JIM FERNANDEZ' "KAMBAL SA UMA," "ZUMA," AT IBA PA

A contemporary of Komiks greats, Mars Ravelo, Nestor Redondo, Alfredo Alcala, Fred Carillo, Pablo S. Gomez and others, Jim Fernandez is one of the most popular writers-illustrators in the Philippines. He started as an illustrator in the 50s and later writing serialized komiks novels in the 70s. Two of his greatest works were Kambal sa Uma and Anak ni Zuma.

The original story of Kambal Sa Uma was created by Jim Fernandez and Ernie Santiago and was serialized in the Aliwan Komiks. It was later adapted into the silver screen in 1979 by acclaimed director Joey Gosiengfiao. It starred Rio Locsin in the dual roles of Ella and Vira. However, in the television adaptation, Rio plays Milagros, the mother of the twins, Ella (played by Melissa Ricks) and Vira (Shaina Magdayao). Born with the physical features of a rodent, the two will be separated, when their mother tries to save them from the persecution of the townspeople.

Kambal sa Uma- TV version/ Teleserye (2009)

Trivia: "Uma" comes from the word "tumana" or field. So "Kambal sa Uma" literally means "twin from the field."

Kambal sa Uma (1979)- Stars Rio Locsin, Orestes Ojeda, Juie Ann Fortich and Al Tantay/ Introducing Dennis Roldan and Isabel Rivas/ Directed by Joey Gosiengfiao

Zuma made its first appearance in a komiks novel Aztec. The character reached its peak in the 1980s with the series Anak ni Zuma. Anak ni Zuma was serialized in Aliwan Komiks from 1976 to 1984, a long series, a feat unmatched and unsurpassed and was even voted by komiks readers as the most popular komiks serial novel of the 70s and 80s. It was made into movies twice, in 1985 (Zuma) and 1987 (Anak ni Zuma).

Zuma was a demigod, and the son of the Aztec serpent god Kukulkan ("Plumed Serpent" or "Feathered Serpent"). He had a two headed snakes (one head on both ends) that rests on his shoulders. He was buried and entombed in an Aztec pyramid until he was unearthed by an archaeological expedition team. Unleashed into the modern world, Zuma went on a murderous rampage. (wikipedia)

Left- Aliwan Komiks/ December 2, 1976
Right- "Zuma" movie poster/ 1985

Left- Zuma (1985)- Stars Max Laurel, Snooky Serna, Dang Cecilio, Mark Gil, Rey 'PJ' Abellana, Charlie Davao, Racquel Montessa/ Directed by Jun Raquiza

Right- Anak ni Zuma (1987)- Stars Max Laurel, Dang Cecilio, Mark Gil, Rey 'PJ' Abellana, Lorraine Schuck and Jennylyn as Galema/ Directed by Ben Yalung

"The Dormitory," serialized in 1971 in the Pilipino Komiks, was one of the early works of Jim Fernandez adapted to the big screen.

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Pilipino Komiks/ 1971