A Singaporean graphic novelist has won three the comic industry's equivalent the Oscars. Sonny Liew picked three Eisner Awards his comic book, "The Art Charlie Chan Hock Chye". The book is a satirical rewrite Singaporean history. Mr Liew scooped the top prize Best Writer/Artist, Best US Edition International Material, and Best Publication Design the awards ceremony. The annual awards show was held the San Diego Comic-Con on Friday. Liew told reporters that he was surprised his book had done so well as he never expected he would get an international audience it. He said: "I always wanted people to read the book and get a sense how rich our history was."
Mr Liew's book outlines the history Singapore from its struggle independence from British colonial rule. As well as focusing Singapore's founding father and first leader, the late Lee Kuan Yew, Liew also highlights the role played lesser-known people. He said: "I think the so-called official narrative Singapore story is part our history, but it's not the whole story and I wanted to tell a more inclusive version our history. I hope that's what people reading the book will get it." Liew initially feared his book would be unsuccessful Singapore's National Arts Council withdrew a grant the book. However, this brought the book a lot attention and boosted exposure and sales.
