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Comic book icon Gerry Alanguilan passes away
Comic book illustrator Doroteo Gerardo "Gerry" Alanguilan Jr. has passed away, his wife confirmed on Saturday.
He was 51.
Ilyn Florese-Alanguilan confirmed to GMA News Online the demise of the comic book artist.
Alanguilan worked on comics projects for Image Comics, Marvel and DC Comics.
In an interview with GMA News Online back in 2012, Alanguilan said he did Wolverine for Marvel and Superman for DC Comics.
"My first work for Marvel was inking Wolverine over Leinil Francis Yu on a few pages of Warren Ellis’ 'Not Dead Yet' around 1997-1998. My first work for DC was 'Superman: Birthright' with Mark Waid and Leinil (Yu) around 2003," Alanguilan said.
He also came out in 2009 with "Where Bold Stars Go to Die" which he described as the updated version of "bomba komiks", and is about a young man named Daniel who is obsessed over a dead 80s bold star.
Alanguilan studied architecture at the University of Sto. Tomas and became a licensed architect. However, he made his name in comics.
He put up his own comics firm, Komikero Publishing, and published "Where Bold Stars Go To Die", "Rodski Patotski: Ang Dalagang Baby" and "ELMER."
Alanguilan also was behind the comics Wasted, Timawa, Lastik-Man, Crest Hut Butt Shop, Johnny Balbona, and Humanis Rex!, according to a post on his blog.
In 2012, Malacañang bestowed on him the Ani ng Dangal for Visual Arts award.
On Dec. 14, Alanguilan wrote in his blog that he is not really OK physically.
"It probably would be a lie to say that I'm doing OK. Well, physically that is. It's such a constant struggle everyday. I have to admit it's really difficult," he wrote.
Still, he would think of stories to pursue, comics to create.
"Thankfully, it hasn't gotten in the way of me thinking creatively. As long as I stay in my room and not have to go out for interviews and events and things, I will have enough energy to do the work of creating comics. But sometimes it's so hard. Sometimes I have to lie down. But when I have to do that, I think of stories. I think of things to write down. I create characters. All this has really forced me to live a simpler life. Which I never thought I wanted or needed in my life. Not having to go to Manila and meet people, even here in San Pablo. Just staying home with me and my creativity. It's what I need. And I'm really starting to enjoy it," Alanguilan wrote.
Comics enthusiasts mourned his passing.
Komikon Inc., which organizes the annual Komikon or Philippine Komiks Convention, acknowledged the artist's legacy and said he will be missed dearly.
"Gerry Alanguilan passed away tonight. Our condolences to Ilyn. He left us with a legacy of great works that inspired many artists. We will miss you dearly. #Legendary," Komikon said in a Facebook post.
Comics store Filbar's also mourned his passing.
"It is with a profoundly heavy heart that we report the passing of one of our heroes, the legendary Gerry Alanguilan. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends and millions of fans around the world," it said in a Facebook post.
—KG, GMA News
