Tan Eng Huat: It’s Malaysia Boleh! meets Marvel Comics! |
- Tan Eng Huat: It’s Malaysia Boleh! meets Marvel Comics!
- 10 things about: Kevin Tan, a Chinese member of Ultras Malaya
- Kim Kardashian pregnant again?
- Next Media Video: Computer glitch sparks flight disruptions in Britain
- In New York, controversial SantaCon bar crawl kicks off
- Everyone is a politician — Aslam Abdul Jalil
| Tan Eng Huat: It’s Malaysia Boleh! meets Marvel Comics! Posted: 13 Dec 2014 05:00 PM PST
Currently based in Kuala Lumpur, Tan spent his early years in Teluk Intan, Perak. He says, "Since I didn't have many friends as a child, I spent most of my time drawing instead. I would copy cartoon characters from TV shows and movies. I still remember the first time my mother took me to watch the Superman movie. I was blown away by the character. He's been my favourite superhero ever since." A Malaysian childhood meant Tan's first exposure to comics spanned a wide spectrum of comics from American superhero titles to Franco-Belgian bandes dessinées strips such as Hergé's Of course, Asian fare such as Japanese manga and Hong Kong action comics were part of the mix too.
While other artists may have agonised over their decision whether to pursue comic illustration as a career, Tan admits he didn't put much thought in the matter. He says, "I simply love to draw and the challenges that come with it. Also, my parents are very supportive; as long as I can make a living out of what I do, that's good enough for them." Before he worked on Marvel and DC superheroes, Tan contributed covers and art to the early issues of Gempak, a Malaysian monthly comic magazine. Using the unassuming yet droll pseudonym of Kutu (which means "lice" in Malay), the mostly self-taught artist got an early taste of professional comic work. Tan then got his first break in the American comics industry when he met Andrew Helfer (then a DC Comics editor) at the Asian Manga Summit in Hong Kong 14 years ago. Helfer was looking for an artist for Doom Patrol, a book about a team of super-powered misfits. "I showed my stuff to him and he liked it. He likes manga and Asian art very much so maybe that's why he picked me to do the book since my style is a mix with both East and West."
Tan's inimitable style has gradually evolved after almost a decade and half of professional illustration work. His lines tend to be finer and more fluid when compared to the average American penciller, winning him accolades including the Russ Manning Award and the 5th Nation Comic Award for Best New Talent. "In the beginning I would say my style was 50/50 East and West but over the years I think it has become closer to 20/80 East and West. Maybe it's because I read a lot of science fiction and fantasy comics by the late Mœbius. I like the sense of presence in the panels. Everything needs to be somewhere." Another comic that has impacted Tan's drawing style is Otomo Katsuhiro's Akira, a legendary Japanese cyberpunk manga series set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo. He says, "What I learned from this book is to stage dynamic action sequences, and to look out for a beautiful camera angle and design of the environment, be it the buildings or the mechanical constructs." One of Tan's latest works is Deadly Hands of Kung Fu, a Marvel Comics miniseries centred on the martial arts hero Shang Chi. Somewhat of a departure from his usual superhero books, the title attracted Tan for this very reason.
Having worked on various titles for Marvel and DC, the two major American superhero comic juggernauts, Tan's top character to draw is Batman. He quips, "Why Batman? The reason is simple: he's BATMAN! However, if I have the chance to draw Superman, I would pick Superman as he's my childhood favourite." The humble and hardworking penciller doesn't look like he'll be resting on his laurels anytime soon. He says, "I have just finished an issue of X-Force. I don't know what I will work on after that yet." Whatever the next book is, be it another caped crusader or a kung fu master, with his talent and attitude, you can be sure Tan is more than up for the challenge.  |
| 10 things about: Kevin Tan, a Chinese member of Ultras Malaya Posted: 13 Dec 2014 05:00 PM PST
But a certain Kevin Tan, however, is bent on breaking that stereotype. In a sea of Malay youths clad in black tees and yellow and black scarves jumping up and down by the thousands in what the Ultras would call a poznan, Tan and two others stand out to give hardcore supporter group Ultras Malaya some diversity. In his own words: When you think of yourself as a Chinese, Malay or Indian, then football is not for you. You must think of Malaysia. This is my country, this is where your support lies when the national team is playing. Stand with pride. No one ever asks me why a Chinese guy is standing there chanting along with the rest of them. They don't look at me differently, so why should you feel awkward standing right next to them. We are there for Malaysia, regardless of race, language or religion. We need to look past the colour of our skin. I joined Ultras Panthers from Penang, this is where I was born and it will never disappear from my heart. We stood shoulder to shoulder with one aim and direction, to give our full support for our state and country.That's where our rivalry ends after 90 minutes. No matter which state we come from, we unite under one flag, "Brotherhood of Malaysia". The passion I have seen in members of Ultras makes me want to be one of them. I've seen many supporters leave the stadium when their team is losing but the Ultras is always there standing, rain or shine, giving support to the players, not to give up until the final whistle. Our ambitions are the same, lift the players' morale, so Ultras make the difference, we are always there for you. This makes me want to join the Ultras, we are the 12th man on the field. Unfortunately we had a few controversy within the people of Malaysia in regards to politics and religion but that should not be the reason why we stop supporting our national team. Through thick and thin, we should put all these behind us because football is never political. You don't see Barisan Nasional, PAS, DAP, PKR supporters sit separately in the stadium right? Bring back the glory days in Malaysian soccer so that all Malaysians can come out and support the team again. Football has the unique power to unite people of different cultures, race, religion or language. So let us hope one day, everyone can bring their children to the stadium to enjoy this beautiful game. Put aside any differences, ideology, and support our local football. It may not be easy, but it is possible if everyone thinks as a Malaysian, rather than Chinese, Malay or Indian. I don't think football should be discussed at the same table as politics. Politics should be kept away from the game. It should never be used as a political agenda. This game is too beautiful to be contaminated and I hope that we keep it this way. This is a very dangerous combination. If you talk about football, then I would say Malaysians (compared to Singaporeans) are more patriotic. Imagine 1,500 Ultras manage to drown the 48,000 Singapore supporters. We are more organised, and choreographed. But Ultras is not born overnight, we need passion, dedication and sacrifices to make it happen. But Singapore do love their football. I see that football matches are like a family outing for them, more of a mix between all races too. When you put on the scarf and your national colours or Ultras tee, what do you feel? A sense of utmost pride. This is when love for your own people comes first. I believe that each of us no matter what our age, background or walk of life, we have something to contribute to the life of this nation. I want all Malaysians to feel this way. Love has no boundaries when loving your country. The feeling you feel when you cheer for your national team. If you listen to the sound of your own voice, you can rise above doubt that the words you want to send across to the players. To fight till the end, "Darah & Maruah demi Malaysia". The beat of the drums and the voices of the nation urging the players on. You can really feel the the aura of the stadium. Like the Ultras say, you will never know if you are not one of us. More Chinese and Indians are joining the Ultras. Without any doubt, yes. Love to see that happening one day. Look past skin colour or language. We are all Malaysians. There is no restrictions on joining the Ultras, no membership, no monthly subscription. Just a pair of shoes, muffler and most importantly your voice and pride. |
| Kim Kardashian pregnant again? Posted: 13 Dec 2014 04:56 PM PST
Speculation is rife the Keeping Up with the Kardashians reality star may be carrying her second child with husband Kanye West. And X17 published photos of the stunning brunette visiting her doctor Saturday morning in full workout gear. According to the website, Kim went to her physician's office after exercising at the gym, which indicates she didn't seek medical attention for an illness. The 34-year-old reality star already has one-year-old daughter, North West, with her rapper spouse, who she married in May of this year. And Kim recently spoke of how keen she is on expanding her family soon. "I would love to, I would love to. I am trying," she admitted when Richard Wilkins of Australia's Today Show asked if she wanted more babies. During the same interview, Kim also took the opportunity to comment on her motivation behind her recent nude photo shoot for Paper magazine. The gorgeous TV personality said the editorial helped boost her self-esteem. "I had a really bad pregnancy and I gained a lot of weight and I did not feel good about myself. I felt probably the lowest I have ever felt in my life," Kim confessed. "It's empowered me. I actually think I have a better body now than I did before. I'm curvier, I feel sexier and it's all about my feeling. I felt proud to show my post-baby body off." — Cover Media |
| Next Media Video: Computer glitch sparks flight disruptions in Britain Posted: 13 Dec 2014 04:54 PM PST Duration: 00:38, Published 14 Dec 2014 Airports are returning back to normal, aside from a few cancellations at Heathrow, a day after a computer failure at the UK's air traffic control centre. — Reuters |
| In New York, controversial SantaCon bar crawl kicks off Posted: 13 Dec 2014 04:49 PM PST
Thousands—many young and a few old—are expected to frequent more than 30 Manhattan bars which are opening their doors to a party slammed by critics last year after drunk merrymakers brawled, vomited and urinated in the streets. But when one neighborhood in Brooklyn tried to ban this year's gathering, civil rights lawyer Norman Siegel played Santa to SantaCon, coming to the rescue to help redesign a festive, but law-abiding gathering. To ease pressure on New York police, who will be out in force at a major civil rights rally to condemn police killings, the organisers agreed to start early and restrict themselves to Midtown. "It's going to be a crazy day," said Greg Packer, a retired highway maintenance worker, taking part for the first time. "It's part of the holiday season, it's New Year's, it puts you in a festive mood," he added, squeezing his portly frame into a Santa suit, buckle and hat. Revelers gathered in Times Square from 9am, dressed as Santas, reindeers, elves and snowflakes, drapped in Christmas lights and tinsel. A few young men sipped beers hidden in paper bags. Good Santas this year Bellowing out Jingle Bells, they danced and hoisted each other onto one another's shoulders as women in stockings and suspenders, mini skirts and thigh-high stilettoed boots huddled in the cold. Jose Solorzano, a 23-year-old student, and accountant friend Benny Riccardo said complaints were unjustified, pointing out SantaCon ("con" for "convention") raises money for charity. "I make an exception sometimes!" said Riccardo of his early morning breakfast of beer. "It's the Christmas spirit. We're not going all day, but we'll try!" said Solorzano. Despite one couple with a young child, many were students and those fresh out of college—the demographic blamed last year for the rowdiness. Blonde elf Malorie Dillon, a 21-year-old vet assistant, said she and her group of friends were going to each bar. "I think we'll all be fine," she giggled when asked if there would be trouble. "Good Santas this year, everyone's going to behave," said 21-year-old student Colleen Lindgren from Long Island, who came up with friend Caitlin. Drunken Santa fight videos Organisers are firmly against unruliness and expect around 15,000-20,000 people to take part in a peaceful, festive atmosphere. "Quite honestly, with so much fun, it doesn't make sense to be drunk before noon," said one, dressed up in a corduroy Santa costume and sporting a gray beard, giving his name only as "Santa." "When you see all those crazy, drunken Santa-fight videos and it's night-time, that's not SantaCon anymore. That's just a bunch of idiots," he laughed. The lawyer Siegel, who will closely follow the event to make sure no one gets arrested, said police and SantaCon met Friday to agree the dos and don'ts. "This is America, you can't ban people from walking on a public sidewalk," Siegel told AFP. "I hope they will listen to some of the things I suggested, but we'll see later." New York police are entitled to arrest those who block traffic, drink outdoors, get into a fist fight and urinate on the streets. "If we can have a parade next year and make it an annual event, that ideally in a few years families would come with their children and celebrate the holiday season, this city could use that," said Siegel. "Maybe that's a dream that can be fulfilled or maybe it's just an illusion. But that's the challenge to try to make it happen." — AFP |
| Everyone is a politician — Aslam Abdul Jalil Posted: 13 Dec 2014 04:45 PM PST DECEMBER 14 — I think if everyone was a politician, society would be better off, and that is why I am in politics. To many, joining politics means that you have to join a political party and fight for the party's agenda. This is very simplistic and narrow definition of politics. My understanding of politics is that "I become involved in discussing pertinent issues concerning my society, identifying the problems we face, finding the solutions and taking part in efforts to implement the solutions". Therefore, I dare say that everyone is a politician whether they realise it or not as they are part of society, and are making decisions that affect their lives. We also live in an increasingly integrated world. This complicates further, what already is a complex organisation called society. Many issues appear at all times from everywhere; and they require attention by all of us. From issue such as dengue fever locally to major global issues such as the ISIL militants, all of which affects us if they are unresolved. Stated differently, if we acknowledge that problems exist in society, and we actively try to solve or mitigate them, then we are officially politicians! Political platforms There are many platforms that enable us to join politics but becoming a member of a political party is the platform most often selected. I think – in Malaysia – we are obsessed with certain political figures and political parties. This obsession has hindered us from becoming a mature democracy where "great ideas" are valued more than "great individuals". Great individuals may rise to power not because of their great ideas but because of the 'systematic indoctrination process' of their 'greatness' to not only party members but also to the masses through political parties. It is no surprise that Malaysia's senior politicians – because of their 'greatness'– do not give opportunities to the younger generation to take the lead. This obsession with certain political figures and parties also distorts the democratic process as we blindly think that the political figures and parties are always doing the right things. The actions coming from these political figures and parties should be judged solely based on the rationale of the ideas, and not from whom they come from. Also, it is very immature to think that one side is always wrong and the other always right. There are always two sides to a coin. Lately, Malaysia's civil society movement has grown in popularity and influence. The BERSIH movement which calls for free and fair elections in Malaysia initiated by various NGOs has proven how society can be united in demanding important changes without relying on political parties. With the expertise of their members and the support of the masses, the BERSIH movement managed to send a powerful message to the relevant parties to reform the electoral process. I believe that civil society groups and movements are closer and friendlier towards the common people. This is because they are less hierarchical as compared to political parties. We have many civil society groups to choose from depending on our interests and objectives.Whenever there is a discussion about civil society movement, let's not forget about the role of the university students (mahasiswa). To me, the mahasiswa are among the most 'intellectually stimulated' groups and have the capability to think critically and contribute good ideas in resolving challenges society faces. I believe that the mahasiswa have the power to not only shape but craft public policies. Other than being analytical, their fresh perspectives are really needed to ensure the needs of the society are fulfilled as the voting demographics have changed since the last 13th general election. I really admire the spirit and courage of the mahasiswa who fought for students' rights especially in abolishing the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) which prohibits university students to get involved in 'politics'. Political stand I am very pleased that more Malaysians realise that they still can join politics, and become political, without joining political parties. There is nothing wrong in joining political parties but we need both entities – political parties and civil society – as they are complementary. But being in civil society does not mean that we should have no political stand. In fact, it is part of our personal liberty to have a political stand. My understanding of a political stand is that "what we believe things should be rather than which political party we should vote during elections". Fighting for the rights of the people is not just during the election period, but it is an ongoing struggle. I strongly believe that our political stand will become the guiding principles and act as 'check and balance'in our lives. Most of the time, elected members of parliament do not honour their election promises or their parties' agendas may restrict them in serving the people. This political standmust also be extended to civil society groups. Stated differently, our ultimate'political stand' will guide us to always reflect on the actions we take so that we will not be contradicting the causes that we believe in; and give us the courage to pursue them despite the odds. Challenges There are two types of politicians – to me – in this world; smart politicians and dumb politicians. What differs between them is their attitudes towards knowledge and information, and towards the freedom to discuss and debate. My main concern is that Malaysia will end up having many dumb politicians because there is no freedom to express ourselves in Malaysia, including the ability to access to knowledge and information. Freedom of speech and expression is restricted as debates are claimed 'not to be in our culture'. The 2014 World Press Freedom Index ranked Malaysia's press freedom at 147th out of 180 countries. The mainstream media is controlled by one side and hence we only get the information that one group wants people to think. One group is allowed to shout down others. This however should not be a hindrance if we are engaged in and with our society as we can easily assess the information spread in the media through our own personal experiences in dealing with various issues in our daily lives, and in our society. Moreover, those shouting too are often in the fringe, and not in the mainstream of society. All of us are politicians once the concept of politics is redefined in our minds. When we identify challenges and we participate in finding solutions, we are being political. We can be politicians and political without joining political parties. Mahasiswa – as being one of the most intellectually stimulated groups in society and who has the biggest stake in society – should be politicians and political. When politically active individuals and societies come together to define their problems, challenges and seek to find solutions (instead of relying on political parties), the outcomes will be better for the society. * Aslam Abdul Jalil is an alumnus of the Australian National University. He was actively involved in university student groups such as the ANU International Students' Department and the Malaysia Interest Group. Aslam is also passionate in championing the rights of asylum seekers' and refugees'. He is currently pursuing a Master's in Public Policy at the University of Malaya. ** This article first appeared here. *** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online. |
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