Movie Masters - Jor-El Review

April 16, 2013 the main trailer for Man of Steel goes viral over the net and takes the breath out of each Superman fan.  This third trailer shows the phase and how action-packed this re-telling of Superman’s Origin. Check out the Third and Main Trailer for Man of Steel here.

My quick thoughts for the trailer, as a Superman fan this got me riveted as each segment of the trailer is a hint and shown in ways that a fanboy would speculate and initiate what might be – that’s the fun of it. I have 5 points to raise:

1.  General Zod is fierce; the reinvention of the character is not something I expected. Michael Shannon executed Zod that would shun fear to humans as a conqueror and full of hate to the House of El longing for vengeance to Jor-El’s son Kal-El.

2.  Wonderer Clark, searching for this true purpose.  This is reminiscing of the graphic novel Superman: Birthright by Mark Waid.

3.  Action-packed movie with a heart, I got to admit I love how Zack Snyder imagination and how brilliant Goyer and Nolan with the story. I truly believe that this is NOT THE SUPERMAN MOVIE WE NEED but THE SUPERMAN MOVIE WE DESERVE since Christopher Reeve’s 1978 movie.

4.  Russell Crowe as Jor-El for me translates as the Marlon Brando of this generation.  The futuristic medieval look is great on screen.

5.  AMY ADAMS as Lois Lane is not how I would imagine it but seeing them for the first time is a re-invention of the 1^st interview looks very promising. 

With everything said, I am very psych about the Man of Steel’s debut. My favorite part of the trailer is the crest or symbol defined “It’s not an “S”, in my world it’s the symbol of hope.”

Now on to the Review of the Mattel Movie Masters Man of Steel – Jor-El Figure. This is my second review from the new Man of Steel Movie figure.  Special Thanks to BIG BOYS TOY STORE https://www.facebook.com/bigboystoystore for this figure. You can PRE-ORDER them at any Big Boys Toy Store Branches. BIG BOYS is one of the Philippines premiere source of collectibles, you can check out their FB page to know what’s the latest collectible available.

Packaging:

I had high hopes that that packaging would change much like the Green Lantern and Dark Knight Rises Movie Masters line but it’s the same with the Superman Figure and will be the same for all the Movie Masters Man of Steel Line.  I will not go through with the box further as it was already discussed in the Superman Figure Review -> http://bboytoysadvocate.blogspot.com/2013/04/man-of-steel-movie-masters-figure-review.html#.UXDBFEomCSo

In the Superman Review I was asked to post the Bottom part which contains the serial numbers so here it is.  Since these are advance figures I can understand speculations.  Hopefully this will suffice the inquiries regarding this issue.

I still wish there was a collect and connect for this line but like the Dark Knight Movie Masters line, there was none.

The Figure:

It stands 6” tall and is in perfect scale with the other Movie Masters Line. It comes with an “S” Symbol stand with a color scheme similar or patterned with the figure. It does not differ in any way from the Superman Stand. The Armor and crest symbol depicts a mix of medieval yet highly advance technology for Kryptonians in this movie.  The figure itself is a teaser of how intricate and attention to detail was given.  It is well designed and crafted giving us a closer look of what to expect in the movie.  The figure depicts the armor over the costume with a lighter color from what Superman is wearing, same texture though. The head sculpt is just as presented in the promo pictures, it has Crowe somewhere but not as uncanny as Cavil’s headsculpt on Superman. I can live with the head not depicting Russell Crowe but I am very disappointed that it has no cape. I see how Mattel and the Four Horsemen wanted to boast about the intricate details put into the figure, but removing an iconic part of the character is something else. Man I would accept a clip-on cloth or rubber cape, if the reason is what I suspected. Aside from these 2 points, I like the figure a lot! I am thinking of making a custom clip-on or attachable cloth cape afterwards, I will add those pictures or will make a supplementary review with the cape. I am giving the figure a 4/5.

Articulation:

The articulation in this figure surprises me, I love how all the hinges and cuts of the figure are well concealed.  It features all the standard DCUC points of articulation. The Arms movements are constrained due to the cable like attachments due to the design of the Kryptonian Armor. The head as far as this figure is concern can tilt upwards fairly and is not hindered by the armor. Aside from the hindered arms I love the articulation and still no abs-crunch but its ok, also the way the arms are hindered Jor-El cannot make a flying pose. I really don’t mind because Jor-El doesn’t fly in krypton but the cape I really want. I give it a 4.5/5.

Paint:

Paint is awesome for this figure, it’s not as bland as it thinks coz, the bronze armor has those little shadowing details, inner suit is lighter and details are distinguishable. The skin tone is better than my Superman figure and facial hair is well applied, no smudges, shadowing is also applied to a certain extent but does justice to the figure. I give it a 4.5/5.

Overall : 4.5/5

It’s a must have for Superman Collectors given this rare chance of having to own a Jor-El Figure. I really with a Lara, Lois and Perry White figure would come out but sources say these are the listings of Man of Steel Movie Masters Line.

That’s all for now, will be posting more picture when I finish the cape modification for this figure and some shots of them together.

Jor-El Crest Base

Copyright Njvelasquez 2013

Superman: Man of Steel and all related characters are trademarks of DC Comics & Warner Bros. Inc.

No copyright infringement intended in the making of this article.

Man of Steel Movie Masters Figure Review

The Man of Steel : Superman

It’s been quite a while since I posted the countdown for the upcoming Superman Film by Producer Christopher Nolan under the direction of Zack Snyder starring Henry Cavil as the new Man of Steel.  As a Superman fan, one can only assume the excitement as we wait for the said movie and along with the movie are the official merchandise and action figures.

We have been riveted with the teaser and initial trailer that were released, teased by the production pictures and wait for the actual products as teaser pictures of statues, figures and other merchandise.  It is my honor and privilege to review one of the official action figure; the Man of Steel’s Movie Masters 6” Figure.  This is one of the most anticipated figures for adult collectors that have patronized the Movie Masters Line from Batman: The Dark Knight to the Green Lantern.

Looking at the promotional pictures of the figure that surface the net, this figure indeed capture the likeness of Henry Cavil as Superman taking on the image of DC’s New 52. This time we get to see Superman in the big screen along with the Action Figures without the iconic briefs outside the costume.  Here are side by side pictures of the classic Superman from the New 52 both on comics and for the upcoming movie.

The Box:

The Figure is presented in this large “S” Shield box which is different from the previous Movie Master Box.  The new logo is very much showcased and well presented.  The Box has a little biography of the character as well as preview for the other characters of Wave 1 – Jor-El and Zod.  I was hoping for a build a figure or collect and connect like the Parallax from the Green Lantern Movie or The Bat Signal from The Dark Knight Rises; sadly the advance figure has non of that gimmick.  Hopefully this will change for the official release, I even bet the box design and art will change to a more space friendly and similar to previous Movie Masters Box. Superman is majestically presented in the box bearing his iconic pose and comes with a small “S” shield base.  The box although I think, it will greatly change on its final and official release; for now it's given a 3/5.

The Figure:

There are two (2) things that will astound you in this figure. First – The Head Sculpt. The minute I saw the promotional picture of this figure I was amazed but actually seeing it in person in the box, I said to myself “Bummer, the pictures were better than the actual figure” but after opening it and taking it out of the box; man, it’s head-on likeness to Henry Cavil was uncanny.  Second – The Suit. As I mentioned earlier it’s based on the New 52 series of DC Comics but crafted for the big screen and I love it a lot.  The lining on the suit makes it alien enough and although it’s not visible from a far, it compliments and adds depth to the plain blue suit and the figure captured that. Even the slight difference of color tone and metallic touch to the lining is great.  This time Superman is presented not with a yellow background for the “S” Shield but gold, a darker tone of blue (darker than Dean Cain’s) and darker red (Maroon) almost like Brandon Routh’s Red, again no “S” Shield on the cape.  The cape this time is significantly longer than previous incarnations.  The figure is based on the digital copy of Cavil which was used for some of the special effects for the movie, its likeness and execution was well done giving it a 4.5/5.

Articulation:

Movie Masters Superman features the standard DCUC articulation without the abs-crunch.  Ball-jointed Head that can turn 360 degrees and can slightly look up and down.  Shoulders rotate and move side to side, upper bicep rotation, elbows, rotating fist.  Waist rotate, legs move forward, can slightly be adjusted to move back for flight pose, it can move side to side for the split, upper leg rotation, knees and ankles for flying pose that moves up and down; making the figure move with 21 points of articulation. The elimination of the abs-crunch is a big minus factor for the over-all rating of this figure.  It hinders a more accurate flight pose but over-all still a great figure making it a 4.5/5 for me.

Paint:

Paint features the “darker” tone of Superman which is executed nicely considering it’s a mass produced figure but since is for the mature collectors and the price tag, I give it a 4/5 considering there are some paint shadowing that I feel unnecessary or this is a variant of another figure that will come out later on.

Size Comparison:

Side by side comparison from the DCUC shows the standard DCUC slightly taller than the MM, while there is perfect harmony and balance to the DK making Superman slightly taller than Batman which should be the case.

Conclusion:
After considering all the aspects, my final rating is 4.5/5.  That absence of Abs-crunch as well as some issues on the box was the reason for the .5 margin otherwise it's a must have especially if your a big Superman fan.

After the Christopher Reeves Superman Movie of 1978, this is the 1st Cinematic Reboot for the Man of Steel and with all the hype and anticipation having 2 brilliant film makers on board (Nolan & Snyder) and awesome team of creative writers (Goyer is one of them) we can only hope for the best. The Counter for the Man of Steel : Superman has been up since last year, this makes the wait even thrilling as days past by. The Teaser Trailer and 1st Official Trailer is up on Youtube and the 2nd and hopefully not the last trailer before the actual showing will be released on April 15, 2013.

As a Superman Fan, I expect a lot and hopefully a winning streak like what Nolan did to The Dark Knight Trilogy.

Special Thanks to BIG BOYS TOY STORE https://www.facebook.com/bigboystoystore for this figure. You can PRE-ORDER them at any Big Boys Toy Store Branches. There are also the 3.75 lines and for the Movie Masters Jor-El and Zod (Not-Armored).

This Figure will be the centerpiece of our group's Display Cab (DC-MOTU Collectors Philippines check our group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/dc.motu.ph) for the 7th TAGCOM on April 5-7, 2013 at the Robinson's Place - Ermita Manila.

If you want more, check out the Movie Master's Jor-El Figure here ---> http://bboytoysadvocate.blogspot.com/2013/04/movie-masters-jor-el-review.html#.UXOQ7KK8AXU

Ready to take flight!

The World's Finest

Copyright Njvelasquez 2013

Superman: Man of Steel and all related characters are trademarks of DC Comics & Warner Bros. Inc.

No copyright infringement intended in the making of this article.

Man from Manila - Episode 10 - Gift

Previously…

Kiko has finally awakened from his 5 year coma due an accident that almost took his life.  Resgram had to initiate Project Genesis; a combination of bio and nano-technology infused via alibata tattoo all-over his body.  This procedure allowed the combination of Alien and human blood.  Little that Kiko know that due to this he is now bestowed with great powers which he is yet to discover.

Kiko is again put in danger when the soil on the nearby cliff eroded along with an old tree plunging him down a rocky river when Kiko suddenly glowed, his Alibata tattoos emerged from his skin and as soon as he almost hit the water, he stops and floated and by reflex waives his arms and dodges the tree. As the tree hits his arms, the tattoo was glowing and the tree was swiped and broken in half, he had sliced the tree with his bare hands and the part that hit him was broken into pieces.  Kiko was both surprised and in shock on how fast everything has happened. His reflexes and presence of mind was subliminal.  In the same instance as he hit the tree his legs kicked the air above the water and catapulted him up like a big leap and landed in the ground with the help of his hands safely.

Episode 10 – Gift

Kiko was surprised on what had happened; it was so sudden and so fast.  It was a mixture of fear, disbelief and surprise.  He landed safely on the field knees down and with his hand touching the ground; it was like a giant leap.  He was still glowing and looking at his arms and legs filled with weird markings [alibata tattoo], then a little while he slowly stopped glowing and the tattoos slowly subsided.  It was only then that Resgram came because of the scream he heard when Kiko fell.

“Are you ok? What happened?”

[Kiko is confused and alarmed] What is wrong with me?  How did this happen?

[Confused because he did not witness the entire incident] “What do you mean? I don’t understand?”

I fell on the cliff! [Looked and pointed to where it happened] The old tree almost fell on me! I flew! [Surprised and confused at the same time] What am I? Who am I?

[Resgram paused and took a deep breath] “You are still the same boy you used to be but now you’re special. [Trying to calm the boy down] Now slowly, tell me what happened.” [Smiled at Kiko]

Kiko took a deep breath and started to narrate to Resgram the entire incident.  All along he didn’t notice he was somehow floating in the air.  The boy was emotional on what had happened and is trying to control his emotion from fear to calm.  He wanted Resgram to explain and tell him the truth but he did not know how to begin.  Kiko has just awakened from a coma of 5 years, the last fragment of consciousness was the terrible shooting incident which caused the death of his mother; it was just too much.

“You have always been special Kiko, now you are gifted with powers for you to use for good. I believe that you will be responsible with your gifts and will use them for good.”

I am so confused.  It is all happening so fast.

“Everything happens for a reason.  Maybe what happened will shape you in what you will become in the future, maybe it will shape you as an individual or maybe it is because great things are expected from you in the days to come.”

Kiko is frustrated with Resgram and thought that he did not understand what he is talking about.  Kiko approached a nearby tree and furiously punched the tree, to his surprise… nothing happened and he fell on the ground in pain for he had hit the tree with full force.  Resgram was also shock to see and learned that Kiko did not shatter the tree; he could not understand why the boy wasn’t able to summon his powers at will.

“Let us go home and put some ice on that.”

[Confused and in pain]  Ok. [Held Resgram’s hand as he got up]

“Maybe we can find the answers together.”

As they arrived home, Resgram gave Kiko some iced and wrapped them on old clothes for his hands, then went to his room.  Since Project Genesis is an untested experiment and beyond his computed parameters due to Kiko’s life threatening condition then, he wanted to fully understand how to harness the power.  Knowing that Kiko is resting, and putting ice on his hands; Resgram went inside his room laboratory.

“Computer, give me a summary diagnostic log on the procedure made on Kiko”

[Creating report, output ready in 30 minutes]

“Expand data on the primary function of the experiment on the boy.”

[Project Genesis is an untested experiment from your archives but is magnified due to the condition of the boy. Its main directive is to protect the host from eminent danger.]

Meanwhile, Kiko is again amazed on how his hand is healing.  Alibata is faintly seen and disappears as the bruises are healed.  He is more than sure that he has these powers but somehow is confused on how to manifest them.  Kiko quietly sneak’s out of the house and is willing to try on whether he can do extra ordinary feats again.  Resgram was pre-occupied to notice Kiko as he went out; Resgram was too busy figuring-out why Kiko’s power manifested in a bizarre manner.

Kiko was walking and wondering too much and failed to notice he had already reach town.  Much has changed over 5 years; more house, more commercial stores, more alleys and roads most of all more people. He enters an alley in between two commercial stories; nobody was around as he looks. Kiko was blowing his hand and whispering “You can do this!” as he was stretching his legs and preparing to jump; he closes his eyes and in full force jumped… sadly he didn’t soar but barely a few inches off the ground. He was so disappointed and confused and a dog suddenly appeared, it growled and barked at him.  The dog seemed astray and two more followed, his alibata tattoo appeared unconsciously all over his body and even his face almost making him unrecognizable as eminent danger is at hand. All the dogs seems rabid and is off to get him and as soon as a bite was almost there… he leaped backwards over the convenience store and landed on the next vacant alley hitting a mugger while they were trying to rob a school girl.

Kiko unexpectedly dropped on one of the three muggers of a school girl, as they hit the ground the two were wondering where he came then all of the sudden the victim saw a window of chance and kicked one nearby by the crotch.  Everything happened so fast, the other mugger grabbed her by the hair and slapped her unconscious.  The victim fell on the ground unconscious while Kiko stand’s-up and apologizing to the dizzy mugger; little did he noticed that the mugger had concealed knife and in a nick of an eye stabs Kiko by the mid-section.  He is still human and vulnerable, apparently he can only dodge and deflect other projectiles hitting him consciously but not direct hits made on a close range which he didn’t notice.  Kiko was bleeding when the alibata tattoo glowed all-over his body, the wound closes and regenerated rapidly and healed.

The muggers were shocked on what they saw; His eyes glowed and bright yellow; His alibata changed color from black traditional tattoo to glowing markings; the victim had a glimpse of Kiko then fainted again from what she saw.

It was like Resgram saving his mother, in split seconds he moved with speed disarming every mugger and beating them up. He was barely in control and almost killed the muggers from the blows given; he then went to the unconscious girl.  Everything was like magic; it was the most angelic face he has ever seen. Barely able to stand-up and still in shock, the girl looked at Kiko in the eye silently thanking him.

It’s alright now, your safe. [Kiko pointed at the knocked-down thugs]

“Who are you? What are you?” (still shaken from what had happened)

A friend! Can you stand-up at make it on your own? I’d call the cops and have these guys arrested, but I don’t think they would listen to me. [pointing at himself and the markings all over his body]

“Yeah, I think I can make it on my own.” (held on Kiko’s hand as she tries standing)

(as Kiko truned around and walks away) “Will I ever see you again?”

Time will tell… take care. [noticed that the alibata were still present, he jumped and surprisingly soared]

To be continued… 

TRIBUTE TO SEC. JESSE M. ROBREDO

Secretary Jesse Robredo - A Modern Filipino Hero

I know a little about this person; but his untimely death somehow compelled me to write an article about him and how significant his life was.  By now, there are a lot of tributes and specials on TV being made to remember him or to honor him.  A frequent remark is “sayang” or “WHAT A WASTE” to lose such a man. The question is who is JESSE MANALASTAS ROBREDO?

SEC. JESSE M. ROBREDO is primarily asked by Pres. Noynoy Aquino to head the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) aside from being a Liberal Party member, he was the youngest Mayor in the country at the age of 29 in Naga City for 18 years.  During Robredo’s time as Mayor he revitalized the City and made it one of the “Most Improved Cities in Asia” as cited by Asiaweek Magazine likewise awarded him the “RAMON MAGSAYSAY AWARD” for his dedication and contribution to Naga City.  He was one of the high ranking officials who can roam around its constituents freely as he is described in the magazine.

I believe that more than just being a party member, he was not just qualified to lead DILG but will also appointed to set a clear example for the LGU and connected offices. Not an example we want but an example we need; clearly this is in lieu to the President’s Aim for Good Governance or “Matuwid na daan.” campaign.   I will not further indulge myself in sharing what most of media will do but simply honor his man for his sheer dedication to public service.

I know most people reading my blog would ask “WHY?”; Why would I write about someone I don’t know and is not related to superheroes or toys? Maybe because I was flattered to know there are still these few men that exist and are committed to public service. Quite frankly it made me think of what Christopher Nolan’s direction to his Batman Trilogy that beyond Bruce Wayne; Batman will be a symbol and make decision’s no one can.  But Sec. Robredo surpasses the Dark Knight in so many ways; aside from the fact the he is real and he is also a devoted family man.

After hearing, seeing and learning about this man’s simplicity and accomplishment I felt compelled to write a simple tribute in my own simple way.  I believe we lost a great man. A man of principles, a man of dignity, a man with ideals to make a country great and most of all a man who values family on top of his obligation to his country.

I believe Sec. Robredo’s death maybe untimely for his love ones and colleagues but is not meaningless as others may think.  His death opened the door and gateway to his life, his compassion, his simplicity and devotion to good governance.  We would never have known he takes the bus on his own to be with his family.  We would never have known he would miss political meetings because he had to go home and support his daughter on her exams the following day. We would never have known he is the principal mind behind the transparency and accountability guidelines being push by DILG.  His untimely death spawned to the knowledge of a hero who did not boast of his power, a hero who does not look at himself above others and a hero any of us can be.  I believe there is a Sec. Robredo in all of us.  A desire for change, a desire to do good, a desire to help, a desire to have a better Philippines.

Sec. Robredo is God’s way of reminding each and every Filipino that there is still hope, we can still be a better nation, we can all take part and financial gain will not be an issue.  His death is indeed a great loss and none wanted but a midst all the tragedy that had happened, it needed the death of a great man to remind us as a nation where we are at.  That there is hope and there is a better future, despite of what most of us think there are still men like JESSEE MANALASTAS ROBREDO that will give hope and direction to our country.

Our sincerest condolences to the family, we are one in prayer and wish you all the best despite this great loss. It was a privilege to know and learn so much about him that will greatly have impact on my work and family.  Thank you for sharing him to the Filipino Nation.

Reference : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Robredo

Photos downloaded from the internet. Copyright to their respective owners. 

Man from Manila - Episode 9 - Awakening

Previously…

Resgram was harked back to his past after feeling a strange but familiar aura from a boy who visited.  Harold was Kiko’s closest friend; he was like a big brother and for that he was worried on why he has not seen Kiko for a while. Upon entering the Laboratory; he checked on Kiko and the status of the procedure.

Episode 9 – Awakening

[You seem to be worried sir. You are not yourself and upon scanning; your vital signs you seem to be weakening.  Is there anything I can do sir?]

“I am impressed with you computer, your AI is most impressive.  You have proven to be more than just equipment to me.”

[May I ask sir, why this much interest in this boy? His mother? His welfare?]

“I have been here for quite a while computer; I have failed myself and everything I stand for.  I have lived my life in compromise, avoiding conflict and never stood up for what I believed in.  Nikka gave me a new start and make things better until she died; Kiko is all I have left.”

Resgram sat down in front of Kiko’s chamber and looked at him. “This boy will be my Legacy in this planet; he will be embodying everything I failed to do. Unlike the shadows where I hide, he will be exposed and embraced by this generation.”

[You have big plans for this boy]

“Have high hopes and dreams for this boy”

FIVE YEARS AFTER

Much has changed over the years; the backyard now has a vegetable garden and farm animals such as chickens and turkeys roaming around.  On the other side there are two pigs in a self made pen; other plant can also be found such as tomato, chili, okra, egg plants and many more.  This was Resgram’s recent project for since last year.  He was preparing for Kiko’s awakening in few weeks time.

Much has also changed in Kiko’s appearance over the years, he is now a young man.  There are now only five (5) tubes connected including the oxygen and the Alibata tattoo’s are finished and has adopted to his body; these markings on his body are not just tattoos but is the bio nano-tech installed to stabilize Resgram’s blood and Kiko.  These are special markings in a way that after he awakens and is removed from the chamber it will subside and are invisible; Resgram programmed it in such a way that the inks would adopt Kiko’s skin pigment.

Resgram was out in the nearby cliff, it was across the wide field where Kiko used to play, a big tree was holding the ground, looking down the cliff is the nearby river.  Water ran constantly due to the fact that water comes from the other side of the mountain and into the town across the valley.  Wind blowing in his face as he closed his eyes standing near the edge.  Vision like images visualized through dreaming was part of the chamber’s programming to teach basic things since he was not in school, the sense of playing and enjoying his childhood was simulated… suddenly he opened his eyes.  His comlinked beeped [We are ready sir for discharge] Resgram nodded looked down in the ground and almost smiled, turned around and looked at the sky. “Welcome back” softly spoken in the air and flew back to the house.

“Computer, are we ready?”

[100% sir, vitals are optimum]

“Ok, initiate release sequence.”

[Releasing]

The chamber, moved from vertical to horizontal, fluids are slowly drained from the cylinder. The cylinder top glass slides open then is concealed under the floor via opening panel. Tubes on the arms and legs are removed as it retracts down the floor; lastly the oxygen support is removed. You can see the excitement in Resgram’s eyes as everything unfolds.  The Alibata Tattoo slowly subsides as the ink matches color with Kiko’s skin tone.  Resgram covers Kiko’s body with a towel and prepared a robe when he wakes.  Resgram moved him from the lab into another room where he and his mom used to stay.  He was given clothes; everything was camouflage like before making everything looked normal. 

Resgram didn’t want Kiko startled with everything, he felt everything will be explained and revealed in due time. He had an alibi for everything, which he will initially explain to the boy.  He was shot and sadly her mother passed away and due to the shot he was in coma for 5 long years.  He will simply explain to the boy that all he needed to do was be patient and wait for him to wake up eventually which will be a miracle, and now this miracle is a reality in him waking-up.

Kiko after a few minutes starts to open his eyes, everything is blurred and everything is slowly getting clear, it was like waking up from a long deep sleep, a bit drowsy as he gets up?

What just happened? [Touching his head like he had a severe headache]

“A miracle happened, a miracle that brought you back.”

Nana! [Sudden outburst] My Nana was in trouble! Where is my Nana? [Worried, and then suddenly jumped out of the bed to run outside and falls]

“You are still weak, and needs a little more time to recuperate” [Helps Kiko stand-up and assists him to his bed to sit down]

How long was I in coma?

“Five years”

That long? How did I survive? You took care of me?

“I did. I did it for your Nana; I did because you mean a lot from me”

Thank you [Grabs Resgram and embraced him as tears flow down and he started to cry]

“There, there, calm down now, your Nana wouldn’t want to see you cry” [reluctantly gave in and embraced Kiko] “Do you know what your Nana would want you to do?”

What?

“Be the best person you can be and live your life happily and to the fullest.  The best thing you can be is a force for good, helping those in need”

[Looks at Resgram in the eye] Do you think I can do that?

“I know you can!”

Resgram then brought Kiko to his mother’s grave in front of their house, Kiko was crying while he was placing a rose on it. He promised that he will live up to her expectation and will do his best not to help others in need.  Resgram also showed the boy the new vegetable garden and the livestock’s he had, told him that he needs to eat nutritious meal to make him strong and healthy.  There is smile in Kiko’s face as he saw everything.  He couldn’t believe he has been a sleep for such a long time.

Kiko asked Resgram if he could accompany him to the fields where he used to fly kite and play.  He wanted to see the river by the cliff; he wanted to go back to familiar places.  Upon arriving in the fields, Kiko closed his eyes and felt the breeze of the wind pass his face.  He could feel it from the fresh air that he is alive and well with a future worth looking forward.  Resgram felt that Kiko can manage on his own and wanted to enjoy his re-emergence in the world to he told Kiko he was going back to the house and feed the pigs and the chickens.

‘Wow, not much has changed.’  Kiko said while he walks near the cliff besides the old tree. ‘Good thing you’re here’ as he taps the tree ‘You’re the only thing that’s holding the ground.’ He then jumped on the cliff testing the soils stability because of the tree ‘Wow, your awesome!’ then all of the sudden, the ground eroded, him jumping on it made the soil collapsed along with the tree.  Kiko then plummet down with the tree following after him. Kiko screams in fear as he falls down the running river below and at the mercy of a big tree hitting him.  Resgram heard the scream from the house and rushed back to the field to see what the trouble was.

Kiko suddenly glowed, his Alibata tattoos emerged from his skin and as soon as he almost hit the water, he stops and floated and by reflex waives his arms and dodges the tree. As the tree hits his arms, the tattoo was glowing and the tree was swiped and broken in half, he had sliced the tree with his bare hands and the part that hit him was broken into pieces.  Kiko was both surprised and in shock on how fast everything has happened. His reflexes and presence of mind was subliminal.  In the same instance as he hit the tree his legs kicked the air above the water and catapulted him up like a big leap and landed in the ground with the help of his hands safely.

To be continued…