Koyama Press book launches + analysis: I’m Not Here

Last week, I attended an event by Koyama Press at The Beguiling featuring presentations by cartoonists Patrick Kyle and GG and then a brief panel discussion moderated by Eric Kostiuk Williams. There was a good turnout and in addition to a couple readings by Kyle, both Kyle and GG spoke about their intentions and decisions … Continue reading →

Recommended: Yes Roya

Yes Roya is a hardcore pornographic comic set in 1963 California featuring well developed characters. Our protagonist, Wylie Kogan, is a young cartoonist looking to break into the industry. In seeking professional advice from the cartoonist he most admires, Joe Ahlstrom, he becomes acquainted with Joe’s partner, Roya, who invites him into their D/s (Dominant/submissive) … Continue reading →

LooseLeaf Magazine Launch

LooseLeaf Magazine is a Toronto-based journal focused on publishing pan-Asian.Canadian voices. I’m excited to announce that my fictional story about food, race and class in Toronto will run in its upcoming food issue! The launch party will be held on Saturday, Oct 14 in Chinatown and will feature readings, vendors and more. Full deets are … Continue reading →

Recommended: My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted a recommendation because the comics I’ve been reading felt too off topic for this blog. However I recently came across two suitable ones, the first of which is Nagata Kabi’s My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness. MLEWL is an autobio comic that lays bare the author’s history with depression and … Continue reading →

McSweeney’s Internet Tendency List

Had to take this screenshot for posterity: my McSweeney’s Internet Tendency list on the same page as a list by Roxane Gay oh yeah. Read it and weep. Continue reading →

New work and upcoming shows

  I’ll be tabling at Zine Dream and Canzine Toronto with a new collection of freshly squeezed comics and zines: Milkweed vol 2 (second printing; erotic art & literature zine) EASY (conceptual comics) BFF (full colour micro-comic) Unexpected Recipes, Familiar Foods (illustrated food zine) Kawai’s Dead Intellectuals Hot List vol 2 (irreverent zine) See you … Continue reading →

Another Kickstarter: Ricepaper’s Currents

It seems like it’s been the summer of the Kickstarter campaign for me. My essay about Chinese-Canadian identity was published last year by Ricepaper Magazine and now has been chosen to be included in their upcoming anthology, Currents, for which a Kickstarter campaign has gone live. Ricepaper is an awesome journal that has been publishing … Continue reading →

Teaser: Speculative Relationships & La Dame Bleue

It’s my pleasure to announce that the Speculative Relationships Kickstarter, which will feature comics from 19 different artists, is now live! For those curious, you can read more about the story I’m contributing.   I’m also offering a special reward – scented personalized postcards ❤ For those curious, I will be scenting the cards with … Continue reading →

Kawai’s Guide to London’s galleries, museums, bookstores & comics

Galleries & Museums The V&A Museum has an excellent collection that houses permanent exhibits on fashion and another on theatre, two of London’s cultural strengths. These are both highly recommended. It’s also quite a beautiful space. It’s located in close proximity to other museums and is within easy walking distance of Hyde Park and Kensington … Continue reading →

TCAF17 post mortem

Before I write this year’s recap, I thought I’d reflect on TCAF’s success in light of heightening tensions regarding diversity in creative fields. TCAF was one of my first introductions to comics and because of it, I operated under the blithe assumption that indie comics was largely free of the systemic forms of discrimination that … Continue reading →