A Visit to a Local Cartoon Exhibition

Today I took a step to meet face-to-face with friends that I’ve known through Steemit for the very first time. I was also very excited as we would be visiting a local cartoon exhibition at Muzium Negara (Malaysia’s National Museum). The last time I went to a cartoon exhibition was by Pixar in Singapore together with @victary about 7 or 8 years back! I did not know what to expect as I haven’t been following the local comic/cartoon scene so I was ready to have my eyes opened.

A huge BoBoiBoy cutout greeted us at the main entrance, a name I’ve heard countless times from my son who explored YouTube on his own (don’t worry as it’s still on parental controls). Awesome peeps, @zord189 and @macamyes, that couldn’t wait to go to the exhibition. ;)

Pameran Kartun & Kita (Cartoon and Us Exhibition) will be held from now all the way up to mid April next year. As you can see the huge billboard is filled with local creations over the years. Could you spot our very own Batman (Keluang Man)? I recall seeing it on our national TV channel when I was young and this parody was popular enough to last for 7 long years! Another mention should definitely go to Upin & Ipin, which is a HUGE hit in Indonesia according to my wife.

It wasn’t long till we got into the thick of the action. I first got to see @perennial, co-founder of #steem-cartoon encouraging the students/cartoonists to make good use of the platform Steemit provides for exposure. As an artist myself, I understand the need to both appreciate art, and to be appreciated. At times creativity and discipline might be the deterrent but sometimes the lack of an avenue to present your idea can be the death of a brainchild.

Here’s a snapshot of the behind the scenes of a short interview with @sireh’s (founder of #steem-cartoon) students, @hanbun and @ellyn-suraya. Do check out their artwork and give them your support if you see what you like!

Finally got to know who the person behind Lat is, which in my opinion the most well known comic character in Malaysia - Datuk Mohammad Nor Khalid. I even recall borrowing books such as “The Kampung Boy” and “Better Lat Than Never” from my school library! He’s a true legend.

They’ve even setup a mock workplace of Lat. I overheard a kid asking her mom what was the brown box besides the typewriter. I was already impressed that the kid knew what’s a typewriter. Anyone can help out with the brown box?

Comics in our beloved country could be traced back all the way back to 1923, before the federation’s formation! As you can see there’s the Pre War Era, Japanese Occupation Era and Post War Era. I could imagine how comics helped the society stay strong during the toughest times.

I myself grew up in the 90s so I just missed out on the Golden Era of Comics & Cartoons in Malaysia. But this does not mean I didn’t enjoy good comics while growing up. Aside from Lat, there was also Mie who I couldn’t believe it actually just joined Steemit! Check him out as well at @abgmie.

I personally like this comic of his. No points for guessing why. Who doesn’t like whales? ;)

Art has always been an important part of society, an essential building block I would say. I recall reading from history books where governments burnt books in an attempt to control their civilians. It just shows how powerful written word could be. Comics have the same power as well. Aside from reflecting, revealing and emphasising the current state of society; it’s also able to redirect the course of a whole group of readers.

I would think that Malaysia can be pretty conservative in certain aspects and it would be taboo to touch on controversy subjects such as the government or religion. It was a pleasant surprise when I noticed how this comic strip made light of a touchy subject.

It would be foolish not to mention inspirations from all over the world. Glad to see that Archie made it!

Boboiboy had to photobomb :/

I do understand that technology has changed the way comic is read and distributed but holding to the pages of a comic book beats holding to a mouse and scrolling.

And of course there’s the classic Bas Mini (mini bus, a small bus I guess) to send us off!