CBR: Asian-American ComiCon Report

[CBR News]

CBR takes you to the far east of the U.S. for the only show focused on the Far East. The first ever Asian-American ComiCon was held in New York last week, with Larry Hama, Greg Pak, Cliff Chiang among the creators in attendance.


Full article here.

[Stellar]

Do we really need an Asian-American con?

[howyadoin]

Do we really need an Asian-American con?

I was surprised that Tricia Takanawa didn't cover the story.

[7thangel]

don't see a problem with having it

[Stellar]

I just don't see the point. It's supposed to be about the art, not about the specific heritage of whose behind it. A comic by Jim Lee and Travis Charest respectively may not be the same, but a comic by Jim Lee and Frank Cho isn't, either.

[Hlam424]

I agree, in comicbooks art is important, but the story is also important as well and lets face it, being of a different eithnic background with different experiences influences the work produced.

[7thangel]

it's more than just stories being told and definitely more than art, it's about connecting, networking, and trying to increase and encourage other asian americans to get in the business and how they can get in and recognizing barriers.

how to counter the known stereotypes and create real ones whether hero or villain, that's fleshed out.

finding goals

and learn.

[SOGG]

it's more than just stories being told and definitely more than art, it's about connecting, networking, and trying to increase and encourage other asian americans to get in the business and how they can get in and recognizing barriers.

how to counter the known stereotypes and create real ones whether hero or villain, that's fleshed out.

finding goals

and learn.

They can't do this in the presence of non-Asian Americans?

[Tien Long]

Totally wish i was able to attend this. Really just wanted to meet guys like Hama, Pak, as well as the CBR pro-wrestling thread legend Arune Singh.

As for the purpose of the convention, I'm in agreement with 7thangel. I definitely think it was important to show that Asians have played and continue to play significant roles in the world of comics. Indeed, I'm sure many people may be aware that Asians work in the field. There are tons of interviews and pictures with guys like Larry Hama, Greg Pak, Francis Lenil-Yu, and others. Still, I think that people (myself included) don't truly realize just how much of a presence Asians are in this industry. I believe the convention really emphasized and reaffirmed this fact, not just to other ethnicities, but to other Asians as well.

Could it have been done in the presence of non-Asians? Well, if it were done at a venue like NYCC or SDCC, it would probably be relegated to just one single panel. There wouldn't be as much weight attached to it and the message would have been blunted and overshadowed up by other events. Furthermore, I believe the convention showed that the the topic of Asians in comics is much more complex than some people believe, with panels covering a variety of topics (as it should be, since the question of "what is Asia" in terms of ethnicity, race, culture, nationality, etc. is MASSIVELY complex in itself.) Seriously would have loved to attended the panel on the depiction of Asians as "the other."

Ultimately, I don't think that an Asian-American convention is a bad thing. I think that the convention showed that this particular group has had it's own unique issues with the comic world. I don't think that it's promoting divisness, due to the fact that it has showed that Asians have played a part in comics, and could encourage others to participate in such an industry.

[SMZ]

I wasn't able to go, sadly...does anyone know if there are recordings or videos floating online for the panels?

[Kasper Cole]

don't see a problem with having it

Ditto

I didn't even know this existed until just now lol.

[7thangel]

wow
goddamn, i forgot about this thread. i remember i couldn't even find it after my last post. i couldn't remember what section it was in. i hardly went south of the x-men forum back then. it was such an innocent time.
shit, i didn't even answer the question asked to me. i feel bad, lol.

[Kasper Cole]

wow
goddamn, i forgot about this thread. i remember i couldn't even find it after my last post. i couldn't remember what section it was in. i hardly went south of the x-men forum back then. it was such an innocent time.
shit, i didn't even answer the question asked to me. i feel bad, lol.

When i think of the X-forums the last thing that comes to mind is innocent lol

[Cyke]

I just don't see the point. It's supposed to be about the art, not about the specific heritage of whose behind it. A comic by Jim Lee and Travis Charest respectively may not be the same, but a comic by Jim Lee and Frank Cho isn't, either.

One of the problems in the current industry is that there are quite a few talented Asian American writers, artists, editors, and other creatives, but a severely disproportionate amount of Asian characters. To DC and Marvel's credit, those two companies are helping to turn the tide -- the new Atom and Amadeus Cho come to mind -- but it still remains along with large amounts of stereotyping.

Additionally, there are also stories that any heritage can bring. I recommend reading Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology, full of stories that not only make the case for increased creative output, but also the need for fairer media representation as well, as well as stories that bring to light significant social and historical issues facing the Asian American community. A number of Asian American pros from DC, Marvel, Image and more companies (all with the companies' consent) join with many budding and amateur creators to make that book.

Besides, if nothing else, it's a great read for a lazy Sunday afternoon.