Jim Fernandez

Jim M. Fernandez (February 21, 1936 – June 13, 2022) was a Filipino comic book artist best known for his works on Aztec and Aliwan Komiks. He also popularized the fictional character, Zuma in his novels. Apart from being an editor, illustrator, cartoonist, and writer for Philippine comics, Fernandez was also a certified public accountant in the Philippines.

Early career During college, Fernandez was the editor of The Commerce Journal, The English Journal, and The UST Commerce Silver Jubilee Book.

In 1967, Fernandez studied at the Famous Artist School. It was during this period when Fernandez's black-and-white rendition of Darna at ang Impakta was given an "A-rating" by B.Th. Closset, together with the comment "very good handling of pen and ink". Also in 1967, Fernandez created the cartoon Feathers for the Manila Times newspaper. Among them were his Nunal sa Balikat, Farida, The Dormitory, Life Everlasting, Kingpin, Brutus, Kambal sa Uma, and Anak ni Zuma. Fernandez received the amount of 100,000 pesos for Anak ni Zuma when it was adapted for the cinemas. In 2009, the successful remake of Jim Fernandez' Kambal Sa Uma starring Shaina Magdayao and Melissa Ricks and the original actress who played both roles Multi-Awarded Actress Rio Locsin who played the twins in the film adaptation Locsin also gave pointers to both actresses on the role she similarly portrayed 30 years ago.

Awards In college, Fernandez won the gold medal during a student's debate competition at the University of Santo Tomas. Fernandez's illustrations for Mars Ravelo's Darna at ang Impakta garnered him the Award for Excellence in Illustration from the Society of Philippine Illustrators and Cartoonists (SPIC).

Family Fernandez's brother, Rolando Fernandez, is his assistant illustrator.