SAN DIEGO — The San Diego JACL will host reception for Stacey Hayashi, creator of a 100th/442nd graphic novel, on Friday, July 19, from 8 to 10 p.m. at Sushi on a Roll, 1620 National Ave., San Diego.
With illustrator Damon Wong, Hayashi authored “Journey of Heroes: The Story of the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team.” She is coming from Hawaii to attend Comic-Con 2013, which will be held July 18 to 21 at the San Diego Convention Center.
“Journey of Heroes” is designed to educate young people about the Nisei soldiers of World War II. The book’s website gives the following description:
“Stories are the foundation of our culture, the way we share our values and pass them along to future generations. Many of the documentaries and books about the famed 100th Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team speak to the enduring values, heroism, and truth of their war experiences. Few, if any, tell their story within a medium that appeals to the audience that most needs to learn from and understand these lessons: our youth.
“We are producing a 30-page graphic novel that tells the compelling story of these young boys who, after battling racism at home and fascism abroad, literally saved the world.
“Developing the story in this medium — a flexible, easily consumed format — makes it eminently accessible to younger audiences (grades 7 to 12) who might otherwise never study or learn from this most important chapter in the history of Asian Americans and our country.
“After testing an initial proof of concept, we are proceeding with full development of a 100/442 graphic novel and an initial printing of 10,000 copies. Half of the first run will be distributed to schools and libraries, leveraging their ability to reach the target audience and extend the reach of the novel’s message. Funds are being raised for production, printing and distribution.”
Cost per ticket is $20. RSVP online by noon on Friday.
