Those marvelous super Pinoy comic book creators
First of two parts
Enter any book store these days and you’ll find something that wasn’t around several years ago: a dedicated graphic novel section. These days, made more people are aware that blockbuster Hollywood movie they just watched or their favorite hit TV show is actually based on a comic book title.
Surprisingly, a lot of people are still not aware that characters like Superman, Batman, Thor, Green Lantern and Captain America have been drawn by Filipino artists.
So, here’s list of Filipino comic book artists and one writer who have all worked on comic books for Marvel, DC, and other comic book companies in the US.
We asked them the following question:
Whilce Portacio
What was the first comic book that you drew for an American book company?
The very first thing I drew was a back-up story in a book called Strikeforce Morituri. The first full-book was a full issue of Strikeforce Morituri both in the late 80’s, I believe. Then I did my first Punisher.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a Marvel book I can’t talk about until midsummer. I am also working on two creator-owned books for Image. Not Fortress. Fortress is in limbo, because of the Image United storyline.
Which comic book that you drew is your favorite?
Those three first issues of Wetworks showed me what I could accomplish when I fully listened to my own instincts. The second project I mentioned before will be a continuation of those sensibilities. Yes, it will be a military specific book.
Leinil Yu
What was the first comic book that you drew for an American book company?
It was a fill-in issue of Aster for Entity Comics. I was paid 3-4 dollars a page, as far as I can remember. My first real professional gig was Wolverine No. 113 for Marvel Comics in 1998.
What are you working on now?
I’m now back on Superior and about to do Supercrooks, both with Mark Millar.
Which comic book that you drew is your favorite?
There’s a ton to mention! I love all my creator-owned stuff, from Highroads, Silent Dragon and Superior. Of course, Secret Invasion and Ultimate Hulk vs. Ultimate Wolverine.
Ed Tadeo
What was the first comic book that you drew for an American book company?
First comic that I drew (with a friend/penciller and co-inker Gerry Alanguilan) was Grifter #10 under Image Comics, when WildStorm was still an independent company. (Although I wasn’t credited.)
What are you working on now?
Right now, I just finished the SIGIL mini-series for Marvel Comics.
Which comic book that you drew is your favorite?
The best one is Wolverine: Not Dead Yet, written by Warren Ellis and
pencilled by Leinil Yu.
Which comic book title or character would you like to draw?
If can get the chance to ink a Batman title, that would be great! Spider-Man is a cool character to draw since most of my projects are from Marvel.
Gerry Alanguilan
What was the first comic book that you drew for an American book company?
The first thing I ever worked on for a US comic book company were inks on a few pages of Harriers #3, over penciller Mark Vuycankiat, published by Entity Comics in 1995.
What are you working on now?
Ultimate Avengers Vs. New Ultimates: Death of Spiderman #6, inks on Leinil Francis Yu for Marvel Comics.
Which comic book that you drew is your favorite?
My favorite inking work is Superman: Birthright, written by Mark Waid, pencilled by Leinil Yu and colored by Dave McCaig. As for my own work, I like a few of them a lot, including Wasted, Elmer and Where Bold Stars Go To Die.
Which comic book title or character would you like to draw?
Iron Man for Marvel, Superman for DC.
Francis Manapul
What was the first comic book that you drew for an American book company?
My first published work was a short story in a rom-com anthology called “Love in Tights” from SLG Publishing. My first full comic book was Monster Fighters Inc.:The Fright Before Christmas from Image Comics.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently the co-writer and artist on Septembers relaunch of The Flash.
Which comic book that you drew is your favorite?
I loved drawing Adventure Comics since I really enjoyed drawing the pastoral landscapes and of course Krypto! But currently I’m really having a lot of fun writing and drawing the adventures of Barry Allen in The Flash.
Which comic book title or character would you like to draw?
I’m working on my favorite character at the moment. But I would love to take a crack at writing and drawing Batman and Superman.
Carlo Paguyalan
What was the first comic book that you drew for an American book company?
My first published was Elektra for Marvel Comics, right after Chuck Austen shifted to writing and left the art chores for the book. It came out on June of 2002.
What are you working on now?
Currently I’m mostly doing covers and a few fill in issues here and there, since I just came back from a year long hiatus for medical reasons. Recent interior work was for Red Hulk, and most of the covers are within the Hulk neighborhood; Hulk, Hercules, Red Hulk. Also currently working on the second bust for Bowen Designs [which makes statues and busts of comic book characters].
Which comic book that you drew is your favorite?
I would say I’m biased towards Skaar [the son of Hulk], since I helped design the character through the toy line; which was months ahead before the introduction of the character, I drew one issue of it and enjoyed it very much. If however the criteria was more fulfilling as a storyteller, I’d go for Avengers Annual #2 and the short story I drew for X-Men Unlimited #7. Both were the most challenging with regards to keeping the story viewer friendly. I’d also like to say I was proud with the funeral of Wasp issue which focused more on facial expressions rather than action, I’d say I gave a few good “actors” in the issue.
Which comic book title or character, would you like to draw?
X-23 comes to mind. It’s been a long time since I drew a female lead. Deadpool looks fun to draw. I imagine I’d be continually smiling while reading a script from that. Or I’d want to draw a story about Emma Frost and her life leading toward Hellfire Club. I think that’d be hot!
Ariel Padilla
What was the first comic book that you drew for an American book company?
My first book was from IDW Publications way back 2005 called Maze Agency. It was a revival from a book that Adam Hughes did when he’s still an amateur.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on Green Hornet Strikes, written by Brett Matthews and published by Dynamite Publishing.
Which comic book that you drew is your favorite?
That would probably be the Green Hornet Strikes series. I like its suspense/thriller theme.
Which comic book title or character, would you like to draw?
Spider-Man or Daredevil. It would probably be fun doing those above the city actions and work some camera shots on these superheroes.
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