English Translation of Culture Crash Comics Issue No. 14

By Theresa Dy Lising

 

Translator’s note:

[ ] –> Culture notes/Translations

 

One Day, Isang Diwa

Story: J.L. Palabay

Art: E.A. Damaso

Colors: CCCom Staff

 

The Story Thus Far...

Macopa High School: The public high school Jun attends.

Principal: The head teacher of Macopa High.  Not a 'Great Teacher'.

Ms. Mayumi: The beautiful and sexy homeroom teacher of Third Year, section Sierra.

Third Year – Section Sierra

Jedd: Jun's classmate.  Quiet and solitary, he however, is a babe magnet.  He's known Clarissa for a while and has been harboring feelings for her.  His anger towards Jun resulting from the 'Flagpole Incident' has prompted him to challenge the latter to a fight.

Leo: Jun's classmate and one of Clarissa's suitors.  Rich, tends to spoil his friends, and a bit obnoxious, Leo often gets into sarcasm spats with Laura.

Laura: Jun's classmate and one of Clarissa's best friends.  A writer, she often gets into verbal rows with Leo.

Alex: Jun's classmate and also one of Clarissa's best friends.  A bit of a fashionista.

Mikaella: Jun's classmate.  She's happy-go-lucky and tends to be a bit childish in terms of actions and speech.

Benjo: Jun's classmate and friend.  Loves to mooch.  Being a member of the SPC, he has decided to avoid Jun for the meantime.

Flagpole Incident

Jun: A new student in Macopa High.  The quintessential nice guy, but tending towards being too shy.  He became involved in the 'Flagpole Incident' – where he kissed Clarissa in front of the entire Macopa High student body during the flag-raising ceremony – because of Diwa's spell.

Clarissa: Jun's classmate and the heartthrob of Macopa High.  Owed Jun a 'debt of gratitude' when he saved her, but after the 'Flagpole Incident' she decided to both avoid Jun as well as being friendly to boys in general.

Sankituryo: A kapre [Translator's Note: Anyone familiar with the DC comic release entitled 'STONE' would probably know what a kapre is.  Incidentally, it is a giant gargoyle-like creature in Philippine folklore known for living in large trees.  One always knows that a kapre is close by from the smell of the cigars it is reputed to smoke round the clock.] who Diwa goes to for advice about many things.

Diwa: Jun's spellcaster fairy friend.  The actual culprit behind the 'Flagpole Incident'.

Kumalarong: An elite soldier of darkness currently imprisoned in Diwa's bracer.

SPC: A secret society of boys who idolize Clarissa.  They currently hate Jun because of the 'Flagpole Incident'.

Nanny Grasya: Tasked with carrying around the large Tammy, she seems to be keeping some secret(s).

Tammy Tamaraw: The gigantic water buffalo plushie that Mikaella always has with her.

 

Chapter 14: Kadaw's Tear, Part 2

 

FSSSSHHHHH

BLAA ABB

FWOOSSHH

***

[2-page spread]

Jun: You don't stand a chance, Jedd.  This is your first time to use your powers.  Let's stop this.

FSSSSHHHHH

Jedd: Shut up!!!

FWSSHH

Jun: You're still no match for me, Jedd...

Krgshh

SHHH AAAAA

Hrrr

Shiingg

OOF

BWIISHH

GAAAHHH

***

Hff

Ditdit ditdit ditdit

Fuu

***

Domeng: Man, it's already ten o'clock.

Jaime: Why doesn't the boss just ring the doorbell?  What the heck's the problem?

Domeng: How should I know!  Maybe they had an LQ [Translator's Note: Lover's Quarrel]?

Jaime: You think?  Are they already together?

Shff

Tp

***

SHHHAAA

Shp shp shp

***

Tp

FWSSHH

Clarissa: !

***

[2-page spread]

FWP

KRGSHHH

Yaaah

FWMP

SPSSHHH

Hff hff hff hff

SWSHH

FWAP!

Hff hff hff hff

AAAAHHH

HUAAHH

***

[2-page spread]

SHFFF

FWSHHHH

***

FSSSHHAAA

Diwa: Stop it, both of you!!!

Box: To be continued...

 

PASIG – Chapter 14: On the Shores of Betrayal

Story and Art by: Taga-Ilog

Flats by: Jon Zamar

 

PASIG Character Profile

Warrior Slaves: The warrior slaves were Pasig's primary defense against rebels and the Philippine soldiers during the Signo War.  Unlike other slaves (who have a tan mark on the forehead), warrior slaves have been trained to fight from a young age.  The mark on their forehead is white.

Bounty Hunters: The Bounty Hunter Society was founded a few years after the start of the Signo War.  Crime became rampant in Pasig due to the shortage of military forces which also doubles as the local police force.  The local government established the "bounty system" wherein they give rewards to whoever is able to bring criminals to justice.

Tigre, Cid, and Max: Members of Dante's platoon who died during the Signo War.

Kiara: A former member of Dante's platoon.  A loyal and devoted supporter of Dante until her death.

Miguel: Dante's friend and a former member of his platoon.  An expert in the care, handling, and use of firearms.  Currently residing in Makati with Iyannah and Mariko.

Iyannah and Mariko: Friends of both Miguel and Dante.  Iyannah was born into a slave family and is currently living with Mariko, a social worker.

Elias: A former member of Dante's platoon with the ability to interpret the traces of a battle.  Currently allied with Charen for the time being in order to find Dante and know what truly happened to their platoon.

Charen: A cyborg tasked to hunt Dante down.  Charen is feared for her nerve and sheer ferocity in battle.  Also a former member of Dante's platoon and was Mina's classmate in Bataan.

??????: An unknown local government official who hired Charen to bring Dante in – dead or alive.

Dante: An enigmatic warrior slave being pursued by bounty hunters and mercenaries alike.  He was the captain of a platoon of warrior slaves during the Signo War.

Mina Cruz: Trained in Bataan for five years to become a bounty hunter.  Upon her return to Pasig, she encounters Dante, her target, but executing her mission has been anything but easy....

Isiah and Renno: Brothers in blood and arms, known as the most aggressive bounty hunters in the island of Luzon.  They're currently allied with Charen in the hunt for Dante.

Trisha and Mina: The sisters that Dante's been looking after, in fulfillment of a debt of gratitude he owed the Cruz family.

Lando Ramirez: A former cockfighter who now works as a signo miner in Pasig.  He used to be Mina's suitor.

 

Elias: This's bad...

Tp

SHFFFF

Elias: I didn't expect him to be this fast...

FWOOO

Elias: It's been three years since he's been in a fight, but it seems like he's gotten even stronger and faster.

Elias: Of all the things I hate, it's surprises like this one.

Elias: This should be interesting...

KSHINNG

***

Elias: Let's see just how fast you are!

BISH

Tp

Shooooo

Elias: He's fighting like a cornered wolf.

Elias: He was able to launch a counterattack after my own... he's no longer reading his opponent's moves...

Elias: This could work to my advantage...

OOF

THWAK

Elias: ...But I must be careful...

Elias: I'm no longer up against the Captain... this is the monster that killed Max, Cid, and Tigre...

***

SWIISHH

Elias: Even if you tripled your strength and speed... I'll still be able to find a gap in your defense...

Elias: ...I just need to wait for the right...

Elias: ...Opportunity!

***

[2-page spread]

Dante: Aaarghhh!!!

SCHKK

Elias: Tsk. Kiara.

Elias: ...Why do you distract me during these moments?

Charen: Fool!  Why didn't you aim for his heart?

SPLP

Elias: This is bad.

Elias: This isn't the time to think about the past...

***

Elias: I'm getting too careless...

SHWOOO

Elias: I need to put an end to all this...

FP

Elias: Dodged!

OOF

Elias: N-no!

KERASHH

***

Miguel: Elias!  Dante!  Stop this madness!  This is all Charen's doing!

Charen: Ha!  Ha!  Ha!  Do you think he doesn't know what happened back then?  Elias isn't that stupid!

Charen: It's you who are ignorant, Miguel... you've been fooled all this time...

Charen: The one who killed the others...

Charen: ...Is the one Elias is facing right now.

Miguel: Liar!!!

Miguel: I saw with my own eyes what happened that day...

Miguel: You were the one who brought this down on us!!!

Max: Captain!  We've been here too long...

Max: We need to move before they find us...

Dante: Let's just wait for Elias to return...

***

Dante: Use this time to rest...

Miguel: We have been on the road for three days straight... a few hours' rest wouldn't hurt...

Max: Bah!  Rest is for the weak.  All I need is booze and I'm all set!

Cid: How much farther do we still need to go?

Kiara: Camp San Lorenzo is still about a two-day trek away.

Miguel: Hey, it's my watch... I'll tell Charen to take a break.  She's been up there too long...

Tigre: Oi, Miguel!  There should still be some canned rations in the Golem.  Tell Charen to bring them back with her, okay?

Miguel: You're gonna stuff yourself again, Tigre?!

Tigre: I'm starving, man!  Golems aren't that easy to bring down, y'know!

***

Miguel: Oi!  Charen!  You can come down now.  It's my watch!

Chk chk chk chk chk

Charen: ...

Miguel: Wh-what's the meaning of this?!

clk

AAAAAGHH

BKOOM

***

Charen: Like I said... you know nothing...

Elias: Impossible!

FW MP

Elias: He still fighting, even after I've wounded him so many times...

Elias: ...A wounded wolf...

Elias: ...that gets even more hostile at death's door...

Hff hff hff hff

Elias: Only one option left...

Elias: Even if I don't succeed, I'm sure Charen can finish him off...

Elias: I won't let that happen...

Elias: I won't lose... not even at the cost of my life!!!

***

Elias: Max.

Krg

Elias: Tigre.

Elias: Cid.

Elias: Kiara.

Elias: We'll all finally be together...

Shff

***

Elias: ...At last.

To be continued...

 

Cat’s Trail

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

Art by: E.A. Damaso

Colors by: Robi

 

Cat's Trail Character Guide:

Airee Colette: The obstinate heroine, wanted in two Memeria continents.  She wants to become the most famous thief in the world.

Polaris Ricochet: The chain-smoking guardian and 'brother' (of sorts) of Airee.

Sheriff Poppy: Head of the Havanna Police, sworn to be the one to bring Airee to justice.

Ragnarok: A large bird worshiped by the inhabitants of Featherwoods.  Not an online game.

Spot: A being encountered by Airee and her crew inside a cave in Feather's Peak.  He cursed Airee by putting a bell on her.

Butler Redd: A mysterious guy Airee and Polaris met in Manira.  Currently smitten with Airee.  Your run-of-the-mill pervert.

Whompers Kaedan: A sexy member of the Thieves' Guild.  Something of a sister to Airee.  Shoots her pistol with deadly accuracy.

Bridgette: One of the youngest members of the Thieves Guild.  Idolizes Airee.

Roland: Bridgette's dragon/pet.  Not used to flying.  Can breathe fire... a little, anyway.

Sir Alfred Vincent: The suave leader of Havanna's Elite Squad.  An expert in the use of the flatlance.

Yukiko: The leader of the ninja/bandit group that's been wreaking havoc in Serpent's Pass.  Proud of her hair.  Only uses shampoo.

Iron Maiden: Poppy and his squad almost caught Airee and Polaris at the Iron Maiden.  Too bad.

Manira: Aside from Manira being a large city, Poppy and his group were able to tail Airee and Polaris thanks to Butler's help.

Featherwoods: Poppy was able to follow and capture Airee and Polaris in Featherwoods.  It was also here where they were temporarily incarcerated.  Our heroes were able to escape though thanks to Butler's help (again).

Feather's Peak: The top of Feather's Peak is the home of the Ragnarok – the Guardian of Featherwoods.  This was also where Airee and company encountered the petrified (i.e., stone) Spot, whom Airee accidentally set free.

Havanna: Havanna is one of the largest kingdoms in the continent.  This is also the location of the Thieves' Guild in which Airee is a member.

Serpent's Pass: A group of ninjas have been reported to be waylaying the merchants who pass through Serpent's Pass.  Havanna's Sir Alfred has been tasked to put an end to their activities.

Angel Mei: The boss of Memeria.  Chief storyteller of Cat's Trail.

Karin: Angel Mei's subordinate.  A sexy hag... er... sorceress (so she says).

Lgin: Little green indian ninja.  That's what he says he is.  The loyal assistant.

Mr. Alien: Only serves to mess up the story.  Kidnapped Karin to make her a shoe shiner in their planet.  Mint flavor.

 

Episode 14: Challenge

 

HAHAHA HA HAHAHAHA

Tpp tpp tpp tpp

Yukiko: I also want this over with as quickly as possible.  And the easiest way... ... is to kill the leader of the impudent force Havanna calls soldiers!!!  You're kinda cute.  Oh well, too bad.

***

KTANG!

Yukiko: I'm Yukiko.  May I know the name of my charming victim?

Alfred: Alfred.

Yukiko: Poor Alfred.  Your life ends here!!!

SHING

SH AAAA

FWAP!

***

Yukiko:  Impressive parrying.  You're indeed worthy of being squad leader of Havanna.

KTING

Alfred: Thanks.

Yukiko: Alright, let's make the most of this fight.  I've been waiting for someone like you for a long time.  You're just my type.

SHWIP!

Yukiko: Let's see whose the better fighter, hmmm....

SHSHSH

Yukiko: I can't wait.

***

Bridgette: Are we going yet?

Butler: What's happening?

Roland: Kwee!  Kwee!

Whompers: Is the coast clear?

Polaris: Doesn't look like anyone'll notice.

Airee: Come on!

Whompers: Hups!

Bridgette: Hopya!

Soldier: Rarrr!!!

Ting

Ninja: Ngars!  Ngars!

Polaris: Shape of... a cactus!

Whompers: Form of... a rock!

Noise: Rowrr!!!

WOK

Noise: Arf! Arf! Arf!

Butler: Hyaaaahh!!

WAK

Polaris: Haiiyaaah!!!

THOK

***

Airee: Yes!!! Our pretense worked.

Whompers: I'm such a convincing actress, no?

Butler: I'm sorry, already.

Polaris: You poked my eye.

Airee: The coast is clear!

Airee: Huh!

Whompers: You're the one who's been causing trouble in our guild!!!

SHAAAAAAA

Whompers: You're in for it now!

Sh-klak

Airee: Wait!  He's the reason why we're all here right now.  As much as I hate him, I need him to get rid of this stupid bell.

Spot: The next stage of your mission is...

Spot: ...to find the ninjas' base.

Spot: Only there...

ZZT

Spot: ...will...

Spot: ...and...

ZZTZ

Spot: ...in...

***

Airee: What?  I don't get it.

Spot: ...if... not...

ZZTZ ZZTZZT ZZTZ

Airee: Why's it coming all broken?  What's happening?

Airee: Bad signal?

ARRRGGH

Flop!

Airee: Oh yuck.  I didn't get the last part.

Whompers: Huh?

Whompers: All I got was the part about finding the ninjas' hideout.

Polaris: Then let's do that.

Polaris: Ow.  My eye hurts.

BAM!

Spot: I'm back in this cave.  Looks like I'm not yet 100% free.

Spot: That kid's my only chance.

***

KTINK!

SHH HH

Splip

Yukiko: Don't tell me that's all you've got, Alfred.

Shing!

Yukiko: This isn't the fight I expected.  I hope you don't disappoint me.

Shing!

Yukiko: You won't like me when I'm angry.

Yukiko: Fight back!!!

Shlik!

WHOK

SHRIIIP SLSH

BAG!

***

Alfred: Don't worry...

SHFF

Alfred: ...I'll give you...

KRIK KRK KRK

Alfred: ...the fight you've been craving for!

WNASH!!!

Angel Mei: Wow!  Great special effects (even if it wasn't necessary).  I give it a perfect 10!

Lgin: Zzzz...

Guy: What’s with the effects... what happened?  A bomb hit the cart?  Boo!  Boo!

Guys: Boo!  Boo!

***

KRK

Airee: We're so high up.

Airee: But it's okay, now we could see the whole area.

Whompers: We can easily follow the ninjas back to their lair.

Polaris: If there'll be any left to follow.

Airee: There will be.

Airee: Did you see that female ninja?  She's amazing!  She managed to kill so many soldiers.

SHKRRAK

Butler: Her techniques look so familiar...

Butler: I don't wanna think about it!

Krug

***

Yukiko: His speed scares me.

Yukiko: There're no breaks in his attacks...

VSH

Yukiko: ...even if his weapon's heavy...

VSH

Yukiko: ...doesn't he get tired?

VSH

Yukiko: Damn!

SHRIIP

Yukiko: He almost got me there.

Alfred: You're no longer laughing, miss.

Yukiko: Hmpf!

VWOOSH

Alfred: Isn't this what you've been waiting for?!

***

Yukiko: Huh?!  I need maneuvering space!

SHAAA

Fsh fsh fsh fsh

Alfred: Take this!!!

Yukiko: Hehe!  Come on.

Airee: Butler, get up here!

KRAK!

Butler: Uh-oh!

Yukiko: Now!!!

FSST

DUG!

***

PULL!

Yukiko: Hgk!

Kzzt  Kzzt

Butler: Ow!  Ow!

Alfred: A civilian?

Yukiko: I don't know who you are... ...but no one... ...no one... ...messes up my hair!!!

To be continued...

 

Kubori Kikiam

Great Balls of Fire

Part 4: Deadly Ground

Original Concept by Alfredo Rosales

Story, Kikiam and Colors by Michael David

Fishballs and Squidballs by Taga-Ilog

Additional Colors by Jon Zamar

 

Character and Story Overview:

Gani: A retired general turned fishball entrepreneur.  He is the current leader of the squidballs and fishballs, and former leader of the kikiams.

Jose: Argel's deceased father and Gani's friend.  He died when he accidentally fell into the fishball grinder in Gani's factory.

Selma: Jose's wife and Argel's mother.  She couldn't bear the hardships of the recent events in her life and decided to leave Argel in Gani's care.

Edward: Gani's friend.  Currently watching over Argel in the hospital.

Argel: The only child of Selma and Jose.  (Currently confined in San Dimas Medical Center with tetanus.)

Junk shop: Burned down by Ralf and the fishballs under the orders of General Isagani Salonga (under Operation Argel).  Argel used to work here.

Gani's Fishball: Gani's company and the squad's headquarters.  This is where the kikiams are currently battling the fishballs and squidballs.

San Dimas Medical Center: This is where Argel is confined because of tetanus.

Ralf: The squad's second-in-command.  A good squidball soldier currently being haunted by memories of his past...

The Squad: Comprised of squidballs and fishballs under the command of General Isagani Salonga.  Mortal enemies of the kikiams.

The Kikiams: (left to right) Manny, Benjo, and Dodon.  Was captured by the squad, but was released by Gani.  Currently fighting the squad in an effort to escape their base.

Norio: Gani's pet, given to him by Jose.  Became a monster after accidentally getting cooked in Gani's microwave oven.

Gani's microwave oven: This cooked Norio and managed to change his form.  It is unclear if it got broken the night Jose died.

 

Ralf: How did you survive that, Norio?

Dodon: Norio?  You're Gani's pet.  The one Jose gave him.

Dodon: How the #^%$ did you get like that?

***

BRAAAM!

PHOOOM!

Benjo: Dodon!

Ralf: Heh!  At least we know who you're with.

***

Ralf: Norio! What're you doing?!

Norio: Norio.  That is my name.

Ralf: Huh?  How can you—?

Norio: Speak?  I've been able to for a long time.  Only now I have a voice.  Thanks to one of yours, major.

Ralf: One of us?

Ralf: Ninja ball 7!

Taliya: Norio!  Release your hostage!

Taliya: You'll regret it if you don't.

***

Ralf: Ninja balls, attack!!!

***

PRAGADAAAG!

Chopsweh: Kuraeeeee!!!

Ralf: Norio deflected Chopsweh's attack!

Swish

Chopsweh: What?!

BRAAM!

Ralf: This is an unfavorable battle.

Ralf: Time to negotiate.

Ralf: Ninja Ball 7!  Stop it!

***

Ralf: Whatever happens, you are still part of the squad!

Ralf: Remember your sworn duty!

Norio: Duty?

Taliya: Tomahuk!  Wait!

SHRAAK!

Norio: I don't want to remember...

Norio: I want to be free!!!

***

Dodon: Ow...

Dodon: Damned punch.  Aaaah!

Dodon: So hot.  Like something's cook...

Krsh

PAG!

Dodon: That %$#^^%* hurts.  Manny and Benjo are on their own.

Dodon: No wonder its so hot.  This is where the oven door hit.

Dodon: The box's burning along with...

Dodon: Oh $#%^.

***

Edward: Eh?

Edward: It's night already.

Edward: I knew I should've had dinner before Gani left.

Edward: I don’t think anyone'll be leaving any more letters this time.

Box: A few minutes passed...

***

Dodon: Flames everywhere.  I could no longer feel anything.

Dodon: Is this what it feels like to die?

Dodon: Benjo said that your life flashes before your eyes like a TV program when you die.*

*: issue 9.

Dodon: Is this it?  Ugh.  No color.

Dodon: Hey, this looks familiar.

Dodon: This too.

Dodon: I know this.

Voice: Je... Jen-Jen.

Voice: Don't cry.  You're brother's here.

Dodon: Sorry, Jen.

Dodon: I wasn't able to do anything.

***

Ralf: Is everyone accounted for, lieutenant?!

Taliya: Difficult to say, major!  The explosion was too powerful!

Ninja Ball: We need to evacuate, major!  The fire's spreading!

Ralf: We're not leaving anyone!

Tomahuk: We won't have anything to escape from!

Chopsweh: Shut up!

BRAAG!

Ralf: There's our opening!

***

Voice: Fire!  Fire!

Voice: More water!

Voice: Call the fire department!

Norio: Duty's over.

Norio: We're free, Norio.

Norio: We're free.

To be continued...

 

A Fishy Tale

Created by Red de Leon

Translated by Eloisa San Juan

 

If fishes could talk... would you listen?

***

Girl: Leo, where's Ingot?  Aren't you the one watching him?

Leo: Meow.

Sniff sniff

Girl: Ma!  My goldfish is missing again!  I wanted to show him to my friend.

Mother: Hah?!  It couldn't possibly just disappear.

Sniff sniff

***

Mother: It couldn't have gone out and wandered off.

Leo: Meow!

Boy: Leo!  What're you doing here?

Woman: The ocean's beautiful, isn't it?  You look like you're from around here, boy.  Tell me, have you seen a goldfish around these parts?

Boy: ?  In the ocean?

***

Woman: Sometimes I... Did you know that a child of mine died?  He was just a baby then.  He would've been your age if he was alive today.  I came back to this place.

Woman: One night, I came to this beach – drunk as can be.  I didn't notice that I'd already gone into the water.

Woman: The waves took me... pulled me under... dragging me deeper and deeper 'til I didn’t know up from down... ...until in the darkness I saw the brightness of one goldfish.

***

Woman: I followed it...

Woman: ...until I saw...

Woman: ...the light of the moon.

Woman: When I broke the surface, I looked for the goldfish but it was nowhere to be found.  Have you ever heard of a story like this, boy?

Boy: Story?  Well, people here say...

***

Boy: ...that when...

Boy: ...a child...

Boy: ...doesn't experience enough love...

Boy: ...and dies while still a baby, the soul won't go to heaven.

Boy: Because of this, the soul comes back...

Boy: ...as a pet...

Boy: So that it can experience the love and care that it's been denied.

***

Boy: You said earlier that your kid died... ...maybe you saw your kid's soul.

Woman: Hahaha.  What're you talking about, boy?  Kids today sure have wild imaginations.  ...My baby's soul, a goldfish?  Yeah, right....

Boy: You know, Leo, I don't think she liked my story.

Boy: By the way, how'd you find me?

Leo: Me-ow.

Boy: I smell like a fish?!

***

Girl: Tsk.  Now Leo's the one missing....

Girl: Leo!  There you are.  You were the one who found Ingot?

Leo: Meow.

Girl: Good thing you came back in time.  I was about to leave without you.  I was going to meet my new friend.  She's really  nice.  She said she saw a goldfish in the ocean.

The End.

 

How We Draw 14: How to Draw the Male Figure

 

                In "How We Draw 5" (which was a pullout poster in Culture Crash 5.5), I gave tips on drawing an animé character.  Back then I used a female model, which is why in this issue (so no one could say I'm biased... ehehe...) we're using a male model.  Here are some hints and tip on drawing a male, as well as some explanations on the difference between the male and female body.  Okay, let's start...

 

Step 1: The Dummy

                As in HWD 5, the first step is to make the form of a person using basic shapes.  This will be our drawing guide.  The important consideration in this step is the pose you want your character to have.  For our purposes, we will use a simple standing pose.

 

Step 2: The Nude Model

                After completing the dummy, use the guidelines to draw your choice character.  Why's he naked?  Because the old female figure was also naked... just kidding!  This is to make sure that the clothes we'll be drawing will fit properly.  Reminder: You can make your character as skinny or as muscular (or whatever) as you want.  You could also skip this step if you wish.

 

Step 3: The Final Art

                Drawing clothes.  You can dress the character up with whatever you like.  Here, we're using typical Japanese school clothes.  Did you notice that I used the nude model to estimate his size?  The length of his sleeves or the width of his shoulders, are examples.

 

What are the differences between the male and female figures?

 

Male model: Why'm I naked?  And why's there a girl beside me? I'll pretend not to notice, ehem... ehem...

Female model: Hey!  There's a cute guy beside me.  I gotta get him to notice me... Eek!  I'm naked!

 

                The males are usually taller than the females, but mind you this isn't always followed.  If you want the female to have a stronger image, make her taller.

                Males have larger and wider shoulders than females.  The male body is more angular and muscular compared to the female body, which has softer lines.

                The female has a rounded chest.

                The male stance is usually straighter, except if you want to have a more commanding female character.

Some final reminders:

                The above is usually followed, but this could also be changed depending on the character you wish to draw.  For example, a bishounen character has a softer stance while a female warrior has a straighter stance.

 

Some more tips:

                Emphasis on the shoulders: The muscles of the shoulder, chest, and collarbone are integrated.  Treat it as a singular and whole part of the body.  This concept could be useful in drawing muscular characters.  Diminish the shoulder size if you have a skinnier character.

                It's in the hands: The male hand is bonier and more angular than the female's, which has smaller fingers and softer lines.  The knuckles of the male hand are given more emphasis.  See the examples below.  The one on the left is the male hand.

                Shoulders again: The shoulder muscles are also integrated to the shoulder blades like a singular part.  The shoulders are more emphasized in this manner.

 

Pinoy Popcorn Superheroes: [just some quick explanations]

Written by UltraJon after watching Filipino flicks over the vacation.

 

Captain Barbell:

'Lagablab' – Flame

'Dagampatay' – Dead Rat [Translator's Note: At least that's what I think it is, a combination of 'daga' (rat/mouse) and 'patay' (dead).]

'Lobo' – Wolf

 

'Gagamboy' – Spiderboy, a combination of 'gagamba' (spider) and boy.

 

Anito: Defend A Land Enraged: [just some quick explanations]

 

'Anito' – idol, idolatry

'Tikbalang' – Philippine version of a centaur, only in reverse.  Has the head of a horse and the body of a man.

'Agila' – eagle

'Maya' – sparrow

'simbahan' – church

'sanglaan' – pawnshop

'sabungan' – cockpit, for cockfighting. [Translator's Note: Remember PASIG, issue 2?]

'lansones' – fruit that grows in grape-like bunches.  Skins are NOT edible.

'makopa' – Malay rose apples.

'itak' – bolo

'busog' – bow

'palakol' – axe

'at maraming iba pa' – etcetera

 

Anino Entertainment: Out of the Shadows [just some quick explanations]

 

'anino' – shadow

 

Making the game: [Filipino fragment in the second paragraph]

                "Actually, the biggest problems we encountered were all technical problems.  That's what basically delayed us (one year), making us go over budget."

 

Reaping the rewards: [Filipino fragment in the third paragraph]

                "You won't believe how many people call the office because their pirated versions wouldn’t work.  It's annoying and amusing and exasperating."

 

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 © 2004 Culture Crash Comics/J. C. Palabay Ent., Inc. and their respective owners.