Comics artist Tony De Zuñiga's legend lives on

The memory of legendary comics artist Tony de Zuñiga lives on in his art and in the lives of those who knew him.

 

Even as a young boy, de Zuñiga dreamed of becoming a comic book illustrator. His career began when he was a letterer for Hiwaga Komics, Caravana Klasiks and Romansa Komics. 

 

When de Zuñiga studied in the US, he became the first Filipino to illustrate for DC Comics. 

 

"Noong nasa New York siya, he met Joe Orlando, ‘yung editor ng DC. Tapos noong pinakita niya ‘yung sample ng work niya. Sabi niya, 'Yes if you can do this kind of work then we'll hire you,’" his wife Tina said in an interview on GMA News’ State of the Nation on May 14.  

Tina recalls how he always had faith in the talent of Filipinos.

 

"He's so proud of Filipinos. Kasi biruin mo sinabi niya na the Filipinos can do it better than reprinting the work," she said.

 

In 1978, de Zuñiga convinced his editor to scout for Filipino comic book artists. 

 

“There's a big niche for Filipinos in the US market, because Filipinos are just great artists," de Zuñiga said in a previous article. 

 

While in DC, de Zuñiga inked many characters, including the first version of Black Orchid, Supergirl, Ghost Rider, Weird War, and Dracula.

 

He later worked for Marvel Comics, doing work on characters like Spider-man and Robocop.

 

His first original character was the scar-faced anti-hero Jonah Hex, who was brought to life in a movie adaptation by Warner Bros. in 2009. 

 

Local comic book artists see de Zuñiga as an inspiration. From the 1970s up until his death, de Zuñiga was an active figure in the local comics scene.

 

According to his wife, he had planned on attending the Komikon on May 26, and was scheduled to open his exhibit at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on June 21.  

 

"He lived his life to the fullest. Talagang happy siya when he... did everything. Mahilig nga ‘yan kumain kasi so we always go out. Unlimited ‘yung gusto niyang gawin," she said.

 

"Nakakatuwa kasi siya kapag kunwari nagdra-drawing or ano, lagi siyang may mga kuwento. Enthusiastic lagi siyang mag-share ng mga kuwento niya sa mga mas nakakabata," said comic book artist Carlo Pagulayan.

 

On May 5, local comic book artists joined together in a fundraising activity dubbed "Sketch for Mang Tony" at the Comics Odyssey in Robinsons Galleria. 

 

"All the artists, they said, ‘Hey Sandy, let's do something. Let's come up with something to help out.’ The whole community (was) again together (with) so many artists. It's basically friends helping friends," said Sandy Sansolis, owner of Comic Odyssey.

 

De Zuñiga passed away at the age of 79 on May 11, after suffering a stroke. 

 

He is featured in “Illustrated By,” an upcoming documentary by Levi “Pepper” Marcelo on the Filipino invasion of US comics. –Carmela G. Lapeña/KG, GMA News