Superheroes generally avoid the limelight but the Pinoy
superhero Flash Bomba is of a different mold.
TV host-actor Luis Manzano described his new character as someone who enjoys public attention and adulation.
"Showbiz na superhero. Siya lang talaga ‘yong nagpapa-interview. Ang ibang superhero, usually pagkatapos mag-rescue alis na yan. Ito, magsi-stay ako, magpapaunlak pa ko ng interview, magpapa-picture at sabi nga sa VTR ako lang ‘yong [superhero na] nagpapa-fans day. Nai-enjoy ko ‘yong spotlight, na nagsisigawan ‘yong tao, so 'yon ang pinaka-difference niya."
SUPERHERO FOR ALL SEASONS. Flash Bomba is the latest installment in ABS-CBN's weekend fantasy anthology series Komiks Presents. The program features superheroes created by legendary Filipino graphic novelist Mars Ravelo.
Luis portrays a rich and confident fellow named Roldan Legazpi. Raised with a strong belief on his capabilities, Roldan conquers his physical disability—caused by a previous hunting accident—through a series of physical activities that develop his upper-body strength. An encounter with a supernatural entity ultimately alters Roldan's life. He discovers his superhero identity in the person of Flash Bomba.
With Roldan's physical attributes, Flash Bomba possesses odd features as well.
"In essence kasi, if a superhero has a disfiguration, kung nakakatulong sa kanyang tumulong sa kapwa, e, di why not. I mean I never thought that napakalaking kamay at paa ay makakatulong sa napakaraming tao so it's not really bad for me," says Luis about Flash Bomba's unusually large hands and feet.
Other than his bizarre physical appearance and superhuman abilities, Flash Bomba is unique as a superhero who relishes the celebrity perks of his status—carefree qualities that alter the hero's sense of self as he balances his noble mission against his ego.
COMPLETING THE PUZZLE. Flash Bomba turns out to be the missing piece in the much-anticipated Isang Lakas superteam composed of past Komiks Presents heroes like Lastikman and Kapitan Boom.
The Isang Lakas crew is a superhero group conceptualized by ABS-CBN inspired by America's Super Friends and Justice League.
Joining Luis in the cast of Flash Bomba are Roxanne Guinoo, Sid Lucero, Lito Pimentel, Nanette Inventor, Alan Paule, Empoy and Rio Locsin.
ABS-CBN's Komiks Presents Mars Ravelo's Flash Bomba will open on February 7.