Comic books used to have a bad reputation. When parents see their kdis reading a comic book instead of a ‘real’ book - whether it’s Superman, Dragonball, Beano or Archie - they think it’s a waste of time, a childish pastime that contributes nothing to the child’s intellectual development.

But that just isn’t true. Comic books and graphic novels are a valid literary form in their own right, even if most of us start off with  superheroes and silly capers. Comics can help with cognitive development, spatial and artistic ability, creative thinking, and critical analysis.

The Association of Comic Artists (Singapore) (ACAS)

The Association of Comic Artists (Singapore) (ACAS) is a non-profit organisation, formed in 2005 by a group of professional & semi-professional Singapore-based cartoonists, all of whom had in their portfolio previously published work. The group is many things to many different people.

First and foremost, it's a place where Members collaborate to get their stories published within compilations - writing, pencils, inks, colours, tones, letters- all essential tasks which are best shared and often taught when required.

Second to that, ACAS carries out teaching and lecturing on the artform at their own classes, in schools and colleges, and at various pop culture events. They are Specialist Celsys Comic Studio Trainers - Japan's # 1 manga software, and Hanvon Reseller - China's #1 digital art pen tablet.

Along with art competition judging tasks, ACAS has been visible in much local media promoting the positives that come from comics. The group does a large amount of art demoing, and try to cover Member time & effort whenever there is available budget.