English Translation of Culture Crash Comics Issue No. 12
By Theresa Dy Lising
Translator’s note:
[ ] –> Culture notes/Translations
*** –> Page breaks/Separators
Front Page:
CC Com Comics Extra: CC Com at Pol's Nest
Editorial Page:
Girl hamster bottom-row caption: Please give us some chocnut [a local, crumbly chocolate-peanut confection], lollipop, and dumplings....
Cat’s Trail
Story: E.A. Damaso &
M.C.S. Damaso
Art by: E.A. Damaso
Color Flats: Jon Zamar
Episode 12: The Coming Storm
Pog: No one interferes!!!
Pog: This insect's mine!!! You'll rue the day you crossed POG!!!
RRRAAAARRRGGG
Alfred: You're wasting your strength.
VWOSH
Alfred: You're similar to a North Stallion in terms of size and strength but in terms of speed, you're like swimming in mud.
FWASH
Alfred: I could easily anticipate your moves...
FWAK
Alfred: Hmph! But I shouldn't underestimate you. What else do you have up your sleeve?
Alfred: That's it!
Alfred: It's coming!
***
[2-page spread]
Pog: Hahaha! Bull's eye!!!
BAKU!
Guard: Ha?! Alfred got hit. Let's put a stop to this, sergeant...
Sergeant: We're not going to do anything. You heard Alfred's orders. No one's to interfere. Besides, didn't you see his defense and countermove? He could take that assault.
Alfred: Impressive...
Alfred: ...But I think I overdid my counterattack.
Pog: Heheheh!!!
Pog: So what do you think?
Pog: Dazzled by my Super Ultra-Magnetic Elbow, aren't you?
Alfred: Geez.
Alfred: Hmpf!
Alfred: You're so full of yourself you never even noticed that I managed to counter your attack.
Alfred: If that's the best you could do, you'd be better off changing techniques.
Pog: What're you talking about? My attack was flawless...
Pog: AAAAAGGHHH!!!
KRK KRK KRK KRK
Pog: AAA!!! WHITE!!! BONE!
***
Pog: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH-HHHHHHHH!!!
Pog: Waaah! How will I drink coffee? How'll I hold a fork? Or pick my nose?...
Butler: Man. I wonder what's happening in that tent? They've been making a racket for a while now. Almost like someone's gone amuck inside...
Butler: Ha?!?
Sha—
Whompers: Ah-ah-ah! Don't move if you don’t wanna get hurt. We don't want anyone sounding the alarm now, do we?
Fwip
Butler: Aw, man! I let down my guard.
***
Whompers: So what's your story, handsome? Looks like you're in hiding too.
Whompers: Too bad you also chose the wagon WE were hiding in.
Whompers: Sorry, but it's more than a bit crowded here. No way we're letting you stay.
Butler: Looks like my plan's gone up in smoke.
Butler: How'll I get out of this mess? I need to find a way...
Whompers: You look a little tense. Planning to escape?
Bloop
Butler: Huhu...
Butler: I've been losing strength from the way you've been holding me... eh! I don't have the strength to put up a fight...
SHWIP!
Airee: Haha! Another victim has fallen into our trap!
Airee: What now, Whompers? What should we do with him? Shall I skin him? Cover him in salt? Fry him up, then make stew? Bwahahaha!!! You're in for it now! I'm not even a good cook, and I'll use a dull knife...
Airee: ...Waitasec...
***
Airee: I know you... you're... hmmm... I can't remember your name or when I first saw you, though...
Whompers: You know this guy?
Airee: Actually, he first appeared in issue 2 'til 11(except issue 9) but the author wanted me to act as if I'd forgotten him...
Butler: Airee!
Flip
Whompers: Whee!
Butler: I've found you at last!
Polaris: What's the big idea?!? You're doing it on purpose!!!
Poit!
Polaris: You've been crushing me all this time! You pains in the ass!!!
Polaris: Aren't you that monkey with us at Feather's Peak?*
Butler: Ahehe! Yeah, that's me, alright. Good thing the two of you're okay. I was worried...
*: Issue 5 –ed
***
Whompers: Aaa... so he's the "other" person you were telling me about.
Whompers: He's not half bad. He's no Sir Alfred, but you two'd make a fine pair, Airee.
Airee: Eh? I'm not even interested in him!
Airee: What're you doing here? Are you a stalker?
Butler: Of course, I'm not!
Butler: None of what happened to me made sense.
Butler: The last thing I remember was us inside a cave in Feather's Peak. Everything went white as soon as you picked up a golden ball back there.
Butler: When the light subsided, I woke up and found myself at a tower in Havanna*, got imprisoned, escaped, and I'd planned to get as far away from here as possible by hitching a ride with the caravan.
Butler: But the important thing is that we're together again and we're all happy. It's almost as thought fate wants us to find each other again.
Butler: I wonder if were soulmates? Maybe it's our hearts calling out to one another.
Butler: Ever since I first saw you in Manira**, you've never been far from my mind. I always think of you and...
Airee: You're overacting.
Airee: First of all, you've no involvement in my life. You know nothing of what I've been through, therefore we are not alike.
Airee: Which is why we cannot possibly BE soulmates. You really want me to skin you alive?
Butler: Don't. You might ruin your pretty knife. Hehe.
*: issue 10 –ed
**: issue 2 –ed
***
BR-KASH!
Eli: Amazing! Three huge men aren't even able to match up against him?!?
Sergeant: That's Alfred for you. He isn’t easily overcome. Those three won’t he able to stop him.
Guy: Hugk!
BRAK!!!
Sergeant: Because of his martial abilities, he's known within the ranks of Havanna's soldiers as...
Sergeant: ...The Dragon's Fang!
***
Sergeant: Alfred went through the gauntlet to become the head of Havanna's elite force.
Sergeant: From a simple soldier, he slowly made his way up the ranks until he became the leader of a platoon.
Sergeant: The higher-ups took note of his courage and he was inducted into the ranks of Havanna's elite force. It wasn't long before he became the leader of the group.
Sergeant: Many don’t know that he trained to be a Dragoon and his favorite weapon is the flat lance – a weapon with a seven-foot-long blade.
Sergeant: Nobody could beat him with when it comes to using the flat lance. With all the practice he puts into it, he could handle the flat lance as though he was using just an ordinary sword. His attacks are quick, fierce, and deadly, just like a dragon's.
***
Pog: ...Uuuhhh...
Pog: Uh?
Pog: !!!
Pog: Aaaahhh!!... I, I give up! Don't hurt me! I can't take any more...
Alfred: I hope you've learned your lesson.
Alfred: If I see or so much as hear that you're causing trouble here again, I won't be so lenient.
Alfred: AWAY WITH YOU!!! NOW!
ZOOM
Pog: Yes, sir!
Guy 1: Yes, sir.
Guy 2: Roger.
Alfred: Alright, Mr. Eli?
***
Driver: Hyah! Hyah!
Villager 1: Wow! There're horses in CT. Where're the Big Mayas and North Stallions?
Clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop clop
Kid: Dad, why'd our neighbors lose their clothes?
Villager 2: The artist's being lazy.
Kid: Lazy or perverted?
Sergeant: Alfred, is something the matter? Did we forget something?
Alfred: I have a bad feeling about this mission, but I don't know why.
Alfred: We're not up against an ordinary group of bandits...
Alfred: Prepare yourselves.
Alfred: This isn’t going to be easy.
***
Box: Meanwhile...
Caw caw caw caw
Shshsh shshshaaa—
Shf shf
Girl: Your Highness.
Armored figure: Yukiko, report!
Yukiko: Our spies have reported that another caravan is entering Serpent's Pass. Yet another opportunity to gain supplies, Your Highness.
Armored figure: Very good. We'll be able to use them in my latest "campaign". Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!
Armored figure: Prepare your forces. I leave it in your capable hands.
Flip flip flip
Yukiko: Understood. It shall be done.
Angel Mei: In our next episode: The clash between Yukiko's band and Alfred's soldiers!
L-Gin: Of course, that includes Airee and her friends.
To be continued.
Kubori Kikiam
Great Balls of Fire
Part 2: Alpha Unit
Created by: Alfredo
Story & Kikiam by: Taga-Kanal
Fishballs and Squidballs by: Taga-Ilog
Colors by: Jon Zamar and Robi
Gani: I am General Isagani Salonga.
Gani: I've wanted to be a soldier since I was a kid.
Newspaper pic caption: This junkshop had been ravaged by the fire caused by stored acetylene. (Abby Tifio)
Gani: I wanted to protect my country against evil. Within or without.
Gani: I'm already retired, but I still try to be active...
Gani: Even in small ways.
Gani: Before as a soldier. Every fight was for my country.
Gani: Now I fight for but one person.
Gani: Now the stakes seem much higher.
***
Manny: What?! We can't eat spiders no more?!
Benjo: We could, but we have to be more careful. Otherwise, we'll be in trouble with Gani again.
Manny: How'd you find that out?
Benjo: From his papers.
Manny: %$#@! What about the stewed spiders? Bad trip! [Expression for annoyance because of ruined plans]
Manny: Wait a minute, where's Don?
Benjo: Up there, looking for a way to get us outta here.
Manny: Great! I get to eat this pizza myself.
Benjo: Be careful, Manny. Just because Ralf and company aren't here, it doesn't mean we could let our guard down.
Manny: $#%&^^! Even if that @@$$#$!$ were here, I'll beat the $$%&^$%# out of that #@^^%&%!
Benjo: Manny, watch your blood pressure.
Manny: Those $#%&^&^$ fishballs. I wish!
Benjo: Hmph. I remember that time in Bihirra Mall. We'd just come from the arcade when you wished to have an encounter with them.*
*GP1: See issue 8 – translator ^_^
***
Benjo: And we did end up having an encounter. Scary, but it was quite a bit of coincidence.
Dodon: This was probably Gani's old group.
Dodon: Hmm. That guy seems familiar.
***
Dodon: What the %$%^ is this?! I need to find our old exit.
Dodon: I don’t want to wait for Ralf to show up. I'd gotten &^$$#@% beat up the last time.
Dodon: %^^&^**$$^!
Dodon: They're here!
Dodon: Had to be when I didn’t have my %^^&*$# spear.
***
Benjo: Manny, this isn’t funny anymore.
Manny: Just keep your cool, 'Jo.
Manny: Hand me my switch knife.
Benjo: You idiot! We left all our equipment.
Manny: Get that kikiam! He betrayed us all! He broke into Gani's files!
Manny: Hah!
Benjo: Manny, you %$#%&^^*&^!
Ralf: Hmph! Stupid Idiot!
Manny: Wait, wait! I'm a pisbol!
DRAG! BGSH BRAAG PRANG BOG
Ralf: Don't bother waiting for your friend.
***
Ralf: He is currently preoccupied.
Wshwsh
Benjo: Aaaaghk!
Blag
Tali-ya: How'd they get away from General Isagani?
Benjo: He let us go! He let us go!
Ralf: I guess I have to believe you because with your stupidity there is no possibility you could manage an escape.
Ralf: No, you're not stupid. You are General Isagani's famed Alpha Unit. The first and the best.
Ralf: It puzzles me why the three of you left. Too good for the team?
Benjo: We left because this isn't our life!
***
Ralf: Yes, you live the lives of civilians. Not soldiers. And like they say "In war, civilians are the first to die".
Manny: AYE CARNAL PUTOH!!! [I haven't a clue what this means. ^^"]
Manny: Stop right there!
TSUG
Fishball: Aaaaghk!!!
Manny: This should do.
Manny: Don't move or you might be sliced.
Fishball: He-help!
Fishball: Sir Ralf, help!!!
***
Jose: Damn it, how the heck did you get up there?
Jose: You just had to go up there.
Jose: I knew I should've just gotten Gani a puppy.
Jose: Slowly, slowly.
Jose: Stay there, Norio.
Jose: Don't mo—
KKA-TWOOOM!!!
Jose: %$^&&^! The lights went out, OW! I think my hand's caught.
Jose: Help!
Jose: Gani, help!
***
Tsutsutsug
Manny: AAAAAAAAh!!!
Ralf: Damn visions, not now!
Ralf: Subdue targets at all costs!
Dodon: Karin Ressen Chou!
Instructions: Press 3 times consecutively.
DGSHK! PAG BGSH
Instructions: Weak punch + weak kick
Dodon: Iori attack deflector!
Instructions: (During deflector) any punch or kick.
Pak
Dodon: This is %$#$#^# arcade training, boy!
Benjo: I can't take this anymore.
BLAG
Tali-ya: Ouch!
***
Dodon: Ay #$&$^! I need to get down and help those two $%@$%.
Dodon: Wait, there's still one move I haven't done.
Dodon: Hups!
Instructions: (Near opponent, mid-air) down + any kick
Dodon: Dodon...
Dodon: ...Catapult!!!
Dodon: Oh, $#*^!
Manny: Benjo, this is the ^^#@^& last time I'll be saving your hide.
Benjo: Manny, put me down!
PRAAAG
***
Fishball: That was close. Good thing the lid wasn't too open—
Fishball: Huh?
Hhsssssssss
Sssssssssssssssssssssssssshh
Dodon: That was %&&^# WAY off the mark.
Dodon: Oww!
Ralf: The Alpha Unit. The first. The best. And now the last.
Ralf: Time to wish you were never enlisted, kikiam.
Kra-KAAS!
***
Fishball 1: No-Norio!
Fishball 2: He's escaped!
Fishball 3: Major Ralf, what'll we do?!
Ralf: Norio's not our primary concern.
Ralf: Besides, Norio is capable of accessing higher ground.
SSHOOOOOOOOO
To be continued
One Day, Isang Diwa
Story by J.L. Palabay
Art by E.A. Damaso
Colors by Jon Zamar and Tiga-Kanal
Chapter 12: The Judgment on Jun
Jun: Sir, I honestly, truly have no idea why I did it... I-I want to apologize... especially to Clarissa.
Principal: Hmm... I understand you, Jun... did the right thing back there... in fact...
Principal: I salute you!
Ms. Mayumi: Sir?!
Jun: Huh?!
Principal: You heard me correctly.
***
[2-page spread]
Principal: You should learn to be honest with your feelings! Never be ashamed of what you feel about a person! Live your life to the fullest for these are the best years of your life!!! Furthermore, what is life if we do not live for love?!?
Ms. Mayumi: Is he serious?!
Principal: But, kid! Your approach was all wrong!
Principal: Let's get together sometime so I could give you some tips! Hehehe!
Fssss!
Jun's Devil: This guy I like!
Ms. Mayumi: Sir!
Principal: You have nothing to worry about, Ms. Mayumi! Kids are just like that. I know you've never asked, but this is nothing compared to some of my problem students back when I was just starting my teaching career.
Ms. Mayumi: Is that so?
Principal: I'll tell you about it sometime, Ms. Mayumi. There're a lot of things that have happened in my life that would astonish you. Did you know that I used to be a gangster?
Ms. Mayumi: Really? But now you're a principal. That's amazing! I'd like to hear that story.
Principal: Alright. How about over dinner, so I could treat you even if this is just the one.
Ms. Mayumi: Okay, sir.
Principal: Really?!? Seriously? Wonderful! Hahaha! Oh, and call me Eric.
Principal: Oh, ah, of course. Jun, we' still have to inform your parents and meet up. I'll be giving you a letter, understood?
Jun: Yes, sir.
***
Jun: Why'd I do it!? Damn, I wish I knew why myself.
Voice 1: That's him! The pervert from this morning.
Voice 2: He's so full of himself.
Voice 3: I'm gonna pound him good.
Voice 4: Clarissa? Really? Wow!
SPC 1: Good. Send that along with the shot from the flagpole incident. Also the message I asked you to write earlier.
SPC 2: All SPC members from all chapters?
SPC 1: Of course.
***
WHOOOOOOMP!
Jun: Benjo! What?!?
Benjo: Shhh...
Benjo: Man, that was crazy!!! You're famous! Hehehe. You've truly changed. I knew it. I always had faith in you, pal! Cool! Wicked!
Benjo: Mmm Clarissa! Mmmm Jun!
Benjo: So what now, man? Was it wet? Just between the two of us. It looked just like the one I saw.
***
Benjo: Man... just tell Clarissa how you really feel. She'll forgive you.
PaPAK!
Jun: B-Benjo... you really think so?
Benjo: Actually, no! But if you pulled your performance well earlier, she'll definitely be looking for more! Hahaha!
Benjo: Oh, uh, Jun, I just remembered something. Lie-low about our friendship for a while, okay? After all, aside from being a member of SPC*, it'll be hard for the gang. It'll be a shame to pass up Leo's generosity. Ehehehe. Oh, keep a look out for the SPC, okay? They're planning something I'm still not aware of.
*: Samahan Para Kay Clarissa – Society For Clarissa
Box: Meanwhile...
***
Diwa: Master Sankituryo, I thank you for the audience.
Sankituryo: Diwa! You are always welcome before me. How is your human friend, by the way?
Diwa: Oh, he's well.
Sankituryo: You are here to consult with me, correct?
Diwa: Yes, sir. About a creature from this world whom I faced the day before and a mystic necklace currently in the care of a human...
Sankituryo: Of course, child. I must insist, however, that you extend to me but the simplest courtesy. It is not becoming for you to kneel before one such as myself. I have already told you about this several times.
***
BRRRRNNNGGGG!!!
Teacher: Alright class, we'll continue tomorrow. Have a good day!
Alex: Let's go, Laura, and hurry. We might get infected by a certain disgusting person here. Let's find Clarissa and go.
Laura: I concur. It is only proper for her true friends to be the ones to care for her during this difficult time.
***
SPC 1: Mr. Morales...
Jun: Wha-what d'you want?
SPC 2: Mr. Morales, do we still have to tell you why we're here?
SPC 3: We wish to extend our thanks to you, Mr. Morales.
SPC 1: Thanks to your crime, this is the only time the SPCs from all chapters have been in attendance...
SHOOOOOM
SPC 1: We are the light that stands guard in the darkness...
FSHOOOOOOOO
SPC 2: The ones who eliminate those who wish to interfere with the future of our goddess…
SHOOOOOOOM
SPC 3: The destroyers of liars, charlatans, and all those who would claim her…
OOOOOOOOOOO
SPC 4: We live only to serve her.
SPC 4: We are the…
***
S!P!C!
Society For Clarissa!!!
SHWAH!
SPC 1: Charge, my brothers! For Clarissa with love!!!
Skrrch! Skrrch! Skrrch! Skrrch!
***
Clarissa: Stop it, this instant!
Clarissa: I don't know who you are, but if you're here because of what Jun did to me, I'm asking you, please don't hurt him...
Jun: Clarissa?!?
Jun: Clarissa... Th-thank y....
Clarissa: Jun... I know it isn't enough, but I hope that my debt of gratitude to you has been cleared.
Clarissa: Now I ask this of you: never speak to me ever again. You're no longer my friend. I no longer know you...
***
Jedd: Clarissa may have let you get away with this, but I'm of a different mind.
To be continued...
PASIG – Chapter 12: Fury
Story and Art by Taga-Ilog
Co-plotter and color assists: J.L. Palabay
Tp
Elias: Time to face your end.
Miguel: Elias! Have you gone mad?!
Elias: Shut up, Miguel!!! You're not the reason we're here.
Fwap
Elias: Pick up the weapon, Dante. If you wish to live...
Elias: FIGHT!!!
Ptnk
Isiah: Enough talk!!!
***
PTING
Dante: No!
Chk
Renno: That's far enough, Dante.
Isiah: You’re finished!!!
***
THWAAPP
Renno: Isiah!!!
Shhfff
BKAM! BKAM! BKAM! BKAM! BKAM!
Isiah: GRAHHHH!!!
Pting Pting Pting Pting
BISH!
Elias: Fight, Dante...
***
Iyannah: Thanks for going with me to the market, Mina... y'see, Mariko has a job at the town hospital...
Mina: Think nothing of it... I'm not that busy anyway.
Iyannah: You know what? Living at home has gotten much more fun ever since you came... even Dante's easing into a lighter mood...
Mina: H-ha? Ah, er, how could you even tell? His expression never changes and he hardly says anything...
***
Iyannah: Then again, he does tend to be a loner at times... almost as if he's got a lot on his mind. He's very different from Miguel who acts like he's got no brains at all.
Mina: Hahaha...
Iyannah: Even if he is quiet, Dante still a man. So, if I were you, I'd take steps to get myself noticed. You can't afford to be laid back!
Mina: H-ha? Wha-what... are you say... wait a...
Iyannah: If you don't... I just might beat you to him...
Iyannah: HAHAHAHA! Mina, you're blushing!!!
Mina: I-I am not! Come on, let's go home!
***
BKAM! BKAM! BKAM! BKAM! BKAM!
Renno: Son of a—stand still!
Schfff
BKAM!
FWP
***
Isiah: Feh! You disappoint me, slave! I expected a more intense fight out of you.
Isiah: As much as I'd like to extend our match, you look to be at the end of your rope...
HFF HFF HFF
Dante: Hggkk
HFF HFF HFF
Isiah: Renno! Finish him off.
Miguel: Elias! Stop this madness! Call them off!
Elias: N-no... this fight's not over yet... the monster isn't this easily beaten. I've read the signs correctly...*
Chk chk
Renno: Last two shots... heh... just like before.** I won't make you suffer. Good-bye, slave.
Miguel: NO!!!
*: last issue
**: Kiara, Isiah, and Renno's fight
***
WHAPP
Renno: What the?!
Chk chk
BKAM!
***
Renno: Tch! You wasted my bullet, old man!
Miguel: Heh... looks like I really am too old for these games...
Renno: Don't worry... I'll make sure you'll never get any older...
K-chk
Charen: Leave him to me...
Miguel: Heh... Looks like you'll finally be finishing what you started... eh, Charen? I don't know how you managed to get Elias to side with you on this but I can assure you that you'll never win.
Shf
Charen: Be silent! You don't know what you're talking about! I never intended for you to get involved, but you were too aggressive!
***
Elias: Stop it, Charen. We came here for Dante...
Elias: I'm warning you, Miguel... if you interfere again, I will personally end your life!
Miguel: Elias... why did you do this?
Elias: You have no knowledge of what had come to pass. It would be better if it stayed that way.
Isiah: Pwe! Cut the drama! I'm finishing him off!
HFF HFF HFF HFF
Isiah: !!!
Isiah: Ooof
SKKGGGSHH
***
HFF HFF HFF HFF HFF HFF HFF
Isiah: H-how?!
Tp
Renno: Isiah!
Elias: Prepare yourselves...
***
Elias: ...Looks like the real battle's about to start!
To be continued...
Stone Blazers
by Brian Batchiller
Voice: Henri...
Henri: Who are you...
Voice: The invasion is almost upon us!
Voice: Don't let the world be destroyed...
Voice: Hope shall clear away doubt and the time of darkness shall end...
Girl: WAKE UP!!
***
Henri: Prepare yourselves...
Henri: Here I come.
Girl: What a pig.
Henri: Um! Am! Um! This's delicious.
Henri: 'Morning, Mom.
Mom: Slow down, Henri. You might choke on your food.
Girl: Geez, how'd I manage to drag myself into this mess...
Girl: He's such a sound sleeper, we always end up being late.
Henri: C'mon! We're already late!
Henri: By the way, besides having my best friend for an alarm clock, she also accompanies me to school. Nice.
***
Mom: Take care, kids.
Girl: Bye, auntie. [Translator's note: Yup, just like the Chinese, Filipinos also refer to their friends' parents as 'uncle' or 'auntie'.]
Henri: 'Bye, Mom!
Henri: You doing anything later?
Girl: Not really, why?
Henri: I was wondering if you'd like to go to our favorite place.
Girl: Sure, why not.
Henri: By the way, Rina, thanks for not giving up on me... well, I'll see you later.
Rina: Okay.
Teacher: Mr. Henri you're late, again!
Henri: Sorry.
Rina: That place truly is special to Henri... we're always there back when we were kids.
Rina: Henri's real nice and smart, although he does tend to act like a kid. More importantly, he's (cute) a good friend.
Mom: If only you were here.
Mom: We could've been a lot happier, Henri and I.
***
Kaboom
Narrative: The showdown...
Black creature: Give me the Stone!
Narrative: ...Of two beings.
Lavender creature: You'll never have the Stone... ever!
Narrative: Afternoon...
Henri: I'm home, Mom.
Mom: Huh?
Mom: You're home early today, Henri.
Henri: Mrs. Santos was absent so we didn't have class last period.
Mom: You look like you're going out? Date with Rina?
Henri: Mom?! We're just going to our usual place.
Mom: Fine, fine. Take care, okay?
Henri: We will. I'm leaving.
***
Henri: I miss you, Dad.
Narrative: And the portal wrought with chaos and answers opens...
Henri: Huh? What was that?
Lavender creature: There is but little time remaining...
Lavender creature: I am Derus, I am here to bestow upon you the power. Receive the power of the mystic Stone!
Derus: Everything is fated, Henri. The battle between good and evil.
Henri: Y-you were the one in my dream.
Derus: Yes, and you are the chosen savior.
Henri: Why me?
Henri: I don't understand.
Derus: There is no more time. Do not let darkness prevail.
***
Wrrraah
Black creature: Where is the stone!
Henri: It's here.
Derus: You have the power...
Black creature: Huh?! The Stone has changed form! Nevertheless, no one can stop me!
Derus: Only you can defeat...
Black creature: NO ONE!!!
Kashob
Henri: AAAAAAH
Derus: Zedum!
Derus: Use your powers!
Henri: But how...
Zedum: I'll kill you all!!!
HWWAA
Henri: The heck with it!
***
Henri: I-I can't... d-do it...
Shakob
Derus: Fight it, Henri. Don't let it destroy your world...
Derus: For your loved ones... for your memories.
Derus: Don't let them all disappear because only they...
Henri: Mom... Rina...
Henri: Dad...
Derus: Can give you...
Derus: Hope.
***
Narrative: Hope.
Henri: You're history!
Derus: Thank you, my friend. 'Til we meet again...
Henri: Whatever that was all about, everything's saved.
Henri: Ha? Sorry, I must've fallen asleep.
Rina: Hey, wake up! Where'd you go that you suddenly pop out of nowhere, fast asleep to boot?!
Rina: You were hiding from me, weren't you?!
Henri: Of course not.
END
Cartoonist Spotlight: [Filipino fragments and paragraphs only]
The Medina Disclosure
The Fast Fact Box:
Interests
- Reading espionage suspense-thriller novels like those written by Jeffrey Archer, Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, and the Harry Potter books. (Well, they ARE mystery books! Reasoning... ^_^)
- Watching action-adventure movies like Spider-man, X-2, and Matrix Reloaded.
- "When I watched the Matrix, I wanted to write to Andy and Larry and ask them to just tell me the whole story! I was able to understand the story, but I wanted to hear the dialogue at the end again. How'd he stop the squids? His powers within the Matrix rubbed off on his true self? My theory is, a spider had bitten him. Maybe we'll be able to piece everything together when Revolutions comes out."
- "I enjoy them. Sometimes my wife gets irritated with it. I tell her that I need to watch it because of work, that I need to watch something comics-style, like Equilibrium. The thing is, she only sees the gun fights, the violence. But the ones I collect are the timeless ones, like Jerry Maguire. I like the ones that, even outside the cinema, could still make me cry."
What he thinks of Culture Crash
- It looks like animé-style, but the techniques that you guys use are already more advanced than those used for TV. Come to think of it, most mainstream comics have yet to apply the coloring techniques you use. There's still original input. You find the Filipino-ness in the text.
- I've been watching animé since I was a kid, especially Voltes V. Even my own kids appreciate the animé/manga style.
The Interview:
[1st paragraph]
Este – er...
Rated Pang-Bayan: Pugad Baboy sa TV – Rated for Everyone: Pugad Baboy on TV
[5th paragraph]
It was so dull. Is there even a war? We had to go to Basra or Turkey to actually see the war. It never got to where we were since we were in the middle part of the country.
[6th paragraph]
Hindi babagsak yan dyan! – It's not gonna fall there!
Pulutan – snack foods usually paired with beer
[10th-12th paragraphs]
"They use tiny cameras, even smaller than that. Like the ones in the casino, the ones they put into the walls. They're already available in the country."
"Do you have one?" I ventured.
"Mm. I installed it in the bathroom." Pol replied with a wheezy chuckle. "It only comes out in the Internet." For the rest of our stay, I fought the urge to go to the bathroom.
Comic Strip:
Dagul: When my wife was pregnant with Utoy, she kept eating durian. That's why he's so sharp in everything.
Tomas: My wife was into turnips when she was pregnant. That's why Paltik's ['paltik' literally means either a homemade gun, a sudden flick of a finger, or a slingshot. Comes with having a soldier for a father] so down-to-earth.
Brosia: What you don't know is what fruit craving when pregnant will result in an ugly baby.
Tomas: And that fruit would be...?
Brosia: Ask Bab's Mom...
Pol's Frequently Used Aliases:
[2nd paragraph]
"There're three. Mr. Dagul, because I'm also balding. Nah, he's my serious side."
[4th paragraph]
Padre de familia – head of the family
[5th paragraph]
"The second is Utoy, because I could be childish at times. When I was an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker), then called OCW (Overseas Contract Worker), they used to call me Utoy, because I was the youngest.
[7th paragraph]
"The third is Polgas, which is my adventurous side. My childhood friends and I used to have a lot of capers when we were together."
[8th paragraph]
Garapata – flea
[9th-11th paragraphs]
"I first had a dog when I was in Iraq. A fellow Filipino gave him to me and asked me to take care of him. I've only had him for two days and we were already bonding."
"My Italian bosses have this habit of leaving their shoes outside their trailers. The dog takes them and brings them to me! It's even my size! I once said that I needed a teflon pad, he heard it, and brought me one. That's why I made Polgas a talking dog. I patterned him after the dog who seemed to understand what I say."
"It was a shame that he was already an adult when I got him because I couldn't bring him home with me. When I asked if I could bring him back with me, they asked me to bring all sorts of papers and stuff, plus vaccines, and needing quarantine. You even need to get him his own passport with a picture and a description saying: Iraqi dog!"
Comics:
CCCom Extra: At Pol's Nest
Narrative: One day, the CCCom staff had a road trip to Pol Medina Jr.'s house. Their noble quest, to teach Pol how to use a drawing tablet for his work.
Box: After several hours of travel, our valiant travelers arrive at the heart of Parañaque...
Mark: We made it! At last!
James: Thank goodness! I need to go to the toilet!
Jon: Greetings! We come bearing gifts! A computer drawing tablet...
Dyeane: Copies of Culture Crash...
Memer: And pizzas!
Pol: Hey! Welcome! Welcome! Come in.
Pol: Who're these people? I didn't invite anyone over today.
Box: Ancient proverb says "beware of geeks bearing gifts" or something like that...
James: So the drunk guy says "I don't want to get in, I want to get out!" Ahahaha-ehehe *snort* *ahem*
Pol: They brought two pizzas and ended up eating everything. And why coke? Isn't there any beer around?
Mark: I hate that joke.
Pol: Hey, pardon my voice. I'm hoarse from giving a concert last night.
Jon: Really?
Dyeane: I have a request!
Mark: How about a demo?
James: Mmm... husky!
Pol: Oh baby, baby, baby. My baby, baby, wo chen te ren shi chi ni... [Translator's note: F4 song, a Taiwanese boy band. 'Nuff said.]
Mark: Wow! Hip! I though you were gonna sing "My Way".
Box: Trivia: Frank Sinatra's "My Way" is the primary cause of beerhouse fights that often result in tragedy.
Box: On the 2nd floor is Pol's study, where abstract ideas are transformed into tangible images on paper. This is where the magic of Pugad Baboy happens, people!
James: This's bad.
Mark: DON'T!!!
Pol: Guys, the USB cable's connected to the wall socket, right?
***
Mark: What's burning?
Memer: The NES emulator's working. We can now play Circus Charlie!
Jon: I wish he'd installed Clu Clu Land instead. I haven't finished that one yet.
Memer: So, Pol, you have any more questions?
Pol: Who'm I supposed to be again in this game?
Memer: You're the clown. The monkeys are your opponents.
Dyeane: It's such a waste using such a high-tech computer just to play games.
Dyeane: Then again, it's the same thing at the office.
Memer: Uh-oh, I think I just reformatted the D drive.
Box: Wow! Original Pol Medina art scattered around the place! We could've brought some home, but we got caught...
Pol: Hey!
Mark: Nuninuninu
Memer: You have done well grasshopper. There is nothing more that I can teach you.
Pol: I thank you, master.
Mark: Enough with Clu Clu Land! I thought you were going to teach him to us the tablet?
Box: Hours later...
Mark: Gak! No signal? This subdivision's too far from civilization.
Pol: I like Clu Clu Land better. Don’t they have this on PS2?
Dyeane: Zzz...
Memer: I wanna go home....
Pol: Hey, guys, thanks for coming and teaching me how to use the tablet...
James: On behalf of CC Com, it was our pleasure.
Pol: Aaah... so they're CC Com...
Jon: He finished Clu Clu Land without using a continue. Impressive.
Floating text: And now... the end is near... and so I face... the final curtain...
Box: The remake of "My Way" is the carrier single of C4's explosive latest album "C4 Sings the Classics". Out now!
Narrative: Here ends the exciting journey and adventures of the courageous CC Com staff. Where will they end up next?
Oblong: Watch for it!
UltraJon on How We Draw Comics 12: The Need For Speedlines [Filipino fragments only]
Jon: What'm I doing here?!? Why'm I the one writing this?
[1st paragraph]
"Parang me kulang, parang patay, walang buhay" – there seems to be something missing, it looks flat, lifeless
Jon: My worktable looks messy even in pictures.
Note: In drawing lines, changing the widths create the illusion of further movement in your drawing.
Digital Speedlines: Creating Speedlines Using the Computer
By using Adobe Photoshop, one could do away with the traditional method of creating speedlines. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating them.
This is the vector tools section of the Adobe Photoshop toolbox.
Pick the line tool from Photoshop's tool bar. This could be found in the vector tool section along with the along with the pen tool and text tool.
In the options bar, choose the fill pixels options as shown above.
You will also notice that there are other options such as weight, mode, and opacity. Weight determines the thickness of your lines.
Don't forget to check the Anti-Aliased option so that your lines will come out looking crisp and solid.
Create a new layer at start creating lines on it. Just remember to hold down the shift button when creating lines to keep them straight and uniform.
CCCom Graffiti: [Filipino fragments only]
Ipadala lang inyong mga gawa sa: – You can send your work to:
O di kaya sa – Or
Tandaan lamang na: – Just remember:
CCCom Pick of the Month: [Last sentence only]
This isn't just a any game, there's even a backstory... Benjoe, we hope that you'll be able to finish this next time.
LETTERS TO THE STAFF:
[Fragments only and those which are totally in Filipino.]
Nikko F. Valenzuela's letter:
Hi! Hello! How're you doing? Hope you get this fan art of mine. I'm your avid fan and I follow the Kubori Kikiam series in Culture Crash as well as the indie. I saw that you place the artworks of your fans on the site when I visited it last week. Cool! It's no surprise that it was honored during the Web Awards.
I hope I see my work on the site the next time I go online. Pleeeeaassse!! It will be the best birthday gift for me this coming July! Please... if not there, maybe in the coming issue of Culture Crash.
When will your next animé event be? I hope you'll still have the 'Independent Comic Booth'. I want to show my works! I hope Kubori releases a full-colored issue...
Your fellow inmate.
Nadia Leetian's letter: [fragment only]
Kapal, noh? – I'm being shameless, ain't I?
Aki's letter:
Hello everyone!
I'm really glad about the free Ragnarok CD in issue #11... it's so much fun! I don't have all copies of the comics because of my budget... but I was lucky! I had money when there was a great freebie...
I missed a lot because the last copy I was able to buy was... 8? Hehe... but even if my situation's like that, I've never forgotten...
I could tell you people that you people are really talented... everything came out nice! Even if I can't follow most of it, I just ask those who have a complete set to tell me the story...
I would like to ask about the comic feature thingy... I'm just a little bothered by how I should draw the thingy on the paper... should it be in landscape format or portrait?
I'm bothered with regards to these standard operating procedures... please clarify the details.
I hope that you could answer my question, at least by replying to this e-mail. I would really appreciate it, and I understand that it would take some time because you're all busy.
I hope you could answer my question so I could start drawing!
Dreaming.
Marvin Tolfo's letter: [Fragments only]
Ang galing especially your 10th and 11th issue! – It's great! Especially the 10th and 11th issue!
And speaking of ads, big-time na talaga kayo! – And speaking of ads, you've really become big-time!
Hindi naman kayo makakatanggi. – You couldn't refuse anyway.
Athrun Zala's letter:
Guys, you're so great! You've really improved! Keep up the good work! You release has sped up because issue 10 came out in just two months! With a free CD! Too bad I don't have a PC.
I really like your article about the symposium in Japan. It really means that you're definitely world-class. I was really surprised that you met, in person, the Father of Gundam, Yoshiyuki Tomino!! I also liked your article on Gundam SEED. Cool!!!!!!!!!!! By the way, I'm a Gundam fan (it's obvious from my name, right?).
And weren't you asking about what story could fill up the pages in Solstice's absence? I'd like to suggest that you make one with a mecha genre. That'll be cool! CCCom's already brimming with people. Yes, you could argue that Pasig also features mechas, but they aren't the story's focus.
And one more thing: why not increase your income by advertising? You can lend your back cover and allot 1 or 2 pages worth of advertisements inside. Since the size of the CC staff has increased, Php85 per issue might not be enough to cover all your operating expenses.
I'll have to end this here. My time at the Internet Café's done. Bye! For ZAFT!
Von Carlo Hechanova's letter: [Fragments only]
Talaga – true, truly
Kasi – because
Alvertte N. Alverio, Jr.'s letter: [Fragment only]
Diwata(s) – fairy(ies)
Mark's letter: [Last sentence]
Mahirap nang maka-confront ng taong hypercritical, y'know. – It's so hard to get into a confrontation with hypercritical people.
This Issue's Fan Feature: [Fragment only]
"Hindi tao"! – He isn't human!
Back Page:
Burn the fakes!
Culture Crash™, C3 Con™, One Day, Isang Diwa™, PASIG™, Cat’s Trail™, Kubori Kikiam™, is published by Culture Crash Comics and J. C. Palabay Ent., Inc. The names, logos and all related characters in this translation are ™ and © 2003 Culture Crash Comics/J. C. Palabay Ent., Inc. and their respective owners.