance. In 2018’s Deadpool 2, a new cinematic version of Juggernaut appeared. In my retro comic book review of What If #13 (1990), a different version of Juggernaut was featured by the creators.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at X-Men Adventures #9, published by Marvel Comics in 1993 with a story written by Ralph Macchio and drawn by Andrew Wildman.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins with the X-Men (riding their jet) arriving from Genosha only to see a part of Professor X’s mansion destroyed. After landing, Cyclops, Wolverine and Jean Grey immediately searched through the rubble and found a path into the War Room. Using Cerebro, they uncovered a prepared video message of Professor X who tells them that he is taking a journey whose results may change their lives forever. After apologizing for the cryptic nature of the message, Xavier tells them that he trusts they will continue with their training and look after the School of Gifted Children in his absence.
The X-Men could not determine if their mentor left the mansion before the destruction took place. In response to Gambit’s question related to detection, Wolverine senses big foot prints and there was a familiar smell left behind. Wolverine decides to go out to keep following the scent which causes Cyclops to insist that the situation at hand is not the time for the team members to separate from each other.
After telling Cyclops he has places to go to, Wolverine then leaves his teammates with a motorcycle. Cyclops tells Storm to take Rogue and Jubilee with her to track Wolverine and stay close to him…
Quality
The sheer power of Juggernaut.
To describe this comic book’s story, I can say it was a fine mix of suspense, mystery and superhero spectacle. As the X-Men struggled to figure out how the damage on the mansion happened and where exactly did Charles Xavier go to, I felt this sense of dread backed with strong mystery. As the plot continued, there were these short-yet-notable character moments among the X-Men such as Gambit getting closer with Jean Grey who believes that she should be helping others on the field as her beloved Cyclops made a decision that kept her with him at the mansion.
The search for who is responsible for the mansion’s big damage creatively took notable paths in the story. One strong figure appeared and became a target of some X-Men members while another one became Wolverine’s target.
As expected, the highlight of this tale is Juggernaut himself and to say that he his huge and powerful is a big understatement. At this point of the X-Men Adventures monthly series, this is the one notable conflict that has multiple X-Men members struggling really hard fighting one single powerful enemy. In some ways, Juggernaut here looks like a much more dangerous foe than Magneto within this series. How the conflict in the story ended in a really intriguing yet sensible way which should resonate with X-Men fans.
Conclusion
Only Cyclops, Gambit and Jean Grey (who wanted to do more) remained at the mansion.
X-Men Adventures #9 (1993) is fun and intriguing to read. At the stage of this monthly series, the X-Men are not only more developed but are also challenged deeply as their mentor is no longer around to lead them. This makes the path ahead look more enticing to anticipate.
Overall, X-Men Adventures #9 (1993) is recommended.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) just resumed voter registration processes nationwide and it will last until January 31, 2023, according to a news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). COMELEC offices around the country are operating and waiting for voters as well as newcomers to come in.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA report. Some parts in boldface…
Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the registration period will run until Jan. 31, 2023, in preparation for the December 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
Qualified voters may visit Comelec office in their cities and towns from Monday through Saturday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Laudiangco said.
He noted though that there are three malls outside the National Capital Region (NCR) tapped as pilot test areas of the Register Anywhere Project (RAP) aside from the five malls located in Metro Manila that can accommodate qualified applicant residing anywhere in the Philippines. will be held on Saturdays and Sundays only between Dec. 17 to Jan. 22, 2023, except Dec. 24, 25 and 31, 2022 and Jan. 1, 2023.
“The RAP Pilot Test will be conducted at the following sites: SM Mall of Asia (Pasay City), SM Fairview (Quezon City), SM Southmall (Las Piñas City), Robinson’s Place Manila and Robinson’s Galleria (Quezon City),” the poll body official said in a statement released late Friday night.
“Additional RAP sites for those who are temporarily in the following areas but want to register and vote in their respective towns and cities outside of these areas, Robinson’s Mall Tacloban, Barangay Baras Baras, Tacloban City; SM City Legazpi, Imelda Roces Avenue, Zone 9, Barangay 37 Bitano, Legazpi City, Albay and Robinson’s Mall Naga, Naga City, Camarines Sur,” he added.
Aside from the malls, applicants can also register at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City on Jan. 25, 2023.
RAP will also be opened at House of Representatives in Quezon City and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Main Office in Pasay City, although the schedule has not been finalized yet.
The public is advised to check Comelec announcements through Comelec’s website http://www.comelec.gov.ph and official social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok).
“All types of applications will be accepted: new voter, transfer, reactivation, reinstatement, change/correction of entries, overseas to local registration regarding mall sites and its schedules,” Laudiangco added.
Applicants are advised to bring valid proofs of identifications such as National ID (PhilSys), passport, driver’s license, employment ID, student ID or library card signed by the management of the school, college or university, Senior Citizens ID, PWD ID, Indigenous Peoples Certificate from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, and notarized Barangay Certification with applicant’s photo and signature.
To qualify as Barangay voters, applicants should be 18 years old and above, Filipinos residing in the Philippines for at least one year, and residing in the area where he/she is looking to get registered for at least six months prior to Election Day.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: When was the last time you went to the COMELEC for registration or adjustment of your voter’s record? Do you intend to vote in the next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections scheduled for December 2023?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
In the City of Las Piñas, an integrated resort and casino will be established as the project has been officially announced by business tycoon and former Philippine Senator Manny Villar, according to a Manila Standard news report. The project has the potential to make the city a hot spot for tourism, entertainment and gambling.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Standard report. Some parts in boldface…
Billionaire Manuel Villar is betting on the recovery of the gaming business as he plans to start developing a $1-billion integrated resort and casino in Las Pinas City next year.
Villar said in an interview with reporters he would convert Vista Mall Global South mall, which sits on a 80-hectare property, into a casino with hotels.
The group will initially develop nine hectares where the mall, which has 18,000 square meters of gross floor area, is located.
Villar said he was looking at the Las Vegas model where the casino would have other attractions like theme park, theatres, restaurants, retail, hotels, condotels and non-gaming components.
The group is now in talks with potential foreign partners for the venture, he said.
He said the planned casino would be adjacent to the international airport just like the four other integrated resort and casinos in the government-sponsored Entertainment City in Paranaque.
The casino industry was one of the hardest-hit sectors during the pandemic following the closure of international borders and the implement of quarantine restrictions. With the easing mobility this year, the gaming industry began to slowly recover, but has yet to get close to pre-pandemic levels as China, the country’s second top source market for tourists, continued to implement strict border controls because of its zero-Covid policy.
Villar said that aside from the casino, he is also bullish on the real estate sector, as his listed property Vista Land & Lifecapes Inc. is set to launch 41 projects next year. This would be an all-time high for the company in terms of project launches.
“We have not done this before. We have not launched this scale,” Villar said.
He said nearly all Vista Land’s businesses including retail, office and property development were back to pre-pandemic levels.
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 planned integrated resort and casino will add significantly to the economy of the city? How many new jobs do you think the project will create for the city?
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
By achieving a high rate of COVID-19 vaccination of its residents, the City Government of Las Piñas received a commendation from the Department of Health (DOH), according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Standard report. Some parts in boldface…
Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire commended the Las Piñas city government for recording a high number of fully vaccinated residents against Covid-19.
Vergeire witnessed the special holiday season vaccination drive as part of the DOH’s “Bakunahang Bayan: Biyayang Proteksyon sa Paskong Pamilya” that was held at the Almanza Uno covered court in Barangay Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City on Wednesday, Dec. 7.
Vergeire praised Mayor Imelda Aguilar for administering vaccines to around 58.92 percent of its population which is more than the average set by the national government.
Aguilar said the city government has vaccinated over 464,000 individuals from the 18-59 age group, with 70 percent getting their first booster.
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 satisfied with what the City Government achieved with regards to the local COVID-19 vaccination efforts done so far? Did you encounter any anti-vaccine fanatics lately? Did any anti-vaccine activist harass you?
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
Starting December 12, 2022, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will start a new round of voter registration processes going into the new year. Along the way, they will launch their new project called the Register Anywhere Project (RAP) on December 17, 2022 and it will last a little over a month. According to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report, RAP will be limited to new voters and transfer-of-registration registrants.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA report. Some parts in boldface…
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday reminded the public that the Register Anywhere Project (RAP), which is set to be pilot-tested next week, is only limited to new voters and transfer of registration registrants.
In Comelec Resolution No. 10869, the Commission en banc said these applications are the ones to be accepted in the RAP booths, to be initially located at five malls in Metro Manila.
“The Commission shall initially implement the RAP by conducting pilot testing, where only applications for New Registration and Transfer from Another City/District/Municipality shall be accepted,” it added.
Under the project, qualified applicants residing in the Philippines may register by submitting their application form, documentary requirements and have their biometrics taken on-site.
After which, submitted documents and captured biometrics data will be endorsed and transmitted to the Office of the Election Offcier of the district/city/municipality having jurisdiction over the residence of the applicant.
The pilot test of RAP will be held every Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 17, 2022 to Jan. 22, 2023.
They are initially to be established at SM Fairview in Quezon City, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, SM South Mall in Las Piñas City, Robinsons Place in Manila and Robinsons Galleria in Quezon City.
There will be no registration on Dec. 24, 25, and 31, 2022, and Jan. 1, 2023. The poll body has formed five RAP teams in the National Capital Region (NCR).
“Each RAP team shall be designated as a remote reception point of all OEOs (Offices of Election Officer),” the Comelec added.
Each team will be composed of at least two personnel to receive and process the applications and interview the applicants; one Acting Election Officer, who shall be authorized to administer the oath of applications on-site.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this latest series of from the COMELEC? If you are going to get registered as a new voter, are you planning to try out the RAP process?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
In Las Piñas City, the City Government announced that it will be ramping up its efforts to elevate local tourism and attract tourists (both local and foreign) according to a Manila Bulletin news report. For the newcomers reading this, the most popular tourist destination in the city is the Bamboo Organ which hosts an annual festival of music.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Las Piñas supervising tourism operation officer Paul San Miguel said the city government will improve the approach in promoting local tourism.
San Miguel said he took a two-day master class together with other tourism officers in the National Capital Region (NCR) at the Mariot Hotel Clark in Pampanga to have a better perspective of the tourism industry and their role toward recovery.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) called on the tourism officers association to attend the master class on Nov. 28 and 29 to help promote tourism now that the country is slowly recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
San Miguel said DOT-NCR Regional Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin initiated the gathering of NCR tourism association officers to give them additional ideas in promoting most visited tourist attractions in their respective areas that will help in the recovery of the economy.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this new development? When it comes to local tourism, how many times per year do you get to visit the Bamboo Organ? What other sites within the city do you find worthy of being tourist attractions? Do you think Las Piñas City should host special events like fashion shows, comic conventions (Comic Con) and film festivals which could potentially attract tourists into the city?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the 1st Mayor Ruffy Biazon Swim Cup was held at the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center and it easily attracted over a thousand swimmers who engaged in varied contests, according to a Manila Standard news report. The big reception of the event – which was attended by Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Congressman Jaime Fresnedi and a lot of other notable officials – could be the first of many signs that Muntinlupa City will emerge as a hot spot for swimming and other aquatic events as far as Philippine sports development is concerned. The next aquatic event in Muntinlupa will happen a few days from now.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Standard news report. Some parts in boldface…
A record number of 1,200 swimmers participated in the 1st Mayor Ruffy Biazon Swim Cup on Saturday at the newly built Muntinlupa Aquatic Center in Muntinlupa City.
The organizing Swim League Philippines, headed by president Fred Ancheta, said the listup has already reached the maximum number of entries (700) as early as last week, but due to insistent public demand from swim clubs and organizations and after consultation with the city administration, the registration was extended further.
Equipped with modern equipment under FINA world standards, the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center is expected to be the center of swimming competitions from clubs based in the South.
This early, Ancheta said the Office of the Mayor is expected to sign a memorandum of agreement to make the center the official home of the SLP swimmers and its affiliated clubs and organizations.
“We’re grateful with Mayor Ruffy Biazon for hosting this event. With the enthusiasm from swimmers, coaches and parents to be part of this historic opening of the world-class swimming pool in Muntinlupa, the number of participants reached more than what we expected,” said Ancheta.
“Sa sobrang tuwa ni Mayor Ruffy Biazon he will host another event. Those who wish to compete at the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center, you may join The Holiday Swim Cup on December 10, 2022,” added Ancheta.
A nice shot from the event. (photo credit: Muntinlupa PIO)
MOST VALUABLE SWIMMER AWARDEES
Highest FINA Points (Boys)
🏅 Kyle Bagusto
🏅 Marcus Johannes De Kam
🏅 Amber Araño
🏅 Wyatt Santos
🏅 John Patrick Leo Hondrade
🏅 Julian Louwers De Kam
🏅 Kristoff David
🏅 Emerson Matienzo
🏅 Joaquin Sto. Domingo
🏅 Chris Jimuel Mallari
🏆 MOST VALUABLE SWIMMER AWARDEES
Highest FINA Points (Girls)
🏅 Riannah Chantelle Coleman
🏅 Clara Yzabela Delos Santos
🏅 Ucary Phearl Sevilla
🏅 Shinloah Yve San Diego
🏅 Alyssa Cabatian
🏅 Daniella Anne Gregorio
🏅 Michaela Trinidad
🏅 Rafee Balbuena
🏅 Darcy Aliyah Tongos
🏅 Renee Margaret Diaz
Team Standing:
Class ABC
🏆 Champion, Poseidon Swimming Team
🏆 First Runner-up, Eastern Aquatics Swimming Team
🏆 Second Runner-up, Dax Swim Team
🏆 Third Runner-up, Sharpeedo Swim Team
🏆 Fourth Runner-up, Pasig Rave Barracudas Swim Team
🏆 Fifth Runner-up, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas
🏆 Sixth Runner-up, Bosay Resort Aquatic Club
Class D
🏆 Champion, Swim RX Swim Team
🏆 First Runner-up, San Pablo Titans Swim Club
🏆 Second Runner-up, Aqua Athlete Swim Club
🏆 Third Runner-up, Poseidon Swimming Team
🏆 Fourth Runner-up, Mako Sharks Swim Team
🏆 Fifth Runner-up, Pontefino Razorback Swim Team
🏆 Sixth Runner-up, Body and Mind Swim Club
“I would like to congratulate the City of Muntinlupa, for this amazing facility na first time in Metro Manila that we have this kind of facility, and the hardworking people behind this world-class facility. And I hope na it will really help the grassroots swimming program in our country to help boost the grassroot development of our swimmers and athletes,” Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon stated via the City Government’s December 5, 2022 Facebook page post.
Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon delivered his remarks. (photo credit: Muntinlupa PIO)
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? Are you excited about the prospects of the city becoming a major destination for aquatic and swimming events? Have you visited the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center already? If you are organizing a triathlon club, would you consider the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center as a venue for your training?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
In Las Piñas City, operations conducted by the police resulted in the busting of an online live scam arresting three suspects – including two foreign nationals – recently, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA report. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday announced the arrest of three suspects, including two Nigerian nationals, who were engaged in an online love scam, during operations in Las Piñas City on Saturday.
In a statement, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. identified the suspects as Leanna Veronica Padua, 23; Nigerians Precious Samuel and Ushahemva Ijirzua, both 23, who were arrested by PNP Anti-Cyber Crimes Group agents.
They were nabbed during joint police operations of the Southern District Anti-Cybercrime Team and Las Piñas City police for violation of Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code on swindling/estafa in relation to Section 5(a) and (b) and Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, also known as Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
According to the report, the complainant is a 55-year-old female who allegedly was befriended by a certain “Philip Brian” in one social media site, and their online affairs continued using a smart mobile phone application.
The suspect managed to borrow money from the victim, amounting to PHP230,000 via a money transfer.
The investigation showed that after a few days, the suspect continued to ask for money from the victim.
Eight money transfers were solely sent under the name of Leanna Veronica Padua, four transactions were claimed in Pulang Lupa Uno, Las Piñas City, and another at a mall in Las Piñas.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this new development? Do you know anyone who is engaging in online love scams? Do you know anyone who has been engaging with individuals emotionally online through social media?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1990s arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1993 and explore a part of Marvel Comics’ universe through the first-ever limited comic book series featuring one of Marvel’s most iconic villains – Venom.
To put things in perspective, the origin of Venom started within the events of the 1980s series Secret Wars which took place in a far-away planet. As a result of that series, Spider-Man returned home wearing the alien symbiote as a costume which turns out to have a mind of its own. After Spider-Man successful separate himself from the symbiote (again) using the loud bells of a church, the living costume eventually found a desperate Eddie Brock and bonded with him to form Venom. In the late 1980s comics of Amazing Spider-Man, Venom became the deadliest enemy Spider-Man ever faced.
Going into the early 1990s, Venom’s popularity continued to grow tremendously. He became one of Marvel’s most popular non-hero type of characters and helped sell a lot of comics for the publisher. Knowing they had something to sell, Marvel approved a 6-issue limited series showcasing Venom. It was also the most anticipated comic book among collectors right after DC Comics killed Superman with Superman #75 (1993).
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Venom: Lethal Protector #1, published in 1993 by Marvel Comics with a story written by David Michelinie and drawn by Mark Bagley.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins in San Francisco, California. Deep within the city, a man cornered a lady at the dead end of an alley. Just as he was about do something bad to her, Venom leaps in at them. Totally surprised, the man was easily grabbed by Venom who lifted him and hit the wall bodily. Using his costume, Venom then chokes the man to death through the mouth and nose. Venom then picks up the lady’s purse and gives it to her. As soon as Venom leaves, the shocked lady runs away screaming.
Venom swings and leaps as he travels through the city. While traveling, Eddie Brock tells his living costume that while their hatred towards Spider-Man got reconciled a bit, the said superhero also helps the innocent. Eddie then reveals that he was born in San Francisco and they can start a new life together in it. Secretly, Venom turns into Eddie Brock in his civilian form. As Brock walks down the sidewalk, police officers nearby recognize him. It turns out. Eddie Brock was listed by police as a wanted person…
Quality
Spider-Man and Venom face each other unexpectedly.
Focusing on the plot, this story took place after the events in Amazing Spider-Man #375 (1993) which was released AFTER this particular comic book. As a standalone Venom story, this one clearly portrays him more of a vigilante in the sense that he goes up against a new force of evil that happens to be pouncing on people that Venom believes to be innocent and powerless. Unsurprisingly, Venom does not seek the help of law enforcers to help the innocent but rather he takes violent action to help the victims, going as far as to kill the so-called bad guys. The bad guys in this story work under a powerful man whose son was killed by Venom a few years prior. Within the context of this comic book, the new force of evil was introduced in subtle ways.
With extensive experience writing tales about Spider-Man and Venom, David Michelinie clearly redefined Venom’s beliefs here. Venom believes in protecting the innocent but he is much more violent and is relentless with cruelty which makes him a clear opposite of Spider-Man. Yet in a way, Venom sure talks and acts in a rather psychotic way and this alone makes him a very unlikable comic book protagonist.
Along the way, the iconic Spider-Man got a rather huge chunk of the spotlight in this comic book making him the 2nd lead next to Venom. I remember back in 1993 when there were Venom fans who complained about Spider-Man literally stealing the thunder away from his greatest enemy while there were a few Spider-Man fans who defended the icon’s guest participation in the story as he has always been linked with Venom’s origin. Considering the lack of depth in the plot, I can say Spider-Man appearance her served as a somewhat helpful filler.
Conclusion
Helping victims does NOT justify killing. This makes Venom a major turn-off as a comic book protagonist.
Venom: Lethal Protector #1 (1993) is a comic book that can be alienating, especially when you are not a Venom fan. I find Venom too evil and too unbelievable to be a heroic figure even though he strong believes in protecting and helping the innocent. In my view, he is more of vigilante living with the delusion of achieving something worthwhile as he interacts with people who happen to be not assisted by the many, many Marvel Comics superheroes. It is not surprising that Venom definitely will never be a good role model. He is a murderer and the act of helping victims never justifies murder. The comic book’s plot lacks weight and Mark Bagley’s art looked a little rushed. What made this comic book interesting are Venom and Spider-Man themselves. Yes, there is a lot of superhero spectacle here but don’t expect anything new when you see Spider-Man and Venom resume their violent rivalry. This comic book is unsurprisingly a warm-up of things to come within its series. It is not a terrible literary work. It’s just not really good and it did not deserve the hype and sales of its time.
Overall, Venom: Lethal Protector #1 (1993) is serviceable.
Author Carlo Carrasco 