Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May)

Graphic novels, staff recommendations, featured creator, and more!

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI). AAPI Month is an important time of year at GOCC, as our founder, Gabi, is of Hawaiian descent on her father’s side. Aside from her many talents and certifications, Gabi also has a degree in Hawaiian Language and Culture from the University of Hawaii. Gabi never turns down an opportunity educate the community on Hawaiian culture and language, and to celebrate AAPI all year round. Continue below to discover new AAPI titles and creators, and to read stories from one of the most culturally and diverse regions of the world.

• Graphic novel selections
  • Anthology
  • Cookbook
  • DC, DC Kids
  • Image
  • Independent
  • Kids
  • Manga
  • Marvel, Marvel Kids
  • Star Wars
  • Young Adult
• AAPI Comic Book Characters (link)
• AAPI Featured Creator – Gene Luen Yang
• GOCC Staff Recommendations & Reviews
• Contact Us!

Graphic novel selections (sorted by category)

List of AAPI Comic Book Characters (Wikipedia)

AAPI Featured Creator: Gene Luen Yang – Author, Cartoonist, & Teacher

“Gene Luen Yang writes, and sometimes draws, comic books and graphic novels. As the Library of Congress’ fifth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, he advocates for the importance of reading, especially reading diversely. American Born Chinese, his first graphic novel from First Second Books, was a National Book Award finalist, as well as the winner of the Printz Award and an Eisner Award. In 2023, it was made into a television series for Disney+. His two-volume graphic novel Boxers & Saints won the L.A. Times Book Prize and was a National Book Award Finalist. Dragon Hoops, his non-fiction graphic novel about a high school basketball team, was a Printz Honor winner, Eisner Award winner, and Harvey Award winner. His other works include Secret Coders (with Mike Holmes), Superman from DC Comics (with various artists), and the Avatar: The Last Airbender series from Dark Horse Comics (with Gurihiru). In 2016, he was named a MacArthur Foundation Fellow.” – from Gene’s website

Find a wide variety of Gene Luen Yang’s works on our shelves including American Born Chinese, Boxers & Saints, Superman Smashes the Klan, Lunar New Year Love Story, Avatar: The Last Airbender graphic novels, Dragon Hoops, Shang Chi, and many more!

Staff Recommendations & Reviews

Kapaemahu by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson, and Daniel Sousa

“An Indigenous legend about how four extraordinary individuals of dual male and female spirit, or Mahu, brought healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii, based on the Academy Award–contending short film.
In the 15th century, four Mahu sail from Tahiti to Hawaii and share their gifts of science and healing with the people of Waikiki. The islanders return this gift with a monument of four boulders in their honor, which the Mahu imbue with healing powers before disappearing. As time passes, foreigners inhabit the island and the once-sacred stones are forgotten until the 1960s. Though the true story of these stones was not fully recovered, the power of the Mahu still calls out to those who pass by them at Waikiki Beach today. With illuminating words and stunning illustrations by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson, and Daniel Sousa, KAPAEMAHU is a monument to an Indigenous Hawaiian legend and a classic in the making.”

This book is especially wonderful as it is in both English and O’lelo Hawaii. It is a personal favorite of mine because my father was Native Hawai’ian and language is a very important part of our culture. Malama pono (take good care). -Gabi

‘Ohana Means Family by Denise Shimabukuro

“Inspired by her cherished memories of growing up in Hawai´i and sharing in the Aloha Spirit that unites everyone on the islands in one big ‘ohana, acclaimed artist and author DENISE SHIMABUKURO has crafted her experiences and observations into a uniquely original book featuring the cast of Disney’s beloved animated classic Lilo & Stitch. Sharp and sweet as only life can be, ‘Ohana Means Family ― Musings on Everyday Life reveals fundamental truths about life through a series of short comics tales and illustrated stories, all following a single guiding principle: Let the simple things that truly matter be the bond that unites us all.” (Gabi’s Pick)

The Night Marchers and Other Oceana Stories: A Cautionary Fables & Fairytales Book by various authors and artists

“Ghostly warriors, angry gods, and monstrous tyrants? That’s just the start of this collection of folklore from the Pacific, retold in comics! The fourth volume of the “Cautionary Fables and Fairytales” graphic novel series is a thrilling, funny, and totally new take on stories spanning the entirety of the region, with loads of lesser known myths and legends from the Philippines, New Zealand, Hawaii, and beyond. Featuring the work of TINTIN PANTOJA, PAOLO CHIKIAMCO, ROB CHAM, TOKERAU WILSON, and more!”

Growing up on the Big Island of Hawaii, I heard so many stories about the Night Marchers, both legends and personal accounts. When I moved to the mainland, I stopped hearing those stories, stopped connecting with those people. This book helps to honor a legend while also helping me to reconnect with a place that’s thousands of miles away from me. The other stories are also a wonderful addition, and the whole book is a treat to read. – London H.

Spirit World by Alyssa Wong, Haining, Sebastian Cheng

“Spirit World follows the adventures of Xanthe Zhou, a non-binary Chinese hero with the ability to travel between the land of the living and that of the Spirit World–the realm of the dead! Xanthe possesses the ability to burn items folded from ceremonial joss paper and turn them into real objects. They can make anything they can fold, but their weapon of choice? A magical broadsword–because who doesn’t love a big sword when you can choose to wield a big sword?! With Batgirl inexplicably trapped in the Spirit World, Xanthe forms a reluctant alliance with DC’s bad boy of the mystic arts, John Constantine, to embark on a search and rescue mission! Who knows what other spirits they’ll find–from a surprisingly powerful granny sorceress to the hanfu and headphone-wearing skateboarder boy with a gaping hole in his chest! Can they complete their mission and find their way back to the land of the living before the dangerous and powerful Jade Court intervenes, or will Xanthe, Cassandra Cain, and Constantine become permanent residents of the land of the dead? Spirit World comes to life in the hands of beloved comics and sci-fi author Alyssa Wong and rising star illustrator Haining! Get on board an unforgettable journey with one of comics’ most compelling new characters! Collects Spirit World #1-6 as well as Xanthe’s stories from Lazarus Planet: Dark Fate #1 and DC Pride 2023!” (London’s Pick)

Stories of the Islands by Clar Angkasa

“Journey into a land of magic and powerful girls in this feminist graphic novel retelling of three Indonesian folktales. In this collection of reimagined Indonesian fairy tales, the girls are the ones with power. The power to fight evil, to protect others, and to grow as people. Because why should girls in folktales always need saving? What if they save themselves instead? Based on graphic novelist Clar Angkasa’s favorite childhood stories and gorgeously illustrated with a dedicated color palette for each tale, this retelling of “Keong Mas,” “Bawang Merah Bawang Putih,” and “Timun Mas” is filled with spectacular landscapes, deep emotions, and a firm belief in the power of girls’ stories.”

These stories are so important to me. I am half Indonesian, but born and raised in the US. These are the stories I never got to learn. It made it all the more enjoyable with Clar Angkasa’s storytelling and beautiful art. I was truly touched and inspired by the different representations of women in Indonesian culture. I cannot recommend this book enough. – Luna Z.

Questions on in-store availability on any selections? Contact us!

• Phone: (360)-459-7721
• Email: olympiccardsandcomics@gmail.com
• Facebook: Gabi’s Olympic Cards and Comics
• Instagram: GabisOCC