Meet Jessica Plummer: A Passionate Advocate for Diversity in Comics
Jessica Plummer has spent her entire life immersed in the vibrant world of New York City, which she affectionately refers to as Metropolis. Her professional pursuits revolve around literature-she works in the publishing industry, writes her own books, and contributes to the comic book scene, including a brief stint in the myth genre with Sword Stone Desk from Classic. An avid runner, a dedicated knitter, and a superhero enthusiast, Jessica possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of characters like Donald Duck. Connect with her on Twitter at @jess_plummer.
Reevaluating the Diversity Narrative in Comic Book History
The comic book industry has long been stereotyped as predominantly composed of straight, white men-an image that persisted until relatively recently. While it’s true that superhero comics today still often feature predominantly white, male protagonists, this narrative tends to overlook the rich diversity that has historically existed within the medium.
For example, despite years of studying comic history, I only recently learned about the so-called “Filipino Invasion” of the 1970s-a significant influx of Filipino talent into the American comic scene, especially at DC Comics. This movement was spearheaded by the talented Tony DeZuñiga, renowned for co-creating cult favorites like Jonah Hex and Shade the Changing Man. DeZuñiga began his career at DC as an inker in 1970 and quickly rose through the ranks to become a penciler, marking a pivotal moment in comic history.
DeZuñiga proposed to his editor, Joe Orlando, that there was a thriving community of talented Filipino artists working in the Philippines, willing to accept lower wages than their American counterparts. This was especially appealing to DC publisher Carmine Infantino, who was reportedly concerned about potential unionization efforts among American artists. Consequently, in 1971, DeZuñiga, Orlando, and Infantino traveled to Manila to recruit local artists. Over the following years, DC and other American publishers began featuring work by Filipino artists such as Alfredo Alcala, Alex Niño, Nestor Redondo, Gerry Talaoc, Romeo Tanghal, and Ernie Chan.
While these artists contributed to major characters like Batman, Superman, and Spider-Man, their most prominent work appeared in genres less associated with mainstream superhero comics-namely horror, sword and sorcery, science fiction, war stories, and martial arts. This focus on non-superhero genres partly explains why the Filipino Invasion isn’t as widely recognized as the British Invasion of the 1980s, which was more centered around the superhero genre. Recognizing the talent of these artists requires understanding the broader context of their work and the barriers they faced.
The Significance of the Filipino Invasion
Despite its importance, the Filipino Invasion’s history is complex and sometimes controversial. Allegations of exploitative labor practices, union-busting tactics, and even financial misconduct-such as DeZuñiga allegedly skimming profits-have clouded its legacy. Nonetheless, the exceptional artistry and influence of Filipino comic creators during this period remain undeniable. Their work helped shape the visual language of comics and opened doors for future generations of diverse artists.
For those interested in exploring this chapter of comic history further, a compelling documentary titled Illustrated By: Filipino Invasion of U.S. Comics was produced in 2012 by Levi “Pepper” Marcelo. Although it’s not currently streaming, the trailer offers a glimpse into the vibrant stories and talented artists involved. As the industry continues to evolve, shining a spotlight on these pioneers reminds us that comics have always been a universal art form-accessible and meaningful to everyone, regardless of background.
In summary, acknowledging the contributions of Filipino artists in the 1970s enriches our understanding of comic book history. It highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion, illustrating that the creative spirit of comics transcends borders and stereotypes. As the industry moves forward, embracing this legacy can inspire a more inclusive future for comic creators worldwide.
