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Aug

30

Graphic Classics, Topak, Tony De Zuñiga

Filed Under Filipino Artists, My Comics, Philippine Comics | 19 Comments

I’d forgotten to mention a bit of work that I did that were recently released, both from Graphic Classics. The H.P. Lovecraft volume was released a couple of months ago, and is actually a 2nd edition of a volume released some years ago where I contributed an illustration adapting a passage from Lovecraft’s poem “Fungi From Yuggoth”.

A more recent one is the Bram Stoker volume where I adapted the short story “The Judge’s House”. This is a new edition of a previously released volume as well, but this time I provided a new inside cover for my story.

For those in the Philippines interested in getting copies of Graphic Classics, including volumes with adaptations by Arnold Arre (Jack London) and Carlo Vergara (Rafael Sabatini), I saw copies available at Powerbooks, Megamall. I suppose copies are available at all Powerbooks branches.

I’m currently working on another Graphic Classics volume, adapting Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Black Cat” with writer Rod Lott. It’s incredibly daunting doing this adaptation, knowing fully well that Bernie Wrightson did a definitive and kick ass adaptation for Creepy in 1974. There’s no way I’m ever going to surpass that, but the only thing I can do is just do my best (and probably try something different).

I thought it would be cool to incorporate a small bit of art from Wrightson’s The Black Cat into my adaptation, perhaps put a bit of his drawing in a painting in the background (like I do with Elmer). I sent a message to his myspace (yes! Bernie Wrightson is on MySpace!), but so far I haven’t received a response. It’s not surprising because in his site, his people say that Wrightson simply doesn’t have time to answer. It’s allright, but I still want to put a bit of his work into my adaptation, as a tribute of sorts.

What do you guys think? Is this something I can do, and can be considered “fair use”?

Anyway, a new humor comics magazine, TOPAK, published by PSICOM and edited by Stanley Chi is going to be launched today, August 30, at the Manila Book Fair at the World Trade Center along Buendia, corner Roxas Boulevard. The launching will be from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make it. This is the first time in YEARS that I will miss going to the Book Fair, as it has been family tradition, ever since I was very young, go to the Book Fair.

The list of contributors to the first issue include:

Lyndon Gregorio, Ariel Atienza, Julius Villanueva, Jomike Tejido, Jonas Diego, Jerald Dorado, Stanley Chi, Jac Ting Lim, Bok Hong, Luwi Netro, Lyra Garcellano, Lico Reloj, Elbert Or, Ron Tan, Allen Geneta, Dominic Agsaway, Andrew Villar, Randy Valiente, Mark See, Gerry Alanguilan, Dyords Javier, Reggie Manlungat, and Amos Villar.

I contributed a couple of pages of a spoof called “Believe It Or Else!”. It’s hard to describe, but here’s a sample:

******************

Tina De Zuñiga passed along this interesting bit of news about her husband Tony:

USPS Spider-Woman Stamp by Tony De Zuñiga
By Fay A. Olympia, August 2007

The work of Stockton-based Filipino American artist Tony De Zuñiga: coming to a post office near you. Or to the next letter or birthday card you could be putting in the mail.

This summer, the United States Postal Service released a series of 20 stamps showing classic renditions of some of Marvel’s best-loved Super Heroes such as the Hulk, the Submariner, Captain America and Spider-Man.

One of 10 “solo portrait” stamps is Spider-Woman, inked and finished by Tony De Zuñiga and penciled by Carmine Infantino. The series also includes another 10 stamps showing those superheroes as they graced classic Marvel Comic book covers.

Spider-Woman, unlike her web-slinging male counterpart, zapped villains with bioelectric energy. Marvel Universe lore says Jessica Drew’s powers came from a serum extracted from a rare spider that her scientist father had combined with her genetic code to save her from uranium poisoning. He put her in stasis to give his cure a chance to take hold.

After decades in suspended animation, the still young Jessica awoke with no memories of her past but with unfamiliar powers—a recipe for a major identity crisis. A terrorist organization known as Hydra brainwashed the newly revived Jessica into serving as an assassin under the pseudonym “Arachne.” She eventually broke free of Hydra’s control and joined the forces of good as Spider-Woman, later allied with the Avengers.

As if he had just emerged out of stasis himself decades after he drew Spider-Woman, the 70-something De Zuñiga’s artistic skills are sharper than ever. Still making regular appearances at Comic Book conventions, his art just seems to get better and better. At the recent Comic-Con International in San Diego, CA that was swamped by record-breaking crowds, De Zuñiga gamely signed his autograph and drew lightning-fast sketches with the energy of someone half his age.

“The hands were okay. It was my voice that gave out,” laughed De Zuñiga at a recent birthday reception for his wife and manager, Tina De la Rosa.

After retiring as a DC and Marvel artist, De Zuñiga moved on to a career at Sega, providing graphic depth to video games that only a true artist could.

Now an award-winning painter, De Zuñiga mounted his first one-man exhibit at a prestigious art gallery in Metro Manila, Philippines last spring at the insistence of friends in the Philippine art community. His portraits are sought after among elite circles in Southern CA.

These days, De Zuñiga presides over Tuesday evening model sketching sessions with local artists at Augustine’s, a north Stockton gallery he and De la Rosa own. They plan to set up shop in Pasadena to further his portraiture work. ###

Thanks Tina!

Comments

19 Responses to “Graphic Classics, Topak, Tony De Zuñiga”

  1. auggie on August 30th, 2007 8:34 am

    Gerry,

    How can I get a copy, at magkakano naman ?

  2. Reno on August 30th, 2007 9:50 am

    Auggie, usually sa mga comic shops nag-a-accomodate sila ng special orders. Sa Comics Odyssey especially, at walang additional cost and no downpayment.

    Sa Powerbooks sa Shangri-La meron pa nung Jack London edition from the last time I looked. Sa GOTHIC CLASSICS na title nila may gawa din si Carlo Vergara. Siya ata yung story na pinakamaraming pages!

    Gerry…

    Medyo nakaka-intimidate nga na may nag-adapt na noon na sobrang galing. E di lalo na kung Frankenstein ang ia-adapt. :) Napansin ko lang noon sa mga Warren magazines ay minsan nilalagyan nila ng twist ending yung mga classics na wala sa original story. Di ko pa nakita yung Black Cat ni Bernie Wrightson. Faithful ba ito sa original? Ang maganda kasi dito sa Graphic Classics, they stay as faithful as possible to the source material kaya maganda ring basahin kung tamad kang magbasa ng libro.

  3. auggie on August 30th, 2007 11:05 am

    Reno,

    Meron copy noong BLACK CAT ni Bernie Wrightson. Pero mas gulat ako doon sa MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE ni Jose Ortiz, saka yung OVAL PORTRAIT din Allan Poe at illustrated by Rich Corben, hayup sa galing ! meron mga issues ang Warren noon na puro Edgar Allan Poe adaptations. Sana makuha ng Sterling ang copyrights sa Warren para maireprint dito sa atin. Mai-suggest nga ito ki Martin Cadlum. Ang nakakagulat ki Bernie Wrightson eh yung JENNIFER ni Bruce Jones, ang galing ! horror din.

  4. Gerry Alanguilan on August 30th, 2007 7:29 pm

    Auggie, maybe you can get a copy from me. I can just give a copy to you, ikaw pa.

    Yung version ni Wrightson e malapit sa adaptation sa Graphic Classics. Di ko pa nabasa yung original, though.

  5. Rod Samonte on August 30th, 2007 11:51 pm

    Gerry,
    I’d love to have a copy of Graphic Classic with your illustration, and it should be readily available here. I’ll be looking for it.
    I met Bernie Wrightson at our local comic store here. Unfortunately, it’s not the same Bernie Wrightson, his style in his new comics has deteriorated, and I guess his popularity has waned too, as nobody was even there. I had a few of his old comics and pop-outs though that he signed for me.
    I bought two sets of the 20-stamp set of Marvel Comics heroes when it came out two months ago, and I did not even know Zuniga did the Spider woman. Previous to that, USPS also came out with a 20-stamp collection of DC Superheroes(Superman, Batman, et al) when the stamps were still 39 cents. In other words the DC collection is out print already. The stamp collection with the Zuniga has gone up by two cents to 41 cents and is the current first class stamp price. I can send you scan if you like, but you can probably google it.
    Rod

  6. auggie on August 31st, 2007 8:32 am

    Gerry,

    Thanks a lot Gerry ! Salamat….

    Rod,

    Sa mga bargain bins diyan, baka mi makita kang Specials ng WARREN na puro Edgar Allan Poe. Ang hinahanap ko talaga ay iyung early EC comics na FRONTLINE COMBAT, saka TWO-FISTED TALES, mga kasamahan ito ng VAULT OF HORROR etc… meron pa ba diyan ?

  7. Jerome Dizon on August 31st, 2007 8:39 am

    Off topic.. nakabili ako sa local store namin dito na jack London’s classic CALL OF THE WILD, illustrated by Alex Nino..ganda ng art, classic Nino talaga and meron pang added bonus sketches.. subukan kong hanapin dito yang Graphic Classics.. sana meron

    sydney, australia

  8. jose mari Lee on August 31st, 2007 9:01 am

    Rod Samonte:

    Akala ko, ako lang ang nakaramdam ng KATAMLAYAN ni Bernie Wrightson. Two years ago he came to the comic convention on Main Street in Vancouver and I had a chat with him. That time Stephen King came as well for the International Writers cnference here. Parang PAGOD na si Bernie sa pag-drawing. Samantalang si Stephen King, ang sigla-sigla. Walang tigil sa mga jokes niya.

    I even wonder if he’s sick or something? Or maybe he just made so much dough that now he doesn’t have to strive and just lying low.

    Auggie:

    “FRONTLINE COMBAT, saka TWO-FISTED TALES”

    Let me try and find them. Matagal siguro maghanap ng ganito kasi KAKALKALIN mo ang mga komiks. Yung pinupuntahan namin ni Boy Baarde dito na parang warehouse ng komiks, malulula ka sa paghalungkat at talagang ga-bundok ang collection. They don’t even bother to make a list. Basta’t nakatambak sa basement at bahala ka palang maghanglukat.
    Kaya lang ako madalas magpunta doon kasi may dalawang PUSA sa tindahan at habang naghahalungkat ako ng komiks, kinakamot ko sa tiyan yung mga pusa. Ewan ko ba, yung PURRING ng mga pusa habang kinakamot ko, ay nagpapagaan sa aking pakiramdam. Nagpapababa nga siguro ito sa blood pressure. Kaso ang baba na nga ng blood pressure ko, lalo pang bababa. 60/80 lang palagi ang presyon ko since I was a tin-edyer. Gano’n pa rin hanggang ngayong tatang edyer na ako.

  9. Noel on August 31st, 2007 12:08 pm

    Congrats on “The Black Cat” project! Definitely put something in your adaptation referring to Wrightson’s art. Maybe look at his early to mid-70′s work for inspiration. Or, if you’ve got it, that beautiful book on his art from that period entitled, ” A Look Back”. On another note, I believe I first heard of you when I looked through that first edition of Graphic Classics’ Lovecraft anthology.

  10. Eusebio Yu on August 31st, 2007 8:03 pm

    Reminds me back when I was in high school…whenever our teacher gives us a book report on those literary classics like Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, Macbeth, etc…I would read the Classics Illustrated version. :p

    Btw, Alex Nino did the Marvel Classics version of The Time Machine and Nestor Redondo, Dracula.

  11. Gerry Alanguilan on August 31st, 2007 11:00 pm

    Thanks Rod! I think that’s a reality in comics… when you don’t do work in comics, people tend to forget you, specially the younger guys. I’d love to see the stamp, thanks!

    Jerome, favorite ko Call of the Wild. I didn’t know Alex Niño did an adaptation. I’ll look for it!

    Thanks Noel! I think I definitely will put something of Bernie’s in my adaptation. I’ve heard about that “A Look Back” but it’s tough to find copies. I can’t wait for that oversized reproduction of Frankestein (scanned from original art) that’s being produced by Frank Darabont. It’s gonna be expensive, but I just gotta have it! It’s a masterpiece with a capital M!

    Jerico… astig nung adaptation ni Bill Sienkiewicz ng Moby Dick! Hanapin ko nga ulit at ma scan.

    Eusebio, I’ll be featuring Nestor Redondo’s adaptation of Romeo and Juliet very soon! :D

  12. Rod Samonte on September 1st, 2007 12:10 am

    Jose Mari,
    Whaaaaattttt? You had a chat with Stephen King himself. I’d go to Vancouver if I knew he was going there. He’s one of those authors whose signature is worth at least $300 right off. He also never shows up anywhere, so it’s impossible to see him, and if he ever does a booksigning in America he’d be swamped. A friend went to San Francisco for his supposed booksigning. He did not sign books, but he had a bunch of already signed books at hand. My friend bought 10 books (surprising there was no limit), and as far as I know that book is now selling for $700 each. My friend is not a bookseller, but a collector, so now he’s using the books to trade for expensive books that he wants.
    Yeah, Bernie Wrightson looks tired. I’d be too with the onslaught of excellent young comic illustrators now working for both DC and Marvel. Nawala na yung “drive,” but he’s had his day.

    Auggie,
    As far as finding Frontline Combat, Two-Fisted Tales, Vault of Horror, no problem. All of them have been reprinted with beautiful color covers, good paper and not expensive either. If you’re looking for the vintage EC comics, the originals, good luck, they will not be in bargain bins, as they’re quite expensive.
    Rod

  13. Rod Samonte on September 1st, 2007 12:16 am

    Gerry,
    Eto yung link to the USPS website showing the 2006 DC Superheroes stamp. Scroll down and look for DC Superheroes. It’s a large image too if you click on it. Rod

    http://www.usps.com/communications/news/stamps/2005/sr05_054.htm

  14. auggie on September 1st, 2007 1:23 am

    Rod & JM,

    I think Bernie’s best years were at WARREN. He was turning out exquisite outputs, particularly if Bruce Jones or Bill Dubay was the writer. Burned out na pala siya, sayang. Meron akong libro ni Stephen King, yung Werewolf, si Bernie ang gumawa ng spot illustrations.

    Si King naman parang factory na. Whatever he spews out, best-seller. Dito naiingit yung mga high-brow writers, talong talo sila ni Stevie.

  15. Erwin on September 1st, 2007 9:12 am

    Nakabili ko ng Call of the Wild ni Alex Nino sa Fully Booked in Rockwell, Makati. Nasa Children’s section sya I forgot the name of the publisher.

  16. Noel on September 1st, 2007 10:26 am

    I know Fantagraphics reprinted “A Look Back” a few years back so you might be able to find an affordable softcover version of it.

    Can’t wait too for that oversized Frankenstein reprint although, like you, I’m afraid the price might be out of my range.

  17. jose mari Lee on September 1st, 2007 12:38 pm

    Señor Samonte:

    Off topic ito and I apologize ahead of time to Gerry A.

    I think Stephen King came here two times already for the event. But he was here several times because most of his books translated to films are done here. In fact, FRASER HESTON, the son of Charlton Heston, lives in GIBSONS LANDING here in BC, and he directed several King stories here. The regulars that I see every year are mostly Canadians, like: NICK BANTOC (Griffin and Sabine), W.P. KINSELLA (Shoeless Joe – which became FIELD OF DREAMS in the film version); Evelyn Lau (Diary of a Runaway); Michael Ondatjee (The English Patient) to name a few.

    But I had some encounters with celebs in a city where nobody cares but the PAPARAZZI!

    John Grisham & wife visits the city regularly as well. I’ve met the guy in one of my treetop adventures at the Capilano Valley in North Vancouver. What’s amazing with this one is that you can LITERALLY walk high above the trees! They were connected with suspension bridges and you can sort of commune with the birds. He.he. Anyway, one afternoon, as I enjoy the :FOREST IN THE SKY”, Mr. Grisham and wife were there too. I noticed him and remember his face from the jacket of one of his books and naturally, I initiated a conversation. My first dialog was:

    “Hmm, you look very familiar to me. Are you, by any chance, named John Grisham?”

    The response was a big laugh. He extended his hand and introduced himself: “Indeed, you’re right. And this is my wife Renee.”

    Of course it never surprised me. He used to be a politician, so extending his hand seems to be second nature to him.

    So I said, “I need to have your autograph, John. Aside from the fact that we are both wearing the same cologne, the more I should have your autograph now.”

    Another laughter from the guy. He agreed that we were using the same kind: David Hoff – Clear Water. So I took my wallet, pulled a 50-dollar bill and let the guy write his name on it :)

    Naturally our conversation was all about the Treetops Adventure: the new award-winning attraction at Capilano Suspension Bridge, the first of its kind in North America. It offers a squirrel’s eyeview of a thriving coastal forest. This unique walk in the trees takes visitors high above the forest floor on seven suspension bridges through magnificent old growth Douglas firs, some reaching 100 feet above the forest floor. Its innovative design has garnered the interest of engineers and ecologists alike.

    Capilano Suspension Bridge is the perfect venue for truly spectacular West Coast events. From Champagne Breakfasts to Salmon Barbecue Potlatch Dinners Capilano can accommodate groups from 2 to 2000.

    Ayan ha, naging travelog pa yata itong kuwento ko. He-he.
    Anyway, that’s how I met Mr. Grisham. Ex-politico, now author of books.

    Pero ang isang taong na-meet ko sa The Bay (Department store). I used to work with photographers when I was younger, and one day as I was involved in some photo shoot at the men’s underwear department, I suddenly saw a lady that looked soooo familiar to me. And when I realized who she was, I approached her and watched what she was doing. Well, she was signing autographs for women who were buying her perfume. She was quite surprised that I, a young man, would also ask for her autograph! And I was supposed to be working, wearing one of the new lines of male bathrobes! Anyway, I grabbed my wallet from my assistant and told the lady: “I apologized for talking to you while wearing this ridiculous attire, but I’m one of your admirers. In fact, I’m buying your perfume so I can give it to my wife!”

    With uneasy smile, she signed the twenty-dollar bill I pulled from my wallet. The signature said: SOPHIA LOREN.

    She was already way past 50 when I saw her but she was still stunning. I almost said aloud in Italian: “Belissima, la mia signora!”

    Kaya lang, inawitan naman ng cousin ko yung twenty bucks kaya napilitan akong ibigay.

    Meanwhile, the bathrobe I was wearing for the photo shoot became so successful, that Jason Priestly (he’s a native of Burnaby, the next city to Vancouver and he used to appear in a TV series called BEVERLY HILLS 90210), bought about 20 pieces. And he even used one of it in one of the episodes of 90210 :)

    I also have some stories about Bad Boy Johnny Depp. And the MOROSE David Duchovny of the X-Files. But they are longer stories that I might tell you some other time in some other post.

    Meanwhile, punta ka na sa Maine, USA at tiyak na maaabutan mo doon si Stephen King :) Mhwa-ha-ha.

  18. Rod Samonte on September 3rd, 2007 6:40 am

    Jose Mari,
    Gerry my apologies also. Jose Mari, thanks for that story. Wow, John Grisham, he’s another author who’s signature is really scarce. Maybe scarcer than Stephen King. I’ve never heard him do a booksigning and of course he is one of the superstars of authors, just like King. A brother in law and a sister in law live there, so I am very familiar with Capilano Bridge, and I have been to Vancouver at least four or five times now. One time the biggest supertar of authors now, the richest woman in England, J.K. Rowling, of course the author of the Harry Potter books was suppose to be signing there in Granville Island. I emailed my brother in law, who was going to go, to get me several books and get them signed. Somehow that never materialized. Her signature is probably worth more that King or Grisham. I heard Vancouver is fast becoming the new playground of Hollywood. Movies are being made there all the time. Sophia Loren, wow, one of my all time favorites!!! I heard Stephen King won’t sign any books even if you go to Maine.
    Rod
    Rod

  19. jose mari Lee on September 3rd, 2007 9:27 am

    Ginoong Samonte:

    Rowling would still want to come here, though. Maybe next year. The Granville Island thingy for international authors is happening every year, anyway. Celebs tend come here because this city is not starstruck and extremely safe. Where in the world can you find security guards with NO GUNS? Only in Canada :)

    Well, let’s hope you’ll get all the sinatures you need :)

    JM