An art auction full of heart

On any given summer day, with temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius and humidity beyond belief, floods will be the last thing on people’s minds. Amazingly enough, it was only a little more than six months ago when parts of our country were ravaged by relentless typhoons. In truth, as floodwaters recede so do our memories of damage and destruction. But fortunately enough, not everyone forgets.

Established late last year by Fully Booked founder Jaime Daez, the FB Flood Fund sponsored an on-line auction to raise money for victims of typhoons and landslides. The joint beneficiaries were the Fully Booked Foundation for Education and the Angel Brigade (a volunteer arm of the Isdanco foundation dedicated to disaster relief). Thankfully, the response as well as the process was both heartwarming and phenomenal. 

It all began last August 2012 with the start of a generous donation of amazing art collected from both local and foreign sources. Focusing on the genre of graphic design and comic book art, items on auction began quickly multiplying. The process was quite straightforward. To participate, either donate items to be posted on eBay auctions or bid on items featured. Proceeds would go jointly to the foundation’s stipulated for disaster relief. Simple enough? Absolutely. In fact, all the good will and kindness reached shores as far away as the US and Europe. Here are some of the amazing contributors. 

• Neil Gaiman

Considered one of the most prolific, multi-awarded and well-respected literary creators of his generation, Neil Gaiman is both a friend to Fully Booked as well as to the Filipino. His donation consisted of several personally signed copies of limited edition work. 

• Manix Abrera

Manix, the creator of the Kiko Machine Komix, donated the much-coveted cover of Kiko Machine #6. He continues to grow his ever increasing fan base as well as a talented body of work.

• Stephen Segovia

Proudly Filipino, our own Stephen Segovia donated three pages of original art from Xtreme X-men #1 which was recently released. He is widely respected by readers and peers alike.

• David Mack

American comic book artist and writer best known for his series Kabuki as well as his work on the popular Daredevil saga, David Mack is recognized for his signature technique — an unusual painted and “collage-like” process. Instead of using computers to compose multi-layers within his work, he applies objects directly to his art.

• Kent Williams

A painter and graphic novel artist, Williams donated one of his popular three limited-edition slipcase Amalgams prized for their uniqueness. 

• Philip Tan

Philip Tan’s work has been seen in major treatments such as Batman and Robin, Spawn, and Iron Man. He chose to donate an 11 x 17-inch pin-up to help in the fundraiser.

• Charlie Adlard

Charlie Adlard, most known for his work The Walking Dead, contributed the original artwork he created for the limited-edition T-shirt sold at the 2012 San Diego Comic Con.

• Craig Thomson

Craig Thomson’s original artwork that appears on the cover of his book Blankets was the first item donated. He writes, “ As all of you know, I never sell original artwork, so this is a rare exception that any piece is available. This is a 14” x 17” India ink on bristol board. If I have a chance, I’ll personalize a note on the back for the donor. Please look into bidding to raise funds for this crucial cause.” The audience did just that. His artwork became the most valued single item sold at the auction.

Other artists who graciously supported the fund: Bong Dazo, Lan Medina, Heubert Michael Khan, Lui Antonio, Simone Bianchi, Jomar Bulda, Mico Suayan, Elbert Or, Gerry Alanguilan, Wilson Tortosa, Ben Templesmith, Mark Torres, Last Gasp Books, and the dedicated people at Comic Odyssey.

The kindness of strangers is truly a miraculous thing. Here are artists and collectors alike doing their share to help make a difference. After a few months, the flood fund raised about P850,000. Not bad for such a seemingly small project. For me, what remains the most amazing is not just the amount that was raised but the spirit behind such giving.

Being a complete ignoramus when it comes to graphic art and comic books — in fact, what little exposure I get only comes from my 12-year-old son Xavier — I did not realize the “Power of Play.” Many of these artists and comic books fans remain young at heart, filled with the enthusiasm of a child and the imagination of a genius. They have perhaps found the key to yet another avenue of joy where seemingly simple “play” is actually serious business.  Serious enough to be able to make a difference in people’s lives and business enough to raise almost a million pesos. It is no wonder comic book and graphic design fans are growing exponentially.  

In fact, last May 4 — “Free Comic Book Day” — was celebrated at the Fully Booked Fort store, simultaneous to the one held in the US. The lines were phenomenally long, snaking up and down the block of Bonifacio High Street as early as seven in the morning! Clad in their favorite superhero costume, some as young as five years old and some beguilingly over 50, fans stood happily in line chatting about the latest movie release, comic book edition, and featured artwork. It almost felt like kids at an amusement park — no grouches, no drama queens not even gremlins could ruin the mood.  

It was at this special event that Jaime Daez, announced the results of the Flood Fund Auction and turned over the remaining balance to Angel Brigade for disaster relief.

I guess the timing was perfect …. The Flood Fund is proof that everyday superheroes really do exist in more than just comic books — and that it is the joy in the child in us that can truly make a difference.

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E-mail tcbautista@arkeology.com.