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Jan

30

Lost Books

Filed Under Books, My Comics | 12 Comments

There are books that I have owned in the past, whose value seem to grow as time passes, even if they’re no longer with me. Mostly, they were books given to me by my parents, books with their dedications on it, given to me at a time that I was perhaps to young and stupid to realize how meaningful they will eventually be.

One of those books is Bridgman’s Drawing From Life (photo from Ebay), given to me when I was in college, in what I now realize to be my parents’ support for my growing interest in illustrating comics, support that I thought was not always there. I had stupidly lent it to someone back when I was at Whilce’s studio, to one of the aspiring artists who came to seek training and guidance. I don’t even remember the guy’s name now. All I know he’s either based in Cebu or Bacolod. For God’s sake, whoever you are, if you are reading this blog, please return my book.

Another book that’s gone missing is a book of Architectural Rendering, also given to me by my parents also when I was in college. A classmate borrowed it from me. This time I remember who it is, but she eventually got married and moved to Singapore, I think. I’m sure the book is still at her home. At least this one is something I can trace, but it would be difficult.

There are many other things that have been borrowed from me, like a bunch of X-men comics back in college, by someone who eventually moved to Belgium, last I heard. I don’t care if I don’t get those comics again, after all, I can always buy them again (and I have actually), but those first two books are invaluable to me, I now so stupidly, and much belatedly, realize.

And to all the Komikeros out there who visited the house in recent years and borrowed comics, I would really appreciate it if you would return them, just so I can more completely catalogue the books I have. I’ve been hesitant to let anyone borrow books from me anymore, unless they’re good friends who live right here in San Pablo, who I can easily get in touch with and meet at a moments notice.

And to those I have borrowed books and comics from, I want to assure you they’re in good hands and they will be returned eventually (Auggie, I’ll bring all the stuff I borrowed when I go there next month). If you have a book, comic book or any other stuff that’s with me, please remind me so I can look for them and set them aside for when we next meet. Thanks.

Comments

12 Responses to “Lost Books”

  1. auggie on January 30th, 2008 10:01 am

    I also lent my 1984 compilation Nos. 10-20 (bookbound), in Los Banos, but it never came back. The guy who borrowed is dead already, but I’m sure it’s there in LB. I’m wondering how can I take it back. Another Vampirella compilation was also lost. Borrowed by a nursing student in 1981, it never cameback. Another compilation, OMNI (sci-fi publication of Bob Guccione), borrowed by an officemate who migrated to the US, was never returned.

  2. Ed on January 30th, 2008 10:14 am

    Man, I also had a book when we were at Whilce’s studio that was never returned or someone might have stolen it–it was Faeries by Brian Froud & Alan Lee. But of course, I bought the new edition which is a hard bound. The one that has been “stolen” was softbound, and I wrote “Edgar Tadeo” on the edge of the book pages in silver pen!

    I also lost a comic book or two (can’t remember) in the studio, it was Heroes Reborn Iron Man #1. I’m sure there are some things I lost there that I can’t remember what.

    But you know, yours are very important coz it was from your parents. Man, I wish that guy should return it. I hate those kinds of people, borrowing and not returning after all the help you gave to that person.

    :\

  3. Reno on January 30th, 2008 10:44 am

    That Bridgman book has got to be one of the essential books in figure drawing (right up there with Loomis’ books). I hope one day these books get reprinted again. I had a bookbound photocopy of that book which I lent to someone, and like you I’ve forgotten who it was.

  4. Gerry Alanguilan on January 30th, 2008 11:22 am

    Reno, Bridgman’s book is actually widely reprinted and is currently available. I would want to buy it, but I hope that I get my book back someday.

  5. Noel on January 30th, 2008 11:49 am

    George Bridgman probably has the record for having taught some of the best illustrators in the field. One of the best instructional books drawing the human body. Hopefully you’ll get your copy back.

  6. pat on January 30th, 2008 3:34 pm

    Sayang si Bridgman! Haha! You could always download it though.

  7. gilbert monsanto on January 30th, 2008 3:48 pm

    well, yung iba nakikipagtrade imbes na hiram lang. So, kapwa may hostage sila hehe. Sabay din ang solian.

  8. philip tan on January 30th, 2008 5:32 pm

    Wow, that’s a long while ago… Hiniram din sakin yun fav X-factor issues ko and di na naibalik… Joe Quesada run… Man, whoever you are, please return it… Yeah di ko na rin natandaan kung sino yun…

    Hey Gerry do you know Thomas Schaller’s (sp?) architectural rendering book? I wonder kung makakabili pa ako nung unang version? Di ko na mahanap dito… -___-

  9. Eusebio Yu on January 30th, 2008 7:45 pm

    Lahat yata tayo dito , at one time or another, had lent some comics or books that were never returned. In my case, it was an early 80s run of Spider-man. Those that guest stars the Punisher, Dazzler, etc.. Hirap kasi sa mga casual readers, kala nila dyaryo yung hinihiram nila. Ok lang di na isoli.

  10. Gerry Alanguilan on January 30th, 2008 9:13 pm

    Ay, tanda ko minsan may humiram ng X-Men Annual #10 ko. Pagkatapos basahin nirolyo at pinanghampas sa lamok. ARAY! Napabili tuloy ako ng bago. Nasira na e.

  11. headlessspider on January 31st, 2008 1:45 pm

    parang nakita ko sa bahay… one of the boxes… i’ll be rummaging through some of my old stuff and i’ll let you know if that book suddenly hits my head.

  12. Rod Samonte on February 1st, 2008 11:43 pm

    Gerry,
    The way your blog is so popular, I’m sure your book by Bridgman will turn up soon. Bridgman’s and Loomis’ books are excellent, but personally, I think the best books for the comic illustrator are the series of “Dynamic” books by Tarzan illustrator Burne Hogarth: Dynamic Anatomy, Dynamic Figure Drawing, Dynamic Hands, Dynamic Wrinkles and Draperies. The great thing about his lessons are they are very exaggerated, and that’s what comics is, lots of exaggeration.
    Rod