East Meets West
What appears in your mind when it comes to comics or manga? For enthusiasts, we often look up to American and Japanese artists with particular styles. For example, reading the book from right to left, how characters are presented, the storyline, and even the text. Oftentimes, we overlook independent artists that incorporate both styles. Singapore-born Sean Lam is the epitome of east meets west artist and author.
An alumnus of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Sean Lam had worked commercially in Japan, the United States, and beyond. Some of his past works include illustrating ‘I Believe in Mercy’ for Pope Francis from Vatican City and ‘Ringworld’, a bestselling New York Times sci-fi graphic novel adaptation. From the experiences he had gained over a decade, Sean Lam decided to publish a story closer to home and hence, Geungsi was born. Geungsi is a trilogy and we can anticipate more supernatural occurrences to happen in the upcoming series.
Geungsi Vol 1 is set in Singapore featuring Shaun as a typical working adult trying to get by with living in the fast-paced city life and Meng who is a Geungsi slayer from Hong Kong. Not to forget, Alice who will be your pretty ‘zeh zeh’ (Big sister) that many young Singaporean boys will admire. Beware, avoid being hunted by her as part of her tribe.
The Asian Vampire
From a global perspective, mass media tend to portray more of Western or Japanese horror and folklore such as vampires, yokai, and Sadako. However, Southeast Asian stories are not widely talked about. Sean Lam’s latest publication has made a breakthrough into the international sphere by introducing our own Asian Vampire. Geungsi launched in October 2021, was well-received by readers from around the world. This is a groundbreaking opportunity for Sean Lam to spread the awareness of more supernatural characters and folklore that we knew of their existence in our region for centuries to the westerners.
An alumnus of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Sean Lam had worked commercially in Japan, the United States, and beyond. Some of his past works include illustrating ‘I Believe in Mercy’ for Pope Francis from Vatican City and ‘Ringworld’, a bestselling New York Times sci-fi graphic novel adaptation. From the experiences he had gained over a decade, Sean Lam decided to publish a story closer to home and hence, Geungsi was born. Geungsi is a trilogy and we can anticipate more supernatural occurrences to happen in the upcoming series.
Geungsi Vol 1 is set in Singapore featuring Shaun as a typical working adult trying to get by with living in the fast-paced city life and Meng who is a Geungsi slayer from Hong Kong. Not to forget, Alice who will be your pretty ‘zeh zeh’ (Big sister) that many young Singaporean boys will admire. Beware, avoid being hunted by her as part of her tribe.
The Rise of An Ancient Undead
Embark on an adventure with the collaboration of Yurei X Sean Lam as he introduces more characters into the series. For Southeast Asian readers, we will be seeing familiar faces such as orang minyak, toyoi, and the prominent Pontianak, especially in the region of Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This is ingrained as part of our culture that we are more afraid of these supernatural creatures and spirits than in any other situation. Perhaps, sharing one of the important rules is to avoid passing by banana trees.
This will be a great opportunity for Yurei readers to be exposed to other cultures especially from Southeast Asia. The Yurei is part of Grimoire of Horror, focusing solely on Asian horror with over 20,000 followers all over the world on their Facebook page. An exclusive collaboration joining forces to share the fascination for the undead. This will be a chance for Sean Lam to represent Singapore as well as Asia’s paranormal and folklore culture.
Mark Your Calendar
Get your exclusive Yurei x Sean Lam limited-edition merchandise, artist print collections, and many more in SG Toy Con from 17 to 19 December 2021 over at Visual Arts Centre. Graphic novelist and artist Sean Lam will be there so here is your chance to take pictures and your copy signed. Geungsi will also be sold there too so not to worry if you have not gotten your copy yet.
Will you be dressing up as Geungsi?
SG TOY-CON @ VISUAL ARTS CENTRE
17th December 2021, Friday: 1 pm to 8 pm
18th December 2021, Saturday: 11 am to 8 pm
19th December 2021, Sunday: 11 am to 7 pm
Address: Visual Arts Centre, 10 Penang Road, Dhoby Ghaut Green #01-02, 238469
For more info, please email Sean Lam
Or follow Geungsi FB page
About the author
By Elyn Esa
