Hong Kong manhua artist, publisher and actor (born 1950)
In this Hong Kong name, the surname is Wong. In accordance with Hong Kong custom, the Western-style name is Tony and the Chinese-style name is Chun-loong/Yuk-long.
Tony Wong Chun-loong (born 27 March 1950), better known by his pseudonyms Wong Yuk-long or Tony Wong, is a Hong Kong manhua artist, publisher and actor, who wrote and created Little Rascals (later re-titled Oriental Heroes) and Weapons of the Gods. He also wrote adaptations of Louis Cha's novels, such as The Return of the Condor Heroes (retitled as Legendary Couples), Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, and Ode to Gallantry. For his contribution and influencing a generation of artists in the local industry, he is regarded as the "Godfather of Hong Kong comics" or "Hong Kong's King of Comics".
He provided the art for Batman: Hong Kong, which was written by Doug Moench. He has also acted in some films occasionally, including making a cameo appearance in Dragon Tiger Gate (a film adapted from Oriental Heroes).
History
Early life
Tony Wong Chun-loong was born on 27 March 1950 in Jiangmen, Guangdong, China. After he turned six, he moved to Hong Kong with his family. He went to school until age 13, after which he began his artistic career. Wong never attended an educational institution focusing on art, and was largely self-taught as a comic artist. His decision to begin working at 13 was because he could command a relatively high salary at that time.
Career
In 1971, Wong created Jademan Holdings, which became one of the most prominent comic publishing companies in Hong Kong. Under Jademan Holdings, Wong published many popular manhua series, including Little Rascals (later renamed Oriental Heroes), which became one of the best-selling comics in Hong Kong. According to Monica Ko of the South China Morning Post, because of Wong's dominant profile in the company, the company's stock became known as "personality stock". In 1989, he lost his position at Jademan by resigning, ending his involvement in the company's comics.
At some point Wong was convicted in Hong Kong courts of a financial offense. He received a 2.5-year prison sentence and was sent to Stanley Prison, but was released after serving one year and six months. Despite his imprisonment, Wong remained a popular figure; in 1993, the South China Morning Post reported that "Despite his jailing, Mr Wong,[...] is still seen as a hero by young people in the territory."
After his release from prison, Wong established Jade Dynasty Publications, with the stated intention of creating what he described as "an oriental[sic] type of Walt Disney."
Later career
In 2015, Wong announced plans to establish a comics-themed park in Hangzhou, Mainland China, with a proposed budget of HK$800,000,000 Hong Kong dollars. Wong expressed some disappointment that the park could not be built in Hong Kong itself.
12Ko, Monica (1990-01-15). "Following the departure of former chairman and chief artist To...". South China Morning Post– via Factiva. artist Tony Wong Chun-loong, [...] Jademan (Holdings) [...] "comics king" Mr Wong, also known as Wong Yuk-long.[...]
↑Wong, Yat-hei (2013-10-05). "Comic book hero; Tony Wong is out to rescue HK's comic industry - again, writes Wong Yat-hei". South China Morning Post. p.7.
