Creator of 'Lao Fu Zi' comics Alfonso Wong dies

Creator of 'Lao Fu Zi' comics Alfonso Wong dies

The comic maestro behind "Lao Fu Zi" or Old Master Q comic series, Alfonso Wong Kar Hei, has died, aged 93.

Born in Tianjin, Wong died on Jan 1 in the United States from organ failure, announced OMQ ZMedia - the company that distributes Old Master Q comics in Taiwan.

The company also paid tribute to Wong on its Facebook page 'Old Master Q Comics - 老夫子'.

"Mr Wong once said, 'My life is like a comic strip, I will make Old Master Q captivate my audience as much as I can,'" the Facebook post read.

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/oldmasterqcomics/photos/a.197186756966725.48969.166586876693380/1410599122292143[/embed]

Wong moved to Hong Kong in 1956, painting Biblical scenes for the French Catholic mission for over a decade. He was also the art editor for a Hong Kong Catholic magazine, Lok Fung Pao.

During his spare time, Wong created the Old Master Q series, adopting the nom de plume using his oldest son's name.

His amusing and relatable portrayal of Old Master Q struck a chord with many readers, and it gained immense popularity in the Sinosphere.

"Not only did Mr Wong enjoy drawing, he loved fishing and pottery, and was multi-talented as an active athlete in swimming, diving, and skating," Old Master Q Comics - 老夫子 wrote.

"His experiences helped to fuel the vitality of the comic strips."

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Mr Wong was also ambidextrous due to his training as a drummer, allowing him to draw with both hands.

He immigrated to the United States in 1974, and his son Wang Ze took over drawing Old Master Q from his father in 1995 due to the latter's age.

The Mandarin Facebook account by company offered more insights into the life of Mr Wong in a longer tribute.

"The comics have captured the shifting moods of the people for over half a century, staying true to the humorous style of Old Master Q," the Facebook post wrote in Mandarin.

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/iloveomq/photos/a.195649776361.136477.170611706361/10153868708126362[/embed]

One of the main characters in the comic series, Miss Chan, is modelled after Mr Wong's wife, Chan Lingling.

"Alfonso Wong's colourful life will be remembered fondly and his humour will continue to entertain generations of fans," the Facebook page wrote.

Mr Wong is the second Chinese artist to die in the US this week. Tyrus Wong (unrelated to Mr Alfonso Wong), the artist who drew Walt Disney's "Bambi", died on Friday (Dec 30, 2016).

grongloh@sph.com.sg

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