Questor Heats Up for Anime Bad Guys

It’s easy to tell by the cover that Questor Magazine’s July Issue will have a focus on anime villains/anti-heroes. I remember noticing this issue the moment I stepped on the bookstore. C’mon, who wouldn’t with the striking orange background color and the Toguro brother image?

Questor Magazine came with a surprising price box that wrote the magazine’s price in different monetary units. EIC Bambi said in the Editorial that it was one of the changes in the magazine. Hmmm…Questor availability in different countries? That sure is a big development.

Let’s get it on with this issue…

Interesting to know that the Q-Staff knows their anime so much, they notice how the character laughters as EIC Bambi ang Cecil Estrada wrote an article about them.

CLAMP was given its much-deserved recognition with an article again by EIC Bambi, with information on the awesome-foursome.

Then Cecil Estrada came up with the feature article for the month – a closer look at anime villains and how they may not be what anime audiences might think. Very interesting read…

Thought Balloons focused on the long-awaited manga of Neon Genesis Evangelion and while on the topic of that particular anime, its character Asuka Langley Souryu was featured as Anime Dudette. Then in Animelodies, Evangelion themes and some others were featured as cellphone ringtones.

Fight(!) put three brawns in the ring – Machamp, Zangief and The Rock. Who won? Can’t tell yah ^ ^. Otakus in Focus featured cosplayer and cross stitch enthusiast Pam Ang.

Film Loop featured Gekigan 3, while anime 101 answered questions such as “who will be ChaCha’s fiancee?” or “where to find the Book of Four Gods?”; Audiofiles showcased two CDs: Gorillaz’ and Weib Kreuz (Knight Hunters).

It was a very special On Deck with the Q-Staffers Mark Navarro and Aldin Viray challenging each other on the First Annual Questor TCG Tournament, and Accessing Memory Card looked back on Final Fantasy VIII.

Watashi-tachi featured Sindey Ang aka Gokiburi-sama!

And lastly, in the Doujin Drawing Board, Brian Batchiller took the Questor Pick of the month! But it was a completely original artwork that took Questor’s attention that they decided to put it in print.

It may be the start of the rainy season, but Questor Magazine was sure heating up anime fanaticism in the Philippines!

*****JHAJR*****

Questor Purrs and Meows!

Questor Magazine begs for this article to be quick and straight to the point, lest the author want to face the sharp and fointed nails foking out of this issue’s feline fofulation’s ever ready feet. (eveready… hah! I got jokes!)

The sixth issue of Questor Magazine, the only anime magazine of the Philippines at the time, goes feline frenzy but we’re not complaining. Coz there are far more cats in anime compared to dogs. Hmmm, I wonder why…

Before the frenzy follows though, EIC Bambi Eloriaga provides a two-spread article on the different mythological inspirations behind our favorite anime. It is Robin Rivero who then starts the cat madness with a feature on the most popular cat in the world. No, it’s not Garfield (damn!). It’s Hello Kitty!

Cecil Estrada comes up with a list of Anime Animal Sidekicks. Very informative. EIC Bambi comes back with the special feature of the month—an introduction to an old anime that came airing on local television at the time: Cat’s Eye!

Following that was a feature on a local young actress who’s very much in love with Hello Kitty. Who would’ve thought that Shaina Magdayao was a mad fan of the white cat with no mouth? Not me. (okay, whoever took my HK undie will be eating cat food later). Jennyson Rosero writes a Fight! Article showing how just many lives cats (or characters acting like cats) do.

Continuing the cat craze is a review of a manga about dogs—no cats, of course: Hey Michael! by Makoto Kobayashi. Anime Creature shows some of the most popular cats in anime.

Of course the issue doesn’t come with just cat articles or else we would’ve seen this issue among the pet magazines instead of the kiddie/computer games magazines around bookstores.

The just love Vision of Escaflowne too much to feature the three OSTs as well as an article about Tarot Cards. For Anime Continuum, titles such as Dual, Boys Be and Gatekeepers are introduced. Animelodies prints out the lyrics to Gatekeepers theme songs.

Backbyte features robotic pets while Film Loop talks about two anime: Gundam X and the newly released at the time CGI movie Final Fantasy: The Spirited Within. Watashi-tachi features artist Jennyson Rosero; @anime scours the net for anime characters—neko inspired; and Anime 101 answers some odd questions such as Tamahome’s favorite font. Go ahead and guess.

Lastly is the Doujin Drawing Board that always showcases Pinoy young talents. Lucky for a fan with only one letter for a name, J from Tondo won the Questor Pick of the month. Well, it’s not actually certain because the title is not present anywhere in the page. The fanart only has a red, glowing border around it.

So there. Tried to be quick and concise to please the cats. Of course I’m not into cats but since there are no dogs around I have to oblige.

Till next month!

*****JHAJR*****

Questor Magazine Slashes In

May 2001 was a month to remember for pinoy Rurouni Kenshin fans when Questor Magazine dished out its samurai issue and of course did not forget to pay tribute to the one samurai anime that has pierced its way through our hearts.

Opening the front cover, otakus were surprised by a second cover with Kenshin Himura and Tomoe Yukishiro gracing it to officially announce the special issue.

A look at the fashion of Lupin III started the lineup of articles, as well as a look-back at how Lupin III gained its much-deserved popularity.

Then an article chronicling the lives of the most famous samurais of the Land of the Rising Sun introduced otakus to some of anime’s samurai inspirations. Immediately next to it was a listing of the weapons used in Rurouni Kenshin. Pretty useful info there! They even included a close look at how the samurai sword is made and how unique it is.

Continuing the Rurouni Kenshin article lineup was an article about the life of Kenshin Himura and how it drastically changed. The next page dished out an episode guide to the most heart-wrenching part of the entire Rurouni Kenshin drama which gave a glimpse of how this dangerous assassin changed into a gentle wanderer. So sad!

Next was a spoiler article about the ending of the Rurouni Kenshin manga. His ultimate battle article was accompanied by some quotes from the manga.

The Rurouni Kenshin fever did not stop there. From the images on the Contents page to the feature on Aoshi Shinomori and a soundtrack and website review, the Questor Staff really delivered a special treat to pinoy otakus. Oh, and there’s an Animelodies section featuring the lines to two “most-requested” songs by fans.

Regular articles included a look at Lone Wolf and Cub (another samurai anime), Blade of the Immortal and Samurai Showdown. Heck, even Anime Continuum featured Yaiba. See the samurai trend? Then, Watashi-tachi featured Japanese Correspondent Takako Takimoto.

For Anime 101, a question on Bubblegum Crisis was answered and Accessing Memory Card featured King of Fighters 2000 Game.

Fight! featured a duel between two popular robots at the time: the Gundam Wing Zero Custom and the Evangelion 01. Great artwork by Jennyson Rosero!

Then, two surprises was also given to otakus in this issue. One is the small stationery pad featuring Mocchi of Monster Rancher and the cast (chibi) of Yu Yu Hakusho (the YYH stationery had writings so I didn’t put it); The other was an ad for something that would soon come to the magazine – a Gokitomo ad. Wonder what it would be? Hmmm…

And lastly for the Doujin Drawing Board, two artworks that used opposite art technique were recognized. Clarence Brilliantes was chosen Questor Black and White Pick while Jose Arboleda was chosen Questor Colored Pick.

Yay, it was me again on the Doujin Drawing Board! Only after two months (March 2001) my talents were again recognized. Two points for me then!

With Questor’s newest issue, another spark flared among pinoy Rurouni Kenshin fans. It was a look-back for some while an intro to some. But the same message was clearly intended for all pinoy otakus: Keep loving anime!

*****JHAJR*****

Questor’s First Summer Sizzle!

Summer of 2001 was greeted by Questor Magazine’s Scorching-Hot April Issue. Loaded with articles and tantalizing summer images, the issue welcomes a summer pinoy otakus would never forget.

First off, EIC Bambi reminded people of how being a fan of a cosplayer in an anime event can be such as dangerous (and annoying) thing. Apparently, someone from the December Cosplay Event was hounded with calls from people who wanted to be friends. It was a nice thing at first but anything beyond it became disconcerting. And then the good name of Questor was thrown into the frenzy when someone tried to use the name to get in touch with the cosplayer. Talk about obsession!

The first big article in the issue was a look at the culture that has spread like wildfire during the 80’s and 90’s: Sentai and Tokusatsu. A good example of this would be Bioman and Shaider which were big back in its heyday (at least in this country). As bonus, they added a summary of the five final episodes of Bioman.

Neon Genesis Evangelion was put on the spotlight, divulging the truth behind one of the most butchered series in the history of anime in the Philippines. Snippets of some anime with religious references were also dished out.

To celebrate the season, Questor printed out a six-page spread with anime summer images. A bevy of beauty (and some hunks – like maybe 3 pictures with male characters – coz y’know Questor is composed mostly of  guys).

Regular articles Film Loop gave out three reviews on the (then new) Inuyasha anime; On Deck featured a one-of-a-kind TCG – Ani-Mayhem; Anime Dudette put the limelight on Faye Valentine of Cowboy Bebop; Audio Files reviewed Put3ska’s album (with a Top 10 Worst Anime Pick-Up Line somewhere on the page); Thought Balloons featured the different mangas of Records of Lodoss War; @nime paved way to the magazine’s own (and then new) website: http://www.anime-club.com/questor/; and Watashi-tachi introduced Visual Artist John Michael T. Lu.

Fight! put Yusuke (Yu Yu Hakusho), Son Goku (Dragon Ball) and Ryu (Street Fighter) in a three-way duel and the manga pages of the magazine was given to Mazinger Z.

Lastly, the Doujin Drawing Board recognized the great work of Magic Knight Rayearth fan Aileen Mapanao.

Summer of 2001 sure was hot, but thanks to Questor magazine it became a season that local otakus would love to look forward to.

*****JHAJR*****

Mecha Mayhem in Questor

3M: March Mecha Madness! This is how Questor Magazine sums up their Volume 02 Number 03 issue. Well, the cover itself says it all. Questor turns mechanical for their latest issue (of course this is talking 9 years ago), dishing out some electrical wires and metal plates for eager otakus.

The issue starts with a look-back at one of the coolest robot to come out before the Transformers: Macross! Do you remember that anime? (author’s note: Heck! I’ve never seen any episode from this show). But it’s safe to bet that you know the mecha, right?

Next is a breakdown on an on-going anime (at that moment): Bubblegum Crisis. Questor chewed out some differences between two BGC series – old and new. The Hard Suits were also featured in Anime Armor of the month.

Then a treat to new local Gundam fans. At the time, three installments of the popular mecha series have reached Philippine shores (well, I’m not sure about the old series since I’m too young to know that). Sidney Ang dished out the plot of Gundams Wing, X, and G as well as a surprising truth about the series production. Then, Animelodies had the lines to the first opening song and the ending song to Gundam Wing. Anime 101 answered two questions relating to Heero Yuy and his Gundam.

Continuing the mecha madness, Questor had a review about a Gundam Wing console, a Guyver manga and anime mecha CD intro, and a look at the different mechas in anime.

Anime Continuum had 1 page provided for mecha anime. It also included the likes of BTX and Gasaraki.

And as added treat to (older) otakus, they included a chapter of a manga of one of the most defining anime in Phil. history – Voltes V!

The magazine also paved way for a special otaku named Richie Ramos who collects Gundam models and paints them himself.

Fight! put together three different but similarly buxom ladies to duke it out (sexy) with each other; Visual Artist, Rey Limoneras is put on the spotlight in Watashi-tachi; and @nime links otakus to a Macross website.

Lastly, the Doujin Drawing Board is again bombarded by talented otakus, showing off their anime renderings. Three lucky otakus were chosen for the month’s pick: Lyns for Couple Pick, Maybelle B. Sibayan for Angelic Pick and Jose Arboleda Jr for Nice Pose Pick! WAITASEC! THE LAST ONE’S MY NAME!

(Yup, my efforts have been rewarded. After sending three artworks (all original, mind you) to the magazine, one finally made it to an issue – and won! Although I never really went to get any prize as they say in the magazine. I thought seeing my name there was more than enough to make me happy…)

Summer vacation (that’s April 2001) is just around the corner. Will the magazine sizzle with some hot, hot, hot pics ala FHM? Or lament with some religious anime in time for the Holy Week? Perhaps both? Hmmm…

*****JHAJR*****

Questor Creates Controversy!?!

Questor Magazine had been making waves since it started a few months back (this is talking 9 years ago), but no one was ready when it created a tsunami-like force on its Volume 02, Number 02 issue!

Coming out in a striking-red-color-dominated image of Miaka and Tamahome, Questor’s February issue was more than what was in the cover. Far more!

The issue started out with an eye-opening and thought-provoking article by Francis Ibanez on the topic of piracy. At the time, almost every aspect of the anime industry is being targeted by pirates. Even Questor Magazine itself was bootlegged, with their pages turned into four-paneled posters!

Noticeable throughout the issue were information and images from a then new series by Gainax – Kareshi Kanojo No Jijyo. Igor Cabbab gave readers a preview of the series, with reviews from him and EIC Bambi. The lead characters were also made Anime Couple for the issue.

Johann Louie Ong introduced readers to the Ah My Goddess anime and a Valentine’s Special page listed down the best in every “lovely” category for anime’s lovey-dovey couples.

Right in the middle of the magazine, Questor put up an episode guide like no other. With the quick rise of Fushigi Yuugi on local TV and the endearment felt among local otakus, the magazine presented a complete episode guide to the beloved series. But not without a hefty price (think ala Yuuko Ichihara here).

Y’see, somewhere along the pages of the rather innocent episode guide was a snippet of an article entitled “Daikirai Fushigi Yuugi” (I Hate Fushigi Yuugi) written by Questor EIC Bambi. Later on, this small voicing out of opinion would create a big fuss and one that would create a division between fans and non-fans of FY. Better watch out for the next issues!

Otaku In Focus introduced an anime lover by the name of John Paras. His excessive love for Voltes V was obvious through his intricate creations of carton and clay Voltes V ships that can transform into the popular robot. Thought Balloons featured anime-ish American comics while Backbyte took on the topic of online meeting for mutual understanding.

Anime 101 talked about the differences in anime eyes and how they help create character. Watashi-tachi put the spotlight on Creative Dept. Supervisor Jess Matro.

Lastly, Doujin Drawing Board had too many beautiful artworks that they decided to hand out three Picks: Cool, Color, and Cutie won by Jose Carlo Mendoza, Meloy Lazaro and Mariel Rhai Siscar respectively.

Questor had so much love in this issue, and it’s only been six months total since they started. But watch out, the “Daikirai FY” article receives its payback by the coming issues.

____________________

My Take on the Issue

The “Daikirai FY” article may have been almost a decade old now, but I still remember the shock that it left me feeling. I’m not a Fushigi Yuugi fan (really!) but I wasn’t sure I would’ve liked dissing it just to make a point.

I think Questor EIC Bambi Eloriaga made a big mistake by putting out her opinion – and on the FY article page nonetheless, which only makes the impact stronger (it was a black smudge on that clean white FY article).

With all due respect, she should have kept her opinions to herself. She should have given FY fans a chance to love both the series and the magazine more with that simple episode guide. The disclaimer was not helpful at all. It only made people want to read the snippet for whatever its worth.

I remember reading an email sent by a fan to Anime Insider asking if the staff puts out articles from anime that they don’t like. If I remember correctly, Rob Bricken explained that there are different fans out there and they all have different taste in anime.

“If it’s not good, it won’t reach print,” talking about how an article that is not good for any anime will never be put out in the magazine. Why? Because fans look forward to seeing their favorites and the magazine is responsible for delivering the goods to them. Also, DVD companies are on the look out for good reviews about the anime they sell. Therefore, the magazine can choose to either write something about an anime they don’t like and be rewarded for it or not write anything at all to keep themselves safe from anguished fans. If it’s not good, it won’t reach print…

Which is something that I think Questor should have done. But hey, it’s all history now and I guess, so far, what they did turned out to be one heck of an experience – one that would never be forgotten both among FY fans and non-FY-fans.

*****JHAJR*****