Doroteo Gerardo N. Alanguilan, Jr. was born in San Pablo City, Laguna, on January 20, 1968, and rose to prominence in 1994 with “Wasted,” the story of a musician who goes on a tragic quest for revenge: the book was hailed by Warren Ellis as “an early work by a potentially brilliant creator.” Other Filipino titles he created included “Johnny Balbona,” “Humanis Rex!,” “Timawa,” and “Where Bold Stars go to Die.” His 2011 book “Elmer,” set in a world where chickens gain the ability to speak, was nominated for the Eisner for Best New Album in 2011.
His work in American comics largely consisted of inking the work of fellow Filipino artist Leinil Francis Yu, including “Superman: Birthright,” Marvel titles like “Indestructible Hulk” and Ta-Nehisi Coates’s “Captain America,” and the Mark Millar-penned “Supercrooks” and “Superior.” Alanguilan was also best known for a 2009 viral YouTube video called “Hey Baby,” where his attempts at comical, creepy smiles garnered over six million views, and led to him being featured in a segment on Comedy Central’s Tosh.0.
He is survived by his wife Ilyn, who shared on Facebook, “To everyone who has loved Gerry, thank you very much. You brought him so much joy.”
