They Call Us Bruce 228: They Call Us Lunar New Year 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 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.

They Call Us Bruce 140: They Call Us The Good Asian

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 Pornsak Pichetshote, creator of the noir crime comic book The Good Asian. We discuss the inspiration behind his Chinese American detective Edison Hark, the real-life history at heart of this hard-boiled mystery, and why The Good Asian, set in 1930s Chinatown, feels like a tale for modern times.

They Call Us Bruce 126: They Call Us The Asian Superhero Celebration

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 DC Comics Editor Jessica Chen, the mastermind behind DC Festival of Heroes: The Asian Superhero Celebration, a new comics anthology spotlighting Asian superheroes and creators. We discuss why superhero representation matters and do some deep-cut nerding out over Batgirl, Samurai, Jim Lee and more.

Is Big Hero 6 Coming to the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

Rumor has it, characters from 'Big Hero 6' will make their live-action debut in the MCU.



Big Hero 6 Characters Coming To The MCU
This is an entirely unconfirmed rumor, but according to The DisInsider, characters from Disney's Big Hero 6 will be making their live-action debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Which characters? Hiro Hamada? Baymax, surely. Details are scant, if this is to be believed at all. The 2014 animated feature, loosely based on the Marvel Comics miniseries of the same name, followed the adventures of a high-tech superteam in the hybrid city of San Fransokyo. It was followed by Disney animated series, which recently aired its final episode. Again, this is just a rumor, but it would be cool as hell to see these characters make the leap to live action.

Chinatown Detective Hunts a Serial Killer in 'The Good Asian'

New comic book series from Pornsak Pichetshote and Alexandre Tefenkgi.



Exclusive Preview of The Good Asian
Acclaimed comic book creators Pornsak Pichetshote and Alexandre Tefenkgi are teaming up to launch their latest comic book series, The Good Asian, due out this May from Image Comics. The series follows a hardboiled Chinese American detective named Edison Hark as he hunts for a serial killer in 1936 Chinatown. With systemic racism running rampant, Hark and the characters face the harsh realities living under the Chinese Exclusion Act, the first immigration ban in American history. Check out the preview here.

"It's getting harder to keep my head down."

A comic on citizenship by Jin Fang.



Jin Fang is officially an American. The Austin-based artist and illustrator, who was born in Hong Kong, became a U.S. citizen on Thursday -- the first American in her family. Although she's grown up and lived in the United States for most of her life, she only recently went through the tedious, painstaking process of naturalization.

On Twitter, posted a comic sharing with her thoughts on becoming a citizen, the political factors that both worried and inspired her decision, and what pushed her to finally find her voice and take action.

"I'd be lying if I said worry or fear didn't factor into my (and my family's) decision to naturalize," Jin tweeted. "We notice xenophobic and anti-immigrant sentiment rising, we see the consequences of this administration's actions on the most vulnerable communities."

She also embraces her privilege and duty to vote -- and encourages others not to take this responsibility lightly.

"Even if your politics don't align with mine, please go vote. As someone who's had to jump through hoops to get this right, it's frustrating to see voter turnout rates (especially in Texas, wtf!)"

Check it out:

Marvel's Editor-in-Chief once wrote under the pseudonym "Akira Yoshida."

White guy C.B. Cebulski wrote a number of comics while pretending to be Japanese.



From Vulture: In what is surely one of the most bizarre stories to come out of the comics industry in recent years, incoming Marvel Comics editor-in-chief C.B. Cebulski -- a Caucasian person -- has copped to writing under the Japanese-sounding pseudonym "Akira Yoshida" in the mid-aughts.

The revelation comes after a few days of speculation and scrutiny from the comics commentariat and was first confirmed to news site Bleeding Cool, then subsequently to Vulture. Cebulski had previously lied to Bleeding Cool journalist Rich Johnston, saying Yoshida was a real person; he created a fake backstory for an interview with comics site CBR; and executives at Marvel once met with someone they believed was Yoshida, but was in fact a Japanese translator who happened to be visiting the offices. Yes, really.

More here: Marvel's New Editor-in-Chief Admits Writing Under Japanese Pseudonym 'Akira Yoshida'

Wings, Guns and Magic! Preview Greg Pak's KINGSWAY WEST #2

Guest Post by Greg Pak



I grew up as a biracial Korean American kid in Texas who always loved Westerns. So when I learned about the actual history of the Chinese in the Old West, my head popped off, and for over two decades, I've been obsessed with writing a story about a Chinese gunslinger in the Old West.

Last Wednesday, my dreams came true when the first issue of my Dark Horse comic book series Kingsway West hit stores. Kingsway West tells the story of a Chinese gunslinger searching for his wife in an Old West overrun with magic, and I've been pretty much blown away by the response of readers and reviewers. I'm particularly grateful to Angry Asian Man and all the readers right here on this blog who supported the book from the minute it was announced way back in July 2015. So I'm thrilled to bring you a six page lettered preview of issue #2, written by yours truly, drawn by the great Mirko Colak, colored by the brilliant Wil Quintana, and lettered by the awesome Simon Bowland!

Kingsway West #1 is in comic stores right now -- pick it up at your local shop or buy it digitally at Comixology. Kingsway West #2 comes out on September 21 -- please feel free to ask your local shop to hold a copy for you!

'A Challenge' re-imagines Bruce Lee's most famous fight

Serialized graphic novel tells the story of three friends in 1964 San Francisco Chinatown. And Bruce Lee.



At long last! Artist Jeremy Arambulo has dropped the latest (and long-awaited) chapter of his original eight-part serial web graphic novel A Challenge, a fictionalized re-imagining of Bruce Lee's most famous fight. Set in San Francisco's Chinatown, the story centers on Jack, Frank and Nancy -- three friends whose lives are changed after they meet the young martial artist, circa 1964. In Chapter 6, we finally get to the legendary confrontation.

Here's a preview of Chapter 6, "Jack vs. Bruce":

"Why can't we have one white superhero?" said no one ever.

Joshua Luna's comic imagines the 'Iron Fist' casting scenario in an alternate dimension.



Many of us who were following the casting of Marvel's upcoming Iron Fist Netflix series were disappointed when news broke that some white dude named Finn Jones would play the title role of Danny Rand.

Inspired by this thoughtful plea by Keith Chow of The Nerds of Color, over the last two years a vocal fan movement had swelled and rallied around the possibility of an Asian American Iron Fist. While Danny Rand has traditionally been depicted as white in the comic books, there is no legitimate reason why he had to be played by a white actor. This could have been an interesting opportunity to cast an Asian American actor in the lead role, and complicate and reclaim some of the more problematic, orientalist elements of the character's mythos.

It was a nice thought. But alas, Danny Rand will be white and it's business as usual. Some people had some gripes about that. And of course, some people had gripes about the people with gripes.

Comic book creator Joshua Luna, best known for his work as a co-creator and writer of such books as Ultra, Girls and The Sword with his brother Jonathan Luna, recently posted a funny comic offering his take on the Iron Fist casting. Imagine, if you will, an alternate dimension...

Read Chapter 5 of Jeremy Arambulo's 'A Challenge'

Serialized graphic novel tells the story of three friends in 1964 San Francisco Chinatown. And Bruce Lee.



Check it. Artist Jeremy Arambulo just released the long-awaited latest chapter of his serial web graphic novel A Challenge. Set in 1964, in San Francisco's Chinatown, the story centers on three friends whose lives are changed after they meet a martial artist named Bruce Lee. In Chapter 5, tensions rise between friends as a misunderstanding leads to a physical confrontation, prompting Jack to issue a challenge.

Here a preview of Chapter 5, "Frank Loses It":

Conversations with My Parents in <Chinese> & English

Guest Post by Connie Sun



I'm on vacation! This week, I'm taking a much-needed break to recharge the batteries and get a change of scenery. To keep things going around here, I've enlisted the help of several friends of the blog to submit guest posts on various topics of their choosing. Here's a comic strip from Connie Sun.

There is nothing more central to my Asian-American identity than trying to hold on to enough Chinese to communicate with my immigrant parents.

Nat Wolff to star in live-action 'Death Note' adaptation

Another popular Japanese manga gets the Hollywood whitewash.



Another Japanese manga gets the Hollywood whitewash! Actor Nat Wolff is reportedly in talks to star in Warner Brothers' live-action adaptation of Death Note, based on the popular manga series.

'Paper Towns'' Nat Wolff to Star in Adam Wingard's 'Death Note'

Wolff, whose previous credits include Paper Towns and The Fault in Our Stars, is in final negotiations to star in the supernatural thriller Death Note, adapted from the hit manga series by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata.

In Death Note, a high school student named Light Yagami discovers a mysterious notebook that allows him to kill anyone simply by writing the victim's name. When Light meets the notebook's previous owner, a demon called Ryuk bent on ridding the world of anyone it deems evil or useless, he ends up tracked by Interpol and a world-famous detective investigating the unexplainable deaths of several criminals.

So... Nat Wolff is going to be playing Light Yagami?

Read Chapter 4 of Jeremy Arambulo's 'A Challenge'

Serialized graphic novel tells the story of three friends in 1964 San Francisco Chinatown.



After much delay, artist Jeremy Arambulo has dropped the latest installment of his serial web graphic novel A Challenge. Set in 1964, in San Francisco's Chinatown, the story centers on three friends whose lives are changed after they meet a martial artist named Bruce Lee. In Chapter 4, things heat up when Frank takes Nancy out to celebrate her big news. If you haven't been following, catch up on the story so far here.

Here's a preview of Chapter 4, "Caught Up In The Rapture":

Comics & Graphic Vignettes - From Scribble to Strip, July 11

With Wendy Xu and Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, presented by the Asian American Writers' Workshop


If you're in New York City this weekend, and want to learn how to make comics, check out this one-time workshop with comics artists Wendy Xu and Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, Comics & Graphic Vignettes - From Scribble to Strip, presented by the Asian American Writers' Workshop. They'll be reading, discussing, and drawing all things comics. Come nerd out with them. It's happening Saturday, July 11 in Manhattan.

Here are some more details:

American Pathology: A Cartoon by Vishavjit Singh

#charlestonshooting #domesticterrorism


Artist's Statement:

The tragedy in Charleston, South Carolina is troubling enough, but in many ways what has been revealed and transpired since as a response is indicative of a deeper malady. As a cartoonist, there are so many threads to catch on here and beat on a culprit, be it the perpetrator, right wingers, supremacist groups, political forces............ But ultimately it is our collective pathology to acknowledge, recognize and ultimately heal.

Related links:

It’s Media Terrorism to Deny Charleston Was About Race - TIME (June 20, 2015)
White Terrorism Is as Old as America - New York Times (June 19, 2015)
Charleston, Dylann Roof and the racism of millennials - Washington Post (June 18, 2015)


Vishavjit Singh is the nation's first and only turbaned/bearded editorial cartoonist. He got his spark for cartooning following the upheaval filled days after 9/11. He brings turbanful characters to life on the 2-D pages of his computer aided by his right indexed finger on a touchpad. His works can be consumed at Sikhtoons.com.


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Read the latest chapter of 'A Challenge'

Jeremy Arambulo's serialized graphic novel tells the story of three friends in 1964 San Francisco Chinatown.



Yes! Cartoonist Jeremy Arambulo just released the latest installment of his original graphic novelist A Challenge. Set in San Francisco's Chinatown in 1964, the story follows three young friends whose lives are changed after they meet a martial artist named Bruce Lee. I'm really enjoying it so far.

In Chapter 3, Frank gets his butt kicked, and the gang attempts to drum up some much-needed publicity for Jack's martial arts school. Meanwhile, Bruce Lee's notoriety grows.

Here are a couple of pages from Chapter 3:

An Open Letter to Asian American TV Watchers

'Fresh On The Air' by Jeff Yang and Louie Chin



The premiere of Fresh Off The Boat is almost upon us. It's been widely touted as the first Asian American family on network television in over twenty years, and that is a big a deal. Among other milestones, the show heralds the screen debut of Hudson Yang, the eldest son of my good friend Jeff Yang, as young Eddie Huang. So you could say this is a pretty big week for the Yang family.

The show's already getting great reviews. Here, Jeff makes an appeal -- as Asian American culture watcher, and as a proud dad -- asking you to give Fresh Off The Boat a chance. An open letter in comic form:

Robin Ha's 'Banchan' Comics Will Make You Hungry

By Keith Chow. Cross-posted from The Nerds of Color.



Last weekend, at Baltimore Comic-Con, I had the opportunity to run in to several members of the SIUniverse fam in attendance. One of the alums I visited with was artist Robin Ha, who was exhibiting in Artist Alley for the first time. Not only was it great to catch up — however briefly — but it was also an opportunity to get a print copy of Banchan in Two Pages, a pretty cool recipe comic she's been updating on the tumblr of the same name.

Read the first chapter of Jeremy Arambulo's 'A Challenge'

New comic tells the story of three young friends in 1964 San Francisco Chinatown



This is awesome. Artist Jeremy Arambulo just dropped the first chapter of his new comic, A Challenge.

Set in San Francisco's Chinatown in 1964, the comic centers on three young friends whose lives are changed after they meet a martial artist named Bruce Lee. Jeremy says the comic was inspired by the true story of Lee's most famous fight with rival Wong Jack Man. 'A Challenge' will be serialized bimonthly in eight parts, with a new chapter every two months.

Here are the first couple of pages of the comic: