The first ever Malaysia-Hong Kong International Comic Week 2024 took place at the Curve mall in Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya from May 1 to 12.
Co-organized by Majikku IP, Comicker Union and The Curve, the exhibition showcased up to 180 prints of original artworks by 10 comic artists from Malaysia and Hong Kong.
The event brought Malaysia and Hong Kong comic artists closer to their fans and marked a new chapter in collaboration between the vibrant comic industries of Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Comic book fans were able to view works from classic Hong Kong comic books such as “Dao Jian Xiao” (The Three Swordsmen), “Ba Dao” (Tyrant Sword) and “Quan Wang” (King Of Fighters).
The event was launched by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nin Ching at The Curve on May 2.
In her speech, Teo said that Malaysian society has been influenced by Hong Kong culture since the 1980s, and it has become an indispensable part of life.
“Recently I have come to understand that Malaysia is one of the largest export markets for Hong Kong comics. Some of the classic artworks have achieved remarkable performances in this region, comparable to those in Hong Kong itself.
“In fact, the Old Master Q comics were so popular at one point, every Malaysian at the barber will have come across it.
“I hope that the comic industries of Malaysia and Hong Kong can achieve more synergy in this event, contributing to the development comic art in both regions,” she said.
The event also announced the establishment of the Malaysia Creative IP Association, which is the first professional organisation focused on creative intellectual property.
“This event aligns perfectly with our mission to be a hub for creativity and community engagement. We are excited to provide a platform for both established and emerging comic creators to showcase their work and connect with fans,” said Jazmi Kamarudin, chief operations officer of Boustead Properties Bhd, which owns the Curve.
The comic artists were present at the event to meet fans, signed autographs and held drawing demonstrations.
The main draw of the event was veteran Hong Kong comics creator Jack Fung Chi-ming, who is best known for iconic comics like “Dao Jian Xiao” and “Ba Dao”; and Kwong Sai-kit, whose “Quan Wang” title is well-known to fans of Hong Kong comic book fans.
Other prominent Hong Kong creators were Jeffery Kwong (“The Architect’s Epiphany”, “Indigo”), Wah Kee (“My Soul Mate”), and Jerry Cho (“Naraka Warrior”), who were past winners of the Hong Kong Comics Support Programme (CSP), an initiative aimed at developing the Hong Kong comics industry.
Their works are also well-known to Malaysian comic fans, as they have been translated to Bahasa Malaysia and released in Malaysia to good response.
The Malaysian lineup featured some of the country’s most prominent comic creators, including Black Jellyfish, whose works have ranked first in Popular Bookstore’s best-selling charts for three consecutive years.
Among his best-known works is “Tian Qiao Xia De Tian Tang” (Paradise Under The Flyover), which is due be adapted into a film after the rights were bought by a Hong Kong film company.
Other well-known Malaysian names at the event included popular webcomic creators like Olive Yong (“Bichi Mao”) and Lok (“Relaxed Comic”), graphic illustrator Miin, and well-known cartoonist and YouTuber Mist.
