The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye

This graphic novel presents the life of Singaporean comics artist Charlie Chan Hock Chye. His efforts to build a comics career unfold amid Singapore’s political changes: independence from Britain, its time in a Malay Federation, and its later separation. Communist and anti-communist tensions shape the political commentary in more of Charlie’s work. Costs and competition from major comics publishers prevent him from finding major success and from supporting his aging parents as he hoped. The visual narrative includes posters, comic strips, and installments from his series “Singapore Inks,” while Liew appears to clarify political context and direct readers to extensive notes.