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Jul

26

Updates on Dr. Rizal, ELMER and the State of this Blog.

Filed Under Dr. Rizal, Elmer, My Comics, Video Blogs | 3 Comments

Just as I decided to start blogging again, my blog decides to whack itself out. Sorry if this page currently seems to be out of order. There’s little I can do on my end as it’s a problem with the host. A lot of wordpress blogs seems to having this same error at the moment. It does look far better with Firefox though.

The first installment of The Marvelous Adventures of the Amazing Dr. Rizal, which I will only refer to from now on, at least in this blog, as The Amazing Dr. Rizal because the full title is simply too long to write over and over, might be delayed in appearing in Fudge Magazine. Might be for at least a month. Bear with me as the Amazing Dr. Rizal engine runs mainly on coal and steam and it’s getting a while to start.

I’m currently engrossed in doing Elmer #3 and the work goes well at last. I say “at last” because for a while there I seem to have run into a roadblock with the writing of the 3rd issue. I know essentially what happens in it, but not the specifics. For weeks I had no idea how to resolve some problems I’ve been having with the first few pages. It’s become my habit to read the script over and over before I start, and as I draw the pages, I read them over and over. It’s for me to try and get the pacing right and to get the dialogue just right. It’s a process I’m completely enjoying.

As I reported earlier, I did an article for Sketch Magazine #32 where I demonstrated how a page of ELMER is put together. The article came with an exclusive video, specially for the readers of the magazine. I’ve finally made the videos public, and you can watch them, via Live Video, below.


Writing and Drawing ELMER Part 1

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Writing and Drawing ELMER Part 2

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I’m also currently working on a short trailer for The Amazing Dr. Rizal. It’s always very hard to do a comic book video trailer because all the images are static. You run the risk of doing something like those old Marvel cartoons in the 60′s. It looks fun, but it lacks weight and drama. But it’s a big challenge for me to try and do something different.

Thanks to all those who got in touch during the time I was away. I’m really sorry if I haven’t been able to reply to some. It’s just that I get so overwhelmed at times that I just couldn’t. But I manage to read everything. To all those who are asking for critiques, it’s harder for me now to find the time. And if you are asking for critique on a story, sorry, but it’s something I simply don’t do. It takes a lot of time, much more time than simply looking at artwork. As a struggling writer myself, I would not want to read other people’s ideas because there’s a danger that a story I’m working on may be similar to yours.

I know it’s only proper that I reply, so I’m apologizing if I’m unable. But if anyone is expecting more from me other than a reply to their message, then you will just be disappointed. I don’t chat (so don’t ask me for my YM), I don’t text (so don’t send me any cellphone numbers), don’t text my wife’s phone if you want to tell me something (just email me), and if I don’t respond to comments on this blog or message boards, it only means I no longer have anything further to add to what I said, or your question is already answered by something I have already written.

Additionally, I’m kind of nasty lately, I know. Close friends of mine would say I’ve always been this way, so why deny it?

Comments

3 Responses to “Updates on Dr. Rizal, ELMER and the State of this Blog.”

  1. John Beatty on July 26th, 2007 9:00 pm

    Nicely done, Gerry! I was not bored at all…as a creator, I enjoy seeing and hearing how other’s work!

    I like the 9 page panel/grid for Elmer too…it really, as you said, gives you a great format for ‘storytelling!’

    How is your camera set-up so that you can film this and not be in the way? Are you doing some-sort of magic there? :)

    BTW…I also want to tell you, again, how much I “LOVED” reading the first 2 issues of ELMER!!! I hope when all 4 are complete…you will do ONE big volume? A “trade paper back!” With additional ‘behind the scenes’ and ‘making of’ type stuff?

    See you-
    -JBeatty

  2. Gerry Alanguilan on July 28th, 2007 1:47 am

    Thanks John! Yeah! I definitely got big plans for the ELMER compilation. Can’t talk about it now, but as far as I know, what I’ll be doing with it hasn’t been done before. HOPEFULLY! :D

    I’m sitting behind a shelf in the video, and the tripod is shunt horizontally between a small space between he shelves, with the camera over my left shoulder. I wish I could have taken a picture of it, but I only have one camera. he.he.

  3. Dave Q on July 31st, 2007 5:20 pm

    Galing. Looking forward to meeting you in the Komikon.