Speech Bubble - A Celebration of Comics in Singapore, 2 to 30 September 2016

Next month, the Red Dot Island comics scene will be given the spotlight in a special almost month-long event called Speech Bubble held at Basement 1 of the National Library, from 2 to 30 September.

Organized by media company Potato Productions and local comic book artist Sonny Liew. Sonny has also been in the spotlight in recent times, mainly due to the accolades he received for his brilliant brainchild, "The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye". "The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye" won the Singapore Literature Prize for fiction this year - the first graphic novel to receive such a recognition!

Speech Bubble event consists of an exhibition of original works, books and comics-related collectors items, like those by featured artists Johnny Lau, who is best known for the iconic Mr Kiasu comic series, and pioneer Malaysian artist Nora Abdullah, who published her first comic called "Cik Siti Wan Kembang" in 1955. Other creative works on display include those by Sonny Liew, Eric Khoo, Troy Chin, Otto Fong, Koh Hong Teng, Colin Goh, Gary Zhu, Cheah Sinann and many, many more!

A strip of "The House of Lim" by Chean Sinann

In addition, there will be various panels and workshops with subjects ranging from financial management to character design and storytelling. These interesting talks will be hosted by panelists like Sonny Liew, artists Gary Zhu & Cheah Sinann, Malaysian artist Lefty Kam, Jerry Hinds, "Sherlock Sam" writers Adan Jimenez and Felicia Low-Jimenez, and financial advisor Karen Tan.

Ahhhh! The Kiasu Ruler!

Red Dot Diva is looking forward to marvel at the display of original art, book and memorabilia at the event. She is pretty sure it will be a fun and visually appealing way to get more people to learn about comics as a medium, especially those created by Red Dot Island's very own pool of talent. Word is, there is also going to be a little corner where folks can get cozy and bury themselves in comics donated by local creators as well as those offered by the library. So Shiok!

Do check out the schedule that is currently listed in the Speech Bubble website and reserve some time in your calendar to check out the exhibition or attend a panel or two. Better still, grab your friend or ask your family members to join in a foray into the world of local and regional comics. Who knows? You might even get inspired to create a comic of your own!