As a tribute to Jonah Hex co-creator Tony DeZuniga, who passed away a year ago today, organizers of California's Stockton-Con announced they've renamed their all-ages art competition the Tony DeZuniga Memorial Art Contest. A Philippines native, the artist lived in Stockton for much of the past decade.

“Naming the Art Contest after Tony is such a great honor,” DeZuniga's wife Tina said in a statement. “I wish Tony could see the success of Stockton-Con. I myself was so surprised by last year’s attendance. The organizers worked so hard and people really traveled just to attend the event. I’m so proud and so honored to be part of this event.”

The first Filipino artist to work for a major American comics publisher, DeZuniga in the early 1970s opened the door at DC Comics for other creators in the Philippines. Although perhaps best remembered for his work on DC’s Jonah Hex, Arak, Son of Thunder, The Phantom Stranger and Weird Western Tales, he also drew Dracula Lives, The Savage Sword of Conan and Thor for Marvel. He was 79 years old at the time of his death.

For the art contest, Stockton-Con will challenge participants to create an 11-inch by 17-inch "Tribute to Tony" in any medium. Prizes include cash, gift certificates to Ka-Blam, and a future cover of Action Lab Entertainment's Ghost Town. Full details can be found in the press release.

Stockton-Con will be held Aug. 4 at the Stockton Arena.