View source for Zuma (comics)

{{about|the Filipino comic-book character|other uses|Zuma (disambiguation)}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=February 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox comics character<!-- Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics -->
|publisher      = Graphics Arts Service Inc.
|debut          = ''Aztec'' (1974)
|creators       = [[Jim Fernandez]] (character & story) <br/> Ben Maniclang (illustration)
|aliases        = King of the Snakes
|homeworld = [[Central America|Central]] and [[South America]]
| species = Demigod
|powers         =
*Ability to command snakes
*Two-headed snake on his shoulders with a powerful bite
*Invulnerability (specifically [[bullet-proof]])
|cat            = super
|villain        = y
}}
'''Zuma''' is a [[Philippines|Filipino]] [[Philippine comics|comic book]] character created by [[Jim Fernandez]] in 1974. The character first appeared in a serial written by Fernandez entitled ''Aztec''. From 1976 to 1985, Zuma got his own series named ''Anak ni Zuma'' that was serialized in ''Aliwan Komiks'' published by Graphics Arts Service Inc. with illustration by Ben Maniclang. The comics series was the biggest best seller for ''Aliwan''. Following this publication success, spin-offs and a 1990s reboot about the character were published and it was further expanded in other media including film and television.

==Publication history==

In 1974, Filipino comics book artist [[Jim Fernandez]] created Zuma, which first appeared in the comics serial ''Aztec''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://manilaworkshops.com/events/creating-comic-books-101|title=Creating Comic Books 101|date=April 21, 2016|website=Manila Workshops|language=en-US|access-date=October 9, 2019|archive-date=September 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929043504/http://manilaworkshops.com/events/creating-comic-books-101|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.internationalhero.co.uk/z/zuma.htm|title=Zuma|website=www.internationalhero.co.uk|access-date=October 9, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://video48.blogspot.com/2009/04/jim-fernandez-kambal-sa-uma-zuma-at-iba.html|title=Video 48: JIM FERNANDEZ' "KAMBAL SA UMA," "ZUMA," AT IBA PA|last=Video 48|date=April 27, 2009|website=Video 48|access-date=February 18, 2020}}</ref> After two years, in 1976, Fernandez wrote a new series for the character entitled ''Anak ni Zuma'' that was serialized in ''Aliwan Komiks'' published by Graphics Arts Service Inc. (GASI) with illustration by Ben Maniclang.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://pinoysuperheroesuniverse.blogspot.com/2010/12/how-zuma-saved-christmas.html|title=Pinoy Superheroes Universe: How ZUMA Saved Christmas|last=Panganiban|first=Aris B.|date=December 24, 2010|website=Pinoy Superheroes Universe|access-date=October 9, 2019}}</ref> The series ran in syndication until 1985<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xezVAAAAMAAJ|title=A history of komiks of the Philippines and other countries|last1=Roxas|first1=Cynthia|last2=Arevalo|first2=Joaquin|last3=Marcelino|first3=Ramon R|date=1985|publisher=Islas Filipinas Pub. Co.|location=[[Quezon City]]|language=en|oclc=559852094}}</ref> that became ''Aliwan'''s biggest bestseller.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BHpHAgAAQBAJ&q=zuma+first+appearance+jim+fernandez+aztec+novel&pg=PA52|title=Southeast Asian Cartoon Art: History, Trends and Problems|last=Lent|first=John A.|date=January 17, 2014|publisher=McFarland|isbn=9780786475575|pages=52|language=en}}</ref>

Due to its publication success, the comics serial branched out to a prequel spin-off entitled ''Angkan ni Zuma'', which tells the story of Zuma during the ancient period.<ref name=":0" /> This [[prequel]] was written again by Fernandez and illustrated by Mar T. Santana; and ran from 1978 to 1983.<ref name=":1" /> A science fiction comics entitled ''Zuma-Maria'' was another spin-off that divulges on the future descendant of Zuma.<ref name=":0" /> ''Dugong Aztec'' was also a spin-off that was simultaneously published with the main comics serial.<ref name=":1" /> It was published in ''Rex Komiks'' by Rex Publications Inc. from 1978 to 1979 and it was still written by Fernandez with illustration by Elmer Esquivas.<ref name=":1" />

There was also a comics reboot in the 1990s published under the short-lived magazine entitled ''Zuma Komiks''<ref name=":0" /> by GASI.<ref name=":1" /> The stories in this comics magazine that was also known by other two names (''Zuma and Other Amazing Stories'' and ''Zuma and Other Horror Stories)'' were written by various writers with illustration by Clem V. Rivera in its early run and then by Vic Catan Jr in later issues.<ref name=":1" /> The comics magazine is an [[anthology]] of [[Horror fiction|horror]].<ref name=":1" />

==Character background==
[[File:Serpent head at the base of El Castillo.jpg|thumb|A statue of the [[Yucatec Maya language|Mesoamerican]] serpent deity Kukulkan at [[El Castillo, Chichen Itza]]. Kukulkan is depicted as the father of Zuma in the comics story line.]]
The most noticeable physical characteristic of Zuma is the two-headed snake that protrude from his shoulders<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/06/16/16/zuma-actor-max-laurel-dies-at-71|title='Zuma' actor Max Laurel dies at 71|date=June 16, 2016|website=[[ABS-CBN News]]|language=en|access-date=February 13, 2020}}</ref> resting like a [[Lei (garland)|lei]] and he uses them to defeat his enemies as they have a powerful bite that has an ability to decapitate.<ref name=":0" /> In addition, he has green skin<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/movies-and-tv/8-classic-movie-monsters-of-philippine-cinema-a1760-20171026-lfrm|title=8 Classic Movie Monsters of Philippine Cinema|last=Geronia Jr {{!}}|first=Ed|date=October 26, 2017|website=[[Esquire Magazine|Esquiremag.ph]]|access-date=February 18, 2020}}</ref> and bald hair similar to [[Martian Manhunter]], another comics character.<ref name=":0" /> Although, his face is human-like with a demonic appearance.<ref name=":0" /> He is often depicted as a villain or an anti-hero instead of a superhero.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinoysuperheroesuniverse.blogspot.com/2011/06/happy-fathers-day-zuma-love-galema.html|title=Pinoy Superheroes Universe: Happy Father's Day, ZUMA - Love, GALEMA|last=Panganiban|first=Aris B.|date=June 19, 2011|website=Pinoy Superheroes Universe|access-date=February 13, 2020}}</ref>

According to Zuma's story in the comics and other media, he is the son of the [[Aztec]] serpent god [[Kukulkan]], making him a [[demigod]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/196196/zuma-actor-max-laurel-passes-away-at-71|title='Zuma' actor Max Laurel passes away at 71|last=Philippine Daily Inquirer|author-link=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=June 16, 2016|website=entertainment.inquirer.net|language=en|access-date=February 13, 2020}}</ref><ref name=":4" /> He had been in hibernation for a long time until his tomb in an [[Mesoamerican pyramids|Aztec pyramid]] was unearthed by an archaeological expedition team that awakened him.<ref name=":0" /> After his revival, he goes to the modern world in a killing rage, slaughtering particularly virgin women, whose hearts are ripped out and consumed that give Zuma his strength and vigor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pinoy-unlimited.blogspot.com/2009/03/top-10-pinoy-komiks-characters.html|title=Top 10 Pinoy Komiks Characters|access-date=February 13, 2020}}</ref><ref name=":4" />

Aside from using his two-headed snake as a weapon, Zuma's power includes invulnerability (specifically bullet-proof) and controlling snakes.<ref name=":0" /> In later versions, Zuma has the ability to heal people.<ref name=":1" /> His weakness is the venom from his daughter Galema who is also his [[archenemy]].<ref name=":0" /> Galema's mother is a human that Zuma has taken as his bride.<ref name=":0" /> Although, Galema grew with foster parents that made her to be a good person.<ref name=":0" /> Zuma also beget another child named Dino who has a head of a [[dinosaur]] and a body of a human.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Dino initially allied with his father but he later abandoned him because Dino fell in love with a human.<ref name=":0" />

==In other media==

===Film===
Zuma have been adapted into two films. The first one was from a 1985 film by Cine Suerte Inc. entitled ''Zuma,''<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pelikulaatbp.blogspot.com/2010/07/zuma-1985.html|title=PELIKULA, ATBP.: ZUMA (1985)|last=Dr|first=James|date=July 10, 2010|website=PELIKULA, ATBP.|access-date=February 18, 2020}}</ref> with [[Max Laurel]] portraying the title role<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://coconuts.co/manila/lifestyle/character-actor-max-laurel-famous-playing-zuma-passed-away-71/|title=Character actor Max Laurel, famous for playing Zuma, dead at 71 {{!}} Coconuts Manila|last=CoconutsManila|date=June 17, 2016|website=Coconuts|language=en-US|access-date=February 18, 2020}}</ref> and [[Snooky Serna]] playing Zuma's daughter, Galema.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://dzrhnews.com.ph/janice-still-refuses-to-work-with-ex-husband-max-laurel-of-zuma-passes-away/|title=Janice still refuses to work with ex-husband; Max Laurel of "Zuma" passes away|date=June 15, 2016|website=[[DZRH|DZRH News]]|language=en-US|access-date=February 18, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/04/03/09/who-will-be-next-galema|title=Who will be the next 'Galema?'|date=April 3, 2009|website=ABS-CBN News|language=en|access-date=February 18, 2020}}</ref> This film that was directed by Jun Raquiza is also known as ''Jim Fernandez's Zuma''.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Tortora|first=Matteo|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JxdxBQAAQBAJ&q=zuma+jun+raquiza&pg=PT270|title=80's The Gold Decade Of The Horror Movie|date=November 18, 2014|publisher=Self-Publish|language=en}}</ref>

The second Zuma film is a sequel entitled ''Anak ni Zuma'', which also known alternatively as ''Zuma II: Hell Serpent''.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|last=Willis|first=Donald C.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HetkAAAAMAAJ&q=anak+ni+zuma+film+1987+zuma+ii+%E2%80%8EZuma+II:+Hell+Serpent|title=Horror and Science Fiction Films IV|date=January 1, 1997|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=978-0-8108-3055-4|language=en}}</ref> [[Max Laurel]] reprised his role as Zuma<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/63406/emzumaem-star-max-laurel-passes-away-at-71|title=Zuma star Max Laurel passes away at 71|last=Santiago|first=Erwin|date=June 15, 2016|website=PEP.ph|language=en, tl|access-date=February 18, 2020}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> while the role of Galema  got a recast and was played by Jenny Lyn.<ref name=":0" /> It was released again by Cine Suerte Inc. in 1987 and was directed by Ben Yalung.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hooq.tv/|title=Coming-soon {{!}} HOOQ|website=www.hooq.tv|language=en|access-date=February 18, 2020}}</ref><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cinefania.com/movie.php/66956/en|title=ANAK NI ZUMA (1987) by Ben Yalung, Cinefania|website=www.cinefania.com|access-date=February 18, 2020}}</ref>

===Television===
Zuma appeared in the 2013 television series ''[[Galema: Anak ni Zuma]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.spot.ph/entertainment/movies-music-tv/77095/crazy-pinoy-teleseryes-a3438-20190302-lfrm|title=10 Crazy Teleseryes We All Loved to Watch|last=Radovan|first=Jill Tan|date=March 2, 2019|website=SPOT.PH|language=en|access-date=February 18, 2020}}</ref> Derick Hubalde, son of Filipino basketball player [[Freddie Hubalde]] and brother of [[Paolo Hubalde]], played Zuma<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/entertainment/09/19/13/basketball-acting-derick-hubalde-play-zuma|title=From basketball to acting: Derick Hubalde to play 'Zuma'|date=September 20, 2013|website=ABS-CBN News|language=en|access-date=February 18, 2020}}</ref> while [[Andi Eigenmann]] portrayed Galema.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com/entertainment/showbitz/38694-andi-eigenmann-galema-anak-ni-zuma|title=Andi Eigenmann a snake woman in new 'serye'|date=September 11, 2013|website=[[Rappler]]|language=en|access-date=February 18, 2020}}</ref> The television series is broadcast in [[ABS-CBN]] and the story focuses more on the hardship of Galema as she lives her cursed life that was passed down from her father, Zuma.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/10/04/13/galema-starts-strong-beats-pyra-ratings|title='Galema' starts strong, beats 'Pyra' in ratings|date=October 4, 2013|website=ABS-CBN News|language=en|access-date=February 18, 2020}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Comics|Philippines|Speculative fiction}}
*[[Panday (comics)]]
*[[List of fictional demons]]
*[[Kukulkan]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:1974 comics debuts]]
[[Category:1985 comics endings]]
[[Category:Comic strip villains]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1974]]
[[Category:Comics characters with accelerated healing]]
[[Category:Fictional immortals in comics]]
[[Category:Comics characters with superhuman durability or invulnerability]]
[[Category:Comics characters with superhuman strength]]
[[Category:Comics about serial killers]]
[[Category:Demon characters in comics]]
[[Category:Fantasy comics]]
[[Category:Fictional demigods]]
[[Category:Fictional mass murderers]]
[[Category:Fictional monsters]]
[[Category:Fictional serial killers]]
[[Category:Filipino comics characters]]
[[Category:Filipino superheroes]]
[[Category:Male characters in comics]]
[[Category:Male superheroes]]
[[Category:Mesoamerican mythology in popular culture]]
[[Category:Philippine comics adapted into films]]
[[Category:Philippine comics titles]]