From Ink to Impact | 5 Filipino American Artists Who Are Shaping the Comic Book World

Written By Nico Belasco

If you’re passionate about comics and graphic novels, you’ve probably admired the work of Filipino American artists without even realizing it. These talented creators have left an indelible mark on the industry, shaping everything from superhero icons to beloved animated series. Whether they’re penciling the high-tech armor of Iron Man, adding the finishing touches to the colorful world of Johnny Bravo, or crafting deeply personal stories that explore identity and culture, these artists are pushing the boundaries of what comic art can be. In this blog, we’re spotlighting five Filipino American illustrators and graphic novelists whose work has not only defined the genre but also brought a unique perspective that resonates with readers worldwide. Get ready to discover the brilliant minds behind some of your favorite characters and stories, and see how they’re continuing to innovate in the ever-evolving world of comics.

1. William "Whilce" Portacio 

Whilce is best known for his work on fan favorite comics like Iron Man, Uncanny X-Men, The Punisher, Wetworks, X-Factor, and Spawn, where he worked as a comic book writer and artist. 

In 1985, Whilce started with Marvel Comics as an inker. After seven years of building his portfolio and gaining notoriety for his involvement in a number of classic comics, he ventured on to co-found Image Comics alongside 6 fellow artists. He now showcases regularly at Comic Con and is passing on his knowledge by conducting workshops and bootcamps for others to enhance their skills. Whilce is loved by many for his fascinating contributions as a writer, penciler, inker, and cover artist. 

You can follow him and view more of his work at https://www.instagram.com/whilceportacio!

2. Lynda Berry 

A girl boss in more ways than one! Lynda Berry’s journey in the world of illustrated novels started in 1988 when she released her first, The Good Times are Killing Me. Following this were iconic works like Cruddy and One! Hundred! Demons! You may also know her for her popular weekly comic strip Ernie Pook's Comeek. By 1989, Barry's work was viewed weekly in over 50 publications. 

Photo Credit: John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

Among her long list of accolades are winning the Eisner Award for Best Reality-Based Work in 2009 for her graphic novel What It Is, being acknowledged by ComicsAlliance for their lifetime achievement award recognition in 2013, and joining the ranks of the Eisner Hall of Fame when she was inducted in 2016. Lydia has proven multiple times that there are no limits to what you put your mind to. With the right mix of creativity and determination, anything is possible.

The experience of growing up in a racially mixed household (her Mom was Filipina and the main language in their household was Tagalog) while being perceived as white by the outside world has profoundly influenced Barry's work. The ambiguity of growing up in a racially mixed household while appearing white to others deeply influenced Barry's work by infusing it with themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of cultural heritage. This duality—being part of multiple cultures yet often perceived as belonging to just one—allowed her to explore the tensions and contradictions within her own identity. Her work often reflects the challenges of navigating multiple worlds, the sense of invisibility in one's own culture, and the desire to bridge the gap between different aspects of her identity. This nuanced understanding of race and identity gives her stories emotional depth and a unique perspective that resonates with readers who have faced similar experiences.

Follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lynda_barry/.

3. Don Figueroa 

Don Figueroa is known to many for his work as a comic book artist and toy designer. If you are a Transformers fan like us, you almost certainly have seen his illustration work on Dreamwave's first Transformers: The War Within miniseries.

Don contributed to the Transformers franchise in more ways than one; designing die-cast toys for their Titanium line, working as a penciler for the Armada comic book series and More Than Meets the Eye. His other works include; several series of Beast Wars, more work on a number of Transformers series, Zombies: Hunters, and Terminator Salvation prequel comic. Don now refers to himself as a “retired robot drawing guy”. He regularly shares his work daily on his social media platforms for everyone to enjoy. 

Follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sketchyfigueroa/   

4. Van Partible  

Van Partible has made his rounds in the industry with many hats and positions, some of which include being an animator, producer, director, writer, and cartoonist. Among his most popular animated projects was the hit Cartoon Network television show Johnny Bravo, which he was the creator of. 

Throughout his career, he’s collaborated with the likes of Walt Disney Television Animation, NBC, Titmouse, Film Roman, and Cartoon Network Asia. Van’s work has brought joy to viewers all over the world, supplying them with quality animated shows for people of all ages to enjoy. In addition to the long list of roles he’s played as mentioned above, he also has experience as a series producer, a series director, a showrunner, and a writer. He now shares inside scoops on episodes of Johnny Bravo and gives insight on the shows that have made a mark on him throughout his journey.

Check him out on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vanpartible/!

5. Tony DeZuniga 

At only 16 years old, Tony DeZuniga started his career in the pages of Liwayway, a magazine distributed in the Philippines. After wrapping up his studies, he made his way to New York City where he started working with Joe Orlando at DC Comics. Here, he worked inking pencil art. 

Tony is best known for his co-creating the characters Jonah Hex and Black Orchid. He founded the Action Art Studio, gathering Filipino artists who lived in New York City and inked for Marvel Comics under the collective pseudonym of "The Tribe." In addition to this, Tony’s works found its way to materialize in various forms like video games (with Sega) and books (with McGraw Hill and the Scholastic Corporation). To many, he is recognized as the first of many Filipino Americans to contribute their work to American comics. 

Follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tonydezuniga/

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Written By Nico Belasco

Photographer, Writer, Speaker, Podcast Host, Creative

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