Izah Azahari
The Embassy of the United States (US) in Brunei Darussalam hosted the launch of an original comic book, Genesis, at Two Sons Coffee, Setia Kenangan II, in Kiulap yesterday.
The 75-page graphic novel funded by a grant from the US Embassy’s Small Grants Programme, telling the story of six teenagers a few years in the future confined to their homes by a global pandemic.
According to US Embassy in Brunei Darussalam Public Affairs Officer Jeff Barrus, the comic book is an adventurous tale that hopes to inspire Bruneian youth with its themes of resiliency in the face of a changing climate, leadership amid adversity, the importance of friendship and mental wellness in overcoming the odds, and the value of environmental conservation.
Barrus congratulated the team behind the comic book – Khai Anwar, Adi Farhan, Hanis Hashim Richard Chin, Azim Diniy, Farhan Karim and Kelvin Ang – who were also present.
“The US Embassy supports Bruneians telling their own stories in their voices. We believe local creators play a crucial role in inspiring and challenging the rest of us to see the world with fresh eyes,” said Barrus.
In line with that commitment, the public affairs officer shared the comic book will be distributed for free across Brunei, while copies will be made available in schools, bookstores, cafes, and such, as well as free online in the coming weeks. The public affairs officer said the Small Grants Programme provides funding for projects and initiatives that further US Government foreign policy objectives and promote bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding between the US and the Sultanate.
