17/07/2026
FEATURES | The Story Carried by Lines and Letters
By: Adrian Medrano & Fiona Calaguas
Tony Velasquez, widely regarded as the father of Philippine komiks, inspired generations of Filipino artists to pursue storytelling through comics. Among those carrying on his legacy is his grandnephew, a komiks creator, educator, and Department Coordinator at National University—Damian “Ian” Velasquez III
For Ian Velasquez III, publishing a coffee-table book about his granduncle is more than the completion of a research project. It fulfills a lifelong dream and tribute to one of the greatest pioneers of Philippine culture.
"I have dreamt since I was younger to do such a coffee-table book," he shared. "It means so much to finally publish this because it's not only contributing to the family legacy but also bringing back awareness to the new generation about komiks' cultural value in our country."
The book, titled The Life and Art of Tony Velasquez: Father of Philippine Komiks, was made possible through the university's Internally Funded Research Project (IFRP), which champions research initiatives that carry the university's core values.
"The support of NU on this is immense," he noted. "Aside from the institution's strong focus on research, its support on cultural projects like this opens up more other komiks projects that I plan to propose next."
His next research pitch centers on his grandfather, Damy Velasquez, another komiks pioneer and the original writer of DI-13, further extending the Velasquez family's indelible mark on Philippine komiks history. As both a Nationalian Department Coordinator and a practicing komiks creator, Mr. Velasquez hopes that the story of his granduncle will resonate with today's youth and ignite in them the same values that defined Tony Velasquez's pioneering career.
"I hope the younger generation can learn from the Father of Philippine Komiks such NU core values of innovation, resilience and patriotism," he shared. "Velasquez was a trailblazer, jumpstarting the Philippine komiks industry in 1947. Through his komiks characters, he was able to illustrate the Filipino's positive traits and values with Album ng Kabalbalan ni Kenkoy, Ponyang Halobaybay, among other komiks strips."
The coffee-table book features personal photographs, komiks excerpts, and previously untold stories drawn from the memories of the Velasquez family. "The most important parts of the book that I'm excited to share are the untold stories of my relatives on Tony Velasquez's personal life," Mr. Velasquez revealed. "His career did not only include pioneering komiks but also in advertising as well”
The book launched during the Philippine International Comics Festival 2026 at Ayala Malls The 30th in Pasig City from July 10-12, bringing together longtime komiks enthusiasts and younger readers discovering the medium for the first time. The project has generated new opportunities, including an upcoming exhibit at the University of the Philippines, a planned dance production by Alice Reyes Dance Philippines inspired by Tony Velasquez's works, and a proposal by the University of Makati to animate the iconic character Kenkoy, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2029.
The release of The Life and Art of Tony Velasquez: Father of Philippine Komiks marks a significant chapter in the preservation of Filipino cultural heritage. Through the dedication of Mr. Damian “Ian” Velasquez III and the institutional support of National University, the pioneering spirit of Tony Velasquez continues to inspire, educate, and empower a new generation of Filipinos.
Layout by: Ashley Nicole Nerit
