While many have become familiar with the 2006 film directed Joel Lamangan, Vergara wishes more would consider reading about Zaturnnah's origins in the comics.

"While there are a precious few who still buy my comics, not many are interested in the original comics material. Sales of the sequel (and even the free download) aren't very encouraging, and there's hardly any word-of-mouth. Of course, there are a lot of other factors contributing to this," he says.

With newly-released digital copies of the original comic including the sequels, the comic character has cemented its place in the LGBTQIA+ community as a comic icon, proving the writer's vision was truly ahead of its time.

Vergara's magic is one that does not simply come from a melon-sized stone and is instead rooted in his advocacy for representation.

See also: 5 LGBTQ+ Groups You Can Support This Pride Month

Many have seen Zaturnnah from a new perspective. It wasn't long until the character has become a figure of strength. 

"Everything is anchored in how much attention we generate and how much of a following we have. If people think that Zaturnnah upholds the advocacy in a good and just way, then that's great, but the character hasn't been tapped much for that purpose. I had seen her used during the Robredo presidential campaign, but not in a major or official way," shares Vergara.

When asked about the future of Zaturnnah, the writer jests, "I do have dreams and hopes and plans for Zaturnnah but... maybe I need a patron!" 

Although Vergara wishes to revisit the realm of graphic novels, he has also explored many forms in previous years, allowing him to express his art in different ways.

"I primarily see myself as a storyteller, but I only began to really embrace that in my late 40s. I'm a total late bloomer!" says the writer. "I really want to be a full-time graphic novelist making my own stories, but I feel that window getting smaller. I use the sponge analogy—I soak up information around me and let my subconscious work its magic. I sometimes overstuff my brain with information, something I don't recommend. When I get commissioned to write a story, however, I try to get as much information as I can about the project, do a little research, and find inspiration there."

Read more: How Penlab Philippines is Resurrecting Comics in the Country

In November 2022, the writer's full-length play, Indayugang Banal: Isang Superpowered Komedya, was staged. Although the play tackled issues of social media, the writer introduced fantastical elements that made the play his own.

He says, "It's no different from all the other scriptwriting work I've done, but I really like how the play turned out. I guess reaching my 50s has prompted me to be a little more upfront in dealing with real-world concerns, even if the play is still a fantasy." 

Vergara continues his ventures on stage with the new musical, Zsazsa Zaturnnah, to be staged by Ateneo Blue Repertory, with music and lyrics by Vincent A De Jesus, directed by Missy Maramara. 

It's definitely one of the most anticipated comebacks of the year, considering the musical was last staged by Tanghalang Pilipino in 2011. It's high time the character returns to represent a whole new generation.

"My original intention in 2002 was really about representation—why can't we have a serious LGBTQIA+ superhero? Zaturnnah to me has always been about reaching one's highest potential as a human being, the road to becoming 'more bongga' if you will, so you'll notice that her stories aren't straightforward advocacies," recalls the graphic designer. "I mean, the messages are there for sure, and Zaturnnah definitely embraces her being LGBTQIA+, but it's not very in-your-face in the books. And I think that's why Zaturnnah and her stories resonate even with cisgender readers. She's a superhero who happens to be LGBTQIA+, and I want to make her stories universal."

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