PINOY SUPERHEROES OF THE 60s#3: THE FORGOTTEN ONES

What really is a Superhero?

From Wikipedia--- A superhero (also known as a super hero) is a fictional character "of unprecedented physical prowess dedicated to acts of derring-do in the public interest." Since the debut of the prototypal superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas — have dominated American comic books and crossed over into other media. A female superhero is sometimes called a superheroine or super heroine. By most definitions, characters need not have actual superhuman powers to be deemed superheroes, although sometimes terms such as costumed crimefighters are used to refer to those without such powers who have many other common traits of superheroes.

Popular and well-loved Pinoy Superheroes--- Darna with Liza Moreno reappeared in 1963 with Darna vs. Isputnik; Captain Barbell, with Bob Soler in the starring role made its debut appearance in 1964 and Lastikman, starring Von Serna, also debuted in 1964 or 1965. Some of us still remember Dolphy’s James Batman (1966) and Pinoy’s version of Captain America and Bucky--- in Captain Philippines at Boy Pinoy (1965) with Bob Soler and Lou Salvador, Jr. in the title roles. Bernard Bonnin came up with his first Alyas Palos in 1962 and Pinoy’s counterpart of Hollywood’s Spiderman’s Alyas Gagamba in Bakas ng Gagamba (1962). Of course, no one will forget Chiquito as the lovable and hilarious Mr. Wong which first appeared in 1964.

Did you know that other Pinoy superheroes were also seen in the silver screen during the 60s but were never heard of since then? Remember Jing Abalos’ Batman Fights Dracula? How about Babaing Kidlat, Babaeng Isputnik, Ang mga Lawin, Alyas Phantom, Mighty Rock, Blackbelt Avengers, Bertong Ipu-ipo, Acrobat Masters, Pussy Cat? You may also consider the following--- FPJ’s Mga Tigreng Taga-Bukid (1962), Limang Kidlat (1963) and Maskarados (1965). The list goes on how you define and interpret what a superhero is.

More on Pinoy Superheroes

Ang Babaeng Isputnik (1963)- Stars Nida Blanca, Tony Ferrer, Max Alvarado, Pepe Pimentel and Jess Lapid/ Directed by Efren Reyes

Ang Mga Lawin (1963)- Stars Bernard Bonnin, Robert Campos, Von Serna, Al Quinn, Malony Antonio/ Directed by Artemio Marquez

Babaing Kidlat (1964)- Stars Dolphy, Apeng Daldal, Gloria Montiel, Tony Cayado, Ric Bustamante, Jay Ilagan and Liza Moreno/ Directed by Tony Cayado


Alyas Phantom (1966)- Stars Bob Soler, Rebecca, Nova Villa and Lou Salvador, Jr./ Directed by Paquito Toledo


Blackbelt Avengers (1969)- Stars Tony Ferrer, Daisy Romualdez, Johnny Wilson and Perla Bautista/ Directed by Armando Garces


Mighty Rock (1969)- Stars Jing Abalos, Lourdes Medel, Lucita Soriano, Rodolfo 'Boy' Garcia/ Directed by Nilo Saez


Bertong Ipu-Ip0 (1969)- Stars Roberto Gonzales, Jessica, EvaMarie, Marilou Ver and Angelito Marquez/ Directed by Artemio Marquez


Acrobat Masters (1969)- Stars Eddie Fernandez, Dante Varona, Eddie Torrente/ Directed by Artemio Marquez


Pussy Cat (1969)- Stars Divina Valencia, Bernard Belleza, Johnny Delgado and Max Alvarado/ Directed by Jose Miranda Cruz

Pussy Cat Strikes Again (1969)- Stars Divina Valencia, Bernard Belleza, Vince Lopez and Max Alvarado/ Directed by Jose Miranda Cruz