OPINION: Superheroes the Kapamilya Network must reboot next
Superheroes are now back on Philippine television as Jane De Leon flies as DARNA! As a superhero fan, I am very excited. In fact, I already have now my IWantTFC account just to watch it in my free time beginning July.
Why superheroes must be on Pinoy TV again
In these times when the entertainment industry is still coping financially, good content is a must. As much as we want to encourage viewers to support local, we need to show them why. What the viewers need is an inspiring figure on TV. That is why Ang Probinsyano is still a hit. Pinoys love heroic figures they can look up to.
Here are some superheroes ABS-CBN can take note of for their future projects:
Captain Barbell
Another masterpiece of Mars Ravelo is Captain Barbell. He is a paragon superhero with super-strength, invincibility, and the ability to fly. For me, Captain Barbell deserves a modern reboot because it has a good compelling story. Teng is a poor young adult who became Captain Barbell when he picks up a mystical barbell in an open field.
Captain Barbell is the Filipino superman. To be honest I can still picture Richard Gutierrez portraying him for the third time. However, I also think ABS-CBN should give younger actors a break.
Someone I think who can be Captain Barbell could be Donny Pangilinan. Given his buff physique and charm, I’m sure he will rock as Captain Barbell!
Lastikman
Coming from the extragalactic planet Igbao, Lastikman becomes Miguel, secretly known as Lastikman. He is a half-alien humanoid that can stretch his body to great lengths like a rubber.
Vhong Navarro portrays the elastic hero in the 2007 series. If ABS-CBN will reboot this, they should get also someone who has experience with comedy.
I bet either Albie Casiño or Seth Fedelin can rock this role. They are both funny and slim size like previous actors who had the role.
Isang Lakas: Team of Superheroes
Isang Lakas is Mars Ravelos’ answer to Justice League and the Avengers.
Orignally, the team composes of Kapitan Boom, Tiny Tony, Varga, Dragonna, Flash Bomba with Lastikman leading the team.
Did you know that this was a project shelved by ABS-CBN back in the early 2010s? I hope they can review it and put some revisions. I suggest putting Captain Barbell on the lead with Darna, and Lastikman joining him. Good villains will be a great improvement also.
I suggest they should settle with 3 heroes to consider budget costs for the production. Other Mars Ravelo heroes can just come in later on for a brief appearance.
