Whilce Portacio. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Whilce Portacio, the Filipino-American illustrator who rose to fame for his contributions in the superhero comic business, is one of the “Hall of Fame” guests in this year’s PopCon festival in Dubai.
Portacio will appear alongside popular comic illustrators including Agnes Garbowska, Jason Palmer and David Yardin, The National reported. Moreover, a 25,000 dirham (P329,461) top prize awaits someone who will attend the event with the best cosplay outfit.
Portacio started his career as an inker for Marvel Comics in 1985 and was noted for his works in “The Punisher,” “X-Factor” and the “Uncanny X-Men.” He later left Marvel to publish his comic book series “Wetworks” with Brandon Choi in 1994 under Jim Lee’s “Wildstorm” imprint. In 2006, he relished his post as the illustrator of the series’ second volume, but left after six issues. Portacio sketched other groundbreaking comic sagas, including “Longshot,” “Heroes Reborn: Iron Man,” “X-Force” and “Batman Confidential.”
READ: Filipino artists showcase talents at San Diego Comic Con
PopCon will be hosted by “Fashion Police” host Giuliana Rancic at the Dubai Outlet Mall on Oct. 27-29. The first Asia POP ComicCon was launched in Manila last year with appearances from several Hollywood celebrities like “Arrow” star Colton Haynes and “Game of Thrones” actress Natalie Emmanuel. The second event, which was graced by “Stranger Things” star Millie Bobby Brown and “Vampire Diaries” actress Claire Holt, was held in August at SMX Convention Center. Gianna Francesca Catolico
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