Boxers, Saints, and the NBA

Back in 2006, Gene Luen Yang made comic book history by being the first cartoonist to become a finalist for a National Book Award for American Born Chinese, one of the most prestigious literary honors in the country. Well, it looks like Lebron James isn’t the only two-time NBA champion since Yang has received another National Book Award nomination, this time for Boxers & Saints, his latest book from First Second.

Teaming up once again with his American Born Chinese collaborator, colorist Lark Pien, Boxers & Saints is actually spread over two volumes, each telling the same story from different points of view. In one, the story is told from the perspective of Little Bao, a young man who joins the fight against Western imperialism and Christian missionaries in turn-of-the-century China. The other volume tells the story of Vibiana, an unwanted daughter who finds solace in the Christian church. Both stories are set against the backdrop of the Boxer Rebellion. Before the book’s release, First Second released this animated teaser:

Released in book stores and comic shops across the country just last week, Yang is currently on a nationwide tour to promote the book, and receive congratulations for his second shot at the NBA. Yangsanity!