Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.
What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.
In this episode, we welcome graphic novel superstars Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham, who have joined forces for Lunar New Year Love Story, a heartwarming rom-com about fate, family, and falling in love. They talk about Gene's real-life origins of merging Valentine's Day and Lunar New Year celebrations, the bad dates and relationships that inspired some of their characters' turmoil, and the natural pan-Asian diversity that infuses the cast and community narrative of Lunar New Love Story.
Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.
What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.
In this episode, we welcome writer Sarah Kuhn and artist Arielle Jovellanos, whose new original DC young adult graphic novel Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story re-imagines Lois Lane as an Asian American teen tackling a summer internship in the big city. They talk about finding your people, putting an Asian American twist on a beloved legacy character, the dreaded drawing of cars and crowds, and re-directing the scent of stinky lunchbox moments.
Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.
What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.
In this episode, we welcome Eric Nguyen and Scott Burman, creators of White Savior, a hilarious comic book spoof of white savior stories (à la The Last Samurai, The Great Wall). They talk about their creative partnership, the unique confidence of white guys, and why the time was right for a samurai skewering of this tired and tiring narrative trope.
First look at 'Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story' by Sarah Kuhn and Arielle Jovellanos.
If you were like me, growing up as an Asian American consumer of comic books, you sometimes had to crane your neck to find representation within those four-color panels. And sometimes, intended or not, it was right there in front of you in plain black ink. I can't be the only one who interpreted Superman's canonically black hair as a signifier of Asian-ness -- by way of Krypton, of course. (Kal-El is an immigrant, don't ya know?)
For writer Sarah Kuhn, it was Lois Lane, intrepid reporter for the Daily Planet.
"Lois Lane is my idol — as a kid, I imprinted on her immediately and dreamed of becoming a hard-charging reporter on a quest for the truth (who also gets burgers and freshly squeezed orange juice delivered to her desk at 9 am)." Sarah says. "I was always desperately searching for some tiny scrap of representation in the stories I loved and Lois had dark hair, so sometimes I'd fantasize that she was Asian American -- like me."
Sarah, whose previous work includes the Cassandra Cain story Shadow of the Batgirl, gets to realize that fantasy in her upcoming original graphic novel, Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story, due out in April 2023. Part of the DC Graphic Novels for Young Adults line, with art by Arielle Jovellanos, the book reimagines Lois Lane as an Asian American teenager -- a small town girl with a big city summer internship trying to get a handle on friendship, romance and a burgeoning career.
I'm pleased to share this first look at preview pages from Girl Taking Over:
Gene Luen Yang on the corniness and coolness of Captain America -- the hero who is a flag on the move.
"The hero who dresses like the American flag. You can't get much cornier than that." As a young comic book reader, Gene Luen Yang didn't think much of Captain America. To be honest, he summarily dismissed Marvel Comics' star-spangled superhero as a dork -- and certainly nowhere near as cool as the X-Men.
But over time, Gene's relationship to Cap has evolved -- much like the flag, and America itself. In his foreword to the new Penguin Classics Marvel Collection edition of CAPTAIN AMERICA, the award-winning comic book creator shares about coming around to the appeal of Captain America's undeniable dorkiness, and his connection to Cap as a fellow child of immigrants. We're delighted to share Gene's foreword here:
And Other Things to Know From Angry Asian America.
Pilipino Workers Center's Zoom Town Hall Hacked by Racists
The Pilipino Workers Center works with the Filipino community in Southern California, providing resources, immigration assistance, housing support and fighting trafficking. This week, they were holding a COVID-19 town hall via Zoom when they were hacked by white supremacists who interrupted the proceedings, yelling and writing Nazi slogans and pro-Trump messages. See the video here and find out how to fight back.
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Give Essential
Give Essential, created by Dartmouth College roommates Amy Guan and Rine Uhm, is an online matching platform that helps connect essential workers with supplies from donors. Give Essential lets you send your extra household items directly to an essential worker who needs them, providing a way to support the frontline from your home. If you have any supplies or funds to share, you can help. Find out more here.
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COVID-19 Advocacy Leads to an Assembly Run for Francesca Hong
"If I don't fight for my business, if I don't fight for the industry, if I don't fight for individuals who are affected by this industry... it's a chain reaction, what happens if our businesses fail. If I don't at least try to fight for that from a political level, I don't think I would be fighting for my business and my family."
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'House Of Ho,' The 'Crazy Rich Asians'-Inspired Docuseries, Is Coming Soon
I don't want to watch this. But I want to watch this. "The House of Ho is a multigenerational family docusoap that chronicles the lives of a wealthy Vietnamese American family in Houston, Texas. Led by patriarch Binh Ho and his wife Hue Ho -- two immigrants from Vietnam who’ve built a multi-million empire and seem to be living the height of the American Dream -- the half-hour comedy will explore their lavish lifestyles and the drama that ensues as their two adult children, Judy and Washington, attempt to live up to their parents' expectations." The House of Ho premieres on HBO Max on July 16.
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Superman Smashes the Klan
The graphic novel Superman Smashes the Klan is now available as a full collected edition. Inspired by the 1940s Superman radio serial "Clan of the Fiery Cross," writer Gene Luen Yang and artist Gurihiru bring us a personal retelling of two different immigrants finding ways to belong. The year is 1946. Teenagers Roberta and Tommy Lee just moved with their parents from Chinatown to the center of Metropolis, home to the famous hero, Superman. Tommy makes friends quickly, while Roberta pines for home. Then one night, the family awakens to find their house surrounded by the Klan of the Fiery Kross! Superman leaps into action, but his exposure to a mysterious green rock has left him weak. Can Roberta and Tommy help him smash the Klan?
And Other Things to Know From Angry Asian America.
Trump Appears to Equate Chinatown with China
In a tweet posted Thursday, Donald Trump appeared to equate people from Chinatown with those from China. Trump shared a video from February in which House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose district includes San Francisco's Chinatown, advocates for people to visit the neighborhood three weeks before the state issued stay-at-home orders because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He accused Pelosi of encouraging people to "pack" Chinatown after his administration had restricted flights from China weeks ahead of the news conference, tweeting "She wanted everyone to pack into Chinatown long after I closed the BORDER TO CHINA. Based on her statement, she is responsible for many deaths. She's an incompetent, third-rate politician!"
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Federal Agencies Are Doing Little About the Rise in Anti-Asian Hate
Researchers are reporting an alarming surge in anti-Asian racism related to COVID-19 that started more than two months ago. But neither the Justice Department nor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have announced efforts to prevent the public targeting of Asians, which ranges from bias incidents to hate crimes. Both agencies were quick to act in similar situations: the CDC during the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak and the Justice Department after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
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Doctor Becomes Victim Of COVID-19 Racism. How We Should Respond
"These times are saturated with fear, high tensions and irrational blaming. Many historical prejudices that Asian Americans have faced have been exposed and magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic. How can we reverse these trends and foster a culture of respect, understanding and equality? And more importantly, what are specific actions that institutions should take to protect their healthcare workers and instill a culture of change within their systems and surrounding communities?"
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Join the Give In May Campaign
Give In May is a giving campaign to support nonprofits across the nation who are dedicated to addressing the needs of the Asian American & Pacific Islander community. The campaign will help fund services and programs for children, youth, families and seniors from 25+ ethnic groups that provide assistance for issues such as education access, food security, housing, domestic violence, poverty and health.
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Superman Smashes the Klan
Check out this amazing trailer for DC's Superman Smashes the Klan. The year is 1946, and the Lee family has moved from Metropolis' Chinatown to the center of the bustling city. While Dr. Lee is greeted warmly in his new position at the Metropolis Health Department, his two kids, Roberta and Tommy, are more excited about being closer to their famous hero, Superman! Inspired by the 1940s Superman radio serial "Clan of the Fiery Cross," Gene Luen Yang brings us his personal retelling of the adventures of the Lee family as they team up with Superman to smash the Klan.
Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.
What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.
On this episode, we welcome back our good friend, acclaimed graphic novelist Gene Luen Yang. He talks about his latest books Dragon Hoops, which follows the true story of a high school basketball team's championship season, and Superman Smashes the Klan, which pits the Man of Steel against hooded racists.
Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.
What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.
On this episode -- back from an unintended extended hiatus -- we welcome writer/filmmaker Tze Chun, who talks about his journey from directing independent film to writing for network television, to his latest venture, co-founding the new comic book publisher TKO Studios.
'Baby Cobra' comedian will play a supporting role in DC's female-centered superhero movie.
Ali Wong has nabbed a supporting role in the upcoming DC superhero movie Birds of Prey.
According to The Wrap, the Baby Cobra comedian will reportedly play an associate of Rosie Perez's Renee Montoya in the Gotham police force. I don't suppose there's any chance that she'll play a nunchuck-wielding superhero (or villain) actually named "Baby Cobra"? That would be fun.
Wong, who voiced Felony in Disney's animated hit Ralph Breaks the Internet, is currently a series regular on ABC's American Housewife, and released her second Netflix special Hard Knock Wife earlier this year. She also co-wrote and stars opposite Randall Park in the upcoming Netflix romantic comedy Always Be My Maybe.
The studio has hired Dave Callaham to write the screenplay.
At long last, an Asian superhero is getting their own Marvel movie. Marvel Studios is fast-tracking Shang-Chi, aka The Master of Kung Fu, to be its first superhero movie tentpole franchise with an Asian protagonist.
The studio has reportedly set Dave Callaham, who is Chinese American, to write the screenplay, and is looking for an Asian or Asian American director to helm the potential blockbuster.
According to Deadline, they're looking to give Shang-Chi the Black Panther treatment: "introduce a new hero who blends Asian and Asian American themes, crafted by Asian and Asian American filmmakers."
Looking fairly badass on this banner art for New York Comic Con.
Here is your first look, sort of, at Daniel Dae Kim as Ben Daimio in the upcoming new Hellboy movie. Check out this badass banner art displayed this weekend at the Dark Horse Comics booth at New York Comic Con. Amidst all the fangs and wings and hooves and other ungodly beasts, there's a decent glimpse of DDK, weapon drawn, rocking Daimio's scarred face and looking fairly badass.
Actor, author and activist George Takei, best known for playing Sulu in Star Trek, is teaming with IDW Publishing for a new graphic memoir about his childhood in American internment camps during World War II.
They Called Us Enemy revisits Takei's haunting childhood in American concentration camps, as one of 120,000 Japanese Americans imprisoned by the U.S. government during World War II. To be released in summer 2019, the memoir will be co-written by Takei, Justin Eisinger and Steven Scott, with art from Harmony Becker.
Gene Luen Yang joins the roster of DC Comics' new imprints aimed at young readers.
Battling racists? This is a job for Superman! DC Comics recently announced two new youth-oriented original graphic novel imprints, DC Ink, which will focus on young adult readers, and DC Zoom, which will focus on middle grade readers. Both imprints will feature work by an acclaimed, all-star roster of talent, but one title in particular caught our attention: Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang.
There's not a lot to go on yet, outside of DC's press release, but the title alone instantly conjures up imagery of the Man of Steel punching out white hooded assholes. And that's kind of fun. Story-wise, it might be the kind of thing that gives you pause -- racism is real; will these themes be handles with some sensitivity?
Then you see that Gene Luen Yang is writing it, and it's allllll good. That's all I need to know.
"If anyone can make a bold statement with Superman, it is Gene Yang," Michele Wells, the vice president for content strategy at DC, told The New York Times.
Green Hornet #1 hits stands in March 2018 from Dynamite Entertainment.
Writer Amy Chu is tackling a new Green Hornet comic book series for Dynamite Entertainment, continuing the legacy of the classic pulp vigilante and promising an exciting, modern new take on Green Hornet universe. With art by German Erramouspe, the upcoming series is set for release in March 2018.
Chu picks up where Dynamite's 2010 Kevin Smith series left off, with a new mystery.
Britt Reid Jr., the scion of the Daily Sentinel publishing empire, vanishes during a wild party on his friend's yacht. Meanwhile, crime spikes on the streets of Century City with the mysterious criminal/secret vigilante the Green Hornet absent. It's only a matter of time before someone puts two and two together, and it's up to Kato, former partner of Britt's father, and his daughter Mulan to protect the city and the Green Hornet legacy, while finding out what happened to Britt.
Upcoming live action TV series based on the DC Comics title.
Looks like we have a Beast Boy! Ryan Potter has been cast in the series regular role of Beast Boy in Titans, the upcoming live-action TV series adaptation based on the popular DC Comics title.
Titans follows a group of "soon-to-be superheroes from every corner of the DC Universe." Recruited by Dick Grayson (Brenton Thwaites), this fearless band of new heroes includes Starfire (Anna Diop), Raven (Teagan Croft), and of course, Garfield "Gar" Logan, aka Beast Boy.
As a child, Gar contracted a lethal disease on an African safari with his geneticist parents, only to experience some "bizarre side effects" after being treated with an experimental drug. In addition to his skin and hair turning permanently green, the wisecracking, fun-loving Beast Boy is able to transform himself into animals of any size.
Open auditions for the live-action adaptation of DC Comics' Teen Titans.
Want to play a superhero on TV? Note: you might have to be green. And I'm not talking about the Hulk.
Casting directors are currently searching high and low for an Asian teen to star in Titans, a live-action adaptation of DC Comics' Teen Titans from Warner Bros. Television/DC Entertainment.
The open casting call from Rapaport/Baldasare Casting seeks a 13 to 15 year old Asian male to play the series regular role of "Jax," who is described as "funny, self-deprecating and charming."
Samurai Captain America Meisho Manga Realization Action Figure by Bandai Tamashii Nations
What do you get when you mix Captain America with a samurai warrior? Wait, why would you do such a thing? It does not matter. It has been done. The Samurai Captain America Meisho Manga Realization Action Figure from Bandai Tamashii Nations re-imagines Marvel's star-spangled superhero as a samurai warrior.
Standing about 6 9/10-inches, Samurai Captain America features a distinctive winged helmet and scale armor inspired by Cap's traditional red, white and blue Nazi-kicking super-uniform, remixed by sculptor Takeyuki Takeya. His chest star emblem is removable and becomes a throwing star. The figure includes four optional hands, shield parts and sword parts.
The Marvel Samurai Captain America Meisho Manga Realization Action Figure will be available in February 2018. You can pre-order it now for $89.99 from Entertainment Earth.
"It is our responsibility to make moral decisions in difficult times and to give voice to inclusivity."
Well, this is a surprise... Actor Ed Skrein has stepped down from his role in the upcoming Hellboy movie reboot after his casting set off massive outcry over yet another instance of Hollywood whitewashing.
News broke last week that Skrein had joined the cast of Hellboy: Rise of the Blood Queen as Major Ben Daimio, a character who is Asian American in the comic books. This, of course, unleashed all kinds of internet fury. A white guy takes a role that clearly should have gone to an Asian actor. We'd been down this road before.
But here's what we haven't seen: a white actor stepping down from a role out of conscience and solidarity. Skrein's exit from Hellboy has to be the first time an actor has removed himself from such a high-profile project in response to public criticism. Hey, Scarlett Johansson, take some notes.
Skrein announced that he was leaving the project on Twitter.
'Hellboy' movie reboot casts Some White Dude as a Japanese American character.
At this point, they can't even pretend to give a shit.
This week, news broke that actor Ed Skrein has joined the cast of the upcoming Hellboy reboot, Rise of the Blood Queen, as Ben Daimio, who is Asian American in the comic books. Yes, in the illustrious Hollywood tradition of pretending Asian actors don't exist, yet another white guy will play an Asian character.
In the Hellboy comic books, Ben Daimio is a severely scarred former marine officer who works for the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense. Due to supernatural encounter in the field, he has the ability to transform into a monstrous, jaguar-like creature under extreme stress.
Daimio's Japanese American heritage actually plays a significant part in the character's development and backstory. In B.P.R.D.: Killing Ground, Daimio's loyalty is called into question when it is revealed that his grandmother was an Imperial Japanese agent known as The Crimson Lotus. As history has shown, Japanese Americans have a little experience with their loyalty being unjustly called into question by the government.
So yeah, this character is Asian American. But who the hell is Ed Skrein?
