Gene Luen Yang: Asian Americans and Comics

Asian Americans represent one of the largest demographics working in today's US comic book world. How did they come to be so involved in this medium, and what does their work as writers, artists, editors, and publishers mean for the industry? At this free lecture, award-winning cartoonist Gene Luen Yang will explore these issues by discussing prominent Asian American cartoonists, the historical portrayals of Asians and Asian Americans in American comics, commonalities between modern comics and traditional Asian art, and how being an Asian American has shaped his own work in comics.

The creator of American Born Chinese (2006), Boxers and Saints (2013), and Secret Coders (2015), among many other acclaimed comics, Yang was recently appointed the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature by the Library of Congress. Teens interested in comics are invited to register for a free workshop with Yang; space is limited, so register now.

Copresented by Ohio State’s Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum in conjunction with its exhibition Good Grief!: Children and Comics (opening June 4) and the Children’s Literature Association’s national conference (at Ohio State June 9–11; visit childlitassn.org/2016 for details).