“12 on Mars”, father & son cartoonists

When we say Wong Chak, we’re really talking about two people. Alfonso Wong, the creator of Old Master Q, used his eldest son’s name as a pseudonym when drawing. Now long retired, his son – the real Wong Chak – has since taken over the Old Master Q enterprise, continuing his father’s work into the new millennium.

Old Master Q, or Lao Fu Zi, is a learned and rather mischievous old man. Through this character, and his friends Big Potato and Mr. Chin, Wong makes social commentary and pokes fun at society. In addition, Old Master Q is a visual representation of nostalgia for the past. “The character reflects the growth and the struggle of Hong Kong society in the 60s,” explains Wong. “The comic reflects that everyday life, so I guess the people recognise that.”

Wong has made continuing this beloved Hong Kong character – and his father’s legacy – his fulltime job; there’s certainly enough demand for more Old Master Q., “That’s the issue today, there are so many fans and now we really do this for the fans. If they’re happy, we’re happy. So I’ll just keep doing it.” Bourree Lam