The 1970s Filipino Comics "Invasion"

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In the 1970s, a massive influx of artists from the Philippines into the American comics industry began. Spearheaded by Tony DeZuniga, DC Comics began a recruitment of Filipino artists that would include notable talents including Alfredo Alcala, Nestor Redondo, Alex Niño and many more. This episode goes into how they became involved with American comics, what they worked on, and the impact these artists had. From characters like Jonah Hex to Conan, Filipino artists have played an important role in comics from the U.S. and the so-called Filipino Invasion opened the doors for future generations of superstars like Whilce Portacio and Leinil Francis Yu.

[@infernoflash]

I can't believe he got married just for a opening gag. Dedication to a bit! Seriously though, grats!

[@unstoppableExodia]

I’m just glad he still occasionally does the “oh hi, you caught me ...” openings. Hollywood Steve would be proud

[@56postoffice]

*"Hi, you caught me getting married!"* Best opening so far.👏

[@maxhydekyle2425]

My favorite was when he reviewed The Punsher so he murdered a man as the intro.

[@j.a.weishaupt1748]

2nd best. Best one is still “Oh hi! You caught me dying!”

[@SpecialAgentBuzz]

@@j.a.weishaupt1748 that one was quite frightening

[@bobgarlen]

Imagine the intro if he covered Tijuana Bibles.

[@Ss-ze2mn]

My mom is Filipino and Tony DeZuniga’s wife was her college classmate. She sent us some of his comics and sketches. Very cool to see a video like this!

[@vernonsanders9696]

That is so cool!

[@MrEdWeirdoShow]

Met a daughter of Tony's at Comicon years ago, and recall that she was a very well behaved young person. Much unlike her very unladylike peers.

[@howdyho6775]

​@@MrEdWeirdoShow what does being unladylike have anything to do with that?? as long as they weren't being rude, there's nothing wrong with being unladylike :/

[@barriolimbas]

Had the honor of getting his autograph on my copy of his last Jonah Hex story written by Jimmy Palmiotti in Toycon Megamall. Always thought it cool a Filipino co-created Jonah Hex, and that at least he lived long enough to see his characters' renaissance in the 2000s. Mabuhay!

[@frankchavez519]

As a Filipino-American, I really appreciate this overview of Filipino comics artists. I think the Filipino contribution to American pop culture is just starting to be really be recognized.

[@fad23]

We're seeing actors get solid supporting character roles in TV and film. We also need Fil-Am stories and perspectives. Or even just a Fil-Am leading role to start.

[@SAM-ru4vx]

Oh hi

[@darkthorpocomicknight7891]

Isn't the Metallica guy Filipino? I am Latin America but there is a connection between me and the Philippinnes to some extenet. A lot of Filis - I guess they just don't advertise it...

[@choosecarefully408]

1) Odd having an *American* do this unprompted. 2) Did you _see_ the art? Dayyum, this *needed* to be made. This stuff is _incredible!!_ Now: look back at comic book art at the time, early '70s. There was Neal Adams &... if we didn't have Neal, where would Dezuniga rank? Look at those three pages at 4.05, especially the layout of the middle one. Who else was that good?

[@ChicaneryBear]

Well, there's no way you're going to top that opening

[@jamesduncan6729]

Your underestimating will be your undoing 😤😤

[@richardNbacchus]

"Oh hi, you caught be holding my first born child. Speaking of children, lets talk about the children of famous superheros"

[@vernonsanders9696]

@@richardNbacchus perfect response! Tattletale, Cable, Validus ...

[@yegenek]

Introduced most of these Filipino artists in Savage Sword of Conan. Their great inking ability greatly complemented Buscema's masterful pencils.

[@A1441]

JOHN BUSCEMA actually hated ALFREDO ALCALA's detailed embellishments as they totally overpowered his own bare, minimalist style and made every page unrecognizable as his own drawings.

[@yegenek]

@@A1441 Sometimes disagreement between artists results with great works.

[@MrMLGuel]

As a Filipino, this is so cool to watch!!! I was lucky enough to see a fantastic exhibit on classic “Pilipino Komiks” and “Espesyal Komiks” when I was in Manila. Great video and congrats!

[@hamzadawud]

Congrats on your marriage, Chris! I actually never knew this history, and did wonder how so many Filipino guys got into the comics industry here. I'm also sad to admit that I didn't know the creepy meme guy was late comic artist Gerry Alanguilan until after he'd passed away.

[@arvinbuenaagua5161]

Make up for it by reading Elmer! It's fucking awesome

[@enriquefuentebella2146]

Same, heck, I didn't even know about the meme until his death was reported on the news, the sad part is that Filipino's today still look down on artists and their value to society, though you can find work as an artist here, but it's still not sustainable or enough to be "succsessful" relying work on outsourcing agencys.

[@exudeku]

Komiks here in the Philippines are underrated, especially from Mars Ravelo's. Those stuff are timeless classics

[@rmcdudmk212]

Can't agree more. I've only read a small number of the books but the art and writing are stellar

[@MrSafior]

I confirm, when I travel in the Philippines, during an comics covention, it's was to do some research aboot this comics but I din't find anything.

[@JTManuel]

True.

[@SlapstickGenius23]

Francisco Coching’s Hagibis was legendary.

[@jhayjosef8069]

I'm a Filipino and a comic artist myself, love what you did here. Oh by the way "Liwayway" is pronounced like "Lee-why-why" which means Daybreak

[@richmcgee434]

I thought he was getting that wrong, but it's been so long since I've heard anyone say the word I wasn't sure.

[@butchbrosman2180]

Started collecting Jonah Hex as a kid because someone told me he was created by a Filipino artist. My first exposure of fellow Pinoys in American comics.

[@maxhydekyle2425]

I wish Filipino comics were talked about more. They're pretty dope.

[@Patrick2480]

I wish non Filipinos would talk about Darna, Capt Barbell, Lastikman, Dyesebel

[@A_YouTube_Commenter]

How can you get any?

[@bukonut]

@@Patrick2480 Unfortunately, most of Mars Ravelo's titles are out of print these days. Most people won't be talking about those titles because they're barely accessible except for some few scans online. You can find other classic Filipino comics titles like the ones created by Francisco Coching which have been reprinted. There are also other comics like Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo's "Trese" and Arnold Arre's "The Mythology Class".

[@barriolimbas]

Alan Moore often talks about this period and the unjust Filipino rates at the time.

[@ghanimaatreides5889]

When I was a kid, I thought all these dudes were Latino! It makes me proud to find out they are Filipino. Thank you for letting the world know bout this.

[@darkthorpocomicknight7891]

Technically they are - depending on the family they are probably mixed with Spanish/Latin blood. Very different cultures but deep ties if you know history

[@JamieCoville]

Thanks for mentioning my interview with Carmine Infantino. If anybody wants to hear some of this story from the artists themselves, Mark Waid did a panel with them on this very subject at San Diego Comic Con in 2011. You can find it (and other panels) here: www.thecomicbooks.com/audio.html#SanDiego2011

[@ShogunZIlla]

Cheers!!

[@choosecarefully408]

Thank YOU very much.

[@glennsapaden7543]

When I was still working in Stockton, I heard that artist Tony Dezuniga was living in Stockton, teaching art classes, and hanging out at a local restaurant. I always meant to look him up and kicked myself for never following up. I rediscovered comics in the late 1970s (having acquired a friend’s stash) and admired the work of Filipino artists in DC’s mystery comics at that time. As a Filipino American, I was also disappointed in the backlash in the comics’ letter columns (“Can’t you editors find some decent American artists?”) I was fortunate to meet Nestor Redondo at a convention. An admirer of his Swamp Thing art, I sheepishly asked him for a autograph and maybe a pencilled sketch of the character. He sat down, pencilled a detailed panel of ST, and then meticulously inked it before my eyes. He then GAVE me the autograph, the sketch and the brush he had just used. I gratefully bought a portfolio from him. Almost 20 years later I was at the San Diego Comic Con with a female friend. We saw some Redondo artwork for sale and I told my friend the story of my encounter with the artist. When I finished, I turned around. There was Nestor Redondo. He had heard my whole tale. I don’t think he remembered me but the story touched him nevertheless.

[@susanhillwig5784]

Wonderful tale! My husband adores Redondo's work, having first encountered it in an adaptation of Frankenstein. As for DeZuniga and the restaurant, that was owned by himself and his wife. I believe they now have a museum inside there dedicated to DeZuniga's work.

[@glennsapaden7543]

@@susanhillwig5784 Do you know which restaurant that was? I’d love to check it out.

[@Nono-hk3is]

All of this art is astounding. I've seen it before, and because it's "always been there" (in my lived experience) I've forgotten about how good it is.

[@EuropaPhoenix]

When I was 5, I loved to play with my Masters of the Universe toys, but I was mostly attracted to the mini-comics included with each action figures. The ones made by Alfredo Alcala were my favorites. Almost 40 years later, I'm still in love with his artworks.

[@B.-T.]

The art on those was astonishing, so moody and full of mystery! None of the follow-ups ever really compared!

[@deadpoolincorporated]

As a Filipino native trying to break into the industry, this video put a smile on my face.

[@earl0000]

The mispronounced words here are funny but thank you for this video! :) Been a fan of this channel and it's nice to have Filipino talent get some recognition. Fun fact: Kenkoy was such a popular and influential comic that it basically became a filipino word that means "cartoon". I realised this during school when we learned about comics, but I feel like most Filipinos don't seem to know about it. 🤔 Also, congrats on getting married!

[@caseychapman5726]

Congrats on the wedding!!!!! Love your videos dude!

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

Never mind the mispronunciations, Chris, you really gave the Filipino artists great exposure in this video and I really appreciate that because you made me feel a kid again who's reminiscing the golden age of Philippine comics. I love those traditional style of illustrations that they made the first time I got my hands on Funny komiks as a kid. I will add that some local artists can really do 100 or more illustrations a week because the Philippine comics back in the day were all published and released every week, either Wednesday or Thursday coinciding with the new movie releases. Trust me when I say that copies at the local stores are always sold-out whether these are Pilipino komiks, Ninja komiks, Funny Komiks, True Horoscope komiks (yes, this existed) and many more.

[@A1441]

Wow. I'm really impressed. You really did an in-depth research on this topic. This is far more comprehensive than any video I had seen on the subject. And the irony is that most of those videos were made by local TV shows and Filipino content creators. Good job, dear sir! I appreciate the hard work and dedication that obviously went to creating this very informative and insightful video.

[@Taqi616]

Oh Hi, that was the best intro ever… congrats Chris!!!

[@euansmith3699]

The artwork on display in this video is stunning. I like stripped down artwork, like Mignola; but this stuff, with its lush inks, leaves my brain boggled; especially when you mention the speed of some of these artists.

[@fad23]

My father, who immigrated to the US from the Philippines, really loved Prince Valiant. It struck me in learning about the influence of the invasion era of artists how much influence the Komikers took from Hal Foster.

[@unstoppableExodia]

I’m low key disappointed Floro Dery didn’t get a mention. He was the design supervisor for the transformers tv series and his adaptations of the toy illustrations to animation models are highly streamlined and iconic to the brand. He worked on a bunch of other cartoons but also did work for marvel and DC

[@A1441]

He drew on THE JOKER comics too in the '70s.

[@JamesCooRah]

As a Filipino myself, it was so great to see you give a run-down on all these amazing artists. Even in our own country, it often feels like these talents go unrecognized, so it's nice to see their impact on the American comics industry get a spotlight. Excellent video and congrats on the marriage, Chris!

[@dreamlandnightmare]

I know Alfredo Alcala from the He-Man mini-comics! Such awesome art!

[@kuda999]

That opening gag was great, congratulations Chris!

[@SirMrHowell]

Congratulations, Tropes!!!

[@steelbat54]

Some of my favorite artists drew for Warren magazines.. I still collect them to this day.

[@Lord0x]

Congrats on the wedding!

[@rmcdudmk212]

Yeah represent my Filipino people. 👍

[@InSearchof8]

I've always LOVED their work. They NEVER received the recognition they deserved. Truly talented and underappreciated.

[@billmooney3033]

I’m an old guy who remembers the thrill of buying DC mystery, war and western war comics off of the drug store spinner rack to see the latest work by the Filipino artists. It was really a magical time for comics fans, and I’m glad that video features such as this are keeping it alive for younger generations.

[@cassartzz6477]

being a filipino american artist trying to get my start in comics, this video was huge inspiration, thank you so much!!

[@someguynamedelan]

21:10 I've visited that museum in 2016. I took a bus for several hours just to visit. It was just one room in-- I think a restaurant. ... or a house.

[@FENIXANIMATIONS]

Top 5 best intros of all comic tropes. A modern classic 👌

[@MarkGrouch]

Awesome intro man. Congrats!

[@MariaVosa]

Congratulations! Mrs Comic Tropes seems like she's prepared to put up with your shenanigans, you'll make a dynamic duo.

[@Triton63]

Amazing episode!! The Philippino "invasion" was and will always be one of the greatest influences in comic book history. The Batman run drawn by Don Newton and inked the incredible Alfredo Alcala is arguably the greatest stuff I've ever seen on the Batman character and don't get me started on Conan

[@thomaskurilenko8053]

The art that you showed in the video was so good!

[@jdc4483]

Great video! You forgot E.R. Cruz. “Eufronio Reyes Cruz is a Filipino comics artist best known for his work on mystery comics and war comics for DC Comics in the 1970s and 1980s.”

[@LazyGhostHunter]

That opening was EPIC!

[@danisoaresduarte]

Your “Oh hi!” Makes me laugh every time. Love your content. I’m from Brasil and recently Alfredo Alcala’s Voltar has been republished by Pipoca e Nanquim publishing, and referring to the Philippino invasion. Jaw-dropping artist.

[@tyronebrown8510]

Alex Niño is one of my favorite illustrators. He was originally the lead man on the movie Wizards, but Visa problems ruined his chance. I would have loved to have seen Wizards done by Niño. If you like Nestor Redondo check out "1994" issue 20, a beautiful cover.

[@mannieabeleda235]

I am a filipino artist too. and thank you for making this video, sir.

[@BoyNamedSue4]

Congratulations on the wedding

[@samwill7259]

Yo! Alcala worked on All Star Squadron?! That's my favorite comic of all time! That instantly makes him a GOAT category dude. Man, that's why I love you Comic Tropes, every video learns me something about the hobby I've been a part of since I learned how to read, right when I started thinking there wasn't that much more to know. Broadening my horizons! I gotta see if I can find any good Filipino comics in english. I know there's that one heroine Darna that's really popular that I should track down

[@fad23]

My first exposure to Alcala's work was in America vs the Justice Society.

[@bukonut]

There are comics like "Trese", The Mythology Class as well as Gerry Alanguilan's comics like "Wasted" and "Elmer". They're all written in English.

[@jierunelumiere9142]

The really, really good ones in the 80s and 90s are, sadly, lost now because the local comics here in the Philippines were considered disposable. They're also not translated in English but if it's art you want, the ones up until the 80s and early 90s were the golden age.

[@martyemmons1859]

Rudy Nebres art work is still some of my favorites. I was in awe of his black and white Deadly Hands Of Kung Fu art. But when I saw what his art looked like with color, I was even more impressed! Those beautiful pages he made for Dr. Strange.

[@powerbad696]

Yes Rudy was GREAT. I also salute Ernie Chan's art on the Conan titles,I wonder if John did full pencils on the Conan books or Chan did.

[@davidbooks.and.comics]

Always amazing! I have noticed their (the Filipinos) art styles early on with Rima the Jungle Girl, Iron Fist in Deadly Hands of Kung Fu and so on. Beautiful show!

[@ryankroll9956]

That was a cute opening. Congratulations Chris.

[@Fgarcia-tz3eg]

I'm Filipino. What a comic history lesson. 👏

[@Frst2nxt]

This is still one of my favorite KZbin videos. I'm watching it again.

[@dougvandegrift2724]

As always, enjoyed your episode. I worked at Marvel animation in the early 80's and sat next to a gifted Philippino named Jessie Santos. He was an incredible artist. We became great friends as he related stories about his life back in Manila.

[@Patrick2480]

I've notice ALOT of your 80s shows with Sunbow (Transformers, GI Joe, JEM, Visionaries, etc) had quite a few Filipinos on staff like Romeo Tanghal, Floro Dery, Alex Nino.

[@dougvandegrift2724]

@@Patrick2480 I sure remember Floro Dery. He used to come and have meetings with Stan because he was drawing the Spiderman daily strip. He would always have a pile of penciled strips with him. My desk was close to Stan's office so he would stop and talk and show me his drawings. He had tremendous talent in my view.

[@Patrick2480]

@@dougvandegrift2724 Cool, i commented after i wrote, Floro is credited on creating a fave Transformer character of mine from the 86 movie/season3, pretty much hes credited for creating the movie characters designs.

[@CosmoShidan]

This should really be called the Filipino explosion! Being part-Filipino myself, my father used to read the comics of Alcala, Ravelo, and Ridondo as a youth and he would tell me all about it in my teens. When I showed him the late Alfredo Alcala's work on Conan, he was hooked. He had never heard of DeZuniga until I told him that Alcala was a mentor to him, and he and I shared a common interest in Johna Hex since. Great stuff btw!

[@nathansossai]

I love those "Oh hi! You caught me [doing something]" intros. I think my favorite one yet is the one in a graveyard "Oh hi! You caughtme mourning a beloved one"

[@keypath4389]

Oh gerry... Your art AND your meme will be with us forever. Rip

[@errantrazor]

Such beautiful, clear, fluid, dynamic, detailed art. I miss this Bronze Age style. It's not just the art style, but I feel like modern production techniques work to obscure line work.

[@toytripperv8488]

Great video! Now "komiks" is struggling, no big publication are publishing comics much, u have to do the indie route, or be famous enough posting humor strips in Facebook to create a compilation book.

[@graphosxp]

I read that Jack Kirby left DC in part because Carmine Infantino told Kirby he had to reside in the physical tri-state area and could not move to LA California. But Infantino would hire artist living and working in the far off Philippines! Infantino was like the guy who divorces his wife because the wife wants children and he does not, but after the divorce a year later he marries another lady and starts having children!

[@martinwastesmoney4018]

Wow Chris this is a really important episode! I'm not an extremely knowledgeable comics fan so this really opened my eyes, also the work of the Filipino artist is just amazing! I hope this video gets like a million views. Great job!

[@BoyNamedSue4]

Love Jonah Hex. Didn’t know the story behind the creator.

[@Patrick2480]

I've met him and his wife at SDCC 2010 couple yrs before he died.

[@shinpeiro]

Congratulations on getting hitched! I remember seeing a lot of romance comics at my relatives' houses, so this brings me back. Excellent video topic and the line work is amazing!

[@DKDelmarva]

Congratulations

[@sneakyskunk1]

This was absolutely fascinating. So many talented artists showcased in this one, all the art featured was amazing. Also, I loved Classics Illustrated growing up.

[@jwtcosplay4507]

Ohhhhh im so glad I voted for the late video with the fun opening hehehe. Congratulations Chris!

[@marquonuk]

I love the art of Alcala, DeZuniga, etc. Thanks for this docu. :-)

[@ronrader8714]

Chris - thank you for this video! As an "older" comics reader, I have long loved the work of the artists you highlight. It's great to see them get some much deserved love and coverage.

[@maryjaneecitoalmonte9562]

Thank you for giving recognition to Filipino Comic Artists.

[@JannGalino]

As a Filipino comic book artist, I approve of this! These guys that you mentioned are my heroes and became huge influences to my art style.

[@raypiff1]

Congratulations on your marriage! And thank you for this terrific tribute to these great artists.

[@crumbs7826]

Congratulations, and amazing video as always. Gerry Alanguilan was one of my childhood idols, good to see him mentioned here. RIP komikero.

[@raphaeltanghal7842]

My dad is Romeo Tanghal, who came from the Philippines in the mid 70's to work for DC.

[@ComicTropes]

Yeah, he did some great inks over George Pérez on Teen Titans. Very cool.

[@raphaeltanghal7842]

@@ComicTropes and Garcia Lopez.

[@belgiumcomics2537]

I would love to visit this comic museum if i ever would find myself in the Philipines.

[@MB-oc1nw]

I remember these guys from Warren mags, Marvel's Savage Sword of Conan etc...there art worked best in large magazine format black and white books. Very talented artists.

[@carlitogilchrist1939]

Congrats man! I bet it was a wonderful ceremony!

[@ijiwarusensei89]

Great stuff. Love the depth your episodes go into. Thanks!!!

[@TenTenorioArt]

I had the honor of meeting Alfredo Alcala at SD Comic-con back in the days alongside Phil Yeh from Cartoonists Across America.

[@JackieBrown111]

Thank you so much for posting this video. I was given the honor of meeting Tony Dezuniga (“Uncle Tony” we were told to call him) and his wife in Stockton during his retirement in the late 90s. His works that they displayed in their home was awe-inspiring. RIP to the legend. 🇵🇭

[@thecaprakid]

That opening was worth the wait. Congrats!

[@pedrorabeje4019]

The research you put into creating this video is in itself a work of art. Maraming salamat.

[@futuristica1710]

Congratulations Chris! The US/Filipino artists are amazing. I’m crazy about Alcala, his Conan work is amazing!

[@cloudmover]

When I buy one of these masterful artists comic books, the artwork actually makes me gasp in awe. Nebres, Alcala, DeZuniga, etc. are all masters. Check out Alex Nino over Starlin on Rampaging Hulk v1 #4 or any Savage Sword of Conan with Rudy Nebres. My goodness, it's soo good.

[@powerbad696]

Nebres,Alcala,DeZuniga and Alex Nino 's art overpowered John's art,totally.I wonder did John do full pencils or the filipino artist did full finishs.

[@mzgreenjeansapproves]

Congratulations on your marriage! May you and your spouse have many happy memories together. This was another great episode. You deliver interesting information in a very relatable way. I always learn something whilst smiling. Have a great day!

[@temperingtantrum]

Congratulations, and the very best of wishes to both of you. I hope you have many happy years together.

[@artdingo]

Once again another fine episode. I had Nestor Redondo ink a cover of my pencils of EAST meets WEST when it was with INNOVATION. He was fantastic. Alex Nino is a master of comics.

[@mexicanusrex9418]

Congratulations on your wedding. Thanks for covering these brilliant artists.

[@drewgeraci8434]

The Filipino artists just started to emerge when I was just a kid but they really grabbed my eye, especially on Marvel's black & white magazines! And Jonah Hex!

[@Shinmsl]

Congrats on your marriage! I've been researching the amazing art of the 70s comics for some time, and I started reading about the Filipino artists, I really like that their ink work and such rich way of rendering Comic art, because most of their Filipino produced comics were in black and white so they didn't need the color even (although somewhere really good later on with color). And lots of people might know without knowing it was his work of Alfredo alcala, because he did those first mini Comics included with the first masters of the universe He-Man action figures ,which are my favorite render of the character especially skeletor

[@johnr.merlinojr.7668]

Congrats Chris! Glad to see how well life has been treating you recently. God bless you and best of luck.

[@HiveofLive]

Congrats Mr. and Mrs. ComicTropes!

[@j05h909]

As someone who is always looking for any good fantasy comics this is incredible!

[@tonymiles273]

Great episode about some outstanding talent. Congrats on the big day!!!

[@DomCim]

Thanks for this episode! Was waiting for this for a long time.

[@imdoneplus]

First off, CONGRATULATIONS!!! I’m so happy for you and the missus. What a cool way to remember your wedding (publicly) for life. Also, you’re looking good bud, super healthy. And lastly that Teddy Fresh is *chef’s kiss* Keep up the good work and we’ll keep reading comics.

[@cusineroako]

Thank you for this video. Larry Alcala is famous here for his version of where is wally in a weekly magazine back in the 80's

[@BWinced]

Congrats to you, Chris! This episode is one of your finest!

[@DCPatrol]

Congratulations!!! And another great video full of information! You rock!

[@TrillyThough]

Awesome video. I had no idea so many of my favorite artists were from the Philippines.