Like so many art forms that have grown and spread throughout the global audiences, comic books have been one of the most successful medium that have brought us a variety of influences. Including Marvel, DC comics or even Manga, this unique medium has inspired hit blockbuster movies and led to other artists creating their own style of expression. International scene aside, what do most people know about the comic scene in Singapore?
Image via Epigram Books
Take a look at The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye, a comic novel that explores the changing political and economic environment during Singapore’s coming-of-age years in the mid-20th century, was a well-executed story that could be explored and read. It’s author, artist-illustrator Sonny Liew, has the unique ability to say something of value about the issues he feels strongly about, and conveys it through the evocative nature of his art.
Although this book revolves around the political history of Singapore, this masterpiece of work is a virtuosic display of different comics styles, ranging from American sci-fi comics to Japanese manga. In our interview with Sonny, he shared with us his inspirations and intentions with his book, as well as his advice for any inspiring artist.
What inspired you to create this book? Did you struggle in any years or did it come easy to you?
I’d always been vaguely aware that there were contesting accounts that challenged the dominant historical narrative here in Singapore, so I wanted to try to get to grips with things, and to see if I could craft a story around whatever understanding emerged, in a form that would be interesting.
I’d been reading book on comics, and realised that any account of comics also needed some background information on the places and times they were created in, so the came to me that it would be interesting to flip the idea on its head and have a narrative about Singapore’s history that was on its surface an account of its comics history, especially if that comics history was made-up.
I’d say the narrative itself – trying to find ways of putting the book together that was both formally interesting but also remained compelling – that was probably the biggest challenge during the process, aside from any practical considerations about paying the bills.
Would you say the book is a true representative of Singapore’s history or was it merely a personal perspective?
I’d like to think it’s a more inclusive account of our history – one that reflects the richness of Singapore’s past. Though there wasn’t much primary research, the book was fact checked based on existing accounts. At the end of the day, the main hope is that the book can encourage a critical approach to any representation – to raise awareness that we shouldn’t take historical narratives at face value.
Are there any artists / writers you turn to for inspiration?
Too many to list… At some level though, I think I’d like to do what David Simon (creator of the TV series The Wire) has been able to do – which is to combine a mastery of storytelling with a certain urgency and engagement with real world issues. In terms of comics, a shortlist would include: Bill Watterson, Chris Ware, Jiro Taniguchi, Yoshiharu Tsgue, Daniel Clowes, Seth… Though there really are too many to list.
What do you hope to gain / achieve from this project?
I’ve always hoped to be able to work on more personal projects, but finding the time and space for longer narratives has been a challenge over the years. This book was in many ways a moon-shot for me – for most part living off savings whilst working on 2 year long project, in order to create the kind of book I was interested in . For all sorts of reasons, it’s worked out quite well, and I think the success of the book, along with my work on projects like The Shadow Hero and Doctor Fate, has brought new opportunities for me to try to work on similar things in the future.
If a young beginner came up to you asking for advice on how to get started in writing, what advice would you give them?
I’d say its a craft with unlimited possibilities, and that you have to be willing to put your work out there, despite all the insecurities and fears that we all face – it is only through the process of creating stories and getting reactions and feedback that we start to get better at the craft.
Image via Epigram Books
Find out more about Sonny Liew and his work at his blog here!
