Farewell to a true superhero of the Malaysian comic book scene

Writer Daniel Chan, who was instrumental in cultivating the comic book scene here in Malaysia, passed away last week at 66.

The name Daniel Chan may not ring a bell to younger comics fans today, but he was well-known in the Malaysian comic book fan community in the 1980s, and was instrumental in cultivating the scene here in Malaysia.

Personally, I grew up reading Chan's comic book column, Comicscene, which ran in the New Straits Times from 1983 to 1995, and was compulsory reading for Malaysian comics fans.

Sadly, Chan passed away last week at the age of 66. He may be gone, but his contributions to the local comics scene echoes in eternity.

As a journalist, Daniel’s articles were published in various Malaysian newspapers, including several columns in his capacity as an entertainment journalist. But for the Malaysian comics scene, the one that really resonated the most was Comicscene.

Way before the Internet went mainstream, Comicscene was THE source for information for comic books in Malaysia (and some say in Singapore too). Chan's reviews were not only informative but also interactive. From fan mail to contests, he would always try to find a reason to share his love for comics with the readers. This includes giving away comics (including rare ones!) and hosting comic events.

In short, he was Stan Lee and Santa combined, when it came to spreading the love for comics.

Chan was the brainchlid behind the 'APAzine' graphic novel, featuring comic stories and art by local talents.

Chan's dedication to comic books was infectious. He inspired other publications to start dedicated comics columns of their own (including our very own Marvellous Mags in December 1983, which has since evolved to today's Worlds Of Wonder), and also the establishment of comics specialty stores.

He was also instrumental in organising of Malaysia's first ever comics convention (the Malaysian Comics Convention at YMCA KL in 1984) and the publication of the APAzine graphic novel, featuring comic stories and art by local talents.

Chan’s love for comics also inspired many comic fans in different ways.

One of those who really cherishes Chan's commitment to the comic scene in Malaysia is comic book artist Alan Quah, whose first published work was in Apazine, and went on to draw for DC Comics and other international publishers.

“Without the opportunity he gave me and many other young artists, I would never realise my dream to be a professional comic artist," Quah says.

Former Star and NST editor Kee Thuan Chye has fond memories working with him at NST. “As his editor, I had numerous jousts with him over the lengthiness of his column pieces which were, to him, precious products of his labour of love. Daniel was truly a pioneer," Kee says.

Some of his other former colleague also chipped in with the tributes. Stephen Ng remembers Chan as a very encouraging and passionate leader, while Kamarulzaman Ismail had the honour of having the first ever letter published in Comicscene, and remembers buying comics through Chan at a 25% discount!

Other comic book fans also remember him fondly. Auditor Tiang Woon Meng thanks Chan for introducing him to comics, and opening a whole universe to a (then) small (kampung) boy; while avid comics fan Andrew Kok remembers receiving a direct edition copy of The Amazing Spider-Man #276 after snail-mailing Daniel in 1986.

“It was epic for me. A touching moment of my life in (terms of) comics collecting," Kok recalls.

As for yours truly, his reviews inspired me to become a comics columnist as well! Nuff said.

Rest in peace my friend, mentor and master comics columnist.