A Malaysianised Star Wars
MALAYSIAN comic book artist Julian “Lefty” Kam has created an interesting mishmash of local life and the pop culture juggernaut that is the Star Wars franchise in his “Welcome to Sri Angkasa” series of ink prints.
The 49-year-old, who is editor-in-chief of Shanghai’s Left Pocket Studio comics division, said the series takes place in Taman Sri Angkasa, a “small border town situated near the North South Highway of Bolehland”.
“I wanted a down-to-earth Malaysian suburb that could contain this bunch of intergalactic characters. I believe that it could be fun to see iconic international characters in our everyday life scenarios.
“Not just forcing them into the situation, but to create a simple story to fit them in,” he said, stating that the series is about Malaysian popular culture.
In one print, “Kak Lia” or Princess Leia Organa is seen handing out packets of hot nasi lemak, while “Sifu Yuda” can be seen wowing the public in a pasar malam setting.
“Kak Lia’s stall is everybody’s favourite breakfast stop. From the young clerk who sends her daughter to the tadika before going to work, to lorry drivers like Hang Sulu and his faithful pal Chew,” said Lefty.
Hang Sulu (Han Solo) and Chew Bak Kah (Chewbacca) also travel frequently through the town as transporters of delivery goods to and fro the capital city to the northern cities.
“Hang and his pal Chew Bak Kah drive a classic lorry which, to the young generation, is a piece of junk. But it sure takes them places,” said Lefty.
Meanwhile, Sifu Yuda is popular for his ability to perform many tricks, as well as his funny speech patterns.
Also seen in the series is Luke Skywalker as “Farmboy Luke”, who sells the produce from his organic farm at the pekan (town) market every morning: “His stall is exceptionally crowded during the durian season.”
You can also expect to see Boba Fett and Stormtroopers among the cast of characters in the series.
When asked about which character was his favourite to draw, Lefty was of the opinion that he could do more.
“I picked these bunch for the first batch as they are all my favourites, some because of their character, some because of the costume design. Totally timeless,” said the Star Wars fan, who ranks The Empire Strikes Back as his personal favourite film, with A New Hope coming in a close second.
These limited edition prints are still available at neonsauce.com/lefty/. Each is printed on HM snow 330gms Art Card with a print run limited to only 50 pieces per title (Size A2 420mm x 594mm).