We’re sorry to report the passing of Spanish comic artist Jose María Ortiz Tafalla, perhaps best known for his work on Masters of the Universe for London Editions, and The Phantom. He was 92.
Not be confused with José Ortiz, Jose María Ortiz Tafalla, aka Jaimie Ortiz and J.M Ortiz, hailed from Valencia, his comic career beginning in the 1950s, Lambiek noting he drew “Roy Clark” in Comandos (Ed. Valenciana), and contributed to Fanvencia collections like Aventuras de Guerra and Historias de Guerra.
Working with writer Pedro Muñoz, he contributed to the Grafidea collections Cuatro Capitanes and Jarko el Temible, and, as an agency artist, worked on French series such as Cinq As, Marino (in Zembla), Scotland Yard, Tenax, a superhero strip published in France and Spain, the Spanish covers provided by López Espí, and Super Boy.
Working with writer Eugenio Sotillos, he’s also known for the globe-spanning adventure strip, Los Trotamundos, commissioned through the agency Interpubli, centred on four traveling teenagers.
He worked on London Editions Masters of the Universe comic from the very first issue, his work still fondly remembered today by fans.
He is also credited as the artist on some “Battle Complete Stories” for Battle Action (1978) one of the artists on Starblazer, as Jaimie Ortiz, which were reprinted in Spain, and also drew “The War Game“, a “Future Shocks” for 2000AD Prog 386, written by Alan Hebden.
His work on The Phantom, the American newspaper strip character created by Lee Falk, was syndicated globally. German publisher Wick Publications released a series of The Phantom stories in 2021 that included five never been published before, written by Peter Mennigen with art from José María Ortiz Tafalla and Ertuğrul Edirne.
“A great and prolific artist from the golden age of the Masters of the Universe in Spain now resides in the great pantheon of artists in the history of comics,” the team from the Spanish Mundo Masters site commented in a short tribute on their Masters of the Universe group. “Rest in peace, master.”
Our commiserations and condolences to the family and friends.
José Maria Ortiz Tafalla, 1932 – died 3rd August 2024
• Masters of the Universe UK Comics – London Editions MOTU Comics | Main Site
• Chronicle Chamber (Phantom Site): Items featuring José María Ortiz Tafalla
• Tebesfera: José Maria Ortiz Tafalla
• Lambiek: José Maria Ortiz Tafalla
• Historietistas Españoles de la A, a la Z: José María Ortiz Tafalla Gallery
• Peter Mennigen on José Maria Ortiz Tafalla (via Facebook)
With thanks to Ian Wheeler
The Phantom © King Features Syndicate
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: British Comics, Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Features, Obituaries
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