Review essay: This week we take up the themes of Singapore and Malaysia’s authoritarian political structures, which are very much grounded in each of their colonial experiences. Sonny Liew’s The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye is an award-winning graphic novel that explores modern Singaporean history through the lens of a fictional comics maker. It also plays around with counter-factual history, a kind of “what if . . .” approach that offers an alternative trajectory for post-colonial Singapore history.

Name Tutor Course Date “The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye” by Sonny Liew Sonny Liew’s “The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye” is a captivating read that fosters the complex history of Singapore and its socio-economic dynamics. Sonny Liew is a Malaysian-born comic artist who employs his artistry to explore various themes relevant to real-life occurrences. In the book, Liew artistically engages his unique comic skills to showcase multiple socio-political issues both in colonial and post-colonial Singapore. The artist extends his exploration to accommodate a comparative insight in which Singapore is assessed relative to the rest of the world through various struggle lenses. This essay dives into the key aspects of the book, unraveling its themes, narrative complexities, and unique commentary on the artist's role in history. “The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye” by Sonny Liew does not showcase a linear plot. The author employs the character of Charlie Chan Hock Chye to showcase Singapore’s history and modern identity that it showcases. To understand the plot, one must explore Charlie’s journey. The plot begins with Charlie as a young boy who is captivated by comics in Singapore’s post-war era. While navigating the creation of comics, Charlie also faces struggles, majorly stemming from censorship. Charlie’s artistic evolution mirrors the nation's changes, as he shifts from simple comics to politically charged satire. He retells historical events from different perspectives, challenging official narratives. Through counterfactual stories, Charlie explores "what ifs" and alternative realities of Singapore's past. He tackles sensitive topics like censorship, political repression, and social inequalities. Some of the key elements to consider in this plot include re-imagining Singapore’s history, blurring fact and fiction, and the power of comics in contemporary society. Characterization is among the key aspects in which Sonny Liew showcases his insights in the novel. Charlie is the protagonist in the plot and the most interesting character. Charlie’s captivation is marked by his development as a comic artist. His life is also employed in the text as a mirror to the transition that Singapore undergoes both politically and socially. Liew surrounds Charlie with other characters including Madame Low as a supportive wife and Lim Chin who is a historical figure to give insights into Singapore’s political landscape. The other impactful support cast in the book include Lee, the “Other” Charlie, and Leong. All the above supporting characters play an integral role in complementing the thematic exploitation by the author. Liew uses a complex plot and characterization to explore various themes. Singapore’s evolut...