Historic buildings become permanent home for city's comic artists
Comic book fans and Wan Chai culture mavens came together at the Hong Kong Art Centre to celebrate the announcement of a permanent Comix Home Base in Wan Chai and check out a new exhibition, Comix and the City.
Attendees snacked on cookies and raised their juice boxes high toasting to what is seen as a victory for both preservationists and comic aficionados. A contract issued from the Urban Renewal Authority to the Hong Kong Arts Centre gives it the go-ahead to turn a cluster of 10 pre-war historic buildings into a permanent centre celebrating everything concerning comics.
After the ceremony last Thursday, in which a representative from each camp affixed a paper eye to a cardboard cut-out of the initiative's mascot, a comic speech bubble, guests were allowed to peruse the newly opened Comix and the City Exhibition.
The art on display celebrated Hong Kong's significance to local comic book artists such as Bigsoil, Kong Kee, John Chan, Ling Yeung, Mak Weng-keh and Lee Wai Chun, who where on hand to discuss their work.
The exhibit also featured animation and a comic book corner where visitors were encouraged to relax and read comics at their leisure.
The completed Comix Home Base will officially open its doors in Wan Chai in 2013.
