Thinking of attending the first-ever Asian American ComiCon? You totally should be! Especially since PCS can hook you up with a discount on tickets!

Just call Beatrice Chen at MoCA @ 212.619.4785 x104 before July 4th — that’s this Saturday! — and give the discount code “PCSNY”.

Only 250 tickets will be available total, so get yours ASAP!

VIP Pass*: $10 off — $65!
Adults: $5 off — $20!
Student (age 11 to 18), Senior (65 and over), MOCA or AAWW Member: $15
Child (age 10 and under): Free with Adult
*includes signed graphic novel, original sketch, preferred seating,
VIP reception

More Show Info

WHEN: Saturday, July 11, 2009, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Invitation-only VIP reception begins at 6 p.m.)

WHERE: The new Museum of Chinese in America
215 Centre Street in Lower Manhattan

For more info, visit http://www.secretidentities.org/aacc/AACCPCS.html!

With tickets limited to 250, AACC will be a small event, but that’s by design, and the organizers look to make the most of the intimacy.

To quote from the official Asian American ComiCon site:

Unlike most comic cons, AACC is designed as a full-day experience, giving you the chance to listen to, learn from and engage with top creators in both casual and structured settings. In fact, you might want to think of the “Con” in Asian American ComiCon as representing not “convention,” but “conference”–or even “conversation.”

Sounds good to me, since my main thing at cons is just meeting people (fans or creators) anyway.

Speaking of which, I got to meet a few AACC guests and organizers at last month’s Secret Identities signing at Midtown Comics. They were all very cool, funny and talented. The Secret Identities anthology itself was good — like any anthology it had its hits & misses — but despite my appreciation of it, I kept finding myself wishing it wasn’t limited to the superhero genre. So it was almost like somebody had read my mind when they mentioned AACC, an event where the community would be able to express its full creativity.

Here are a few AACC panels which I’m looking forward to checking out:

–NERDPOP: The rise of the nerds, and why geek chic is changing the game

–EVERY COMIC IS ASIAN AMERICAN: An all-star lineup of novelists and poets reimagine their favorite comic book characters as Asian American

–POP GOES EAST: How the Asianification of American pop culture has reshaped the graphic novel

–SIMILAR DIFFERENCES: A one-on-one interview with alt-comics wunderkind DEREK KIRK KIM

–ASIANS IN BOXES–FROM CHOP-CHOP TO SILVER SAMURAI: A guided tour with science fiction legend William F. Wu, as he shares samples from his collection of thousands of comics depicting Asian images…good,
bad, and definitely ugly

For complete event info, visit www.aacomicon.com

Special Discount for PCS Readers!

If any of that sounds cool to you — and it should! — then you’ll be happy to know PCS has the hookup! Just call Beatrice Chen at MoCA @ 212.619.4785 x104 before July 4th — that’s this Saturday! — and give the discount code “PCSNY”.

VIP Pass*: $10 off — $65!
Adults: $5 off — $20!
*includes signed graphic novel, original sketch, preferred seating, VIP reception

For more details visit: http://www.secretidentities.org/aacc/AACCPCS.html

Confirmed Special Guests include:

*Larry Hama (writer, GI JOE)
*Bernard Chang (artist, WONDER WOMAN)
*Cliff Chiang (artist, GREEN ARROW)
*Derek Kirk Kim (artist, THE ETERNAL SMILE)
*Greg Pak (writer, INCREDIBLE HULK)
*Khoi Pham (artist, MIGHTY AVENGERS)
*Sean Chen (artist, IRON MAN)
*Christina Strain (colorist, RUNAWAYS)
*Fred Chao (writer/artist, JOHNNY HIRO)
*Christine Norrie (artist, BREAKING UP)
*Tak Toyoshima (writer/artist, SECRET ASIAN MAN)
*Misako Rocks! (writer/artist, BIKER GIRL)
*Kuo-Yu Liang (VP Sales & Marketing, DIAMOND BOOK DISTRIBUTORS)
*Sharad Devarajan (CEO, LIQUID COMICS)
*William F. Wu (writer, HONG ON THE RANGE)
*The Editors of Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology (www.secretidentities.org)

General Show Info

WHEN: Saturday, July 11, 2009, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Invitation-only VIP reception begins at 6 p.m.)

WHERE: The new Museum of Chinese in America
215 Centre Street in Lower Manhattan

PRICE:
VIP Pass*: $10 off — $65!
Adults: $5 off — $20!
Student (age 11 to 18), Senior (65 and over), MOCA or AAWW Member: $15
Child (age 10 and under): Free with Adult
*includes signed graphic novel, original sketch, preferred seating, VIP reception

REGISTER ONLINE HERE (DISCOUNT CODES DO NOT APPLY):

http://www.nycharities.org/beta/EventLevels.aspx?ETID=146

FOR UPDATED NEWS AND MORE INFO: www.aacomicon.com
FOR REGULAR UPDATES: Become a Facebook Fan of AACC!
(http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/The-Asian-American-ComiCon/91102316397?ref=nf)

Wu, author of over a dozen novels, including the acclaimed Hong on the Range, will share samples of his vast collection of comic books depicting the history of Asian and Asian American cartoon images, recently donated to New York University’s Fales Library and Special Collections

June 23, 2009 –

The organizers of the First Annual Asian American ComiCon (AACC), a celebration of the unique contemporary role and historical legacy of Asians and Asian Americans in the world of graphic fiction, have announced a new featured guest for the event, to be held on Saturday, July 11, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Museum of Chinese in America (215 Centre Street in New York).

Science fiction author William F. Wu has been nominated five times for the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Awards, has published over a dozen novels as well as over 50 short stories that have appeared in a wide variety of magazines and anthologies, including George R.R. Martin’s best-selling Wild Cards books. His most acclaimed book, Hong on the Range, was chosen for the Wilson Library Bulletin’s list of science fiction “Books Too Good to Miss” and was a selection for the American Library Association list of Best Books for Young People, the New York Public Library’s Recommended Books for the Teen Age, and a Young Adult Editor’s Choice by Booklist Magazine. Wu’s success as a writer has caused his academic work to be overlooked; the recipient of a Ph.D. in American Culture from the University of Michigan, Wu has extensively researched the evolution of the image of Asians in Western popular fiction, and is the author of the historical study The Yellow Peril: Chinese Americans in American Fiction, 1850-1940 (Archon Books, 1982).

Recently, New York University revealed that Wu has donated his extensive collection of comic books depicting the history of Asian and Asian American cartoon images to the NYU Fales Library and Special Collections, the college’s primary collection of rare books and other special collections materials. The collection is currently being catalogued and will be the subject of a major exhibition and academic event this Fall. As part of AACC’s partnership with NYU’s Asian/Pacific/American Institute, Wu will share notable images from the collection and discuss the legacy of the Asian image in pulp and popular culture in a unique Spotlight discussion at the con.

“We’re tremendously excited to have Bill join us at this groundbreaking event—both as a literary role model and in his role as an academic archivist who’s captured and preserved a staggering collection of historical images depicting half a century in the depiction of Asians in popular culture,” says Jeff Yang, co-chair of the event, and editor-in-chief of the graphic novel collection Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology.

“I grew up reading comics and always loved them, but the Asian characters when I was young ranged mainly from stupid to evil to banal — with just a very few exceptions,” says Wu. “To my regular collection, I added an adjunct collection, of comics with Asian characters. I was concerned, outraged, and amused because popular culture reaches virtually everyone. The role models—good and bad—can have real world effects on people’s perception of themselves and those around them.”

“When Bill told us about his incredible comic book collection of Asian and Asian American characters, we knew it was not only important to save it in an archive, but also to make it available for the public to be able to access and use, whether it be for research or personal interest,” says Laura Chen-Schultz, Deputy Director of A/P/A Institute at NYU. “What a great way of showing that research archives aren’t just history books and yellowing documents, but also include other forms that demonstrate how Asians and Asian Americans have and can be depicted in pop culture and mainstream media.”

Tickets for the nonprofit Asian American ComiCon are $15 for students, $25 for adults (18 and older), and $75 for a special VIP Pass, entitling the bearer to priority reserved seating at all panels and workshops, a complimentary Asian American graphic novel, signed by its creators, and an original sketch from one of the artists participating in the event’s Artists Alley. Registration will be limited, and is available in advance through the following link: https://www.nycharities.org/event/event.asp?CE_ID=4187 Note: All passes may sell out before the day of the event.

June 23, 2009 –

The organizers of the First Annual Asian American ComiCon (AACC), a celebration of the unique contemporary role and historical legacy of Asians and Asian Americans in the world of graphic fiction, have announced the presentation of the Henry Y. Kiyama Award to comics pioneer Larry Hama at the event, to be held on Saturday, July 11, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Museum of Chinese in America (215 Centre Street in New York).

“We want this annual award to recognize the contribution of Asian and Asian Americans to U.S. comic book culture,” says Jeff Yang, co-chair of the event and editor-in-chief of the graphic novel collection Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology. “No one better exemplifies that contribution than Henry Kiyama, whose career represented the convergence of two worlds and industries, and whose work pointed the way to the future of graphic storytelling.”

Kiyama published his breakthrough book The Four Immigrants in 1931. A poignant collection of cartoon stories about life as a Japanese student expatriate in early 20th century San Francisco, it explores the issues these early immigrants faced in a world whose language, culture and traditions were new, strange and confusing. Originally intended for newspaper serialization, Kiyama’s stories were never published in that form; instead, they were ultimately released as a single book-length collection. This publication format, along with the fact that the stories in Four Immigrants featured a group of semiautobiographical characters (based on Kiyama and his friends) who grew, evolved and contended with real historical issues and events, has led some to advocate that it be recognized as the first original graphic novel published in America (arriving a decade before Virginia Lee Burton’s Calico the Wonder Horse in 1941 and nearly two decades before Arnold Drake and Leslie Waller’s It Rhymes with Lust in 1950). Since 1999, Kiyama’s landmark book has been made available by Berkeley, CA–based Stone Bridge Press.

Tickets for the nonprofit Asian American ComiCon are $15 for students, $25 for adults (18 and older), and $75 for a special VIP Pass, entitling the bearer to priority reserved seating at all panels and workshops, a complimentary Asian American graphic novel, signed by its creators, and an original sketch from one of the artists participating in the event’s Artists Alley. Registration will be limited, and is available in advance through the following link: https://www.nycharities.org/event/event.asp?CE_ID=4187 Note: All passes may sell out before the day of the event.

June 15, 2009 –

SIUniverse Media, the company behind the groundbreaking graphic novel Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology, in association with the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA), the Asian American Writers’ Workshop (AAWW), Asian CineVision, AsianAmericanComics.com and Diamond Comic Distributors have joined forces to organize the First Annual Asian American ComiCon (AACC), a celebration of the unique contemporary role and historical legacy of Asians and Asian Americans in the world of graphic fiction.

The event will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the brand-new, Maya Lin-designed home of the Museum of Chinese in America. The Asian American ComiCon—the first of its kind—will be the first major event to take place at MOCA’s new two-level, 14,000 square-foot facility at 215 Centre Street in Lower Manhattan.

The day-long event will bring together leading Asian and Asian American creators, fans and readers of mainstream and alternative graphic fiction, and creative leaders of the larger Asian American community for a one-of-a-kind gathering, incorporating education, dialogue, spontaneous creativity, intergenerational outreach and the chance for established and emerging talent to show off their work. Tickets for the nonprofit event are $15 for students, $25 for adults (18 and older), and $75 for a special VIP Pass, entitling the bearer to priority reserved seating at all panels and workshops, a complimentary Asian American graphic novel, signed by its creators (courtesy of Diamond Comic Distributors), and an original sketch from one of the artists participating in the event’s Artists Alley.

Registration will be limited, and is available in advance through the following link: https://www.nycharities.org/event/event.asp?CE_ID=4187

Note: All passes may sell out before the day of the event.

“The thing that makes this different from traditional cons is that it’s designed to bring down boundaries,” says Jeff Yang, co-chair of the event and Editor-in-Chief of Secret Identities. “We’re bringing together creators from inside and outside of the comics world; exploring how film, literature, and history interact with graphic fiction; looking at the connections between Asia and Asian America, and we’re giving attendees ways to meet, interact and engage with creators as they never have before. For this event, ‘con’ doesn’t stand for ‘convention’—we like to think it’s short for ‘conversation.’”

“Central to the Museum of Chinese in America’s mission is its goal to promote dialogue that transcends generational, geographical and cultural boundaries,” adds AACC co-chair Beatrice Chen, MOCA’s Director of Education. “The Asian American ComiCon, with its focus on exploring culture, identity and history through the world of comics, offers a compelling and accessible way to foster that dialogue.”

In addition to an exhibition room and an Artists’ Alley, the Asian American ComiCon will feature three concurrent programming tracks:

· The SPOTLIGHT features high-profile comic creators in one-on-one settings discussing some of the ways in which the comics and non-comics worlds are overlapping and interleaving. Scheduled to participate in these sessions are Derek Kirk Kim (The Eternal Smile, Same Difference & Other Stories) and Larry Hama (G.I. Joe: Origins, Barack the Barbarian).

· READING COMICS, curated by AAWW Executive Director Ken Chen, explores comics as literature, as texts, and as cultural artifacts, with speakers including non-comics creators and critics as well as comics artists and writers.

· Finally, MAKING COMICS, programmed by Marvel writer Greg Pak, allows creators to share their insights on the industry and profession with those wanting a behind-the-scenes look at comics or advice on how to pursue a career in the field.

“Everyone knows that Asian Americans love comics, but no one’s ever asked why” says Ken Chen. “That’s why we organized the First Annual Asian American ComiCon as a mash-up of a fan convention, an Asian American Studies conference and a literary festival. The ComiCon will be a one-of-a-kind event that’ll put superhero comic artists, professors, and novelists at the same table to discuss how we read comics today.”

“I love the fact that Asian Americans are doing amazing work in every corner of the comics industry,” says Incredible Hulk writer Greg Pak. “The Asian American ComiCon will give fans the chance to hear from indie superstars and superhero fan faves alike about creative choices and the practical reality of building a career. We’re also hooking in a few behind-the-scenes comics executives who’ll provide unique perspectives that I can’t wait to hear!”

Among some of the top comics industry professionals scheduled to attend the First Annual Asian American ComiCon include:

–BERNARD CHANG (Wonder Woman)
–FRED CHAO (Johnny Hiro)
–SEAN CHEN (Iron Man)
–CLIFF CHIANG (Green Arrow/Black Canary)
–LARRY HAMA (G.I. Joe)
–DEREK KIRK KIM (The Eternal Smile)
–JERRY MA (Burn)
–CHRISTINE NORRIE (Breaking Up)
–GREG PAK (Incredible Hulk)
–KHOI PHAM (Mighty Avengers)
–MISAKO ROCKS! (Biker Girl)
–CHRISTINA STRAIN (Runaways)
–TAK TOYOSHIMA (Secret Asian Man)

The officials behind the launch of the AACC feel that the time is ripe to celebrate the contributions of the Asian American community to the comic book industry. To that end, the event will climax with the presentation to G.I. Joe creator Larry Hama of a special award recognizing his incredible career and the influence he’s been on his peers and a generation of rising creators. “I’m honored,” says Hama, “as long as you don’t call it a ‘lifetime achievement’ award. I’ve still got a lot to do!”

For more information, please visit www.aacomicon.com
For general inquiries, please contact education@mocanyc.org
For press inquiries, please contact media@aacomicon.com

Ticket Information:
VIP Pass: $75*
Adult: $25
MOCA or AAWW Member: $15
Student (with a valid ID) and Senior (65 and over): $15
Child (age 10 and under): Free with Adult

*The tax-deductible VIP Pass not only helps to support MOCA, it also guarantees the richest possible experience at this event! Including:

· Priority reserved seating at all panels and workshops

· One Original Sketch drawn by an artist from the AACC Artists Alley—artist availability based on first-come, first-serve basis

· One classic Asian American graphic novel, signed by its creators—choose from:
Secret Identities: The Asian American Anthology (The New Press),
Same Difference & Other Stories (Top Shelf Publishing), or
Johnny Hiro Volume 1 (AdHouse Books)

· Admission to the invitation-only, post-Con VIP Reception

The First Annual Asian American ComiCon is presented by:

The Museum of Chinese in America (www.mocanyc.org): Founded in 1980, Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history, heritage, culture and diverse experiences of people of Chinese descent in the United States. Through innovative exhibitions as well as educational and public programs, MOCA promotes dialogue and understanding among people of all cultural backgrounds.

SIUniverse Media (www.secretidentities.org): SIUniverse Media is the editorial and production team behind the pioneering Asian American superhero anthology Secret Identities, as well as its affiliated video, online and educational resources. Committed to raising up new voices from the Asian American community and creating original, authentic and engaging stories with an organically multicultural perspective, we strive to create work that pops eyes, drops jaws and opens minds, all at the same time.

Asian American Writers Workshop (www.aaww.org): Founded in 1991, the Workshop is the largest non-profit devoted to the creating, publishing, developing and disseminating of creative writing by Asian Americans. A community of readers and writers and the country’s preeminent authority on Asian American writing, the Workshop dedicates itself to empowering emerging writers of great promise to make the transition to a career in the literary arts.

Asian CineVision (www.asiancinevision.org): Asian CineVision is a nonprofit media arts organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Asian and Asian American media expressions by helping to develop and support both emerging and experienced Asian American film and video makers and other media artists working in a range of genres and styles; and helping to ensure that the full spectrum of Asian and Asian American media works reach diverse audiences in Asian American communities and beyond.

Asian American Comics (www.asianamericancomics.com): Edited by Greg Pak, writer of Incredible Hulk and creator of the Marvel superhero Amadeus Cho, AsianAmericanComics.com is devoted to spreading the word about Asian American comic books, comic book characters and comic book creators. We hope AsianAmericanComics.com will help neophytes find interesting reading material, point existing readers towards new creators and books and provide fans and pros a place to read all the latest news. For more about Pak’s work, visit Pakbuzz.com.

Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. (www.diamondcomics.com): The world’s largest distributor of English-language comic books and related merchandise, Diamond Comic Distributors is based in Timonium, MD, with strategically located Distribution Centers servicing more than 4,000 specialty retailers worldwide.