Destiny (Fandom Media 4): 1974?
Pubisher and editor: Paul Hugli
This installment of Ink Stains features a fanzine I had no clue existed (either in this form, Destiny, or the previous form, Fandom Media)…but, holy spot illustration, Batman, there is a lot of talent in this issue! I really have no background information on this fanzine and, unfortunately, it appears editor Hugli might have passed away. There is no credits page or anything, either, so there are a few illustrations I have no info on. But, regardless, onward!
The cover you see at top, and the illustration immediately above, are by unmitigated genius, Alex Nino. This issue has a segment (interviews and art) centering on some of the more well known Philipino artists of that time, including Nino. Like many amateur publications in general, this could have really benefitted from a proofreader! I only now noticed looking through that “Tarzen” is referenced several times in one interview. Maybe Hugli was another boy wonder publisher…with English not being his best subject, who knows. He definitely exceled at procuring art! This zine is one of the most diverse and well populated publications from that time I can think of. The first three pages (including the cover) includes not only Nino, but Neal Adams, Clyde Caldwell, Gray Morrow and (maybe) Stephen Fabian! You definitely need the pdf for this sucker!
The first feature is an interview with National Lampoon artist, Charles Rodrigues. Immediately following that is the Philippine artist section, starting with an interview with the incredibly stylish work of Nestor Redondo. Personally, though I have always marveled at his incredible control of the brush and the beauty of his figures and such…his work always just sorta left me cold. I know I am in the minority…art is, after all, subjective. Interview Orvy Jundis actually interviewed Redondo at his home in the Philippines.
The Nino interview took place during a visit to the US by the artist. One thing Nino mentioned is the difference in income between the US and the Philippines at that time. He said a sable brush costs what the average person makes in 3 days. I lived there as a kid and can attest to that. Living off base, I saw the general standard of living and beggars came by our door frequently.
Jesse Santos was also interviewed during a visit to the US (both he and Nino were visiting San Francisco then, in 1974). Santos was less of a stylist than, for example, Nino, and more of a commercial illustrator who also did comic book work. I remember his painted covers for companies such as Gold Key.
Following Santos is the last of the Philipino artists, Alfredo Alcala. Possibly the best known of all the Philipino artists, for his incredibly detailed inking of John Buscema on Conan, as well as many other titles, mostly for DC Comics. His Wikipedia entry states that his Voltar character, published starting in 1963 in the Philippines, predated Frazetta’s version of Conan by a few years. Like most of his contemporaries, Alcala was self taught.
After the Philipino artists segment, there is a Warrior Portfolio, including pieces by John Pound, Mario Alvarado, Steve Leialoha, Bob Juanillo, Clyde Caldwell, Stephen Fabian, Don Newton (whose piece looks like it was meant for a Fandom Media cover), Nino, and a couple of artists I don’t recognize. See a few below.
An illustrated poem by Hugli and Mario Navarro, I Love Nature, followed by what might be seen as the pulp version of “Who is stronger, the Hunk or the Thing?,” The Shadow or Doc Savage, by Ed Noonchester. The article is illustrated by pin ups and spots from Mike Vosburg, Leialoha, Scot Goode, Edna Jundis, “Ortega,” and one other with no signature.
A two page strip, World of Mine, by Hugli and Terry Eaton is next, and then the last bits of the interviews are continued, with spots by Roy Krenkel, James Shull, Dan Adkins, Jundis, and Jim Pinkoski. An inside cover pin up (cannot make out the signature) precedes the back cover by Tim Kirk, seen below. Could that be Bilbo?
That about wraps up this enigmatic little zine. Remember get the pdf on my site at kenmeyerjr.com, and I think it is worth it for sure.
I hope you enjoyed this outing of Ink Stains. I may do an extra column to cover a mimeo zine scanned for me by the generous Manny Maris, Fandom Presents, from 1964. Remember, I appreciate any comments you want to share! Seeya next time!
Ken Meyer Jr.
kenmeyerjr@yahoo.com
