If you’re a comic fan, you’ll be delighted to know that this May, The Curve Mutiara Damansara is hosting an exhibition which may just tickle your fancy.
For the first time ever, Malaysian and Hong Kong comic artists have come together to make the Malaysia-Hong Kong International Comic Week (ICW) 2024 a success.
What can comic fans expect to see? Classic Hong Kong comic book lovers will be in for a treat as certain household names are featured.
These include “Dao Jian Xiao” (The Three Swordsmen), “Ba Dao” (Tyrant Sword), “Quan Wang” (King of Fighters) as well as many other stylish works of art.
Additionally, there will be appearances by Jack Fung Chi-Ming, a big name in the Hong Kong comic industry, as well as other popular Hong Kong artists such as Jeffrey Kwong.
Kwong told FMT Lifestyle he is honoured to have been invited to Malaysia and is pleased to meet his local fanbase.
The sci-fi and fantasy comic artist said: “Being a comic artist is different from other office jobs. It takes a lot of sacrifice of your personal life to keep a regular output.”
Of course, Malaysian comic artists will also have their time in the spotlight, with Olive Yong and Black Jellyfish present to meet fans.
Miin, a local comic artist, told FMT Lifestyle that it was a powerful moment to see his artwork on display.
“I’m a comic artist who always seeks improvement. I don’t stay in my comfort zone; hence my art style is different from other series.”
He also said he would be delighted to return for future events as getting exposure and meeting fans as well as other artists was always rewarding.
All in all, there will be up to 180 reproductions of original works on display, with about 10 creators from Malaysia and Hong Kong present on-site.
During the launch of ICW on May 2, deputy communications minister Teo Nie Ching said that Malaysian society has, in the past, been influenced by Hong Kong culture and media.
“In fact, the Old Master Q comics were so popular at one point, every Malaysian at the barber will have come across it!”
In her speech, she also expressed her hope that the comradery formed between Malaysian comic artists and their Hong Kong counterparts at the event would lead to future productive cooperation.
FMT Lifestyle also spoke with Lau Shaw Ming, president of the Malaysia Creative IP Association.
He told FMT that the event was finalised just three weeks ago, making the lead-up to the event the “shortest curatorial work of my career”.
The event, he said, is aimed at introducing Malaysian and Hong Kong comics to the wider public while encouraging people to turn their creative ideas into successful businesses.
“We aim to strengthen the relationship between creative ideas and both the private sector and government, with the goal of developing more high-quality Malaysian IPs in the future.”
He said that the local comic artists featured in the event are well-known among younger Malaysians, beloved for their distinctive art styles.
“As for the Hong Kong comic artists, we’re aiming for a balance by promoting both new authors and classic works,” he said. Event organisers are expecting up to 20,000 people to attend.
He added that future comic artists must master more than just drawing, as business acumen was a vital tool for success.
While Malaysia has much to catch up on, there is still promise within the country. “As long as we create good works and implement the right strategies, I believe we can improve and succeed.”
Admission to the event is free. Click here for more information.
The Curve
6, Jalan PJU 7/3
Mutiara Damansara
47810 Petaling Jaya
Selangor