Comics: Free Comic Book Day: FUBAR 2014

(3/5 ★★★☆☆)

This is just one among the 2014 Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) sponsored comics that I had gotten. Its interesting plot of the involvement of zombies that the U.S. had encountered in their action of killing Osama Bin Laden is definitely a head turner for this comic. It contains two stories namely The Ace of Spades and Zero Dead Thirty.

The Ace of Spades

Story by: Chuck Dixon

Illustrated by: Jeff McComsey and Steve Becker

Rated: Mature Content

FUBAR Press

This story tells of the two operations done in pursuit of Sadam Hussein. Operation Urgent Surprise and Operation Red Dawn were carried out in Adwan, Iraq under the leadership of Captain Kuber. The search was done on one of Sadam's Palaces. Mike, one of the U.S. soldiers on board for the operation uses a deck of cards to identify important individuals surrounding Sadam, who was assigned to the ace of spades card. He had captured Doctor Ahmet Hafeez, a nine of hearts for the deck, who was identified to be involved in the creation of bio weapons. Little do they know that they will set loose all hell in that palace.

The first story is a good introduction on how zombies could have come about in this fictional accounts of the steps undergone in the occurrence of Sadam's death. It includes the use of biological weapons in the event that a palace is suddenly seized by the U.S. military forces. It strikes a thought on the possibility that zombies might have been included in their development of biological weapons since that idea would never reach the top officials. Thus, in return would create an exchange of little or none of the existence of such absurd weaponry that would be briefed to the military.

Zero Dead Thirty

Story by: Chad Lambert

Illustrated by: Jeff McComsey

Rated: Mature Content

FUBAR Press

The second story is a shorter one compared to the first. This time it involves the pursuit of Osama bin Laden. He is codenamed as Geronimo in Operation Neptune Spear that was conducted in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The search for every room was done until it ended with a man in a turban being killed. Identified by a woman and a child in the same room that the guy that was just killed is Osama, the U.S. navy seals reported back that Geronimo is K.I.A. However, after a few moments, a reanimation occurred that lead to one of the U.S. seals to decapitate the body of Osama. Thus, reporting back that Geronimo is K.I.A. again. This story ends with a speech from the U.S. President Barrack Obama.

I could say that I got lost in some of the dialogues here whenever someones asks about Osama. The initials repeatedly used to ask if Osama is the one dead on the floor or where is his head is often U.B.L. I just don't get the letter U. Well anyways, it gives a literal perspective from a piece of the speech delivered by Pres. Obama by saying that they had cut off their enemy's head.

This FCBD 2014 comic from FUBAR Press is an enjoyable one. From what I've learned from the contents of this comic is that FUBAR mostly creates fictional histories that involves zombies. Well that concept fitted nicely in this event in our history. Mostly the things that got me confused was from the second story. There's a strange thing that I've noticed with regards to the ones worn on the eyes by these U.S. pursuit team. They have these four ocular lenses that I really can't place on what the two additional oculars are for since the human body only has two eyes. Well aside from those stuffs from the second story, everything was an enjoyable read for me.

It is still a good thing that these are just fictional accounts of our history. If these accounts had indeed happened, it might have been FUBAR for us if zombies are now used as a biological weapon.

More of FUBAR Press can be seen at:

Facebook Page: "Zombie FUBAR"

Twitter: @fubarpress

www.fubarpress.com

Comics: Ten Grand ~ Issue 5: Nothing Interesting Ever Happens In Heaven

Story by: J. Michael Straczynski

Illustrated by: C.P. Smith

Rated: M / Mature

Joe's Comics

Image Comics
(4/5 ★★★★☆)

(Cover by Ben Templesmith)

Previously the story ended with Joe discovering that Laura has been taken away from the place they perceived to be heaven. This prompted him to rush right away to one of the places where the planes of earth and hell nearly overlaps. Rescuing Laura did not only meant he must be quick, but he must also continue to stay alive. For that 5 minute deal with an angel must have already been cut off.

This issue gives us the picture of another popular place that is known as "the one in between." Joe encounters the "Lost", Howlers and his deceased self. A resemblance of Charon, from the Greek mythology, makes an appearance in which he ferries Joe to the other side of the river. A river whose current depends on how adventurous or tame our life has been. After crossing the river, Charon then points to Joe two roads that leads to heaven. The very long road and a very short one in which Joe had picked to go to. This issue ends with him forgetting his prime purpose of crossing this plane that overlaps earth and hell.

There's a cool but weird stuff that was used by Joe in this issue which is called as the "Hand of Glory." It appears to be a hand. However, its fingertips are dozed with either icing or wax based on the illustration. Then its very tips are seen to be in flames. This thing reminds me of the hanaukkah lamp that the Jews use. Of course the difference is that it uses 9 candles and not a hand.

This issue turns out to be the beginning of a change in the art of Ten Grand. Personally, I didn't like the art used in this issue since it reminds me of Samurai Jack, a cartoon series from Cartoon Network. I guess the cool thing that the new illustrator of Ten Grand has done was the splash page depicting a Charon-like figure surfing the boat with Joe on a river in which large waves have crazily appeared.

The story continues to be interesting as small bits of Greek mythology even made its way into this issue. Its only the art that I don't like that much. It just doesn't feel good for me even though the timing of the change in the art style is coincidentally good, since there was a change in the surroundings that the main character is roaming on. We will just have to wait and see for what is in store for us as Joe looks for Laura. Especially now that he has forgotten her. Till then "Surf's Up!"

"Love is the only thing worth dying for. I should know, I've done it plenty of times." - Joe Fitzgerald

More of Ten Grand can be seen at:
Joe's Comics: www.studiojms.com
Image Comics, Inc.: www.imagecomics.com

Events: Experiencing FCBD 2014

Free Comic Book Day, or to make it short FCBD, is a unique experience for me. FCBD started in North America as a way to give back to comic lovers who continue to support comics. It aims to give back to comic book lovers and supporters by giving away free comics every first saturday of May. Last May 3, 2014 is the first FCBD experience that I had. Even though the first time I had known of this event was last year (2013), it was only this year that I had gotten a taste of what this event really feels like. Lines were crazily long outside comic book stores just to get hold of the goodies first before the best ones ran out. Well with comic book stores giving out freebies and conducting sales on their items, you really don't want to miss out on this opportunity.

I only had two destinations for FCBD 2014. They are the Precious Pages' bookstore in Starmall Las Piñas and Comic Odyssey in Alabang Town Center. I can actually make it to 3 stores since the Precious Pages' bookstore in Starmall Alabang is just within my vicinity. However, I only went to those two I mentioned since the weather was too hot to commute any further.

First stop would be the Precious Pages' book store where to my amazement I'm the first in line to get a free Black Ink Comic. So I still had a lot of choices and ended up picking Book 1 of Dark Side. This is one good move that Precious Pages had done in order to further promote Black Ink Comics. I might say that they are really keen on introducing themselves as one of the publishers of komiks in our local bookstores.

The last stop for my FCBD 2014 experience is Comic Odyssey. I was really honored to have been among those who were given the privilege to have the 2014 FCBD sponsored comics be reserved till 6 p.m. for me to be picked up. It was really a treat especially since it includes being able to have 3 comics reserved. Because the Alabang branch of Comic Odyssey entitles only 1 comic to be given away per customer. However, there were two customers who were allowed to get 3 comics since they were the first two guys standing in line at the doors of the Alabang branch of Fully Booked around 7 a.m.

It was around 11 a.m. when I got to Fully Booked and the number of people for the comics were outstanding. It reminds me of Indieket, not much of Komikon due to the number of people that were around. Well the comics left were still plenty but I'm guesing that is the half or a third of whats left during that time. But no one will argue that here in the Philippines that it is at the Fully Booked branch at the Fort who holds the biggest events and caters the largest crowd. It was a crazier one, since the first person in line for that branch was there at 2:36 p.m. one day before the doors will open for the FCBD event. Crazy right? Imagine falling in line for 18 hours before they let you in to get the goodies. Well the things you do for your hobby or passion.

FCBD was really worth experiencing. I could say it is not only a way to give back to comic lovers. But I think more of it as a great marketing strategy to increase the number of readership for comics. No one would back down from a freebie right? Especially if you happen to be lucky and pass by a store that gives away more than 2 free comics and you still are left with titles that interest you.

Here are the things that I got from Free Comic Book Day 2014:

• Dark Side ~ Book 1: 2:00 AM
• Ron Mendoza and Erwin J. Arroza
• Black Ink Comics
• The Ace of Spades
• Chuck Dixon, Jeff McComsey and Steve Becker
• Fubar Press
• Zero Dead Thirty (inside The Ace of Spades)
• Chad Lambert and Jeff McComsey
• Fubar Press
• All You Need Is Kill
• Nick Mamatas and Lee Ferguson
• Haika Soru
• Terra Formars (half comic of All You Need Is Kill)
• Yu Sasuga and Ken-ichi Tachibana
• Haika Soru
• Duel Identity (half comic of Pandora's Blogs)
• Elaine Lee and Francis Nuguit
• Red Giant Entertainment
• Pandora's Blogs
• David Campiti, David Lawrence, Jinky Coronado and Larry Tuazon
• Red Giant Entertainment
• Tesla (half comic of Way Ward Sons)
• Terry Keefe, David Lawrence and Bong Dazo
• Red Giant Entertainment
• Way Ward Sons
• Benn R. Powell
• Red Giant Entertainment

Events: Free Comic Book Day 2014

Aside from the numerous warehouse sale that happens this week, I guess this is another important event for a comic lover like me which is the Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) that occurs yearly.

This is an event that is participated by a lot of comic book stores in many countries wherein comic books are given for free. Well not all are free, the FCBD sponsored ones are among those that are free. Conducted along with this is the sale among the different graphic novels, posters, and other merchandises.

Events: May 2014 Warehouse Sale

It is a big day this coming week during these last days of April 2014 up to the first days of May 2014. A lot of sale among bookstores near my area are going to happen.

Comics: School Run ~ Part 6: Who are the Black Squadron?

Illustration and Story by: Macoy
(5/5 ★★★★★)

Previously, Robert and Maki got separated from the rest of the gang. As both of them looks for a way to escape the zombies, a team called the Black Squadron comes into action. When the team came to their rescue, only Maki was brought along since Robert refused to come with them. Determined on not leaving Robert behind, Maki causes the motorcycle she's riding with eightball, a member of the Black Squadron, to crash.

In part 6 of School Run, the story continues by Maki running back to Robert. She tells him that she's ready to die for a friend. Her small physique might not be able to prevent him from dying but she will rather be there and ready to die with him than to leave him alone. On the other hand, the Black Squadron soon discovers that a member of their team is missing. So with the leadership of the group, he goes back along with two other members to aid him in rescuing eightball. This part of School Run ends with a sad bite.

The story of the nature of loyalty among friendship is presented in this new installment of School Run. It shows that in times of need, a loyal friend will always be there to show up. The strength of friendship is tested as one willingly offers her life to also be in harm's way in the event that something bad might happen to her friend, which includes being attacked by a zombie. It is just sad as we, the readers, dawned on the realization that Maki will not survive this story since she had been bitten by a zombie. Damn. I was at least rooting that she'll survive somehow. I guess the rest of the School Run parts can give some hope for her character. :(

"Nangako lang ako sa sarili ko!

-- Na wala dapat sa ating mamamatay nang mag-isa!" - Maki

He can be seen on:
Facebook Page: "Komiks Ni Macoy"
Twitter: @komiksnimacoy
www.mcoy.blogspot.com
www.mcoy.deviantart.com

Events: Summer Komikon 2014

Summer time in Manila won't be complete for comic book lovers without going to Summer Komikon. This year, the Summer Komikon took place last April 12, 2014 at the Bayanihan Center, Pasig City. For those within Manila, this is the first among the three komikons that one can attend.

A lot of new comics were released and one would really have to prioritize which one you should buy first especially since many of the works that are made locally have greatly improved and enhanced the quality of their works.

To those experienced in attending komikons, they know that it is best if you go to the venue earlier in order to get the freebies and for one not to run out of the comics you are planning to buy. One good tip that I can share is that you must purchase your tickets days before the event. The tickets can be gotten from any Comic Odyssey branch. Even though the tickets are mostly sold in the Galleria branch, they said that they could just transfer the tickets to the branch nearer or more accessible to you. The advantages of having tickets purchased early is that (1) you have the privilege of being able to enter the hall 30 minutes before it is open to the public and (2) an ecobag is reserved for you where you can place all the merchandises that you have gotten.

Let me just share the highlights of my Summer Komikon 2014 experience.

The major happening that took place occurred in VISPRINT's table. This is due to the 4 new books being launched that day. These are Seroks 2, Abangan, Tabi Po, and Kikomachine Komix Blg. 10. Yep. There's a new material from Manix so it was expected that there will be the big number of fans that'll line up at his table. It was fortunate that VISPRINT continued to help out by issuing numbers to fans who want works made by Manix be signed. It really proved to be useful in two ways. First, the usual long and curvaceous line that tends to go beyond the VISPRINT table was avoided. Thus, other works near the table, where Manix is signing stuffs, were not blocked. Secondly, it gave us, fans of Manix, yep I'm a big fan, some time to wander around with a sense of security that we will get our turn to have that precious moment with him. Naks. Haha fan boying much. Well the number that I got was 77. At around 12:00 noon, 2 hours after Summer Komikon 2014 started, the number Manix has been currently servicing is 24. Talk about patience and endurance for Manix, his fans, and the people assisting him, whom I saw never failed to smile every time someone asks either to get a number or to know what number is currently being entertained. Kudos to those two guys. When my turn finally came at around 3:30 p.m. it was indeed a marvelous feeling. Well if your a newly converted fan of Manix Abrera, this is one experience you'll never forget.

The next important thing for me in this year's Summer Komikon is with regards to one of the new books being launched by Black Ink Comics (BIC). This is Tonio Tikbalang Vol. 1 by Jake Vicente. If you are an avid reader of works from Ink Jinks Comics you have probably seen his stuff. Personally I think it was good that some of Jake's works have gotten the attention of the local publishing company, BIC. His stories are really enjoyable and entertaining.

The next table to go to is that of Pelikomiks Studios. They produce one of the best comics, both in terms of the art and in the story, that I have seen among the works in komikons. Their major work is Zombinoy, which I could say is a MUST BUY. Their other stories are Higante and Feed.

The second to the last thing that is of my top concern is Andoyman Komiks. Mostly the comics that I'd love to get from him that day is Ang Sumpa Kabanata 2 Unang Bagahi and Palitaw Komiks. However, due to my classmates, they requested for me to buy a copy of Palimos ng Kulangot by Ronibats and Andoyman. Since this comic can only be gotten for free if you buy a set of all of Andoyman's comics, I can say it was indeed a good morning welcome for Andoyman. From all the walking I've been doing in search for his table, only to find out that he arrived a bit late. Hehe. So I guess I kinda shocked him or made him happy from all the purchases that I've made, especially since I'm always at his table looking for a copy of Palimos ng Kulangot. If more requests for this comic should happen I guess the artist will really earn from me since in order to get a copy you'll need to buy all of his comics. You could say that with every komikon the value of the comic Palimos ng Kulangot increases as more works from Andoyman are released.

Photo from Andoyman

Now, finally the thing that I'm really anticipating for Summer Komikon 2014 comes from Macoy's table. Basically, two things interests me from the goodies laid out in the artist's table, which took sometime in the afternoon to be completed since (1) the artist and his family arrived a bit later and (2) the last goodie arrived in the afternoon, which I'm guessing was caused by the heavy traffic on EDSA. Going back to the two things that interest me. First is Macoy's School Run Parts 6 and 7 that gets to be released on that day. I tell you, this is the other zombie story, aside from Zombinoy, that one should get. If Pelikomiks Studios' Zombinoy talks of the start of the zombie apocalypse, Macoy's School Run is different in that he talks of zombies way after the zombie apocalypse had erupted. The next thing that is of my concern is Ang Maskot merchandises. Well known among the komikon community is this comic of Macoy for it has been adopted into an indie film last year. It stars Ramon Bautista, Alessandra de Rossi and Ketchup Eusebio. How amazing is that one can also find on sale at Macoy's table a DVD copy of this short film directed by Chris Castello and Mihk Vergara. As if that wasn't enough, a viewing of that movie was held at the Conference Room E in the Bayanihan Center. Also in order to complete one's day, a movie poster was being sold. Amazingly it is a happy feeling to know and personally see that a work from one of my favorite local comic artist was adapted into a short film. I guess this is what the Marvel fans felt when the first movie of their favorite superhero was seen in the cinemas.

In addition to these comics and artists that I had in my list of must buy or see is the luck that I had gotten from joining a simple contest made by Jerald Uy. He is a fellow blogger, although he writes way better than me, that blogs about pop culture. He maintains the website www.JeraldUy.com wherein he can give you an inside scoop from Century Tuna's Superbods SuperChallenge 2014  up to tips for first time Komikon attendees. Going back, I got this Iron Patriot Funko from him which is for me way cooler than getting the top price of winning five (5) tickets to Summer Komikon 2014. Hehe, I already got mine from Comic Odyssey and my friend will come and join me later in the day, so the Funko item was a better choice. Thanks again for this. Most especially since this is my first Funko.

Photo from www.JeraldUy.com

A lot more were happening in the other tables of artists and groups, but for now I guess these are the ones that really made my day at the event. To those who missed the Summer Komikon, there are still a lot of Komikons that will be held this year in Metro Manila, such as the Indieket and the Winter Komikon. There will also be the Iloilokon for those in Western Visayas. A decade of komikon will surely tell you that not only the local comic industry is still striving but it is moving forward with the goal of inspiring soon to be writers and artists to start making their own photocopied comics for it to be shared and distributed. With some luck it may be picked up by a local publishing company for it to be published and distributed in bookstores nationwide. An even more amount of luck may turn in into an indie film that stars some of the country's famous actors and actresses.

A chibi that I had asked an artist make for my sister

Here are the things that I got from Summer Komikon 2014:

• The Cretaceous and Captain Piggy: Who is the Chess-sire Cat?
• Eiji and Macoy
• School Run (Part 6 and 7)
• Macoy
• Ang Maskot Poster and DVD
• Tabi Po (Isyu 1)
• Mervin Malonzo
• Visprint, Inc.
• Kikomachine Komix (Blg. 10)
• Manix Abrera
• Visprint, Inc.
• Abangan: The Best Philippine Komiks 2014
• Series Editors: Rob Cham, Adam David, Carljoe Javier and Elbert Or
• Visprint, Inc.
• Seroks: (Heration 2: Once In A Lifetime)
• David Hontiveros and Alan Navarro
• Visprint, Inc.
• Tonio Tikbalang (Vol. 1)
• Jake Vicente
• Precious Pages Corp.
• Black Ink Comics
• O' Death
• Jake Vicente
• Inkjinks
• Mythspace: Black Mark
• Paolo Chikiamco and Paul Quiroga
• Rocket Kapre
• Studio Salimbal
• Alamat: The Verse
• David Hontiveros, Ian Sta. Maria, Jason Confessor, Nonie Cruzado and DJinn Tallada
• Classificado: The Dark Colony Book II Part 2: The Grinning Niño of Barang
• Bow Guerro, JB Tapia and Budjette Tan
• Mythspace: Mini Design Works
• Team Mythspace
• Studio Salimbal
• M. O. U. S. E. (Multiple Ordinance and Utility Synthetic Energy)
• Carlo Jose San Juan and Pilar Nenita Esbar
• Zombinoy (Issues No. 3, 4 and 5)
• Pelikomiks Studios
• Higante (Issues No. 1 and 2)
• Pelikomiks Studios
• Food Court
• Love Story
• Andoyman
• Andoyman Komiks
• Ang Sumpa (Chapter 1 Parts 1 and 2 and Chapter 2 Part 1)
• Detective
• Andoyman and Super Gi
• Andoyman Komiks
• Palimos ng Kulangot
• Slice of Life
• Ronibats and Andoyman
• Ronibats
• Palitaw Komiks
• Andoyman
• Andoyman Komiks