Monkey King Teaser + My Full SDCC Panel!
Watch the Trailer, Catch the Panel - and Don’t Miss the Giveaway!
Just got back from Comic-Con! This year, I only managed one day. And it would’ve been a lot more fun if I weren’t fighting off a sinus infection. Ugh. A sniffy nose 🤧 and a crowded crowd are not fun! I wanted to roam the exhibition floor, maybe snatch a Labubu and a bunch of books… but between the crowds and my stuffed-up head, I didn’t last long. 😂
Still, I’m glad I went. It was wonderful catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. And my panel was such a highlight! ✨ Whether you stopped by, came to my signing, or sent some love from afar - thank you. Your support really means a lot.
And now… I have something super special and exciting to share - a teaser trailer for my upcoming graphic novel, Monkey King: Uproar in Heaven - coming Fall 2026!
This story is a reimagining of one of my favorite childhood legends, packed with mischief, magic, and a monkey who refuses to be told who he can—or can’t—be.
If you loved Marshmallow & Jordan, I think you’ll adore this one too. It’s full of heart, adventure, mythology, and just the right amount of chaos. 🐵💥
✨ Want first dibs on exclusive previews, preorder news, and behind-the-scenes sketches? Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss a thing!
2025 SDCC Panel - Follow Your Dreams: An Artist’s Journey
A number of you asked about the SDCC panel, Follow Your Dream—and good news! Our wonderful moderator, Ingrid Luedtke, recorded the whole thing, and now the full video is available to watch!
Follow Your Dreams: An Artist’s Journey — often we focus on the artists’ work. Yet, life itself is a work of art. A drawing sketched and inked with choices, experiences, and relationships. A unique rendering that embraces diverse and varied approaches to professional growth. Come and hear from Lalo Alcaraz (award-winning cartoonist and creator of La Cucaracha daily comic strip) Alina Chau (illustrator and author of Bonnie's Rocket & Marshmallow & Jordan), Joel Gomez (illustrator of La Muerta & Lady Gunfighter), Mark Habegger (artist for Jollies & special FX manager for Dead Man), Scott Morse (creator of This Ink Runs Cold & 20-year Pixar story artist), and Marcus D. Newsome (author & creator of Lightning Strike) as they provide a storyboard of their own journeys.
If you’d rather read than watch, I’ve typed up my own answers below. (Sorry—I didn’t have time to transcribe the full panel, but I hope these snippets, along with some expanded thoughts, are still fun to read!) All questions were created by our amazing moderator, Ingrid Luedtke.
🎤 On a journey there is no clear roadmap. How did you know you were on the right track?
Honestly? It took me over three years of experimenting with different indie career paths before I found success. Before going solo, I worked full-time at an animation studio and didn’t fully know what being an “independent artist” even meant. In those early years, I tried everything - tabling at conventions, exhibiting in galleries, designing apps, toys, clothing, and of course, children’s books.
Even though all those things draw on similar creative skills, turning them into a sustainable business is a different game. After lots of trial and error, I started to figure out what I genuinely enjoyed - and what just wasn’t for me. Over time, I discovered that children's publishing is where my heart really lives.
🎤 How do you recharge creatively while in the middle of a project or in between projects?
When I’m deep in a project, I stick to a routine: clock in around 9 a.m., wrap up by 6, take a proper lunch break at noon. I aim for eight hours of sleep, eat healthy, and treat my schedule like I’m training for a creative marathon. That structure keeps my brain clear, my energy up, and burnout at bay.
But between projects? Totally different story. I sleep in, eat all the snacks I missed, and completely unplug. I learned the hard way back in my early studio days - pushing through burnout or powering past illness never ends well. When your body says “nope,” it really means it.
These days, when it’s time to recharge, I head outside, catch up with friends over good food, or dive into creative side projects that have nothing to do with work. Group shows, doll-making, sketching with friends - anything fun and low-pressure. No deadlines, no expectations - just space to play and explore.
🎤 Looking back, did you anticipate your career unfolding in this way, or were there unexpected detours?
I see my career as a constant journey of change and growth. Back when I was in animation school, I thought I’d be an animator my whole life. My dream was to work for a big studio, maybe even lead or direct a show someday. That sounded perfect to me. But as the years went by in the animation field, I realized my creative interests had shifted. I craved something more independent, so I started exploring other avenues.
I dipped my toes into children's book publishing and really enjoyed illustrating. At that point, I never even thought about becoming an author. Then one day, I got the urge to try writing, and it turned into something exciting. If you had asked my younger self where I’d be now, I wouldn’t have guessed I’d be doing this.
You could call all these career changes unexpected turns, but I think it’s just part of an artist's journey. As we grow, we evolve, and some of it is influenced by life and outside factors. A lot of it, though, is just a process of figuring ourselves out.
🎤 What projects are you currently working on that you are excited to share?
Right now, I’m illustrating two picture books I can’t wait to show you. But what I’m really excited about is my upcoming middle-grade graphic novel, Monkey King: UpRoar in Heaven, coming Fall 2026 from First Second!
I'm super excited to unveil a teaser preview at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). This book is a prequel to the epic Journey to the West, focusing on the first seven chapters. It’s been really fun to reimagine this legendary story, and I can’t wait for you to meet my version of Monkey King.
🎤 What is a dream project that’s still on your creative bucket list?
I really hope Monkey King gets turned into a series! I’ve already finished writing the story for the second book. Your support for the first book would mean so much to me. A lot of the time, whether a publisher decides to keep the series going depends on how many preorders the first book gets, so every little bit helps! 🧡
Besides Monkey King, I've got a few other ideas cooking, like a couple of picture books and another fantasy graphic novel. I really hope all of them find a good home someday. Right now, they’re still just ideas I’m working on.
🎤 How do you use your platform or visibility to support the creative community or causes you care about?
I like to think of my platform as a cozy little corner where I share what I’ve learned (and am still learning!) about writing, art, publishing, and creative life in general. I love connecting with fellow storytellers, artists, and book lovers - swapping tips, cheering each other on, and maybe occasionally screaming into the void together (creatively, of course). I also use my stories and art to share slices of different cultural experiences, because the more voices we hear, the richer and more fun the creative world becomes.
🎤 What is the most common mistake you see newer artists make when trying to break in?
One of the biggest struggles? Thinking you're failing just because things aren't happening fast. Breaking in takes time, and rejection is part of the deal. It’s really easy to compare yourself to others online and feel like you’re falling behind—but social media is a highlight reel. It rarely shows the false starts and flops behind each “overnight success.”
Give yourself space to grow. Everyone's path is different, and that’s a good thing. If you believe in your goal, keep going.
🎤 What do you hope your work will inspire in the next generation of artists?
As an Asian American writer and immigrant from a multicultural family, I used to feel shy about sharing my stories. I worried that no one would care - or worse, that no one would get it. But once I started teaching and connecting with readers, I realized people do want all kinds of stories. Some are looking for something that reflects their own experience, while others are curious to explore something new.
Every voice matters. I hope my stories help someone feel seen - or spark curiosity. And more than anything, I hope they encourage other young creatives to tell their own stories, too.
Thanks again to everyone who came to the panel, sent kind messages, or cheered from afar. I’m so grateful for this creative community—we really are in this together. 💛
Didn’t make it to SDCC? No worries - I got you covered!
If you missed out on my Monkey King swag at the con, here’s a little treat: a DIY printable pack with a postcard, bookmark, and stickers! Download, print, and enjoy a bit of the Monkey King magic wherever you are.
Grab your freebies here - and share the fun with friends who love a little mischief too! 🐒✨
It looks beautiful! I also loved Marshmallow and Jordan.
Wow!! What a trailer!!