At 42 minutes, Three Days is a not so short film that my friends Maya Salas, Jonas Diego, Johnny Danganan, and dog Boney helped me make during periods when I wasn't working on my comics stuff. Thanks guys!
I shot it over the past couple of months, doing a few minutes here and there.Ok, it didn't work as an April Fool's gag, but I guess I knew it would be pretty obvious. I did plan it well in advance, even disappearing from my usual online haunts for a couple of weeks before April 1 just to help sell the gag.
Even though I knew everyone would get it right away (you guys expect me to do something foolish this time of year after all), it was nevertheless a really fun thing to do.
Click below for the Three Days Official Site, where you can watch the not so short film in its entirety.
with Malaya Salas, Jonas Diego, Johnny Danganan and Boney
At first I didn't realize I was doing it, but then it occurred to me that I was actually doing a rather loose film adaptation of my own comic book story "ATAKE!", which came out in Sindak! Horror-Thriller Magazine, published by ABS-CBN Publishing in 2008.
I'll be selling DVDs of this at Summer Komikon, which would include a few additional features like interviews with Maya, Jonas and Johnny, outtakes and bloopers.
Half-century old masterpiece to be launched at Komikon
More than half a century after it was first serialized in Pilipino Komiks, Francisco V. Coching’s masterpiece El Indio comes back to life in all its black-and-white glory.
Restored by Gerry Alanguilan and Zara Macandili from newsprint, the sequel to Francisco V. Coching’s Sabas, Ang Barbaro (1952) will be launched on October 18, 2009, 2:00 p.m.at the Fifth Annual Filipino Komiks Convention (Komikon), which will, for the first time, be held outside the University of the Philippines at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Hall 1.
El Indio will, for the first time, be released as a full-length graphic novel. The book features new material including a foreword by the artist’s widow Filomena N. Coching, never-before-reprinted silent art pages, an expanded character list and the vivid recoloring of the original series cover art, making it the ultimate collector’s item.
“The field of vision within every frame is deep, and the line is charged. The life force and confidence of form do not wane, the Tagalog is lofty, and the intricacy of cultural furniture very adept,” art critic Patrick Flores praised what has been said to be among Coching’s best work.
Artist Leinil Yu agrees, saying “One only needs to study Coching’s work in El Indio to fully grasp realistic yet dynamic figure drawing and layout.” The novel, Yu added, is “One of komik’s best, ever.”
The graphic novel will be launched to great fanfare. The book’s publisher Gaspar A. Vibal, Executive Director of the Vibal Foundation, will make an appearance at the event, as will members of the Coching family. Comics virtuoso Gerry Alanguilan will detail the painstaking process that he and Zara Macandili went through in restoring Francisco V. Coching’s sinuous lines and dramatic shading from decades-old newsprint.
“This [book] is merely a glimpse of what we have had in our history,” Alanguilan wrote in the novel’s introduction. “There is so much more that many of us have yet to see. I hope this is the start of our recovery of an art form that has too long been left by the wayside.”
The book was published by Vibal Foundation, Inc. with permission from the Francisco V. Coching Foundation. For more information about the book, VFI may be reached at 712-2722 or 712-9156. For more titles, visit http://vibalpress.com.
Komikero Publishing will have TWO new releases at the Komikon:
ELMER COLLECTED EDITION by Gerry Alanguilan 144 pages, Colored Cover, Black & White Interiors, 6.5″x9″, Perfect Binding
I added exactly just ONE new story page just for the sake of continuity. I tried not to add any new material to it so those who have already bought the individual issues don’t feel they’re being compelled to buy it. There is an afterword, and a few pinups that have already appeared in the series.
The Elmer Collected Edition *will* be available at National Book Store, Powerbooks and Fully Booked (I don’t know exactly when), and will retail for P250. We will be having a special Komikon only sale of P220 per copy at the event.
WHERE BOLD STARS GO TO DIE Written by Gerry Alanguilan, Illustrated by Arlanzandro C. Esmeña 56 pages. Black and Gold Cover, Black & White Interiors, 6.5″x9″, Perfect Binding
This book is my attempt to create bomba komiks that’s not cheap and lewd, and in fact approaches this genre with a measure of sensitivity and emotional maturity. This is Arlan’s first go at drawing comic books and I’m amazed how much potential he has. One of the gems of this issue is the pinup section which features some of the best illustrators in the industry. The final line-up includes: Francisco V. Coching, Tony De Zuniga, Brice Beckham, Carlo Vergara, Leinil Francis Yu, Carlo Pagulayan, Gilbert Monsanto, Edgar Tadeo, Arnold Arre, Philip Tan and Arlan himself.
Because we intentionally elevated the production values on this title, add to that the sensitive nature of the subject matter, we are offering this title at P150, and will NOT be sold to minors.
KOMIKON Releases that I’m involved in:
UNDERPASS
Press Release:
Set to launch this coming KOMIKON 2009 (October 18, Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall), Underpass is a graphic anthology featuring dark fantasy stories from some of today’s greatest Pinoy comics creators.
Sim by Gerry Alanguilan Judas Kiss by David Hontiveros, Budjette Tan and Oliver Pulumbarit Katumbas by David Hontiveros and Ian Sta. Maria The Clinic by Budjette Tan and Ka-jo Baldisimo.
The full-color anthology, which is Summit Media’s first foray into Philippine-produced comics, will retail for P250. After the Komikon, Underpass will be available in major magazine shops.
SIM Cover Page
Strangely enough, of all the people working in this anthology, I’m the only one who doesn’t have a cellphone, and yet my story *is* about cellphones. I don’t want to give the story away, but it was sparked by my picking up a SIM card in a tricycle I was riding a few months ago. I wondered what was in it, and as soon as I plugged it into a cellphone well… I will not say if the story I told in SIM is true or not. Let’s just say I’m still alive today to tell the tale.
Although soft launched at the recent Book Fair, Francisco V. Coching’s EL INDIO will have a proper launching at the Komikon!
It is the culmination of five years of restoration work between myself and Zara Macandili, where we digitally cleaned each panel of Coching’s classic komiks series.
Colored Cover, Black and White interiors, P600
THE FIRST ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF PHILIPPINE KOMIKS and CARTOONS by John A. Lent Published by Yonzon Associates
I’m very excited about this one, and I have nothing but deep admiration and respect for Mr. Hugo Yonzon and wife Guia for their tireless, and often times unheralded support for Philippine Comics. My contribution to this book is marginal at best, providing material here and there, but this book will absolutely not be possible without the Yonzons. Hats off to you guys!
The coffee table book is hardbound and full color. P1,500
KOMIKERO COMICS #3 Created and Published by the Komikero Artists Group
My unpublished and unfinished story from 1997 (which I finished 10 years later), Timawa: Jumper will finally see print in the anthology from my own little Komikero group.
5.5″x8.5″ Photocopied comic book. P50
I’m breathless just talking about it!
There will also be auctions at the KOMIKON, to benefit flood victims. Two items already confirmed to be auctioned off include:
ELMER HARDCOVER SLIPCASE Only 8 of these were made (7 of which were sold publicly). This is my personal copy. It will come in signed with an original sketch.
Please bid, and bid high! It’s for the best cause. No pledges. No post dated checks. Sorry, but the need is IMMEDIATE. Cash preferred!
Oh yeah! Is it insane already, or what? And I’m only talking about releases that involve myself and/or Komikero Publishing. A lot of other people will also be launching their own stuff like TRESE BOOK 3 by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo, a full color Kikomachine book by Manix Abrera, and a lot more!
WHEW!
Before Komikon, I’ll be giving a talk, along with Gilbert Monsanto and Mrs. Guia Yonzon on comic book publishing at Powerbooks Megamall, 1pm on October 15.
I wish I could be present for more PICCA activities, but work doesn’t stop and I have an issue of Ultimate Avengers to finish inking before Komikon! So in case I don’t update this before Sunday, I guess I’ll just see you guys there!
It is my great pleasure to present preview pages from the first issue of Philippine Adventure and Romance Stories #1. I’m very excited by this in that it represents a shift in the way komiks are made in the Philippines. Every since the early 90’s, a younger generation of Filipino comic book creators have sought to self publish their own comic books in the lack of, and as opposed to, traditional komiks publishers.
In 2009, in the absence of any significant mainstream komiks publisher, komiks veterans including Nestor Malgapo, Rico Rival, Abe Ocampo, Tor Infante, Art and Mandy De Guzman and others banded together to create and self publish this comic book. It’s very much in keeping with how many Philippine comic books are created today.
Maria Makiling illustrated by Nestor Malgapo and Mandy De Guzman
Mary Jane Cruz, A Thomasite illustrated by Abe Ocampo
Flores De Soto illustrated by Rico Rival
Jinky and Memories of Mabini, illustrated by Tor Infante
One of the more surprising additions to this comic book is the unpublished Punta Fuego, illustrated by the late Noly Panaligan.
Noly Panaligan passed away in June 2004.
Here’s a preview of the cover for issue #2:
All stories are written by Art De Guzman
I’m told that the first issue will be released this coming KOMIKON on October 18. I don’t have any further info on page count, retail price or how long this will run, but I will continue to update this page as new info comes along.
October just became BIGGER! Mabuhay ang Komiks Pilipino!
I didn’t realize Arlan could draw this well until last year when I saw a portrait of him that I assumed was drawn by someone else. When he told me he drew it, I realized Arlan had a lot of untapped potential as an artist.
Of course, I knew Arlan was into art when he gave me comic book sample pages back in 1999 to show around San Diego. The work he did there was all right, but it’s nowhere near what he’s currently doing now.
Arlan is a full time Architect you see. He’s one of the most sought after Architects here in San Pablo for his unique design and careful attention to quality and detail. But I suppose, as with any job, it can become stressful, and he has turned to drawing comics to help him take it easy.
Here’s a portrait of Cory Aquino:
And at my request, he drew David Tennant as Doctor Who. He added Billie Piper as Rose Tyler!
Here he draws a couple of his friends:
I feel extremely lucky to have Arlan as my artist on “Where Bold Stars Go To Die”, which will be launched next month at the 5th Komikon! Arlan will be on hand at my table. If you pass by, say hi!
Arlan has already agreed to draw another story of mine entitled “Rodski Patotski, Ang Dalagang Baby”, a Mars Ravelo tribute story. Something to watch out for in the future!
I will not say whether Carlo J. Caparas deserves the title of National Artist or not, for that will be a subjective argument.
I will stick with the facts, and keep this argument objective.
Carlo J. Caparas is simply not qualified to be given the National Artist Award, for the very least "Visual Art", and here are my reasons.
It is clear that "Visual Arts" and "Film" are two different categories. Therefore, "Visual Arts" refer to Carlo's work in comics. Carlo is a writer. He has never illustrated any of his comics stories, least of all his most popular ones. Panday and Pieta? They were illustrated by Steve Gan. Bakekang? It was illustrated by Mar Santana. Kroko? Illustrated by Hal Santiago. Totoy Bato? Illustrated by Tor Infante.
In the guidelines for selection of National Artist for Visual Artists, it clearly states:
Visual Arts – painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, installation art, mixed media works, illustration, graphic arts, performance art and/or imaging;
How can someone who is not an illustrator, therefore *NOT* a visual artist ever be named National Artist for Visual Arts? If Carlo should ever be given this title, the title should be shared with all the artists he collaborated with, for that is the nature of comics. It is a collaborative medium as Carlo himself points out many times during his talks.
If not, then this title should be removed, as it is not factually descriptive of who he is.
There’s a lot of comics artists, aspiring and professional, here in the Philippines. A lot of them are looking for work abroad through the Internet, and more often than not, that’s you reading right now.
I found out about this scam through Rich Johnston’s Bleeding Cool Forums, at these specific topics here:
The way I understand it, this person would either approach you to “represent” you as his agent, or be your “writer” or pretend to be actually you, and accept assignments from companies or individuals for commissions. He would then ask you to do the work, submit a few pages to the company, asked to be paid in full, and then disappear, leaving both you and the company in the dirt.
Be cautious who you deal with online. Before accepting any assignment, search fastidiously online for information about this person you are dealing with. How would you know if he is pretending to be someone else? Look for *other* contact info online. Many pros are on Facebook and Twitter or MySpace. Contact them there to confirm who they are.
This is why it’s very important now for a Filipino comic book artist to be typically street smart online. The Internet is a great place to find jobs in comics, but it’s also a place where you can get scammed big time.
I’ve had ocassion to visit Cubao more often in recent weeks and I’m amazed at the transformation of the Araneta Center. It’s relatively clean, orderly, and not as crowded as I used to remember it. At street corners, security guards control the flow of pedestrians through the use of a rope. One end of the rope is tied to a post as the guard holds the other end a few feet away. When the light is red, he pulls it up to stop people from crossing, and when the light turns green he puts the rope on the ground to allow people to cross. When the light turns red, he pulls the rope up again.
Somehow, that scene triggered a lot of thoughts in my mind.
It’s only common sense isn’t it, not to cross when the red light is on, and cross only when the green light is on. And yet the Araneta Center administrators still saw it fit to make sure people follow traffic regulations by forcefully restricting the freedom of the pedestrians. In effect, the administrators have taken the freedom of choice away from the pedestrians to cross a corner when they feel like it. And they have done this because common sense or not, traffic regulations or not, people will cross the road when they feel like it, whether the light be red or green.
And to be completely honest, seeing and feeling that rope bar my way, whether I intended to cross or not burned me up. And it was quite a surprising reaction. But why? What was I burning up for? Did I feel like I had some unspoken right and freedom to cross the road whenever the hell I pleased? Or is being restricted a terrible inconvenience? After all, if there was no rope, I can just cross, running and avoiding cars because I didn’t want to wait. I want to get where I’m going quickly. I want to get there now. All this waiting is hard.
And I think therein lies, at its most basic, the true reason for a lot of our problems. We want it easy, and we want it quickly. Never mind the rules, never mind the law. We have Free Will, but our intrinsic incapability to control it, and control our urges and impulses, allowing our basest, most selfish instinct to dominate us prove to be our undoing.
This bears out when we apply this thesis to wider and much bigger scenarios.
How about Piracy? Wherein we patronize stolen merchandize because it’s cheaper, easier to get, and well, everybody’s doing it.
Corruption? Wherein we make it easy on ourselves by either offering or receiving bribes to resolve arrangements more quickly.
How about prositution? Selling oneself is much easier than getting a job, and hiring a prostitute is much easier than courting a girl for how many months, even years, and God knows she might even want to get married first!
And when we run into trouble, we pass the blame on other things, and ignore the one thing that’s most responsible, and that’s ourselves. We can’t ignore it forever, you know. Sooner or later we’re going to have to acknowledge the true source of our problems and deal with it or else things are never going to get better.
What is the use of rules and laws if it’s still necessary to physically rope us in to ensure we follow it? Just look at our roads, specially EDSA. It’s full of islands and barriers. It’s not enough that drivers were taught to drive properly. It’s not enough that there are road signs and stop lights to tell drivers where to go and what to do. The government has had to put islands and barriers and assign traffic enforcers just to make sure drivers do what they should do. Isn’t that kind of embarassing? Isn’t that kind of insulting that we are being treated like mindless sheep that we need to be physically herded just to do the right thing?
Are we truly so much of a prisoner of our own selfish urges and desires? Is it hopeless to even think that we can ever triumph over them, voluntarily, without outside influence?
From where I’m sitting, it’s not looking really good. I think a very thin line separates us between our veneer of civilization and outright anarchy. We go about our daily lives simply being nice to others, but deep in inside each individual is a raging primate that cannot rationally think for itself, ruled as it is by its own primal desires and urges. It is only because we get what we want which allows us to keep that primate in check. But once we don’t get what we want… well, just think about it. Think about the last time you didn’t get something that you wanted, or were prevented from getting something you wanted. Think about how you reacted, and how you felt. Think about it really hard, and ask yourself, what are you going to do about it?
Are you a mindless primate, or are you a civilized human being?
My small group which includes Arlan Esmeña, Zara Macandili, Pilar Esber, Ilyn and me left San Pablo at six in the morning. We arrived at the venue relatively early at 8 am. We had a quick set up so I had plenty of time to go around and talk with people I knew before the doors opened. As far as Komikon goes, I know a lot of people.
There were a couple of my friends attending Komikon for the first time including Robert Magnuson, who is the artist of an upcoming graphic novel for Adarna. We talked comics and Star Trek. The graphic novel he is doing is massive. I can't wait to see it when it's done.
Robert Magnuson and Steven Pabalinas
Jamie Bautista, also a Komikon first-timer, is the publisher of Nautilus Comics, including Cast and Arnold Arre's Martial Law Babies. He's also doing Private Iris with Arnold. He's also the printer for ELMER. He said it was kind of hot. Was it? I never noticed. But I guess the huge cooling fan situated behind me at my table had something to do with it.
With Norman B. Isaac
With Tuxs Rutaquio, "Ada" in ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Musical.
My friend Chez was there, manning the Sputnik booth all by herself. Their indie selection was just awesome! I said hello to the Bayan Knights team, specially Gilbert and Glenda. Beside my table was Jonas Diego's Robo Monkey table. And when the convention doors opened at 10am, they hadn't arrived yet! Apparently, they pulled an all nighter just to finish putting together Komikero Comics #1. Johnny was the first to arrive with April, then Jonas arrived much later carrying a small box of comics. The 50 copies of Komikero Comics #1 that were produced quickly sold out. Even I don't have a copy. Honestly! Those who have been wanting to buy it, sorry! We are planning on putting everything online soon.
Komikero Komiks #1 on display. It's blank so that the creators at the Komikon can sign and sketch on it. Photo by Azrael Coladilla
I went to the Comic Odyssey booth for what turned out to be a stunning find. It's so hysterically stunning that it rivals even Howard Carter's discovery of King Tut's Tomb! I found a first edition Marvel Illustrated Novel Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's FRANKENSTEIN, illustrated by Berni Wrightson! I went... OMG! I grabbed it, knuckling a couple of fan boys in the eyes, and kicking a couple of nuns in the ankles who were all angling to get it. I'm kidding, but once I had it, I didn't let it go, and ran away cackling. Thanks to Sandy Sansolis for making my day!
Once back at the table, it was my turn to be grabbed and dragged kicking and screaming to a nearby cafe by a couple of characters who turned out to be the nice guys of Vibal Publishing. They're nice because they're going to be finally publishing Francisco V. Coching's EL INDIO on August 19 2009, and will have a launching at the National Museum, under the shadow of the great Spoliarium no less! El Indio is only the second book Vibal will be launching that day. The first is "The Life and Art of Francisco V. Coching" to which I also contributed an essay. August will be awesome, I'm telling you guys right now!
David Hontiveros and I talked about The Spirit comics and film while we were both manning the urinals at the boy's room. I haven't seen the movie, but I've read the comics. I'm kinda dreading seeing it based on the bad reviews, but I will go and see it sometime just to have my own opinion.
Upon seeing my hero Carlo Vergara, I went and asked him to sign my copy of Graphic Classics: Ambrose Bierce, to which he contributed the art to "The Monk and the Hangman's Daughter". Budjette Tan was there, but I didn't ask him to sign anything. Sorry Budj!
David Hontiveros and Carlo Vergara. In my thousands if pictures in my hard drive, I've never had any photo of David where I could see his hands.
I was waiting for the organizers to announce the Komikon plans for that huge PICCA event in October. PICCA is the Philippine International Cartoons, Comics and Animation Festival that's going to be held at the SM Megamall from October 15-18. I was aware of this because I'm one of those helping organize the event.
It's a huge thing, and a big deal, so my ears were peeled towards the stage for any announcements. The only announcement I heard was my name being called to the stage, along with Sir Orvy Jundis. And as we sat there on the stage, in front of everyone in the Komikon, we were asked to announce the PICCA. Oh, I'M going to make the announcement. ha! ha!
It was also announced that another Komikon will be held on October 18 at the SM Megatrade Hall, which would be, in effect, the 4th day of the PICCA. There's lots more to be said about this huge event, but I will make a separate post about it soon.
At 7:00pm we packed up, and as it has become our tradition after selling ELMER at the Komikon, we passed by KFC and had a bucket of chicken before we went back home.
Yeah, I'm supposed to sell three tickets to a The Dawn concert. It's a fund raising effort by our High School batch for the benefit of the Shrine of the Holy Relic, Pactil, Mountain Province. The concert will be on December 16 at 7pm at the Maharlica Hall, Pagcor Casino, Parañaque. Each ticket goes for P1000. As added incentive, I can thrown in a copy of Elmers 2-4 with a free Elmer sketch for each ticket! What do you say, eh?
If you're interested, you can either make a bank deposit to my account (then I'll courier the tickets and comics to you), or we can just meet at Jay Anacleto's signing this Saturday, December 6 at Comic Odyssey at Robinson's Galleria. Please feel free to get in touch with me here, or send me an email at gerryalanguilan at yahoo dot com.
Comic Odyssey at Robinson's Galleria, Robinson's Malate and Eastwood
For those looking for Elmer #1, I no longer have copies, but Comic Quest at Megamall has informed me that they still have a few remaining copies left.
Of course, you can also order issues #2-4 directly from me. Just send me a private message here on Multiply or send me an email at gerryalanguilan at yahoo dot com.
I'll be at Comic Odyssey at Robinson's Galleria this Saturday, December 6, from 2pm to 4pm for Jay Anacleto's Marvels 2 signing. I won't be sketching this time around though! But I'll be on hand to sign Elmer or any other comic book of mine you bring. That would be great! See you there?
By 12 noon it was already quite difficult to go around. There were that many people. I don’t have a headcount, but it’s quite plain to anyone who was there last year that this year’s crowd was just insane. I’ve had little opportunity to go around myself as I was almost completely tied to my table. We moved about 200 copies of Elmer #4, and perhaps 150 copies of both #2 and #3.
I was unfortunately unable to go and buy the indies as I did the past two years. I would have wanted to, but I am glad that enough people came to my table to buy Elmer that made my leaving for any extended period of time unlikely. I did manage to get the titles I was looking forward to, or more accurately, they managed to get to me.
I was looking forward to Gilbert Monsanto and Co.’s “Bayan Knights” for the unfettered superhero geekery. I was also looking forward to anything new that Josel Nicolas has because I believe him to be one of the most intelligent young comics creators today, and he’s someone to watch out for. And yeah, he’s got TWO titles! I can’t wait to read them.
And quite unexpectedly and with much appreciation from me, Arnold Arre handed me a copy of his “Martial Law Babies”. Arnold is incredible. He drops phone book sized graphic novels at a drop of the hat, seemingly effortless but always brilliant.
With veteran komiks illustrator Frank Redondo, brother of Nestor Redondo
Rico Rival
With Sir Hugo Yonzon and komiks illustrator Abe Ocampo
With Eisner-Award winning artist Lan Medina
Edgar Tadeo and Jay Anacleto
with Arlan Esmeña and Carlo Vergara (seated)
My friend Arlan came along to promote our “Where Bold Stars Go To Die” preview. I was very happy for Arlan, this being his first Komikon experience and his first comic book. It was clear he was nearly out of his mind with excitement, specially when he met one of his idols, Tony De Zuniga.
Tony De Zuniga is in town for a series of exhibits. More news on that later on.
Benjie Felipe
I finally met my editor in chief at the Buzz Magasin (where Timawa comes out), Benjie Felipe. I didn’t realize he was a popular actor as well, who plays these really evil bad guys. I didn’t know that, but my crew, specially Edjee Chozas and Zara Macandili knew that, and they were just freaking out. I thanked Benjie for having comics in The Buzz Magasin. It’s good to know that he loves comics!
Zara Macandili, Edjee Chozas and “Manila Man” from Bayan Knights
There were a few recurring questions thrown my way throughout the day, and the most common being:
1. Do you still have copies of ELMER #1? The answer is no. But the good news is, I just heard that Druid’s Keep in Magallanes and Comic Quest may still have copies. Hang on until later this week as the stocks of #1, as CQ tells me, will be moved to the Megamall branch shortly.
Of course, I had been distributing ELMER online freely through my site, and just the other day, I seeded ELMER #1 as a torrent file. It’s all completely free. When I’m asked if I still have #1, and I say no, but say it can be downloaded, the surprising discovery I have found with every person who asked is that they prefer the print version and asked to be updated if copies of #1 are either found or reprinted. Or better yet, a compilation be made.
2. Do you still have copies of WASTED? One of the more surprising things that happened was one guy came up to me to thank me for creating Wasted. That was just so awesome. As much as I tried to put Wasted behind me before (I no longer do), I always appreciate it when something I’ve done has affected people in a good way.
Of course, Wasted has also been freely available online here. And when I tell people that it can be read online, most of the answers are the same: “I’ll wait for the print version.” and ask me when Wasted will be reprinted. I can say for certain now that Wasted will be reprinted for release next year. Not early next year, but later next year, probably in time for Komikon 2009.
So what is going on here? I thought the online thing was the next big thing. Here I am bending over backwards, inspite of my initial hesitation to distribute my work digitally, to have Wasted available fully online, to offer ELMER #1 for free online because people have been insisting that online reading is the way to go and paper stuff is on the way out. Well, from where I’m standing that doesn’t seem to be the case. This is not opinion, but cold hard feedback from people who actually read these things. So print it is!
A print compilation of ELMER, a well as a new edition of WASTED will be coming your way next year!
ELMER #4 is now available at COMIC ODYSSEY (or at least soon will be). I’ll be delivering copies to Druid’s Keep and Comicquest later this week.
Remember, if you’ve gotten a bad copy of ELMER #4 (I’ve heard reports of a few having errors in printing), email me at gerryalanguilan at yahoo dot com, and we’ll get you sorted out. In a good way.
Tomorrow, November 22, is the Komikon, the 4th Philippine Comics Convention to be held at the University of the Philippines, Diliman Quezon City. It's actually the culmination of week-long activities which began Monday.
The "Komiks in Education" Panel on Monday, November 17. Gilbert Monsanto, Elbert Or, Emil Flores and myself. The guy in the orange shirt is Wilson Tortosa.
Sketching a memento.
Me with foam chicken.
The "Komiks in Education" panel was terrific. At three hours, this was the longest panel I've participated in, and those three hours were worth it because it allowed us to discuss the subject of comics as not only a means of eduction, but also as a subject of education. It was truly very enlightening for me. This is the kind of thing that I have been looking for in a local comics convention. I hope to see more of this in future comics conventions.
I had another talk yesterday with Jamie Bautista and Elbert Or, where we discussed "Comics Writing for Artists". It was another interesting talk where we explained (or at least tried to explain) where our ideas come from. That is always the question isn't it? The most important question a comics creator can ever be asked.
Jamie Bautista with Komikon organizer Syeri Baet-Zamar looking on.
I really haven't talked about Jamie before, but has had a huge helping hand in Elmer. Basically, his family owns the printing press that Elmer is printed in. Jamie handles the day to day business at the printer, but he is much more than that. Jamie is infinitely knowledgeable in all matters with regards to printing, business, and publishing. He's he publisher of Arnold Arre's Martial Law Babies as well as Cast. Whenever he talks, I'm always bound to learn something. He's the reason why I'm sticking with LSA Printing as my printer because he knows comic books, and when I leave my files with him I know it's in good hands. I really don't have to worry about it.
I spent the day today preparing for tomorrow. ELMER #4 won't arrive till tomorrow at the Komikon, so I'm putting together other stuff I'm going to sell. Bad news to those who wanted to get a set of issues #1-4, because it turns out, there's no longer any copies of #1 at the printers. I no longer have copies of #1 with me, so coming out with the sets at Komikon is no longer possible. There is still a possibility that some copies remain at some retailers but I won't get to them in time. So sorry guys! No Elmer sets tomorrow! But I will be bringing lots of copies of issues #2 to 4.
Aside from ELMER, I'm also coming out with a preview edition of "Where Bold Stars Go To Die", a story I wrote, and illustrated by Arlan Esmeña. We tried to finish the whole thing for Komikon, but due to unfortunate circumstances last October, Arlan lost time to draw it. Since I really didn't want to deprive Arlan of his very first Komikon experience, I decided to come up with this preview edition which we will be selling for P15. If you're going to buy a copy, make sure you have Arlan sign it. You're going to make him very happy.
For those who are interested in original comics art, I'm once again be bringing my "KOMIKON ONLY" portfolio of original art. This time, I'm selling the pages for only 500 pesos each! That's right! That's not a typo! 500 pesos each! Well, don't count on seeing any really kick ass pages, but there are some that do look good on their own. This is only for Komikon. After I leave the venue, it's back to their original prices. I do this because I want everyone to have the opportunity to be able to buy original comic book art pages from titles like Superman, High Roads, Grifter and Stone. Most of the time, the cost of these pages are just beyond reach of the ordinary buyer. So I'm taking this opportunity to make some of these pages accessible.
There are a lot of titles that's going to be released tomorrow. One of the titles I'm really looking forward to is BAYAN KNIGHTS, a title masterminded by my pal Gilbert Monsanto, with contributions from many young upcoming artists in local comics.
Azrael Coladilla came up with a comprehensive list of comics that's going to be released tomorrow:
I spoke with Tina De Zuniga and she told me that her husband Tony will be there at tomorrow! He's only one of the many industry pros that will be there. I'm sure guys like Leinil Yu, Carlo Pagulayan, Harvey Tolibao, Wilson Tortosa, Arnold Arre, Pol Medina, Gilbert Monsanto, etc., along with veterans like Danny Acuña, Jun Lofamia, Ernie Patricio, Yong Montano and the Coching family will be there. I'm sure there's going to be plenty of surprises with regards to who will turn up.
These Komikon things have always been great events for the Pinoy comics lover to attend. I've attended every one of them since 2005. And of course, I've covered them all. Here are links to my previous Komikon entries.
Tomorrow marks the 4th year of Komikon, and I do want to extend my gratitude to all the organizers who have really come through with this event year in and year our through thick and thin. Thanks guys! Oh wait, let me leave you with this Pre-Komikon Video. See you all tomorrow!
I don't get why there even has to be a law that would make gay marriage illegal. I don't get why it has to be legislated at all. Biology and reproduction aside, all I see are two human beings who love each other, who only want to get the same benefits that a legal marriage between man and woman have.
Consider this:
I see nothing but TWO HUMAN BEINGS WHO LOVE EACH OTHER.
Love. Not hate. LOVE.
I don't understand why anyone would be against love.
It is not our business to dictate how our fellow humans should live, specially when all that motivates them is the emotion of love. Why do you want to pass laws that would make that union illegal?
Why do you care so much what other people are doing, specially when what they're doing doesn't affect you and your life? That is their life, and you have yours. Why do you want to mess with what they have? I emphasize: It Doesn't Affect You.
What are you afraid of?
Well, I'll TELL you.
Are we afraid that once gay marriage becomes legal we create more gays in the process? That our young sons and daughters would be "inspired" to become homosexuals because hey, it's legal?
That's it, isn't it? That's what you're afraid of? That when you legalize this thing, gays would suddenly come out of the woodwork and take over the world and infect our friends and family?
That has got to be the most uninformed thing I've ever heard. Not to mention stupid.
I believe gays are gays because they're meant to be. That's what they really are. Just like I'm straight, and just like my wife is straight. My friend Johnny is gay. That's who he is. And if he chooses to marry his boyfriend, then I'd be happy for him. Johnny didn't suddenly become gay because he was inspired to be by other gays. That's who he is. No matter how many gay people a person sees and interacts with, if that person isn't gay, he won't ever be gay. It's not a disease that "infects" other people like leprosy.
And no matter how many laws you pass, gays will never go away. They won't. They will still be there. And gay couples will still love each other.
If this PROP 8 ever passes, then it's a point against us, and our humanity, and our evolution as a human race. It's a point for intolerance, ignorance, and hate.
Think very hard about this. Think very hard. I've had to do a lot of thinking about this, and when I realized that this is nothing but two people being in love, and only want to legalize their union, just like everyone else, there's nothing I can say against it.
Is it against God and the laws of Nature?
Isn't it LOVE that God teaches? Isn't God LOVE Himself? I seriously doubt that God would ever want people who love each other to be apart, regardless of what a few humans put down in writing in a book. I love the Bible, but sometimes people get so caught up in semantics and words and interpretations that they fail to see the spirit of what's written there.
Have you ever been in love? Really ever been in love? That when you see this other person, everything else turns grey and you two are the only things in color? Your heart aches at being so much in love, and everytime this person enters the room it's like sunshine. Have you ever felt that way? It's one of the truest, most honest, and happiest things that can ever happen to a human being.
If this kind of thing happens between two guys or between two girls (and believe me it does), how can that ever be unnatural? Falling in love can't ever be unnatural.
Wanting to come between to people who love each other, that's unnatural. And cruel.
ELMER #4 64 Pages, Color Covers, B&W Interiors, P80 Date of Release: November 22, 2008 KOMIKON: The 4th Philippine Comics Convention University of the Philippines Bahay ng Alumni, 10am-6pm
“REGARDLESS OF THE MOTIVE” Armida Siguion-Reyna No Holds Barred The Daily Tribune October 10, 2008
“Which brings me now to reminding all about the dangers of pending House Bill (HB) 3305, and known in the Senate as Senate Bill (SB) 2464: “An Act Prohibiting and Penalizing the Production, Printing, Publication, Importation, Sale, Distribution and Exhibition of Obscene and Pornographic Materials, and the Exhibition of Live Sexual Acts, Amending for the Purpose Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code, as Amended.”
I saw Tarlac Rep. Nikki Prieto Teodoro and lawyer Eric Mallonga of the MTRCB on cable TV the other day, lauding the bill and supporting its passage into law, failing to see that while it purports to “protect women and children from the pernicious effects of pornography,” it more dangerously seeks to strangle all forms of creativity with the operative phrase “regardless of the motive.””
As far ago as 1999, perhaps 2000, I thought of this story about Filipina bold stars, classic ones like Coca Nicolas, Pepsi Paloma, Lampel Cojuanco, Sarsi Emmanuel, Cristina Crisol, Claudia Zobel, and Anna Marie Gutierrez. I thought it was just a cute little love story that could may well ruffle the feathers of many a conservative people. I shared the story with friends like Budjette, Leinil, including a couple of women, and they seemed to like it.
I wanted to do it right then and there, but I was busy with stuff like X-Force, Ochlocrat, and eventually the New X-Men Annual 2001. I approached other artists to do it, among them Dino Ignacio, who was able to do a bit of art for it before he himself got preoccupied with school and work and being an insanely and notoriously popular Internet guy because of his Bert Is Evil site that got very controversial. He even did a CNN interview about it. Awesome. You can see a bit Dino’s art here. The full version is no longer accessible though. I just might put it up again at some later time.
The next artist to pick it up is Noel F. Lim, but let’s not go there. :) Next, I decided to finally draw it myself. But then ELMER came along, then Timawa, then Rizal…. I thought I’d do it after ELMER, but I keep remembering what one of my readers asked me a while back… “When are you going to create something that my young niece can read?” I went ahead and started art on “Where Bold Stars…” as I was doing Elmer, but then my friend Arlan Esmeña suddenly asked me to write a story for him to draw.
Arlan is also Architect Arlanzandro C. Esmeña, fellow architect and fellow member of the San Pablo Chapter of the United Architects of the Philippines. He’s always been interested in comics, and in fact, I brought with me samples of his artwork when I went to the San Diego Convention in 1999. But unlike myself and Ilyn (who is also an architect), Arlan is a full time practicing architect, not only here in San Pablo but all over the country. Based on his samples from 1999, I can tell he can really make it as a comic book artist if the inclination is there. The inclination is certainly there, but I feel he’s already made a very good career for himself as an architect, and he says he likes the job, so it’s all great.
But he loves comics as well, so when he asked me to write something for him to draw, I thought I’d give him “Where Bold Stars Go To Die”. The sample above one of his many sketches for the project. Here we are talking about it in a video:
Arlan will be with me this coming November at the 4th Philippine KOMIKON at the UP Diliman to launch “Where Bold Stars…”. Of course, I will be launching ELMER #4 as well, so it’s a big Komikon for us this year.
In a recent interview, I was asked what message I was trying to say in my comics, citing Wasted as it was a rather violent story.
Apologies to the newspaper if I’m pre-empting the publication of the interview, but my response to that was this:
Nope, no message. I don’t build my stories around a “message” or a “moral lesson” that endeavors to “teach” something. I resist making those kinds of stories because I don’t want to become a writer with an agenda. It’s all about the “idea”. If the idea is good enough and tantalizing enough for me, I will go wherever it takes me. I never intended on creating a full on adult comic book, but the idea behind “Where Bold Stars Go To Die” is so thrilling to me that I just had to go there and do it.
I think it’s also timely, with the Anti-Obscenity Bill already submitted in the Senate for consideration and deliberation. Although “Where Bold Stars…” wasn’t initially intended as an act of defiance to this grossly sweeping and Martial Law era relic, it is NOW.
This November, Image Comics, the publisher who brought you hit anthologies like Tori Amos’ COMIC BOOK TATTOO, 24SEVEN, PUT THE BOOK BACK ON THE SHELF and POPGUN, comes a unique collection of comics from Southeast Asia and beyond, LIQUID CITY.
“LIQUID CITY presents the unique visions of artists and writers based mainly in Southeast Asia,” said editor Sonny Liew. “The creators involved range from established figures in the region’s comics communities like Lat and Gerry Alanguilan, to exciting new talents like Nguyen Thanh Pong, kenfoo and Shari Chankhamma.”
Bringing together creators from Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and elsewhere, LIQUID CITY presents an edgy vision of lives in cities past, present and future: from Leong Wan Kok’s distinct post apocalyptic landscapes to Lat’s charming take on Malaysian life in the ’60s, from Mike Carey’s meditation on colonialism to kenfoo’s dark tales of regurgitation and bodily transformations.
Also contributing to the anthology are artists from outside the region, including award-winning illustrator Jon Foster and cover artist Shelly Wan.
LIQUID CITY (SEP082215), a 312-page full color anthology for $24.99, will be in stores November 5th. For more information and sneak previews, please visit http://www.liquidcitizen.net.
Image Comics is a comics and graphic novels publisher formed in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Since that time, Image has gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. There are currently five partners in Image Comics (Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino), and Image is currently divided into four major houses (Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, and Image Central). Image comics and graphic novels cover nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable, offering science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor, and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. Visit www.imagecomics.com.
We tried to finish the whole thing for Komikon, but due to unfortunate circumstances last October, Arlan lost time to draw it. Since I really didn't want to deprive Arlan of his very first Komikon experience, I decided to come up with this preview edition which we will be selling for P15. If you're going to buy a copy, make sure you have Arlan sign it. You're going to make him very happy. 
The legendary Jess Jodloman and me. 
Me and Ilyn 
