Saturday, March 29, 2008

THE ART OF TONY DE ZUÑIGA




Tony DeZuniga was an avid comics reader as a child, Tony's favorites included Jack Kirby and Alex Toth, and he loved Alex Raymond's Rip Kirby and Flash Gordon. His love for comics inspired him to do comics on his own. He began his career as a letterer when he was 16 for a weekly magazine where he met Alfredo Alcala and Nestor Redondo, artists who he counts as those who have inspired and encouraged him, and became his friends.
Maestro Federico / Nobela ni Mario Mijares Lopez/ Guhit ni Tony Zuniga/ Inilathala sa Marte Komiks, Blg. 1, Marso 5, 1952



Tony moved to the US in 1962 to study an advanced course in Graphic Design and went back home to the Philippines to work in the advertising industry while at the same time drawing for comics like Hiwaga Komiks and Caravana Klasiks, and Romansa Komiks. At the end of the 60's Tony moved back to New York and met with DC Editor Joe Orlando and immediately he was given an assignment inking Ric Estrada on a romance story for Girl's Love Stories #153. His first story he penciled and inked on his own was most likely a Dr. Thirteen story for Phantom Stranger, published in April, 1971, and work soon followed regularly.

He was soon given the chance to co-create a new character with writer John Albano, which eventually became Jonah Hex, one of the more enduring modern day characters in the DC Universe.

Jonah Hex / All-Star Western/ 1972


Tony then paved the way for other Filipino comics artists to enter the US industry when he convinced DC Editor in Chief Carmine Infantino and Joe Orlando to visit the Philippines in 1971. Artists like Alex Niño, Alfredo Alcala, Nestor Redondo, Fred Carrillo. Vicatan, Gerry Talaoc and so many more found a lot of work on DC's stable of Mystery and War titles as a result.

Tony went on to draw Black Orchid, X-Men, Punisher etc. Retired, Tony spends his time painting in oil, watercolor, acrylic, charcoal and entering competitions. He also does many portrait commissions and teaches portrait, drawing and a how to draw superheroes class at the Lodi Arts Commission.
Source: The Philippine Comics Art Museum


De Zuniga did most of the movie poster ads and layouts of most of FPJ movies in the 1960s. These original movie posters/ads are well preserved and can be viewed upon request at the FPJ studio/compound at Del Monte ave, Quezon City.

Visit Tony De Zuniga Site













4 comments:

  1. Many Thanks Simon for these rare posters!

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    1. This is the theatrical film posters from the Philippines inspiration of Filipino movies in popular culture in entertainment history.Thanks! From:Wayne

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    2. I am the big fan of Filipino films television & media in Philippine history became famous in the Philippines. Thanks! From:Wayne

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  2. My favorite is Fernando Poe Jr the Filipino actor mostly portrayed as the main protagonist/hero he played as vigilante street fighter guerrilla soldier/mercenary policeman bounty hunter cowboy swordsman and warrior in films television & media in Philippine history. Thanks! From:Wayne

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