English Translation of Culture Crash Comics Issue No. 13

By Theresa Dy Lising

 

Translator’s note:

[ ] –> Culture notes/Translations

 

Editorial Page:

 

 

Kubori Kikiam

Great Balls of Fire

Part 3: Pizzarella

Created by Alfredo

Story and Kikiam by Tiga-Kanal

Fishballs and Squidballs by Taga-Ilog

Colors by Jon Zamar and Tiga-Kanal

 

Box: Isagani, first of all, let me express my sincere thanks for all that you've done for us.

Box: You've always been there ever since Jose died.

Box: You're practically a father to Argel.

Box: The final thing I would ask of you is that you truly become a father to him.

Box: He has no need for a mother, especially one such as myself.

Box: A mother who let her only child work in a junk shop just to have money for food.

Box: A mother who let him become gravely ill.

Box: With a mother like this, he'd be better off alone.

Box: It's hard enough being a single parent, worse if you have an uncaring mother.

Box: I'm sorry, Isagani, but this's all for the best.

Box: I leave it up to you to explain things to Argel.

Box: I don't have a problem with whatever reason you give him.

Box: Please, Isagani.  If not for Argel, do it for Jose. – Selma

***

Gani: When did you get this?

Edward: Selma left at about noon, but I only found it at about five.  I think she left when I was out having lunch.  Sorry, Gani.  If only I'd found the letter sooner...

Doctor: Uhm, excuse me, but are you Argel's father?

Gani: No.

Gani: I'm his godfather.

Doctor: His body's responding well to the medicines we're giving him and we've managed to control the seizures and muscle spasms.

Doctor: He's stable at the moment, but we still have to keep him under observation for at least three days before he could be discharged.

***

Doctor: Tetanus is a very serious infection.  It could affect breathing, urination, and even bowel movement.

Doctor: Could you please tell me how Argel got injured?

Gani: While playing.

Gani: His Mother probably didn't see him.

Newspaper: Junkshop razed; 3 drunkards pecked to death.

Doctor: When you think about it, tetanus could easily be acquired from common places, also from dirt and rusty objects.

Doctor: Well, I have to go.  We'll just continue treating him with antibiotics.  I'll leave it to you to explain to his parents.

Argel: Gani!

Gani: Huh?

Gani: Argel?

Argel: Gani, where's my Dad?

Gani: He just stepped out for a while.  You guys going someplace?

Argel: Yeah!  We're gonna eat cake!

Gani: Out to eat?  But it's pouring outside.

***

Gani: Stay with Edward in the meantime, okay?

Argel: Edward, what're you doing?

Edward: Cooking in the microwave.

Edward: There.

Argel: You broke the kroweyb.

Edward: Microwave!  Ah, it wasn't plugged in.

Edward: There we go.

KRA-THOOM!

Argel: Hey!

Kz-spak

Edward: Damn.  The lights are out.

Argel: You're in trouble.  You broke the kroweyb and the lights.

Edward: It was the #%*%@^* lightning!  I didn't break it.

Jose: Gani!  Help!

Gani: Jose?

Sign: Gani's Fishball

Jose: Gani, help!

***

Edward: Gani, you okay?  I can still stay for a bit.

Edward: If you need to go home...

Gani: I'm alright.

Edward: So now what?

Gani: Like what the doctor said, in three days, Argel can go home.

Gani: He's coming home.

Box: Meanwhile...

Sign: Gani's Fishball

***

Ssshhrrraaaaaaa

Ralf: Tranquilizer darts are in effect!

Ralf: Ninja balls restrain target!

Swrsh

Wrsh wrsh

Dodon: A battalion of fishballs and a godzilla.... what the %@&# am I gonna do?

Dodon: Wait a minute, I wonder how Manny and Benjo are doing?  Time to take a look-see.

***

Dodon: %^*$, that's what they did to me earlier.  Nice.

Ralf: Do not agitate Norio!

Dodon: Hey you #%^^#%!  You look all tied up at the moment!

Dodon: Ralf, you @^#&$*$!  How 'bout introducing us to your pretty girlfriend!

Dodon: Hey, miss!  Ralf's no @^#&$*$ good!  Try Taliya instead!

Shraaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Dodon: Hmm, I wonder if my Dodon catapult would work on this thing.

Dodon: Forget it!

Taliya: Ninja ball 12 detach!

SLAM

***

Ralf: You came back.  It's not like you to come back.

Ralf: Oh, I'm sorry.  You're not accustomed to English.

Ralf: Okay, let's use Tagalog instead.  How's life as a civilian, Dodon?

Dodon: Ralf, you &^$@%*&^%, spare me your @^#&$*$!  If you want a fight, come to me!

Ralf: %$##%$% you can't even answer a simple question!

BRAGADAG

Ralf: You're just as you always were.  You don't listen.  You don't follow.  You don't have any respect.

Ralf: For all that General Salonga's done for you, how did you repay him?!

Ralf: By abandoning the group and turning your back on your oath!

***

Dodon: First of all, @^#&$*$, we swore nothing.  Secondly, you don't give a ^^%# about us leaving!

Ralf: Then I take it you also won't care if we finish the one and only Alpha Unit?

Dodon: You can @^#&$*$ finish this!

BRAGADAGADAG!

Dodon: Hey, Ralf, you're girls getting impatient!  Time for you two to @^#&$*$!

Ralf: This is pointless!  Prepare yourselves, Dodon!

Ninja Ball: Heh!  Now you're done for!

Dodon: Shut the @^#& up!

BLAG!

Dit!

***

Kz-spak

Vnnmmmmmmmmmmmmm

AEEEEEEEEERRRGH!

Dodon: Hey, Ralf, I haven't done anything yet.  Hey!!!

Dodon: @^#&$*$!  I'm good!

Dodon: Eh?

Sprack

Vrrrmmmmmmmm

***

Braaaaam!!!

Ralf: Aaah!  Aah!

***

Box: To be continued...

 

One Day, Isang Diwa

Story: J.L. Palabay

Guest Artist: Ryan Orosco

Colors: Jon Zamar and Taga-Ilog

 

Chapter 13: Kadaw's Tear, Part 1

 

Guy: Jedd wants to talk to you.  Follow me and I'll take you to him.

Clarissa: We're no longer friends.

Jedd: I'm not done with you yet.

Jun: We're no longer friends.

Jun: Is he Clarissa's boyfriend?

Jun: How could I've done that?

***

[2-page spread]

Guy: We're here.

Guy: Just go 'round back.  Jedd's waiting for you.

Jun: Jedd, how's Clari...

Jedd: I'll say this only once, Jun.  I didn't call you out here to talk.  Prepare yourself.

Jun: I'm not gonna fight you, Jedd...

Jun: If you think...

THWAAP!!!

***

Box: Meanwhile...

Sankituryo: Kumalarong is an elite soldier of the dark forces, Diwa.  He's quite infamous in our world.  You actually managed to trounce him?

Kumalarong: Let me ouuuuttt!!!  Mommyyyyy!!!!

Diwa: But of course!  Haha!  Piece of cake!!!  And here he is, sir.  I used the magic in my bracer to imprison him.

Sankituryo: Well done, child!  Unfortunately, that is but a momentary solution.  It is quite precarious since we have but little knowledge of your bracer's power.

Diwa: How'd he find me?

Sankituryo: That I do not know, Diwa.  One of the powers of your bracer is to conceal your presence from our people.  Anyone looking for you would find it difficult to sense your presence.

Sankituryo: It's quite the useful gift your parents bestowed upon you the time they left you in my care when you were but a babe.  This is, however, the second time we've had a problem such as this.  You must exercise caution, Diwa.  If you wish, you may remain here with me for the time being.

Diwa: Sir, my parents...

***

Sankituryo: I know, Diwa.  But you also know your place, by our laws.  There will come a time when everything about your parents is finally revealed, but until then, all that I could say is that they love you very, very dearly.

Diwa: I understand.

Diwa: By the way, this is the necklace I wanted to talk to you about.

Sankituryo: K-Kadaw's Tear!!!

***

Jedd: Stand up, Jun!

Jun: Look, I didn't mean what happened.

Jedd: What?!?

Jun's Angel: Apologize!  Tell him you didn't mean it!  Tell him that wasn't what you intended!

Jun: Uh, I didn't mean it, it wasn't what I intended!!!

Jun's Devil: Oh???  You didn't like the kiss?

Jun: Uh... well, actually, I did, but I didn't really... no, ahh...

Jun: Umm, it wasn't good!  No, wait, I liked kissing Clarissa uh... but, y'see...

FWAP!

Jun's Angel: We're dead, man.

Jun's Devil: Excuse me, as if it was all my fault.

Thud!!

***

Jedd: Fight back!!!

Jedd: Fight!!!

Jedd: Fi...

***

Sankituryo: Kadaw's Tear is no talisman, Diwa.  It's one of the sacred gems of our world.

Sankituryo: It has been said that it brings inconceivable fortune to whoever wears it.

Sankituryo: It also possesses incredible power that only a few people are able to wield.

Sankituryo: But Kadaw's Tear also possesses extraordinary darkness, for imprisoned within is the spirit of a cursed god.

Jedd: You're only dodging and blocking.  Why won’t you fight back!?

Sankituryo: Many beings from our world attempted to claim this power for themselves, yet they all eventually failed.  That is, until it found itself a guardian.

Fff...

Sankituryo: The guardian is able to reap the fortune it brings yet, because of his unusual bloodline, remain unaffected by the darkness within.  He shall remain unaffected, that is, if he only wears it.

***

Sankituryo: But if the guardian calls forth its power, he opens himself to the darkness, for the power is tainted by the cursed god's very essence.

Jun: I'm not gonna fight you Jedd.

Sankituryo: This must not happen.

Ffffrrsssshhkkkrssshh!!!

Jun: No!

Fwooom!!!

Fssshoooommm!!!

Sankituryo: You must not let this happen.

Kraaakkssshhhhnnn!!!

***

[2-page spread]

Shrrrkkrraaakakraa

Diwa: !

Jedd: Wh-what the...?!?

Jun: Jedd, listen to me.  Don’t worry, that's you power.

Jun: We both have powers.  Otherwise, you would've killed me by now.

Jun: Let's put an end to this.  Let's talk, and allow me to explain.

Jedd: We both have powers?

Jun: Yes.

***

Jedd: Then this fight's even.  You can do all the explaining you want later.

Jun: Wh-what?!?

Jedd: Prepare yourself, Jun!

Box: To be continued...

 

PASIG – Chapter 13: Monster

Story and Art by Taga-Ilog

Flats by: Jon Zamar

 

Hff Hff Hff

Ooff

Skrrttchh

Hff Hff Hff

Girl: Sorry.

Girl: Nngghhh...

***

Man 1: What do you mean they're all GONE?  We sent over a hundred men to that location!

Man 2: No one was responding to radio contact... that's why they sent us to investigate.

Man 1: Hmph!  Maybe their radio's busted.  It shouldn't be that hard to finish a platoon of slaves, right?

Girl: Enemies... I need to get them away from here.

Man 1: Hurry up.  It's gonna be dark soon.

Girl: Good-bye, my captain.

BKAM!  BKAM!  BKRRR!  BKAM!

POOM!  POOM!  POOM!  BKAM!  BKAM!

***

SKSHZZZZ

BKAM!  BKAM! SHKLTT

Hff Hff Hff

Renno: !!!

***

K-TNK

Renno: Aaaaggh!!

Skkrr

Isiah: Renno!  Get out of here, now!

Renno: Isiah!

Isiah: Nngghhh!!

***

Whpp

Isiah: Huh?!

Fp

***

SHN SHH

SCHFFF

Isiah: Son of a--!!

Isiah: !!!

SHN OOO

SHWSH

***

KG RR SHHH

Elias: Just as I thought... the cyborg is no match for the Captain.

Elias: This one's lucky to still be breathing...

Elias: ...Unlike Max and the others...

Elias: ...I know you killed the others, but something still bothers me.

Elias: Kiara.

***

[2-page spread]

***

Elias: Where's the Captain?

Kiara: I know you're out for revenge...

Kiara: Please, Elias, don't look for him anymore...

Kiara: But if you want to continue... you'll have to fight me first...

Kiara: Because I won't let anything happen to Dante as long as I live!

Elias: I'm not going to fight you, Kiara... too much blood has already been spilt this day... I promise not to trouble the both of you any more.

Kiara: Thank you Elias.  Thank you so much.

***

Elias: Forgive me, Kiara...

Elias: But I have to finish off the monster.

Renno: Isiah!  ISIAH!

Elias: I've long prepared for this day.

SHFF

Elias: I shall never forget the signs you left back then...

SHFF

Elias: Your steps... your movements... I've memorized them, like a treacherous dance of death...

SCHKK  SCHKK

Elias: I am prepared.

***

SHAAAA

Elias: Face me, Dante!!!

Charen: It's finally begun...

Miguel: Dante!  Elias!  Stop it!!!

Elias: No hesitation.  I've calculated my moves well, along with the moves he'll likely make... this is my only chance and I cannot make a mistake...

Tptptptptp

Hff Hff Hff Hff

Elias: Good-bye, Captain!

Box: To be continued...

 

Cat’s Trail

Story: E.A. Damaso & M.C.S. Damaso

Art: E.A. Damaso

Colors: Robi

Assists: Taga-Ilog

 

Episode 13: The Trap

 

Angel Mei: The kingdom of Havannah is having a big problem with trade because of an unknown group of bandits that has been terrorizing the merchants who pass through Serpent's Pass – one of the major trade routes of the kingdom.

Angel Mei: Because of this, the King has sent Sir Alfred Vincent III, the leader of Havannah's elite squad, to solve and rid the country of this problem in any way possible.

Angel Mei: Sir Alfred and his men decided to pose as merchants and set a trap for the bandits.  This way, they would be able to find their base and stop their operation for good.  It took them three days to reach Serpent's Pass.

Angel Mei: Unbeknownst to Sir Alfred, they have a group of stowaways in the Caravan – Airee and company, who are on the trip by order of Spot, the mysterious being who'd put a curse on her.

Angel Mei: And aside from Airee, there is yet another group that's keeping tabs on their progress...

Ninja: Psssst... hey!  Don't!  I'm not supposed to be seen... I am a Ninja!  Shoo!  Shoo!

***

Yukiko: They're getting close to our trap.  Make sure that none of them live.  Is everyone at their stations?

Ninja 1: Yes, Madam.  They are ready.

Yukiko: Excellent.  Anyone who fails me shall pay with his life.

***

Ninja 2: Snif!  Snif!  Madam Yukiko's hair is so long, it's starting to sting my eyes.

Ninja 2: But I'm a ninja!  I shall be firm.  I shall not be beaten by hair.  I shall not...

Shing!

Yukiko: Hmpf!

Ninja 2: Huhuhu!  It hurt.  It hurt so baaaad!*

Ninja 2: But I didn't do anything to Madam.  Why'd she hit me?

Ninja 3: Didn't you know that Madam Yukiko loves and is very proud of her hair?  Just be careful next time.  You should be grateful that she didn't kill you on the spot.

*: This is no typo.  We really meant it to come out this way.

***

Guard 1: The Sergeant said to light some torches over here.  Bring the horses over there to rest.

Guard 2: Go to the meeting over at wagon 3 when you're done.

Guard 3: No prob.  I'll be over shortly.

Polaris: Uuuuuunnnnggg...

***

Hff Hff Hff Hff Hff

Hff Hff Hff Hff

Kid: Monsters are on the rampage!!! Hff Hff Hff

Kid: Hff Hff... Th-there are monsters... at the village... g-gate... Hff Hff

***

NNGRAAAAAH!!  RAAAHHRRR!!  AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!  BRASSHHHH!!!

Kid: Oh no!  They're headed this way!

Kid: What now?  What're we gonna do?

Man: Calm down.  Don’t worry about a thing, because we have to ask you to do something very important.

Man: Listen carefully, okay?  We only have time to say this once...

***

Woman: This is quite a big responsibility, Aris, but you're the only one we could count on.

Woman: We want you to take care of our child, Aris...

Woman: Please care for her, ok?  Treat her like your own sister.  Could you do that for us?

Aris: O-of course.  I'll t-take care of her as b-best as I can... b-but aren't you coming with me?  We could still escape...

Man: We'll temporarily be separated from you, Aris.  Do you still remember the secret passage leading away from the village?  Take it, so the monsters won’t be able to follow.

Man: Take this with you.  You'll be able to use it when you need to.  Please give it to our child when she comes of age.

Man: There's also some money hidden in the backyard.  Take it so you'll have money for food and other expenses.

Woman: Thank you, Aris.  I'm sorry, we know this is quite sudden...

***

KRRRRAAAASSSHH!!!

RRRHAAARRRRR!!  RRAAHRRRRRRR!!!

Man: RUN!!!

Shadow: It is futile to resist.  I have come for the mystic crystal...

Polaris: AAAAAA!

Polaris: Hff Hff Hff That dream again...

Twitch!

***

Voice: Nobody move!!!

Polaris: Huh?

Ninja: Thanks for the latest shipment, but this is as far as you go.  We can't let any of you live.  Hehehe.

Alfred: So, it's ninjas...

Alfred: We've been waiting for you.

Alfred: You are under arrest, in the name of the King of Havannah, his majesty King Cephiros X.  For theft and murder...

Ninja: Ah, so you're soldiers of Havannah.  Good.  This should make things even more interesting.

Alfred: Draw your weapons!

***

[2-page spread]

Ninja: How brave.

Ninja: But we ninjas never back down from a fight!!!

Ninjas: HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

Alfred: Prepare to fight!!!

Airee: Hohum... what's happening out there?

Polaris: Shhh... don't make a sound.  The bandits and the Havannah soldiers have started fighting.

Bridgette: Where'd you get the popcorn? Ehehe...

Alfred: I'm giving you one more chance to lighten your sentence.

SHHSHING!  Clang!  Kting!  Ktang!  Shhhnk!

Alfred: Who is your leader and where is your hideout?

Guard 1: Why don't they just let their leader show himself and make our jobs a bit easier.

Guard 2: Exactly....

Ftshm!

Yukiko: Hello, boys!  I take it I'm the one you're waiting for?

Guard 1: Ha?!

Guard 2: What the—?

***

Yukiko: Sorry to keep you waiting.  No matter, I brought presents.  Here!  Take them!!!

Shhhakk!  Fwshshsh!!

Yukiko: We're all the same...

Shink!

Pshtak!!  Fshakt!

Yukiko: I also want this mess to end...

Yukiko: Hahahahahahaha!!!!

To be continued...

 

Team Matar

Story/Art by: Noel Divino

 

Label: Ioja

Label: Mujer

Mujer: Are we there yet, Mandar?  We've been walking for days and we still haven't seen a trace of your home village!

Label: Mandar Mono

Label: Roca

Box: They comprise Team Matar

Box: An adventuring party.

Box: Only today, they are searching through the jungle for...

Box: ...The home of Mandar!!

Roca: Ioja!  Climb one of these trees and see how much farther we have to go.

***

Mandar: Just a bit more, my friends.  Ioja!  What do you see from there?

Ioja: Nothing much!  The trees are too high, I can't see past them.  I did see smoke coming from somewhere, though.

Mandar: Smoke?  Okay, come down and... you might fall.

Ioja: You've gotta be kidding, Mandar!  I'm an acrobat after all.  Or have you forgotten?

Ioja: ...Hey, on my down, I thought I saw some ruins!  I'm not sure, though.

***

Mandar: Good!  We're close to civilization.  But why's there smoke?

Box: They continued walking.

Box: Even if the mud began clinging to their feet.

Box: ...Only to be shocked at what they'd find...

Box: ...They didn't expect...

Box: ...The entire town to be destroyed...

Box: And everyone living there...

Box: ...Dead.

Roca: What happened here?  Looks like nothing's left.

Roca: And it looks like we traveled for nothing...

Mujer: Comrades, take heed.  We are not alone!

***

Girl: You are correct in one respect, girl!  You are not alone...

Girl: I am Helado and I will be sending you into the afterlife!!!

Ioja: Outta the way!  I'll take care of that loudmouth.

Box: She is Ioja.

Box: Able to make anything take on a razor's edge...

Box: Even her skin.

Box: But Helado is prepared!

Box: She met her charge with shards of ice!!

Box: Ioja's abilities were futile...

Tsug Tsug Tsug Tsug Tsug

Box: The ice like nails pinning her to the wall...

***

Box: The mysterious Helado once again attacked...

Box: But this time...

Box: She attacks with much stronger magic...

Mujer: Just who are you?  Why're you trying to kill us?!?

Box: This time...

Box: She was blocked by Mujer...

Box: Using her powers of flame.

Helado: Why bother asking, girl.  You already know why!

Roca: There's no point talking to talk to someone like her, Mujer!!  Her rage gets the better of her too fast!!

***

Helado: Wrong move.  I can't be so easily surprised!

Box: Roca didn't have a chance.

Box: By trying to take Helado by surprise...

Box: He was the one who got surprised!

Helado: Wha!

Mandar: You're too arrogant, Helado!!!  Let's see how you fare against my Psionic Grip!!!

Box: Everyone was stunned.

Box: This is the first time they've seen

Box: Mandar Mono use his powers.

Mujer: Mandar!  You might kill her with your Psionic Grip!!!

***

Mandar:  She deserves nothing less!  She destroyed my hometown, Mujer. She killed everyone!

Mujer: But killing isn't right!

Roca:  Mujer's right, Mandar.  Team Matar doesn't kill.  You were the one who said that, Mandar.  No matter how evil Helado's actions were, we've no right to kill her.

Helado: You're wrong!!  I didn't destroy the town of Matar.

Mandar: Then why?!  Why did you try to kill us?  Why'd you hurt my friends?

***

Helado: Forgive me.  When I saw what had happened... to the people of Matar... I couldn't think of anything but...

Helado: ...Revenge.  I was filled with rage and I blame myself for what happened.

Helado: If only I'd been here, this never would've happened!

Helado: I could've protected them.  Do you understand what I'm going through?!

Mandar: I do, Helado.

Mandar: My family also died here, but revenge isn't going to bring them back.  We could both look ahead, to the future... here and now...

Box: Mandar knew that he can't make the pain go away.

Box: But that isn’t his intention.

Box: He doesn't know if he could forgive Helado...

Box: But his heart knows not hate...

Box: ...This is a heart full of hope.

Scroll: The end.

 

Cosplayer Spotlight: Kickstorming [Q&A's that are largely in Filipino only]

 

CC Com Profile

Full name: Krizelle L. Uychinco

Nicknames: Kicks, Dice, Kikay, Tootpik (only my cousin calls me this), Bijounen (I didn’t start this... T_T)

Age: 20

 

'Pero' – but

'Tapos' – then

 

Are you a gamer?  What games do you play?

Hehehe, I'm a gamer. :P  Right now, I'm into RPG console games, before it's more varied... I played table-top RPG like D&D (Dungeons and Dragons), AD&D (Advanced Dungeons and Dragons), and Star Frontiers.  Then I got into Magic: The Gathering.  But everything started with the old NES console and my cousins' Apple II PC, that's when I got addicted to games... games like Tetris, Pacman, Lode Runner, Mario Brothers, Contra (this's my all-time favorite!  Hehehe "laser-spread" combo!), Macross, and a lot more =)

 

First time jitters...

When was the first time you cosplayed?  What character did you go as and how did it feel to cosplay for the first time?

This was during the AXN event.  I tried cosplaying King from Art of Fighting out of a friend's idea. ^_^;;;;  I liked the idea of cosplaying King when my friend told me that it'd look good on me, especially given the short preparation time.  At first I was extremely enthusiastic, then during the event, I kinda felt shy and a bit embarrassed with myself because I felt like I didn't exert much effort to make my costume look better.  Afterwards, I felt regretful.  But that's okay, it happens to everyone, right? ^_^;;;;

 

Being a Costume Player...

How many characters have you cosplayed so far?

Five, I think, if you count the modified Gundam Girl during the Toycon as a separate entity from the first version. =)  Uhm... King, Gundam Girl (ver. 1), Battle Angel Alita, Honey/Candy from Fighting Vipers, and Gundam Girl (ver. 2). ^_^v!

 

Which was the one you liked most?  Why?

Each costume has its own gimmicks, you see.  Hehehe.  I had so much fun learning about myself and the people I worked with xD

 

Which was the hardest to prepare for?

I think it was Honey, because there were too many things we had to take into consideration in making the costume, and we had to experiment on cloth too, which we felt was something a little out of our jurisdiction in terms of cosplay preparation because none of us knew a thing about cloth back then.  We had to consult people about it. X_X;;;

 

'namin' – us/our

 

What are the most common reactions you get from people?

This... "HEEYYY!!! IT'S (name of character)!!  COOL!!!!!"  Along with leers, at least that's what Fed or Poli tell me... @_@;;;;;

 

Did you ever have stalkers?

I don't think so.  Sometimes I get SMS from people I don’t know, but that's about it. ^_^  The others are nice enough to approach me and introduce themselves then express their rants and raves ^_^v!

 

How do your parents feel about you joining cosplays?

I think they initially thought that "our daughter's gone nuts..." or something close to that because they keep on complaining.  [Eventually] they ran out of things to say because I kept on giving the same reason to them for the nth time that I really enjoy doing this. >_<

 

Words of inspiration...

What would you say is the first thing a cosplayer would need?

Dedication in making the costume.  My Mom always told me to finish what you started, so it's not just that you are enthusiastic with what you're doing – you have to love what you're doing. ^-^V!  It's easy to say one thing, but when it comes to actually working you are sometimes seized by lethargy, right?  Then again, I think if you love it enough you won't feel lazy about working on your costume.

 

How has cosplay changed your life?

Cosplaying to me is a source of not only personal enjoyment but also fun with really great friends who work with me, and I see it as an opportunity to learn more about stuff you don't normally learn in school. :P  And I think I need an artistic vent, not just for logical and critical thinking like in school and at work.  [The same reason] I engage in table tennis not only for the love of it but also so that I would be able to keep my sanity from absorbing too much academic sh*t which I might not even need after graduation...

 

What is your advice to those who aspire to join costume plays?

Think outside the box! =D  Let all your craziness loose because it helps, after all it doesn’t happen everyday, right? ^-^

 

Thanks to CCCom for making this interview possible, especially to the anime fans who say they were inspired by me!!!  Thanks sooooo much guys!!!  I'm glad to have been able to help!!!!

 

How We Draw Comics 13: Taking Things Into Perspective

 

Tip #1: Why Isn't My Face Even???

                In anime or manga, drawing a face with "perspective" is accomplished by using foreshortening.  This is a technique wherein the character's facial features, which are farthest from the viewer's eyes, are made narrower or smaller (or even both).

                In the above example, if a character is looking straight at the viewer, the two halves of the face are even.  But did you notice that the division changes as he turns his head to a different direction?

                This is what we call foreshortening.  The half that is farther from the viewer becomes narrower.  Remember that this technique isn't limited to faces.

 

Tip #2: Disappearing Details

                As an object (or character) becomes farther away, the details of said object (or character), as seen by the naked eye, lessens.  We call this the Law of Diminishing Detail.  That's why we don’t need to draw all the details if an object or person is far from the viewer.  Observe the example to your right...

 

Guy: Aaa!!!  I can't read my t-shirt anymore!

Guy: Hey... my hair...

Guy: Oh my goodness!  Now I'm colorless!

 

Tip #3: The Worm's Eye View

                The worm's eye view or low angle shot is used when you want to show large objects such as buildings and mecha.

                Using this type of perspective, the projection lines you will be using should taper at the top and widen at the bottom.

                This perspective adds realism to scenes such as the one on the left because it would look like the viewer is placed right at the location of your scene.  It's almost like you're actually watching the fight between Ultra Jon and the monster Vhaltan.

 

Ultra Jon: Take this!!! Ultra Elbow!!!

Vhaltan: Hohohoho!

 

Tip #4: The Top View or Bird's Eye View

                On the other hand, the top view is used to show a wide area (e.g., school grounds) or to show the positions of characters relative to each other (or their surroundings).

                Compared to the worm's eye view, the top view has projection lines that narrow downwards and widens at the top.  Because of this, the heads of the characters or objects located near the top are bigger and the objects at the feet of the characters or at the lower portion of the character's body tend to be smaller.

 

Guy 1: Admit it!  You ate my lunch!

Guy 2: What?!  It wasn't me!

Guy 1: What do you mean it wasn't you... the evidence's right by your feet!

Guy 2: Stupid bird's eye view!  Darn!

 

Tip #5: Forced Perspective

                In this perspective, you will see the concept of foreshortening.  Observe the example to your left: The fist is exceptionally large since it's "close" to the viewer's eyes while the arm is shortened because it is angled towards the viewer.  This is a good technique to use in emphasizing fight scenes.

 

J-Pop: 'Ohayo!!!' Morning Musume [Fragment only]

 

"Sino sila?" – Who're they?

Sexbomb Dancers – Popular 'background' dancers in a major television network's (GMA-7) noontime variety show 'Eat Bulaga' [a homonym taken from a popular peek-a-boo game parents play with their babies] comprised of barely legal girls who have loads of PG-13-bordering-on-R-18 dance moves.  They currently have a TV show and CDs out in the market.  Mind you, the songs they dance to most often make absolutely no sense at all.

 

CC Com Graffiti

 

Ultra Jon: Great!  Culture Crash fans are something else!

 

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.