John Pham, a 27-year-old undergraduate student in the East Asian
Studies department, still goes bug-eyed when he sees his comic
anthology “Epoxy Press” on the shelf at Meltdown Comics
bookstore on Sunset Boulevard.
“It’s definitely cool seeing “˜Epoxy’ in
stores unexpectedly,” said Pham. “I don’t really
get used to that.
Within the past year, Pham’s illustrations have been
published in Nickelodeon Magazine and Tower Records’ now
defunct Pulse! Magazine, and the three issues of “Epoxy
Press.” Pham is in talks with a publisher to have the issues
released as a book.
Pham is among many independent comic artists and illustrators
who will be tabling at super*MARKET, an independent comic book
convention Campus Events is putting on this weekend in the Ackerman
Grand Ballroom. The convention will kick off Friday night with a
screening of “Ghost World,” a film based on Dan
Clowes’ graphic novel by the same name. In addition to a
marketplace of artists personally selling silk-screened mini-comics
and professionally published graphic novels, the convention will
also offer panel discussions by comic artists and book
publishers.
A topic bound to arise is the evolution of comics as a respected
art form. UCLA Live has taken notice of the expanding scene, and
has two comic artists slated to speak on campus as a part of this
year’s lineup. Art Spiegelman, who in 1992 became the first
comic book/graphic novel author to win the Pulitzer Prize for his
Holocaust narrative, “Maus,” will be speaking at Royce
Hall in February ““ Spiegelman’s second appearance at
UCLA since 2000. UCLA Live has also commissioned influential comic
artist Chris Ware, creator of “Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest
Kid On Earth,” to collaborate with radio journalist Ira Glass
for a presentation at Royce Hall in April.
Though most cutting edge adult comics are primarily
independently published, graphic novels can now be found at
commercial retailers like Borders and Virgin Megastores.
The most mainstream comic books are of the superhero variety and
attract a young audience, especially with the deluge of films based
on comic book characters, such as “X-Men,”
“Spider-Man” and “Hulk.” However, Campus
Events Coordinator Jessica Gao isn’t interested in comics
featuring fantasy superheroes and busty girls wearing skimpy
clothing.
“The focus on this year’s super*MARKET is the
artists, handmade things, doing your own projects, and “¦
self-publishing. Major comics dominate at the comic conventions, so
this convention is a place for those who self-publish to have their
own space,” said Gao.
A unique aspect of comic books and illustration is that it is
relatively easy to make a mini-comic book. On the most basic level,
the requirements are a pencil, paper and imaginative ideas. In some
cases, the ability to draw isn’t even required. The recent
film “American Splendor” is based on a comic book by
Harvey Pekar, whose narratives are illustrated by a variety of
artists, including Robert Crumb.
Martin Wong, co-founder of Asian/Asian American pop culture
magazine “Giant Robot,” acknowledges the do-it-yourself
aspect of graphic novels.
“There is something kind of punk rock about it. It’s
not about production value or playing the most radical, complex
guitar solo,” said Wong.
“These are indie comics, and (the artists who make them)
don’t want to outrage people or be so ridiculous that it
makes you reconsider your notions of society. Indie comics are
concerned with just telling a good story ““ they’re not
hippies or counterculture,” he added.
One of Pham’s serial comics, “Modesto,” tells
its story through realistic characters, some of whom are based on
his family.
“”˜Modesto’ is a very straightforward story
about a girl growing up in the suburbs. It’s more
character-driven than plot-driven,” Pham explained.
“Modesto,” along with his other illustration and
design side projects, is fortunately picking up speed for Pham
after a stint of dead-end jobs and apathy toward making comic
books. Like the comic genre, Pham’s career is garnering more
respect.
“There were times when I wasn’t getting any work and
wondering if I should just give up and go into accounting,”
said Pham. “You really have to have an optimistic attitude
and push ahead.”