Lastikman

by Gerry Alanguilan, Arnold Arre (Illustrator), Edgar Tadeo (Illustrator)

56 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

GERRY ALANGUILAN is a licensed architect and is a member of the San Pablo Chapter of the United Architects of the Philippines. He is also a board member of the Philippine International Cartoons, Comics, and Animation (PICCA), as well as member of the Asia-Pacific Animation and Cartoon Association. He gave up a career in architecture and started working as a professional comic book creator in 1992, beginning with “Dracula's Wives” and “Props” for Mass Media Publishing. Ever since then, Gerry has consistently freelanced for various companies in the Philippines and abroad, even publishing his own comics from his own Komikero Publishing.

(Taken here.)

Reviews

[Jedi JC Daquis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Together with Darna, I really appreciate that Lastikman has been rebooted for the new generation. This one-shot issue of our elastic superhero gives us a glimpse of what Lastikman can do. It turns out, Lastikman is an alien who can elongate himself, plus shape-shift to other creatures. I hate to say this but, Lastikman got heavy inspirations from Spider-man and Superman to the point that he is almost a rip-off, like Darna is to Wonder Woman.

The art and colors are passable, with trademark Arre expressions. Alanguilan's story seems to work as well, given that everything must go in just one issue. It explains most of the backstory without being convoluted.

Lastikman's problem lies with its characters. All of them are unlikeable, even Lastikman himself. He tries to be cool and goofy and all that friendly with the neighborhood, but he's still an empty shell. The supporting characters are forgettable and one-dimensional too.

Yet there is only one issue of this rare comics, so to all of you who have copies of this Lastikman issue, keep it as a treasure.

[Biena Magbitang · Rating 4 out of 5]

My little brother love this so much he brought his copy to school everyday for months. It is evident that he has been reading it every once in a while because of its worn pages. Now, I understand why.