Marvel artist Ty “Bong” Dazo known for his work on Deadpool and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic has passed away at the age of 56 after a long fight with cancer.
His agent David Campiti remembered Bong Dazo in a touching post where he described the artist as “a big, powerful presence “built like Buddha” with talent and personality to match.”
Bong Dazo was also a well established artist in the Philippines. He also was an animation director, community actor, and a sculptor. He created customized action figures.
Along with his work on Deadpool and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, he also worked on The Flash, The Irregulars, Jesse Rio, Bad Moon Rising, The Markings, MaxShift, and most recently Belle: Beast Hunter for Zenescope.
A number of fans, publishers, and his peers expressed their sympathy and just how much they loved his work!
Marvel is deeply saddened by the loss of Ty "Bong" Dazo, artist of Deadpool and more great comics. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and fans around the world.
— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) June 30, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. As a publisher we were lucky to work with him?
— Zenescope (@Zenescope) July 2, 2018
RIP Bong Dazo. Loved your work in SW:KOTOR and Belle: Beast Hunter. Thank you for the wonderful art. https://t.co/Me7UCU5JFI
— Evelyn Mondwig (@Evendrell1) July 1, 2018
Just found out one of my favorite artists of all times, Bong Dazo passed away recently. I remember his Thunderbolts and Deadpool work was some of the best I’ve ever seen. RIP to a Legend. #DoYouEvenComicBook #DYECB pic.twitter.com/3MyQTZF8Fn
— TASK. I bomb atomically. #DoYouEvenComicBook (@LakelPruitt) June 30, 2018
My condolences to the family & friends of Bong Dazo. I had the honor of working with him on two issues of Thunderbolts (the crazy fun Deadpool crossover) and, while I never met him in person, I could tell by his art & emails that he had an amazing mind & heart. RIP, my friend. pic.twitter.com/ncwIpPz0lv
— Bill Rosemann (@BillRosemann) June 30, 2018
Bong Dazo had to draw some of the most complicated settings in the Knights of the Old Republic comics — like the comet mining operation in "The Reaping," or the auction house that sold planets, as seen here from "Prophet Motive." He was always up to the challenge. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/zRfmrwKK81
— John Jackson Miller (@jjmfaraway) June 30, 2018
I'm saddened to hear of Bong Dazo's passing. Although I never got to know him, I had the honour of working with him during Darkseid War. His energy and enthusiasm was something to be admired. My sincerest condolences to those whom he loved and loved him.
— Francis Manapul (@FrancisManapul) June 30, 2018
It is with great sadness to inform you of the passing of Angelo “Bong TY Dazo. He had been a friend and a valued member of our team for over 17 years and will be missed. Please keep Bongs’s family in your thoughts as they go through this difficult time pic.twitter.com/ra0eRrtxLu
— David Forrest (@kineticforrest) June 30, 2018
Bong Dazo passed away on June 29, 2018 from liver cancer. He is survived by his wife Jessican and their two children Johan and Jianon. A wake for Dazo will be held at St. Peter Memorial Chapel, Bancal, Meycauayan, Bulacan.