Pinoy comic book artist Gerry Alanguilan dies at age 51

A member of the San Pablo Chapter of the United Architects of the Philippines, Gerry is an architect by profession but prefers to be a “storyteller through the creation of comic books,” according to his bio on Komikero blog. (File photo: Gerry Alanguilan/Facebook)

Filipino comic book writer, artist, and publisher Gerry Alanguilan, or known by others as Doroteo Gerardo Alanguilan, Jr., has passed away on Saturday, December 21. He was 51 years old.

This news that left the comic book fans’ hearts broken was confirmed by his wife, Ilyn. The cause of Gerry’s death is yet to be known.

This was then met with outpouring condolences from netizens on various social media platforms. One of those who remembered the Filipino illustrator is Marvel Comics’ editor-in-chief C.B. Cebulski.

“Saddened to learn of the passing of Gerry Alanguilan. Another wonderful person taken from us too soon. An amazingly talented writer and inker, mentor to younger artists, and advocate for global comics, the comics world and Filipino art community lost a friend and hero today,” he tweeted.

Saddened to learn of the passing of Gerry Alanguilan. Another wonderful person taken from us too soon. An amazingly talented writer and inker, mentor to younger artists, and advocate for global comics, the comics world and Filipino art community lost a friend and hero today.

— C.B. Cebulski (@CBCebulski) December 20, 2019

The official Facebook page of Philippine Komikon said Gerry, who left a “legacy of great works that inspired many artists,” will be missed dearly.

https://www.facebook.com/komikon.org/posts/2797891100263460

Comic book store Filbar’s also offered its condolences, saying, “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.”

https://www.facebook.com/filbarsonline/photos/a.554926461196590/2744829958872885/?type=3

On his December 14 blog entry, Gerry revealed that he was not physically fine, saying it was “such a constant struggle” for him every day and it was “really difficult.”

“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,” he wrote.

“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,” he added.

He was talking about “pain” in his last tweet on December 17.

oh my God this pain

— Gerry Alanguilan (@komikero) December 17, 2019

A member of the San Pablo Chapter of the United Architects of the Philippines, Gerry is an architect by profession but prefers to be a “storyteller through the creation of comic books,” according to his bio on Komikero blog.

Gerry is known for his self-created comics such as Wasted, Crest Hut Butt Shop, Johnny Balbona, Humanis Rex!, and Where Bold Stars Go To Die, among others.

He was also an inker of comics for DC, Marvel, and Image. He worked with co-artists Leinil Francis Yu and Whilce Portacio on Wolverine, X-men, X-Force, Superman, Batman, Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Wetworks, Grifter, High Roads, Silent Dragon, Ultimate Avengers: Crime and Punishment, Superior, Ultimate Avengers Vs New Ultimates: Death of Spider-Man, Indestructible Hulk, and Star Wars.

He also adapted and illustrated various short stories by classic authors, including Edgar Allan Poe’s The Black Cat, Bram Stoker’s The Judge’s House, and Rafael Sabatini’s The Plague of Ghosts.

Comic book lover or not, Gerry still left everyone something to remember or perhaps laugh about, with his famous “creepy smiling guy” meme you have probably seen somewhere online.

https://www.facebook.com/erlarts/posts/2497081243905654