celebrate the launch of gene luen yang's level up

Our friend Gene Luen Yang's new graphic novel Level Up, with Thien Pham, hits shelves next week. It's a great little magical-realist coming-of-age tale that blends video games, med school, stifling parental pressure and a little bit of fantasy -- all the stuff good Asian American stories are made of.

It's another great yarn from Gene, who is no doubt channeling some of his own anxieties into the narrative. Thien Pham's art is deceptively simple, but the story practically demands it; it's hard not to get drawn into the subdued watercolor journey of our troubled hero Dennis Ouyang. It's a great book.

And come on, you gotta love a book cover that models itself after a Nintendo Game Boy. To celebrate the launch of Level Up, they've got a bunch of events planned -- readings, signings, presentations, parties. Even an "epic draw-off." Gene is calling it Level Up Awareness Month. Here's the schedule of events:

LEVEL UP LAUNCH PARTY, SF
What: Book signing and art show to celebrate the release of Level Up
When: Friday 6/3/11 at 6pm
Where: Mission: Comics and Art, 3520 20th St. Suite B, San Francisco, CA 94110

YANG VS. PHAM: EPIC DRAW-OFF
What: Who’s better at making comics, Gene Luen Yang or Thien Pham? Come find out.
When: Saturday 6/4/11 at 2pm
Where: Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff, 2980 Treat Blvd, Concord, CA 94518
UPDATE: Flying Colors is offering 25% off anything in their store during our event! Coupon here!

READING AT BARNES & NOBLE
What: Reading and book signing for Level Up
When: Tuesday 6/7/11 at 7pm
Where: Barnes & Noble, 5604 Bay Street, Emeryville, CA 94608

PRESENTATION AT BOOKSMART FESTIVAL
What: Talk by Gene about American Born Chinese and Level Up at BooksmART Festival
When: Saturday 6/11/11
Where: Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 North Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201

PRESENTATION AT TEEN 'SCAPE
What: Presentation about making comics and pursuing your dreams
When: Friday 6/17/11 at 4pm
Where: LA Public Library – Central Library, 630 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071

LEVEL UP LAUNCH PARTY, LA
What: Book signing and party to celebrate the release of Level Up
When: Friday 6/17/11 at 7pm
Where: The Secret Headquarters, 3817 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

TALK AT PASADENA LIBRARY
What: Presentation about making comics and pursuing your dreams
When: Saturday 6/18/11 at 11am
Where: Hastings Branch of Pasadena Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove, Pasadena, CA 91107

Comics! Makes plans, and come out and celebrate a great graphic novel. You can also pre-order Level Up right now on Amazon. For more information about the book, head over to Gene Luen Yang's website. Also read this cool article from East Bay Express: On Asian Parenting: 'Level Up' Seeks Middle Ground .