Embrace your creed

I love learning about the progress of storytelling in all mediums; books, comics, TV and films.  While the latest generation (or people in general) will always complain the lack of originality with the constant adaptations of books in films, I believe it is the life cycle of every story; from story to history, legend or mythology.  So, in this article, let’s highlight the current growing evolution of storytelling in Malaysia, Maple Comics.

Yeah, they’re still new and with barely enough content to get noticed. But they’re growing! And that’s super exciting to me, to be able to observe and support this huge possible success. But why and how did this company started? What are the primary reasons? Well, you can basically Google that information; reading interviews of the founders.  But here, I’d like to point out the answers by relating it to Malaysia’s history of storytelling (Of course, limited to my observation and opinions...but feel free to share yours too!)

FIXI

From the Harry Potter books to a major film franchise and now even a theme park! Every influential story has to start somewhere whether directly or indirectly.  I believe Maple Comics was inspired by the bold and daring FIXI; a novel publishing company that is known for its Urban and taboo themes.  Of course, I believe the company itself just wanted genuine good stories but this trend compliments just what Malaysians are facing and yearning for; hence forth the generalization of fans and re-occurrence of themes from writers.  FIXI continues to grow but slowly.  They started out by popping out in events and conventions; opening up a small stall for their books.  Now they have their own bookstore with a strong fan base of their own.  Indeed, FIXI is now a niche, a cult following and this compliments another side of Malaysians.  But will Maple Comics follow their footsteps or trend in terms of content?

CONTENT

Here’s where it get hazy and highly opinionated but dang it! I just got to share this fan theory of mine! The titles that are available now under the Maple Comics publishing are Invasi (I’ve waited for this since High School!), Kuala Terengganu in 7 days, Taubat Si Tanggang and 5 days in Beijing.  There’s a pattern here, it is very clear they have a specific target audience.  Trust me, it’s very hard to find an audience at first and you can only make assumptions of what the masses will respond to.  And according to these titles, Maple Comics are targeting mature audiences; most likely from 18 to 25-ish, 30 max.  Titles such as Invasi, a Sci-fy action comic, and Taubat Si Tanggang, a re-imagined folktale of Malay values, are very easy to identify as I can personally say I’m intrigued by them; being a fan of stories that are imaginative and escapism in nature.  However, it’s the other two that I’m hoping to kick-off a new trend in storytelling.  I believe these two light and easy titles really compliment Malaysians as a whole.  We like our local content light and you can definitely see that in our film industry; with comedy constantly being slapped into any possible serious stories. This is different and more honest.  Both book plays around with travelling, a very universal topic for youths (Hence my confidence with their target audience) and with proper marketing, it can go big.  This little hope of mine doesn’t stops here as more facts come to mind with their future projects.

FUTURE CONTENT

First and for most, you should really follow their Facebook page.  They are constantly updating with up-coming projects.  You can know if they’re attending any events or having any important meetings with talented artists.  One of those projects is an original comic from Malaysia’s own Marvel Comics artist, Alan Quah.  Famous among higher ranks of Malaysia’s comic book fans, Alan Quah is working on a short comic that centers his personal life as an artist, husband and father.  Again, this type of content compliments the light and easy print.  Haha...they should label that in the future.  Another title, which was recently announced, is Paradigma Guru.  This comic is a continuation from its short comic online.  It was published for free under Supreme Comics, an online platform for up and coming local comic book artist.  It’s interface works just as those pirated manga websites.  The move was very bold and innovative, finally bringing new talents from fresh sources; something that people in the film industry seems to fail at.  Of course, like Alan Quah’s title, Paradigma Guru is also light but with a strong influence of Anime and Manga (Which is always a welcomed style if done right).  Paradigma Guru tells the story of a young teacher who’s coping to find purpose while teaching in school; with a woman as the main character (A very attractive one at that) and it’s adaptation of manga’s quirky and fun style of character expressions, I believe many will be able to relate to reading a story that takes us back to high school.   

   

SIGNATURE PRINT/GENRE FOR MALAYSIAN COMICS

General audience in Malaysia (And even Americans) think that the U.S only offers superhero with their comics.  That’s sad because there’s tons of innovative, vulgar and unique title that exists now.  But that’s the nature of an ongoing business and franchises; overflowing with the same genres and titles.  I’m hoping that Malaysian comics can build their own genre.  I hope that the light and easy print can become a big thing because of its cultural value and nostalgic engagement.  People from around the world can learn more about Malaysia’s culture.  I really wish it can be lucrative too because, of course, this can give birth to more opportunities.  That's not to say I ignore other genres.  Of course, I hope there would be more room for artists and audience to produce their desired content. 

Here's hoping for better days in Malaysia's Creative Industry! Thank you for reading.