Gerry Alanguilan's Blog, page 10

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY EVENTS!

After Summer Komikon, it’s FREE COMIC BOOK DAY (FCBD) on May 4! Just as the title of the event says, if you attend this event, you’ll get FREE comics! Specially if you come early. And just like Komikon, FCBD in the Philippines has slowly become bigger and bigger.

As far as I know, there are at least two large events that celebrates FCBD in Manila. One is by Comic Odyssey/Fully Booked, and the other is by National Book Store/Castle Geek/Neutral Grounds. It’s kind of put me in a pickle because I have loyalty to both Comic Odyssey and National Book Store (who publishes ELMER 2nd Edition). But I made my first commitment to Comic Odyssey and so there I will be.

Above is the my Amazing Doctor RizaL cover art to Comic Odyssey’s FCBD comic book giveway, which features short stories from many local comic book creators like Ed Tadeo, Aaron Felizmenio, JP Palabon, Freely Abrigo, Manix Abrera, Macoy, Melvin Calingo, Michael David, Omeng Estanislao, Joanah Tinio-Calingo and many more. It will also feature a 2 page “Story of Wasted” short from me.

This event happens at Fully Booked in Bonifacio High Street and begins at 10am. I’ll probably be around there sometime after lunch to sign you comic books.

Comic Odyssey/Fully Booked FCBD Facebook Event Page

http://www.facebook.com/events/428017033941625/?fref=ts

A quick note about sketches. I apologize if I decline doing any sketches at events. In spite of the fact that I work for Marvel or DC, I find it hard sketching in front of people these Marvel and DC characters. I feel self conscious and It actually takes a lot from me. Here at home, I can’t do it as well because I’m too busy working on my own stuff. However, if you ask me to do quick sketches of my own characters from Elmer or Wasted, I’ll gladly do that. It’s easier because I know these characters very well. And as a creator, it makes me feel good because you’re asking me to draw something I created, and not something created by others.

In the future, I’ll probably start accepting commissions (my characters and others) when I’ve organized my time enough to accommodate them. I’ll talk about it here on this blog when the time comes.

Above is the comic book giveaway (Artwork by Carlo Vergara) from the other event by National Book Store/ Castle Geek and Neutral Grounds, in an event that’s called “Free Comic Book Day: Setting The Record”. It’s called “Setting the Record” because the event hopes to set the most number of sketches on a blank cover comic. A bunch of my other friends will be at this event including Jonas Diego, Budjette Tan, Lui Antonio, etc.

Their giveaway comic book also includes a page from me where I revisit “Gerry’s Believe It Or Else!”.

This happens at the Quezon Avenue branch of National Book Store in Quezon City, and it begins at 9:00am.

National Book Store/Castle Geek/Netural Grounds FBD Event Page

http://www.facebook.com/events/326436887455830/?group_id=0

To comic book fans, this is quite a big day, and you don’t even have to be conflicted. Since both these events happen during the course of an entire day, you can attend one and then attend the other later in the day. Problem solved!

After Summer Komikon, it’s FREE COMIC BOOK DAY (FCBD) on...

After Summer Komikon, it’s FREE COMIC BOOK DAY (FCBD) on May 4! Just as the title of the event says, if you attend this event, you’ll get FREE comics! Specially if you come early. And just like Komikon, FCBD in the Philippines has slowly become bigger and bigger.

As far as I know, there are at least two large events that celebrates FCBD in Manila. One is by Comic Odyssey/Fully Booked, and the other is by National Book Store/Castle Geek/Neutral Grounds. It’s kind of put me in a pickle because I have loyalty to both Comic Odyssey and National Book Store (who publishes ELMER 2nd Edition). But I made my first commitment to Comic Odyssey and so there I will be.

Above is the my Amazing Doctor RizaL cover art to Comic Odyssey’s FCBD comic book giveway, which features short stories from many local comic book creators like Ed Tadeo, Aaron Felizmenio, JP Palabon, Freely Abrigo, Manix Abrera, Macoy, Melvin Calingo, Michael David, Omeng Estanislao, Joanah Tinio-Calingo and many more. It will also feature a 2 page “Story of Wasted” short from me.

This event happens at Fully Booked in Bonifacio High Street and begins at 10am. I’ll probably be around there sometime after lunch to sign you comic books.

Comic Odyssey/Fully Booked FCBD Facebook Event Page

http://www.facebook.com/events/428017033941625/?fref=ts

A quick note about sketches. I apologize if I decline doing any sketches at events. In spite of the fact that I work for Marvel or DC, I find it hard sketching in front of people these Marvel and DC characters. I feel self conscious and It actually takes a lot from me. Here at home, I can’t do it as well because I’m too busy working on my own stuff. However, if you ask me to do quick sketches of my own characters from Elmer or Wasted, I’ll gladly do that. It’s easier because I know these characters very well. And as a creator, it makes me feel good because you’re asking me to draw something I created, and not something created by others.

In the future, I’ll probably start accepting commissions (my characters and others) when I’ve organized my time enough to accommodate them. I’ll talk about it here on this blog when the time comes.

Above is the comic book giveaway (Artwork by Carlo Vergara) from the other event by National Book Store/ Castle Geek and Neutral Grounds, in an event that’s called “Free Comic Book Day: Setting The Record”. It’s called “Setting the Record” because the event hopes to set the most number of sketches on a blank cover comic. A bunch of my other friends will be at this event including Jonas Diego, Budjette Tan, Lui Antonio, etc.

Their giveaway comic book also includes a page from me where I revisit “Gerry’s Believe It Or Else!”.

This happens at the Quezon Avenue branch of National Book Store in Quezon City, and it begins at 9:00am.

National Book Store/Castle Geek/Netural Grounds FBD Event Page

http://www.facebook.com/events/326436887455830/?group_id=0

To comic book fans, this is quite a big day, and you don’t even have to be conflicted. Since both these events happen during the course of an entire day, you can attend one and then attend the other later in the day. Problem solved!

Summer Komikon 2013 Report

Click for Larger Image. Photo by Skyworld.

“Insane” is such an overused word to describe Komikon. I used that word a lot. But I’m honestly at a loss to use any other word to perfectly describe it. Well, perhaps “INSANER” would be apt. Because that’s just how it was. This thing just keeps getting bigger and bigger. They’ve had to use up space that was used for circulation and navigation at past conventions to give space for more exhibitors. And it still wasn’t enough. I swear, if Manila had rules for crowd control as SDCC, they’d have shut the event down. I make no exaggeration when I say it was THAT huge.

As a backgrounder for those tuning in just now. “Komikon” was started in 2005, and was held usually during October or November. Over the next few years, the event had gotten so popular that the organizers added a “Summer Komikon” during the months of April or May. The events have gotten even more popular that a third event was spun off by the organizers called “Indieket”, which happens around June or July. These are the biggest three days of the year for the new Philippine komiks. The event yesterday was the FIFTH Summer Komikon.

Because of the popularity of such events, local comic book creators take this opportunity to launch and sell new (and older) titles. I was no exception. I had decided to launch the WASTED reprint during this event, knowing many of those asking me for copies for years would be present. Ever since Komikon and Summer Komikon began, people have approached me about getting print copies of this almost 20 year old out of print book.

I was completely amazed by the reception Wasted has gotten. All in all, I have sold around 350 copies at the event, which is kind of a record for me. I would usually sell 100-200 copies of a new title (like Elmer) at past Komikons. I tried my best to show my appreciation by sketching on every copy along with an autograph. I took longer than I usually would on one book that a long line formed, which kind of a new thing for me. I usually see that thing only with Manix Abrera.

Photo by Jonas Diego.

Because I had to finish inking an issue of Avengers before Komikon, I stayed up all night the night before. I only had less than an hour of sleep before we had to push ahead to Komikon. I think must have looked like a mess. Apologies to everyone who might have thought was kind of “off”. Well I was a bit off, but tried my best to be as cheerful as I possibly could.

Because I was so busy at my table, I did not have the opportunity to go around and actually buy the awesome new comics that these indie guys have produced. Copies did manage to find their way to me anyway, which was great. Thanks to all those who gave me comics. You didn’t have to, but I want to thank you nevertheless. I would have bought them if only I had the time. However, I do have to mention this dude who had this really uncool way of selling me his comic book. Really uncool. I’ll say no more about that.

I was looking forward to a few titles that I knew were coming out and one of these was Robert Magnuson’s “Kuting Magiting“.

As soon as Robert handed me a copy of the comic book before the convention doors opened, me and Ilyn shut everything off and just read it right away. Very soon we were laughing our heads off. It’s a wonderful, wonderful comic book. Robert’s storytelling skills are just absolutely brilliant. This is probably my favorite comic book of Summer Komikon, perhaps my favorite comic book of 2013 so far!

Here’s a Kuting Magiting video trailer:

At the end of the video, it looks like this comic book will be published by Toddler Books from Hiyas. Here’s hoping it’s in full color. Because if there’s one thing that would bring this piece of work even closer to perfection, that would be color. Congrats to Robert, and great job!

Since we’re on the subject of trailers, a trailer to a short film adaptation of Macoy Tang’s “Ang Maskot” was shown at the convention. Oh man… I love it already. And then Ramon Bautista steps in. Wala na, this thing is on critical mass.

Other comic books I got at the event:

I’ll probably do a review of some of these, specially those who actually asked me for a review. You’re sure about that right? I tend to be very honest when I do reviews. Hang on for that. They would be coming in the next few days.

I barely looked up from signing during most of the convention. But something happened during the late afternoon that stopped me in my tracks, made me stand up and watch what was going on atop the stage. Omeng Estanislao was there (I talked plenty about Omeng here on this blog) saying something on the mic. His girlfriend Ails Casis (who is also a cartoonist) was there as well. “PURE” by Lightning Seeds was playing and I’m thinking what the hell was going on. And then THIS happened.

Photo by Jonas Diego.

OH MY GOD. For reals? Thunderous cheering followed. This practically stopped everything. It was quite a spectacular sight to see. I have to admit, I got teary eyed. I’m so happy for Omeng and Ails. Of course Ails said YES. This is a first for Komikon! This will go down as something people will never forget. Ikaw na, Omeng! Ikaw na!! :)

Of course I caught it on video! Check out my short Summer Komikon 2013 video:

I must take a moment to thank the Komikon organizers for such a successful event. Not just this particular Summer Komikon, but KOMIKON in general. They’ve been doing this for years and they now function like a super efficient well oiled machine. Thank you very much to all of you: Sherry Baet Zamar, Jon Zamar, Lyndon Gregorio, Lei Muncal, and Ariel Atienza (have I missed anybody?). You guys are AWESOME.

They keep on thinking up new ways to make each event bigger than the last. In the last few Komikons they’ve been releasing the Komikon newspaper along with a catalog of all new available titles:

As if the three Manila Komikon events aren’t enough, they’ve been helping out with regional comics conventions as well. As far as I know they had a hand in organizing the “Sirko ng Komiks: The First Komikon Baguio Komiks Convention“. They even sent a delegation (including ME) to the Singapore Toys, Games and Comics Convention (STGCC). In the Komikon newspaper I wrote a long article of my Singapore experience with Komikon, and I want to reiterate here that I’m truly amazed at this group’s undying love for Philippine Komiks and their efforts to promote it not only here in the Philippines, but abroad. My hat’s off to you guys. If I wore hats that is.

Johnny Danganan and the Komikero Artists group held another fund raising auction for the benefit of the Lapis at Papel Charity, which seeks to provide impoverished school children in the Philippines which much needed school supplies. At the Komikero table was Leinil Francis Yu, who graciously donated time and an awesome Wolverine sketch done on the spot, to help raise funds for the auction.

Photo by Jonas Diego. Leinil Yu sketches.

Many other artists donated artwork to be auctioned off including Ed Tadeo, Dan R. Borgonos, Jethro Morales, Gerry Alanguilan, Leinil Francis Yu, Visconde Carlo Vergara, Manix Abrera, Lui Antonio, Jomar Bulda, Stephen Jorge Espino Segovia, etc. At the end of the day we were able to raise at least 20 thousand pesos for charity! That’s pretty awesome. Thanks to everyone who donated art as well as all those who helped support the auction by bidding and buying.

Here are a few more photos from the Summer Komikon 2013:

Robert Magnuson and Emil Flores.

JB Gamboa and the Hey, Baby! guy.

Photo by Jonas Diego. Someone wanted to buy the photo.

Oh yeah! Before I forget… something else earth shattering happened during the event! Something so unbelievable that I’m still reeling from it. To be honest, I still don’t believe it. EDGAR TADEO HAD A HAIRCUT.

After 15 years of having that long hair, he finally decided to cut it all off! I actually almost failed to recognize him. I thought he was just some lookalike. It really all began back at Whilce Portacio’s Starfire Studios around 1996. Three of us had really long hair: Gilbert Monsanto, Leinil Francis Yu and myself. Ed got into the act himself. Very soon Gilbert, Leinil and I decided to cut it all off, but Ed kept his. He kept it for the next 15 years. So yeah, seeing Ed yesterday without his trademark supercurly locks… that really was a big deal.

Photo by Danry Ocampo.

Photo by Danry Ocampo. Pals from Davao: Jad Montenegro and John Amor.

Photo by Jon Zamar. Komikon organizers and volunteers.

MORE PHOTOS AND COVERAGE:

Komikon 2013 Video from Pinoy Tekkie

I Got Wasted at Summer Komikon by Sreaming Mango.

http://screamingmango.wordpress.com/2013/04/14/i-got-wasted-at-the-summer-komikon-2013/

Splurge on Local Titles at Komikon 2013 by Edgar Samar

http://edgarsamar.com/2013/04/14/splurge-on-local-titles-at-komikon-2013/

IN PHOTOS: Summer Komikon 2013 – Jerald Uy/Rappler

http://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/26168-in-photos-summer-komikon-2013

Pinsel Project at Summer Komikon

http://lariz19.wordpress.com/tag/summer-komikon-2013/

Happy Fun Time in Summer Komikon 2013 by Chris Kaw

http://www.chriskaw.com/2013/04/happy-fun-time-in-summer-komikon-2013.html

Summer Komikon 2013 by Arman T. Francisco

http://arman-komixpage.blogspot.com/2013/04/summer-komikon-2013.html

Summer Komikon 2013, Point of Decision by Macoy Tang

http://mcoy.blogspot.com/2013/04/summer-komikon-2013-point-of-decision.html

Gallery of Komikon 2013 photos from Instagram

http://statigr.am/tag/komikon2013

Public Facebook Galleries

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10200557815803949.1073741831.1115303594&type=1

From Jad Montenegro

Summer Komikon Scenes

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151331001812273.1073741834.702462272&type=3

Summer Komikon Crowd

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151330411067273.1073741831.702462272&type=3

From Jonas Diego

Summer Komikon 2013

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151380704646149.1073741826.675871148&type=3

From Jon Zamar

04.13.2013: Summer Komikon 2013

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.595390270472044.1073741826.160302177314191&type=1

By Mark Cerbo

The Wedding Proposal Picture Gallery

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10201023746065330.1073741837.1517788371&type=1

By Rommel “Omeng” Estanislao

Summer Komikon 2013

This Saturday is Summer Komikon 2013. By all indications, the biggest Summer Komikon so far. This is based on the amount of new releases, and the increased amount of exhibitor space that can be seen on the map. They’re also starting to regularly feature foreign creators as guests! I can already tell that the Bayanihan Center has grown a little too small for this event. This time around the convention has a “Komiks are For Kids, Too!” theme, and many of the releases and activities reflect this. Check out the things one can expect at this event!

Not really for kids, but Komikero Publishing will be coming out with a new printing of WASTED. I talk more about it here. I will also be selling a few pieces of original inked artwork from the various Marvel books that I’ve worked on over the past few years.

Wasted is being being published by me, so it’s very much a return to the roots of Wasted as a self published, independently produced title. ELMER is still with National Book Store so copies can still be bought at their booth at the convention. However, I will also be bringing a few SLG Editions of Elmer for sale.

I’m very excited for this particular convention because this is the first time since 2009 that I have a new book to release. The period between 2009 and 2013 have both been horrible and amazing at the same time. I can probably safely say that I will continue to produce new material and will have something new at the Komikon at the end of the year, at Summer Komikon 2014 and at Komikon 2014. Time is short. I have to get these stories out there!

How to get to the Bayanihan Center.

There are quite a few new titles that I’m looking forward to, specially Robert Magnuson’s “Kuting Magiting”.

I’ve been an advocate of Robert’s comic book work for a while. I’m so glad to see him finally release this title, which I know he had been working on for many many years now.

I’m also looking forward to the many compiled collections of previously released indies. There has been a rise in these collected print editions over the past couple of conventions, which for some reason really just makes me happy. I’ve been trying to buy as much of these as I can, and there are plenty coming out at this convention.

Oh yeah, as always, Omeng Estanislao hits us with his awesome Komikon cartoon.

Click for Larger Image

See you there, guys!

WASTED 2013

Wasted will finally see a reprint this year and will launch at the Summer Komikon on April 13, 2013!

For many years Wasted has been available completely for free to read online in various formats here. But I’ve got numerous requests, almost on a daily basis, to bring back Wasted in print. Which is just fine by me because I just love printed comics, and I would love nothing but to see Wasted in print again.

One of the big reasons why I hesitated to have a reprint is because I’m unhappy with the artwork I did on this book. I attempted to redraw everything, going as far as drawing one page, but it seemed wrong somehow. It didn’t feel honest and sincere. I feel I have to let the original work stand on its own, flaws and all. That’s the only way I can keep the spirit of the book intact.

Another major stumbling block was that all the original artwork for Wasted was burned when the offices of Pulp Magazine burned down around 2003. All the originals were with them because they published the 2nd Edition of book around that time.

I thought if ever Wasted came back in print, I would have to scan the artwork from the printed comics, which isn’t really ideal. But I’ve really got no choice. I will be returning to the look and feel of the original Alamat printing from 1998 with the black and red cover, but with slight differences. I will be including no new material and no pinups by other artists. All supplemental materials will be Wasted artwork that I did during the time of the original run which appeared in ads and other editions.

I will also be including the 6-page short story “Wasted: Confession”, which appeared in a 2009 issue of Komikero Komiks Anthology.

There is no retail price as of now. I’ll probably know during the day of the Komikon itself. I’ll be at the convention all day, and don’t worry guys, I’ll bring enough copies!

See you there!

The Root of All Things

People can’t help but want to control how other people live their lives.

That’s it. Think very hard about that. It pretty much applies to every conflict, prejudice, bigotry and hate. It applies to everyone of every belief (and non-belief) be it religious or political. People just can’t help but want to control what others believe, what others want, and how others behave. When it comes down to it, it doesn’t really affect their lives and it’s really none of their fucking business.

Let me give you a bunch of examples.

Homosexuality.

Early in my life I was a homophobe. I just couldn’t wrap my head around the idea of two men (or two women) being together and even get married. I mean, how are they going to have kids? They’re not biologically fit to procreate together. I thought it was wrong.

What made me feel that way? It was me wanting to control how gay people lived their lives. And for what reason? Because it offended my religious beliefs? Because it offended my sense of decency and morality? And that gave me the right to butt in their lives and dictate to them how they should they live and how they should behave? It’s really none of my business. Their life is not my life. What right and what business do I have to control them? None at all. NONE. AT. ALL. I don’t have that right. YOU don’t have that right.

Another example.

Atheism and Religion.

I believe in God. Although I’m a Catholic, I’ve recently become disappointed with it because of the actions of many of its representatives. I still believe in God strongly, of course. What I think of religion and God are two different things. Because God and religion ARE two different things.

Religions have been notorious in wanting to control how other people behave. This is the root of a lot of hate, and a lot heinous acts of violence have been perpetrated all in the name of God and religion. You know what I’m talking about. Fanatics have been known to stone and even kill those who don’t live up to their moral standards, those who don’t believe, and those who would even dare to insult them. I am ashamed and embarrassed that people who are supposed to believe in God and peace clearly believe the opposite. This is the absolute extreme of that urge to control how other people live their lives.

On the other end of the spectrum, many Atheists have also been guilty of wanting to control what other people believe. I see too many atheist posts on Facebook and Twitter ridiculing people of belief in general, casting aspersions on the believers’ level of intelligence, as if all people of belief are one and the same. They too want to control everyone and want people to let go of their beliefs and be atheists like them.

To the religious and the atheists I say this…. what business is it of yours what other people believe? It’s perfectly alright to pay notice to atrocities and condemn them, but to actively attack faith itself (and non faith) is nothing less than intolerant.

It is not religion that kills people, it is people with twisted views on God that kills people.

Religion, like any set of beliefs, including even atheism…. even political systems like democracy and communism, they’re simply tools by which people get by this world. None of them are inherently evil. Yes, I said it. NONE OF THEM ARE INHERENTLY EVIL.

It is humans and their inherent flaws that can either make these tools help the world or destroy it.

Religion can be a force for good and unfortunately, it can also be used as a force for evil. But it’s not religion’s fault. It’s man’s fault. Because as I said, man is inherently flawed and easily corruptible.

What does it matter to atheists anyway if other people have beliefs? Not all believers are war mongering, immorality condemning killers and zealots. Those are just the fanatics. By all means condemn the fanatics! Most religious people I know just want to be left alone to believe what they want to believe. That includes me.

A few atheists in the past have tried to convince me to let go of God because they feel it’s only a crutch. That I’m essentially a weak person because I need something to lean on in order to survive. I mean, what business is it of yours how I get by in life? If you truly don’t believe in a God, then WHAT I am leaning on? God? But you said God doesn’t exist, so I ask again, WHAT am I leaning on? As far as you’re concerned and based on your own beliefs, I’m actually leaning on nothing. Then by all intents and purposes, I’m leaning on myself. So what’s the problem here?

As long as people get by, as long as people do good things and are kind to others, what business is it of ours what they believe? What business is it of ours how people get by in life? Nothing. NOTHING. AT. ALL.

What is my point? My point is, the next time you post something that insults people’s beliefs (or non belief), think about what your’e doing. All you are doing is trying to control other people because their way of life and their system of beliefs is personally offensive to you. When it’s really none of your business.

Another example.

ART.

Oh yeah. ART.

As an artist I’m well aware of the issues that come with expressing oneself artistically in a country as conservative as this. I still remember the Anti-Obscenity Law that Senator Manny Villar tried to pass in the Senate a few years back. It sought to control what material adults are fit to see, read and hear. The most damning section of it was that nudity was not allowed “regardless of the intent of the author”.

Because what? Because he believed that if Filipinos see boobies they will go out and start raping women? Because for whatever reason, he thinks it’s personally offensive to him to see boobies and he wants to cover all our eyes so we won’t see them as well?

I’m not a child. I’m a thinking mature individual with a strong sense of personal morality. I don’t need old men with delusions of power wanting to control what I see, hear and read.

What I do, read, watch and listen to in the privacy of my own home is none of any senator’s business.

I can probably cite more examples, but you get the idea. I’ve thought long and hard about my own part in this, and why I felt the way I did. It came as quite as shock to me how much I had wanted to control other people when I had no business to. I cannot impose my own set of beliefs and morality on other people. I just can’t. And nobody should too.

Original Comic Book Art Sale

To fund a few upcoming projects, including one that would hopefully come out at Summer Komikon next month, I’m letting go a few original inked pages from AVX VS, Avenging Spider-man, Ultimate Avengers, Superior and Supercrooks.

If you’re interested please email me at gerryalanguilan at yahoo dot com if you wish to see the list.

Sorry to say, these pages that can be bought from me directly are available only to buyers in the Philippines.

For those interested abroad, please get in touch with my agent Kirk Dilbeck who has a gallery of a lot of my inked original art at ComicArtFans. I will also be sending him a batch of new artwork shortly.

Comics Reading Today is so Different

Nowadays it’s only natural to see multiple page previews of comics coming out in two or three (or eve more) months. You know what the covers and what the first few pages would look like way in advance.

In the 80′s during the height of my comic book fandom, we did get to see a cover here or there in advance, but sometimes they would be small and not so easy to see. More often than not, I find myself seeing the cover for the first time as I picked up my subscriptions from the store. And as for what’s inside, I have absolutely no idea.

And you know what, it made comic book reading much more fun and exciting for me. It was fun because it’s so thrilling seeing the cover for the first time as you walk into the store. And back home, you’re being treated to something you have never seen before. It’s all new.

Today, a lot of that thrill is gone. You already know what the cover looks like. You’ve already seen the art and know what happens in the first 4-6 pages. Preview pages come so well in advance that by the time the actual comic book comes out, it all seems already OLD. Where’s the fun in that?

What has changed in the last 20 years that made multiple page previews essential to enjoying comics today? What happened in the last 20 years that made people decide to do away with the mystery?

It’s March 2013

What have I been up to? Well, speaking for today at least, I’m recovering from this disgustingly hideous fucking boil that’s decided to erupt on my butt. Now that may seem funny to you, but it isn’t. It really isn’t. Since I spend a lot of my time sitting down writing and drawing, taking a seat these past few days have just been absolute and sheer murder. As in I could murder somebody. And it wasn’t just a boil. At its prime, it also brought me fever and high blood pressure. Thankfully, it rendered me flat on my back where I didn’t have to put pressure on the damned thing.

As always, there’s no need for medical advice from random Internet people. I already went to a doctor who is well, kind of an expert on stuff like health. If I seem a little cranky… WHO WOULDN’T BE? Holy crap. It’s still murder sitting down, but now I can at least manage it. And manage to finally get back to work again.

Ah yes, work. As always, there is the Marvel thing. Working on a new book after Indestructible Hulk! Can’t talk about it yet, but it’s got a lot of well, really ugly creatures in it.

But as for personal projects, I’m finally getting a few things off the ground. Sorry, I’ve decided to set aside Rizal for a while. I went through a sort of creative crisis during the creation of that, and it was just too much pressure.

What I have going are a few stories that I am writing that other artists are drawing.

On the front burner is a project that was supposed to be mine and Arlan Esmeña‘s follow-up to “Where Bold Stars Go To Die“, which is an all ages, full color Pinoy fantasy tale called “Rodski Patotski: Ang Dalagang Baby“. It was a project that would be an homage to all those fantastic and fun classic Pinoy komiks characters. With Arlan having passed away, the project was put on indefinite hold.

A couple of years later, I worked with Arnold Arre on Darna Lives! (read it here), an online fan fic that was incredibly fun to do. It also reminded me of the terrific experience I had working with Arnold on Lastikman a few years back. I wanted to work with him again, but I didn’t want us to work on giving further life to the creations of others. I wanted us to work on giving life to something that we would both create. A character that we could call OURS.

I proposed Rodski to Arnold and I was so glad that he accepted. Insanely fast, Arnold has already given me the first few full colored pages and oh my God, they’re just GLORIOUS. I’m so excited to work on this with Arnold and I’m so excited to finally share this story.

As to when it’s coming out, I can’t say, but for now we’re shooting for Komikon at the end of this year. But don’t take my word for it.

That’s the only project that I can talk about as of now. But there are a couple of others.

To help fund these projects, I will be selling a whole bunch of original artwork from Indestructible Hulk, AVX VS, Supercrooks, Avenging Spider-man etc., either through me directly or through my agent Kirk Dilbeck. He will have different pieces than me, but I guess it would be safe to say that the really kick ass pages will have to go through Kirk so that more money can be raised. I’ll be posting what’s available through me on this site first thing next week.

Finding Peace of Mind

Very few of my friends know this, but I’ve been through a lot these past 3 years. I’ve had to change a lot in terms of the way I think and the way I go about things. Because of this, a lot of things I had planned on doing suddenly got railroaded or set aside. Unfortunately, I was already working on my Rizal project during this time. I’ve already written the entire thing, and had drawn at least 10 pages. And all of a sudden, it all just didn’t feel right anymore. Creatively, I was suddenly in a crisis.

To say the last three years have been life changing would be an understatement. All of a sudden there was so much to think about, so much to worry and be concerned about, so much to do. I find myself unable to move, unable to decide how to proceed. Every little thing sets me off. Suddenly, going to Facebook and reading people’s opinions makes me mad. Same with Twitter. I go out of the house I see all these little lawless things people do and it just makes me livid. Sometimes I just can’t help it and just let off a barrage of rants, almost immediately worried that I have pissed anyone off.

I previously talked about letting go, wondering exactly how the hell I was supposed to do that. Finding peace of mind… how do you do that?

As an artist, the answer should be obvious. I can just perhaps use all of that anger and frustration towards creativity. A part of me is thinking I need this anger to create, to stay relevant, to stay observant. But how do you do that when it just gets in the way of creating anything?

Obviously, there are many things I need to work out. I’m not really looking for advice here, all right? I’m just venting, releasing some frustration right here.