Dude. So the CRAZIEST THING happened last night. President Barack Obama calls me up and tells me that he’s so excited about Level Up, my upcoming graphic novel with Thien Pham, that he’s declared the month of June 2011 LEVEL UP AWARENESS MONTH!!! I was like, Mr. President! It’s an honor and everything, but it’s Memorial Day! Shouldn’t you be at a barbecue or something, having a beer with some military folks? And he’s like, Look… your graphic novel… is momentous. Set up… some events… to celebrate… this occasion. Level Up is… the graphic novel… we have been waiting for.
Well, who am I to argue with the Leader of the Free World???!!!
LEVEL UP LAUNCH PARTY, SF
What: Book signing and art show to celebrate the release of Level Up
When: Friday 6/3/11 at 6pm
Where: Mission: Comics and Art, 3520 20th St. Suite B, San Francisco, CA 94110
YANG VS. PHAM: EPIC DRAW-OFF
What: Who’s better at making comics, Gene Luen Yang or Thien Pham? Come find out.
When: Saturday 6/4/11 at 2pm
Where: Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff, 2980 Treat Blvd, Concord, CA 94518
UPDATE: Flying Colors is offering 25% off anything in their store during our event! Coupon here!
READING AT BARNES & NOBLE
What: Reading and book signing for Level Up
When: Tuesday 6/7/11 at 7pm
Where: Barnes & Noble, 5604 Bay Street, Emeryville, CA 94608
PRESENTATION AT BOOKSMART FESTIVAL
What: Talk by Gene about American Born Chinese and Level Up at BooksmART Festival
When: Saturday 6/11/11
Where: Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 North Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201
PRESENTATION AT TEEN ‘SCAPE
What: Presentation about making comics and pursuing your dreams
When: Friday 6/17/11 at 4pm
Where: LA Public Library – Central Library, 630 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
LEVEL UP LAUNCH PARTY, LA
What: Book signing and party to celebrate the release of Level Up
When: Friday 6/17/11 at 7pm
Where: The Secret Headquarters, 3817 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
TALK AT PASADENA LIBRARY
What: Presentation about making comics and pursuing your dreams
When: Saturday 6/18/11 at 11am
Where: Hastings Branch of Pasadena Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove, Pasadena, CA 91107
P.S. It’s also Anya’s Ghost Awareness Month and Astronaut Academy Awareness Month. I know, that’s a lot of awareness, but come on! You can handle it! How many TV series do you follow at the same time?!
P.P.S. I’m not totally sure how Mr. President got my number. I think maybe Google gave it to him. I don’t mind, of course, but they really should’ve asked first. Freaking Google.
