Fantastic Man
Encyclopedia
Fantastic Man is a television serialization of the box office film of the same name. The series originally starred by Vic Sotto stars Mark Herras
as Fantastic Man with Ryza Cenon
as her leading lady-turned sidekick Wena aka Fantastic Girl. The series refurbishes and reintroduces Fantastic Man as a crime-busting superhero
. The series lasted for two seasons and had a special episode after the series ended.
The concept of Fantastic Man came about when the movie producers failed to bought the rights of Lastikman
from the Ravelos. Lastikman was actually their entry to the 2002 Metro Manila Film Festival and was that years' top grosser, thus they were forced to do a sequel due to its success. The reason why they failed to buy the rights is because the heirs of Lastikman creator Mars Ravelo demanded 1.8 million pesos (around US$32,727 that time) for the sequel. In the Lastikman (2003 movie) which relaunched and brought the character back to limelight, the heirs only demanded 130,000 pesos (US$2,363), they even gave 500,000 pesos (US$9,090). The rights for the movie went to Viva Films. Meanwhile, Michael V. and Chito Francisco came up with a new superhero story bringing birth to Fantastic Man.
The costume of Fantastic Man in the movie was designed and made by the special effects team of T.A.P.E. Productions boss Tony Tuviera. While the costume of Diabolica (the main villain in the movie—Ara Mina's character who was named after her role/name in the movie Super Ranger Kids
in 1997) was the idea of actor Michael V.
Fantastic Man costume's color was Purple/Violet and Gold/Yellow, which represents Holiday season for the Philippines: Violet for puto-bumbong (Filipino native food) and in Christmas wreath violet/purple candle means loyalty to God, while yellow for bibingka or rice cake (Filipino Christmas food). Another possible interpretation was that the color Purple represents justice while Gold/Yellow stands for power according to 1872 Mardi Gras by the King of Carnival, Rex.
In search of his Lola Cedes in the cruel city, Fredo meets new friends but also has a close brush with death in the hands of a ruthless syndicate. Left almost lifeless from a deadly beating, Fredo is rescued by Prof. Manalo, a scientist who invented the healing machine called the Regenerator. Fredo becomes the first "guinea pig" of the breakthrough healing machine and surprisingly acquires super-human powers. This fateful experience transforms the once helpless Fredo into an invincible crime-buster with extraordinary abilities and power.
Mark Herras
Mark Angelo Santos Herras is a Filipino television and film actor. He won in the reality talent show StarStruck aired in GMA Network...
as Fantastic Man with Ryza Cenon
Ryza Cenon
Rhiza Ann Cenon Simbulan , better known by her screen name Ryza Cenon, is a Filipina actress.-Television shows:-Movies:-References:...
as her leading lady-turned sidekick Wena aka Fantastic Girl. The series refurbishes and reintroduces Fantastic Man as a crime-busting superhero
Superhero
A superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
. The series lasted for two seasons and had a special episode after the series ended.
Character history
Fantastic Man is a fictional superhero character popularized by Vic Sotto. The character debuted on the 2003 movie with the same title produced by OctoArts Films and M-Zet Productions. It was actually part of the Metro Manila Film Festival - and was that year's top grosser.The concept of Fantastic Man came about when the movie producers failed to bought the rights of Lastikman
Lastikman
Lastikman is a fictional character and superhero created by Filipino comics artist Mars Ravelo. Lastikman debuted in comics format - certainly in Aliwan Komiks .-Early years:...
from the Ravelos. Lastikman was actually their entry to the 2002 Metro Manila Film Festival and was that years' top grosser, thus they were forced to do a sequel due to its success. The reason why they failed to buy the rights is because the heirs of Lastikman creator Mars Ravelo demanded 1.8 million pesos (around US$32,727 that time) for the sequel. In the Lastikman (2003 movie) which relaunched and brought the character back to limelight, the heirs only demanded 130,000 pesos (US$2,363), they even gave 500,000 pesos (US$9,090). The rights for the movie went to Viva Films. Meanwhile, Michael V. and Chito Francisco came up with a new superhero story bringing birth to Fantastic Man.
The costume of Fantastic Man in the movie was designed and made by the special effects team of T.A.P.E. Productions boss Tony Tuviera. While the costume of Diabolica (the main villain in the movie—Ara Mina's character who was named after her role/name in the movie Super Ranger Kids
Super Ranger Kids
Super Ranger Kids is a Filipino film. Originally released in 1997, the film is a pastiche of the American television series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the first Power Rangers series, and, by extension, the Japanese Super Sentai series Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger, which formed the basis for Mighty...
in 1997) was the idea of actor Michael V.
Fantastic Man costume's color was Purple/Violet and Gold/Yellow, which represents Holiday season for the Philippines: Violet for puto-bumbong (Filipino native food) and in Christmas wreath violet/purple candle means loyalty to God, while yellow for bibingka or rice cake (Filipino Christmas food). Another possible interpretation was that the color Purple represents justice while Gold/Yellow stands for power according to 1872 Mardi Gras by the King of Carnival, Rex.
Powers
The powers of Fantastic Man was more defined in the TV series than in the original movie version. As Fantastic Man, he can transform parts of his body (usually the arms) into various objects. They include an oversized drill, hammer, saw, scissors, spoon and fork, and even his feet can be some sort of a spring. At the course of the series prior to the second season, his powers seem to have evolved further where he can fly by turning his legs into rockets for propulsion and turn his appendages to more combative aspects, such as a gattling gun.Weakness
If Captain Barbell weakens by Askobar, Fantastic Man on the same way weakens when in a very low temperature of when exposed in a cold/low temperature object such as ice, etc. This was incorporated in the TV series.Plot
As a young boy, Fredo lived happily in the province with his parents Danny and Linda, together with his Lola Cedes, until his simple life was shattered when a group of armed bandits abducted his father and killed his mother. Fredo was raised alone by his Lola Cedes, who eventually turned senile and got lost when they moved to the city.In search of his Lola Cedes in the cruel city, Fredo meets new friends but also has a close brush with death in the hands of a ruthless syndicate. Left almost lifeless from a deadly beating, Fredo is rescued by Prof. Manalo, a scientist who invented the healing machine called the Regenerator. Fredo becomes the first "guinea pig" of the breakthrough healing machine and surprisingly acquires super-human powers. This fateful experience transforms the once helpless Fredo into an invincible crime-buster with extraordinary abilities and power.
Regular Cast
- Mark HerrasMark HerrasMark Angelo Santos Herras is a Filipino television and film actor. He won in the reality talent show StarStruck aired in GMA Network...
as Fredo/Fantastic Man - Ryza CenonRyza CenonRhiza Ann Cenon Simbulan , better known by her screen name Ryza Cenon, is a Filipina actress.-Television shows:-Movies:-References:...
as Wena/Fantastic Girl - Joey MarquezJoey MarquezJoey Marquez , born on October 7, 1957 , is a Filipino actor and politician. His father is Artemio Marquez, Sr. and Teresita Esguera Perez. His siblings include Via Hoffman, Melanie Marquez and Babes Marquez. He was mayor of Paranaque City, Philippines from 1995 to 2004, and ran but lost the...
as Professor Manalo - Gloria Sevilla as Lola Cedes
- Miguel TanfelixMiguel TanfelixMiguell Tanfelix is a Philippines actor. He appeared on StarStruck Kids on GMA Network.-Filmography:-References:...
as Tikboy
Season 1
- Ariel RiveraAriel RiveraJose Ariel Jimenez Rivera was born on September 1, 1966 in Manila, Philippines but has since migrated with his family to Canada. Rivera was an architect in Canada before his singing talent was accidentally discovered while vacationing in the Philippines. He has since become a successful...
as Danny/Tadtad (gueststar in Season 2) - Patricia Ysmael
- Jackie RiceJackie RiceJackie Rice is a Filipina actress, television personality and commercial model.-Career and personal life:...
as Helen - Beth Tamayo as Linda
- Paolo ContisPaolo ContisPaolo Enrico Contis , better known as Paolo Contis, is a Filipino-Italian actor who first appeared as a child actor in the ABS-CBN show Ang TV. In 2004 he transferred to GMA Network...
as Madam Tisay - Benjie ParasBenjie ParasVenancio Johnson Paras, Jr. , better known as Benjie Paras, is a Filipino professional basketball player of the Philippine Basketball Association turned actor. He is the only PBA player to win both Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player honors, in a single season...
as Gobo - Rez Cortez as Boss Elvis
- Pen Medina as Singkit
- Keempee de LeonKeempee de LeonJoseph Joachim de Leon or known as Keempee de Leon is a Filipino actor, comedian and TV host...
as Budol - Nicole AndersonNicole AndersonNicole Gale Anderson is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Macy Misa in the Disney Channel Original Series JONAS L.A., and also known for the role of Kelly Parker on the ABC Family series Make It or Break It...
as Ms. K - Ana Lea Javier as Faith
Season 2
- Patrick GarciaPatrick GarciaPatrick Garcia is a Filipino actor, best known for his role as Ryan in the acclaimed Philippine movie, Madrasta and Nathanael Cordero in the TV series "Darating ang Umaga".-Early life:...
as Lloyd - Valerie ConcepcionValerie ConcepcionValerie Concepcion is a Filipina actress, host and celebrity endorser. A former GMA-7 talent, she is known of her role as Nora Ferrer in the soap opera Sinasamba Kita but later transferred to its rival network ABS-CBN...
as Agent Belle - Chuck AllieChuck AllieChuck Allie is a Filipino actor. He became famous after joining StarStruck: The Nationwide Invasion where he finished as the last Avenger. He was first paired with Iwa Moto before with Jana Roxas....
- Alvin Aragon
- Jewel MischeJewel MischeJewel Fatima Avejade Mische is a Filipina actress.-Biography:Although born in Manila, Jewel grew up in Bulacan...
as Agent Vicky - Dion IgnacioDion IgnacioDion Joseph Ignacio is a Filipino actor. Popularly known of his role as Raul Agoncillo in the afternoon soap opera Saan Darating Ang Umaga, a role originally portrayed by former 1980s teen idol Raymond Lauchengco....
as Dexter / Fire Man - Cristine ReyesCristine ReyesAra Maria Cristine Reyes , better known as Cristine Reyes, is a Filipina Actress. She became a contestant of GMA-7's reality TV program, StarStruck. She is presently managed by Viva Artists Agency and a contract artist of ABS-CBN...
as Kate / Screamer - Ryan Yllana as Jopet / Lava Man
- Arci MunozArci MuñozRamona Cecilia Datuin Muñoz , known as Arci Muñoz, is a Filipina actress and commercial model who is most noted for being a finalist in the third season of the reality talent series, StarStruck and was one of the Philippines' representatives at the 2008 Asia Supermodel Competition. Muñoz was born...
as Candy / Ice Candy - Rainier CastilloRainier CastilloRainier Joseph Diaz Castillo, better known simply as Rainier Castillo , is a Filipino actor, singer, model and dancer. His father lives in Winnipeg, MB, Canada. He is known for his "killer smile" and one-trick pony of identified with his F4 hairstyle of Jerry Yan...
as Arman - Kevin SantosKevin SantosKevin Santos is a Filipino actor and was discovered in the Philippine over-all talent competition, StarStruck.- Starstruck :Kevin Santos was included in the Final 14 of StarStruck wherein Ryza Cenon and Mike Tan won as the Ultimate Survivors. He was eliminated contestant that was followed by the Bb...
- Kirby de Jesus
- Mike TanMike TanJan Michael S. Tan, better known by his screen name Mike Tan , is a Filipino actor. He became famous after he became the Ultimate Male Survivor in the second batch of the reality show StarStruck aired on GMA Network...
as Bornok - Mart EscuderoMart EscuderoMart Enrico Cruz Escudero, who is better known by his screen name Mart Escudero , is a Filipino actor. He was previously billed as "Martin Escudero" in Agawin Mo Man Ang Lahat. He almost resembles Prince Stefan, who is his batchmate and one of his close friends from the same reality show.-Early...
- Sherilyn Reyes as Elektrika
- Maureen Larazzabal as Agent Juliet
- Jennylyn MercadoJennylyn MercadoJennylyn Mercado is a Filipina actress, singer, songwriter and model. She was the winner of the first season of StarStruck, a reality-based talent search show of GMA Network in the Philippines...
& Nadine SamonteNadine SamonteNadine Samonte is a Filipina actress and commercial model. She played an Avenger from the first season of StarStruck....
as Super Twins (Special Gueststars) - Marco AlcarazMarco AlcarazMarco Alcaraz is a Filipino actor, commercial model, and former varsity basketball player at San Sebastian College-Recoletos. His first movie was Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita with Dennis Trillo.-Television:...
as Ivan - LJ ReyesLJ ReyesLourna Jane Pujeda Reyes is a Filipina actress. She was one of the Final Four of the reality TV show StarStruck.-Life and career:...
as Binhi - Luis AlandyLuis AlandyAdrian Louis Alandy , better known as Luis Alandy is a Filipino actor and model. Alandy started his career as a model. He first appeared in a print magazine and was soon discovered to do acting...
as Draxor - Jose ManaloJose ManaloJose Manalo is a Filipino actor, comedian working for GMA Network and stars in noon-time variety show Eat Bulaga!.-Biography and Career:...
& Wally Bayola as Super Dings - Paulo AvelinoPaulo AvelinoPaulo Avelino is a Filipino actor, model and television host. Avelino began his acting career through the reality talent show StarStruck. Currently, Paulo Avelino is in a relationship with LJ Reyes. Last July 24, 2010, LJ gave birth to their son, Ethan Akio Reyes...
- Vivo Ouano
- Bugz Daigo
- Boy 2 Quizon as Agent Cardo
Special Episode
- Mark HerrasMark HerrasMark Angelo Santos Herras is a Filipino television and film actor. He won in the reality talent show StarStruck aired in GMA Network...
as Fredo/Fantastic Man - Ryza CenonRyza CenonRhiza Ann Cenon Simbulan , better known by her screen name Ryza Cenon, is a Filipina actress.-Television shows:-Movies:-References:...
as Wena - Miguel TanfelixMiguel TanfelixMiguell Tanfelix is a Philippines actor. He appeared on StarStruck Kids on GMA Network.-Filmography:-References:...
as Tikboy - Joyce JimenezJoyce JimenezJoyce Herrín Reintegrado-Egbalic, popularly known by her screen name Joyce Jimenez is a Filipino actress who mainly stars in movies in the Philippines.-Biography:...
- Cristine ReyesCristine ReyesAra Maria Cristine Reyes , better known as Cristine Reyes, is a Filipina Actress. She became a contestant of GMA-7's reality TV program, StarStruck. She is presently managed by Viva Artists Agency and a contract artist of ABS-CBN...
as Sylvia
Villains
(in order of appearance in the TV series)- Boss Elvis (played by Rez Cortez)
- a trigger-happy syndicate leader
- Singkit (played by Pen Medina)
- an entrepreneur whose Chinese restaurant is a front for his illegal business. He is involved in smuggling and drug trafficking. He uses chopsticks as his deadly weapons. Another special ability of Singkit is he can summon animal spirits.
- Budol (played by Kempee de Leon)
- a con artist and an illegal dealer of pirated goods who uses hypnosis on his victims
- Madam Tisay (played by Paolo Contis)
- is a loud club owner who uses witchcraft to get her way. Madam Tisay is involved in prostitution and white slavery, and employs a coven of witches as performers for her club.
- Gobo (played by Benjie Paras)
- a circus freak with an unnatural strength and an impossibly feeble mind. Gobo is the leader of a pack of midget-thieves posing as circus performers. He can crush rocks with the use of his head, bend metal with his bare hands and does other extreme acts.
- Tadtad (played by Ariel Rivera)
- the main antagonist of Fantastic Man in the first season. He is the head of a crime syndicate and who is really Fredo's father Danny. He is a master of disguise and uses it to hide the scars and burns of his face. He also has molten fire powers. He sacrifices his life to save his son from two alien invaders working for the warlord Draxor.
- In season 2, a clone of his father who is being held in stasis by the P.S.I, a government agency, as a power source of their center.
- Kate (played by Cristine Reyes)
- A high school cheerleader who was present at the time when almost everyone in her school disappeared after seeing the blinding light right above their campus. She later returned with the ability to let out a powerful screech, as well as being able to generate powerful gales and whirlwinds by doing so.
- Dexter (played by Dion Ignacio)
- A high school basketball player and Kate's boyfriend from the same high school. After the mysterious disappearance, he returned with the power to combust objects by generating flames from his hands and channeling them at targets. With this power, he significantly weakened Fantastic Girl (Wena), forcing her to stay behind and replenish herself while Fantastic Man went after Dexter. Dexter's powers were later stripped away by a mysterious guy in a black robe.
- Jobet (played by Ryan Yllana)
- A stuttering and obese high school nerd who was the subject of Dexter's constant bullying at high school prior to the students' mysterious disappearance. Upon returning, he exhibited the power to rapidly melt metal. His power seems to operate even via broadcast.
- Candy / Ice Candy (played by Arci Muñoz)
- the best friend of Jobet. Another high school student who mysteriously disappeared and returned having the ability to manipulate cold and ice. This placed Fantastic Man at a heavy advantage against her. Powers later stripped away by the mysterious guy in a black robe.
- Arman (played by Rainier Castillo)
- has healing powers, but can also revive the dead as mindless zombies whose allegiance is only for Arman himself
- Bornok (played by Mike Tan)
- he has shape-shifting abilities which can copy another person flawlessly.
- Elektrika (played by Sherilyn Reyes)
- she has electric powers.
- Super Dings (played by Jose and Wally)
- A spoof villain of the superheroines, Super TwinsSuper TwinsSuper Twins is a Filipino telefantasya. The series, which used to be a part of GMA Network's First Quarter Explosion and aired on the primetime block, debuted on February 12, 2007...
.- Draxor (played by Luis Alandy)
- an alien warlord who has mind-controlling abilities and energy manipulation powers. He has come to Earth to gather all the powers accidentally absorbed by the various individuals in the series including the powers of Fantastic Man and Fantastic Girl. The mysterious guy in the black robe is his lackey who later betrays him by absorbing his powers as well as his life.
- Sylvia (played by Cristine Reyes)
- A woman from a Special Episode. She owns a Resort and is actually a Vampire.
Allies
- Professor Manalo (played by Joey Marquez)
- Fredo's mentor, whose invention accidentally gave Fredo his remarkable abilities.
- Super TwinsSuper TwinsSuper Twins is a Filipino telefantasya. The series, which used to be a part of GMA Network's First Quarter Explosion and aired on the primetime block, debuted on February 12, 2007...
(played by Jennelyn Mercado & Nadine Samonte)
- Super Twins
- guest starred for one episode to help out Fantastic Man on a case when he got injured and still feeling depressed from the death of Helen, Prof. Manalo's niece.
- Fantastic Girl(played by Ryza Cenon)
- After inadvertently absorbing a seed of extraterrestrial origin, Wena gained the power to synchronize with flora, allowing her to manipulate plants to her liking, psionically generate them from her mind, and even communicate with them. Her primary weakness appears to be extreme heat and fire, in contrast to Fantastic Man's vulnerability to the cold.
- Lloyd Mendez (played by Patrick Garcia)
- he has the clairvoyant power to locate others who disappeared and returned with unique abilities. He later gained the power to remove and steal powers from the alien Ivan. It is later revealed that Lloyd is secretly working for the alien Draxor. He will betray both Draxor and Fantastic Man in his quest for ultimate power.
- Agent Belle (played by Valerie Concepcion)
- top agent of the P.S.I. (Philippine Supernatural Investigation) and former student of Prof. Manalo.
- Ivan (played by Marco Alcaraz)
- an alien who has come to Earth to remove the various powers from the students who acquired them. It is revealed he was the mysterious man in the black robe. In his attempt to remove the various powers all at once, with the help of the P.S.I., he invented a machine to absorb the powers but this was sabotaged by Lloyd and the machine absorbed only his power instead. He is later killed by Lloyd to cover up his betrayal.
- Binhi (played by LJ Reyes)
- an alien being who is the source of great power in the universe. The powers of both Fantastic Man and Fantastic Girl originated from her.
- Danny (played by Ariel Rivera)
- A clone of Fredo's father. His power is that his body works like a nuclear reactor. Sacrificed his life to save his "son" from a liquid metal monster.
- Agent Vicki (played by Jewel Mische)
- another P.S.I. agent who replaced Agent Belle in the series. Mind-controlled by Draxor to betray Fantastic Man and his team. Later killed by Draxor while trying to free the imprisoned Binhi.
- Agent Juliet (played by Maureen Larazabal)
- another P.S.I. agent who replaced Agent Vicki upon her defection.