We regret to report that artist Tony DeZuniga has passed away.

In his time, he made the wild west a little more wild, christening one of comics’ greatest antiheroes with the kind of scars only a mother (and countless readers) could love.

Born in the Philippines in 1941, DeZuniga first contributed to comics as a letterer for a weekly serial at age 16. He studied graphic design in America during the 60s before returning to the islands to pursue a career in advertising. He later journeyed back to New York where he made his name at DC and Marvel Comics during the 70s and beyond. He delivered stunningly visceral pencils and inks for titles like The Punisher, X-Men, Conan the Barbarian and even Star Wars.

But perhaps his most celebrated work was a collaboration with writer John Albano on that gnarly gunslinger Jonah Hex. He was there as artist from the very beginning in 1972’s All-Star Western #10 and returned nearly 40 years later for Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti’s wonderful Jonah Hex: No Way Back OGN. Pick up that recent tale or the classic stuff in the Jonah Hex Showcase edition and you’re in for a real treat.

DeZuniga may have been the first Filipino artist to find success at the Big Two, but he also made sure he wasn’t the last. He was a helping hand to many young talents from his native country, where he is lovingly remembered as “Mang Tony.”

Sadly, the artist suffered a severe stroke late last month in the Philippines, the condition worsened by the onset of pneumonia and an infection. The comics community scrambled to aid Tony and his family, but unfortunately the 71 year-old passed away today.

Thanks for blazing some wild trails for us readers and the many terrific Filipino artists who followed in your footsteps. That sunset’s all yours, Tony.