José Ortiz Moya was one of Spain’s most prolific and influential comic book artists, whose career spanned six decades and bridged Spanish, British, American, and Italian comics. He began drawing professionally as a teenager for Editorial Maga, illustrating adventure and western series such as El Capitán Don Nadie and Pantera Negra. Alongside artists like Luis Bermejo and Manuel Gago, Ortiz became part of a generation that laid the foundations of Spain’s modern comic scene. Branching out to other publishers, he continued to draw Westerns but also produced historical and adaptation strips such as Sigur el Wikingo and Los Viajes de Gulliver.

  In the late 1950s, he began working internationally, first with scottish DC Thomson on romance and war comics, then in the 1960s with The Eagle and other British magazines, producing adventure and science fiction stories. His versatility led him to illustrate a wide range of genres, from war and westerns to adaptations and thrillers, making him a cornerstone of British comics’ golden era.

  Ortiz achieved global recognition in the 1970s through his work for Warren Publishing’s Creepy, Eerie, and Vampirella. His masterful use of shadows and atmosphere defined horror comics of the period and earned him the title of Warren’s Best All-Round Artist in 1974.  Later, in Spain, he co-created the acclaimed post-apocalyptic series Hombre with Antonio Segura and contributed to pioneering projects like The Thirteenth Floor for Scream! and Eagle. In his later years, Ortiz continued producing work for Italy’s Sergio Bonelli Editore, notably for Tex.

  Remembered for his dark, expressive style and storytelling power, José Ortiz remains one of Europe’s most respected and influential comic artists.   He was honored with the Grand Prize at the Barcelona International Comics Convention in 2012.