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A significant surge of Filipino artists into the American comics industry began in the 1970s. DC Comics initiated the recruitment of Pinoy artists led by Tony DeZuniga, which included remarkable talents such as Alfredo Alcala, Nestor Redondo, Alex Nio, and others.
In an episode of Comic Tropes, Chris delves into how Pinoy artists got started in American comics, what they worked on, and how influential these artists were. Filipino artists have played an essential role in American comics, from Jonah Hex to Conan. The so-called Filipino Invasion paved the way for subsequent generations of superstars like Whilce Portacio and Leinil Francis Yu.
So-Called Pinoy Comics Wave
The so-called invasion of Pinoy comics artists is a bit of a misnomer because all of these creators were invited. What brought the huge talent pool that came to work in American comics? What did they bring to the table? The story of the Pinoy wave of talent in the 1970s began with artist Tony DeZuniga from Manila, Philippines, the co-creator of fictional characters Jonah Hex and Black Orchid.
Tony DeZuniga
DeZuniga was born in Manila, Philippines, and began his comics career as a letterer for Liwayway. This Filipino weekly magazine included comic book artists Alfredo Alcala and Nestor Redondo, who would later become his mentors.
He finally graduated from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines with a Bachelor of Science degree in commercial art. In 1962, he moved to New York City to pursue a degree in graphic design. He returned to his homeland to work in advertising and as a freelance illustrator for Filipino comics.
When DeZuniga came to New York City in the late 1960s, he worked for DC Comics under editor Joe Orlando, inking Ric Estrada’s pencil art on a romance comics story for Girl’s Love Stories #153. (Aug. 1970). DeZuniga made his American penciling debut in House of Mystery #188 (Sept./Oct. 1970) with a self-inked horror thriller.
For the rest of the story, watch the full video below.
