I’m thrilled to find out that my favourite comic artist is finally being published in the U.S. “Kampung Boy” was published in South East Asia in the 70ies!
This Malay artist who goes by the name Lat has been publishing graphic novels and political cartoons for more than three decades in Malaysia where he is well known and beloved. I’ve grown up with his graphic novels courtesy to my Malay relatives. I love his pen and ink style which exudes confidence and fun.
His sequel “Town Boy” is supposed to be available in U.S. bookstores
in October 2007.
“Kampung Boy” is autobiographical, Lat shares his childhood experiences of growing up in rural Malaysia. I don’t think a knowledge of Malay culture is really necessary, if anything this gives you a glimpse without being patronizing as in “this is how we celebrate weddings down here”. We look at the few ethnic events through his eyes and find out for instance that the only painful part about circumcision was not being able to leave the house for two weeks.
And after all Childhood is universal. So I don’t know what’s taking the Western World so long.
Digital painting by Tadahiro Uesugi. I look at his site daily:
http://www10.big.or.jp/%7Etuesugi/
This Japanese illustrator is so terrific at conveying the mood of the day through lighting as well as portraying the characteristics of a setting through textures be it an urban environment or nature.
hi,
love your artworks; the tones, colors
what are the challenges to become a children book’s illustrator?
thanx
thank you for your comment, I appreciate it.
The challenge is to stand out, there are many great illustrators out there. You have to have a lot of imagination and be able to relate to the kid’s point of view. Good luck!