Art News

Promo graphic for the We Belong crowdfunding campaign.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

September 9, 2023


The We Belong crowdfunding campaign is one of ten listings included in the inaugural Support Saturdays, Hello Barkada's new roundup published every second Saturday. The monthly list features crowdfunding campaigns, calls to action, mutual aid appeals and memberships, and sponsorship opportunities by artists, writers, and/or art collectives and organizations. Because radical possibilities are made possible when we act collectively.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

August 28, 2023


Hello Barkada presents the second annual Collectively, a month-long celebration of artists, writers, and creatives from historically marginalized communities that's hosted throughout September, Hello Barkada's anniversary month. Featuring a series of new content, including a new episode of Allowed with Lawrence Lindell and a new edition of Hello Barkada Comics contributed by Christina Moreland, and a Hello Barkada pop-up shop on September 30 at the inaugural Chula Vista Art Fest.

Promo graphic of Hello Barkada panels presented at Comic-Con 2023, featuring headshots of all 10 panelists and Christine Pasalo Norland.

By Christine Pasalo Norland

July 16, 2023


Many thanks to Pearl Low, Christina Moreland, Elizabeth Ito, and Natasha Kline for participating on the panel "The Short of It: Animation is a Medium" and to Jamila Rowser, Nidhi Chanani, Victoria Ying, Kiara Valdez, Marco Finnegan, and Amanda Meadows for participating on the panel "From Burnout to Brainstorm" presented at Comic-Con International 2023.

By Christine Pasalo Norland

April 19, 2023


Pacific Arts Movement's 12th SDAFF Spring Showcase runs Thursday, April 20, through Thursday, April 27, 2023 at the UltraStar Cinemas in Hazard Center/Mission Valley. Over 15 films from Asia and beyond will be presented. Here are the five we're most excited to see.

Black and white photo of Jessica Hagedorn from 2020s, with text that reads, "Jessica Hagedorn Five Facts by Jade Boldenow," on a brown background.

By Jade Boldenow

March 31, 2023


In celebration of the prolific Filipina American multidisciplinary artist and the upcoming 30th anniversary of her debut anthology Charlie Chan is Dead: An Anthology of Contemporary Asian American Fiction, here are five facts to get to know more about Jessica Hagedorn.


PHOTO BY JESSICA FALLON GORDON.

Photo of an enamel pin of a floppy-eared dog in a show by Karen Alleluia. Orange, tangerine, and light blue pin on a tangerine background.

By Christine Pasalo Norland

March 22, 2023


When not hosting panels, we're hoping to visit the tables of such indie artists as Maxi Rodriguez, Karen Alleluia, Genevieve Santos, Dale Ray Deforest, Anthony Fowler, Jr., Jacoby Salcedo, Patrick Ballesteros, Alvin Alvendia, and more. From Artist Alley to the main floor, here are the exhibitors who've so far caught our eye.

PHOTO BY KAREN ALLELUIA.

Promo graphic for Hello Barkada presenting at WonderCon 2023. Color profile photos of eight panelists grouped by panel under panel title and event info, all on a brown-toned photo of the Anaheim Convention Center. Circle photo of Christine Pasalo Norland and HB round, brown logo in the bottom right corner.

By Christine Pasalo Norland

March 6, 2023


Hello Barkada hosted Sandra Equihua, Amanda Meadows, Lea Anderson, Malissa White, Viktor Kerney, John Jennings, Elizabeth Ito, and Reyna Cervantes on panels at WonderCon 2023, the annual spring show and sibling event to Comic-Con International that takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Branded promotional graphic for Hello Barkada panel appearing at Virtuous Con 2023, featuring photos of panelists Bianca Xunise, FeliceY, Raeghan Buchanan, and Christine Pasalo Norland. Text says, "Give Us the Punk, Feb 25, 11:00 a.m. ET, Dwayne McDuffie Room."

By Christine Pasalo Norland

February 14, 2023


Hello Barkada returned to Virtuous Con on Saturday, February 25 at 11 a.m. ET to present the panel "Give Us the Punk," featuring comic artists Bianca Xunise, FeliceY, and Raeghan Buchanan.

Photo of the book Where I'm Coming From on a dark table. The book cover is in tones of black, white, yellow, and red.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

January 25, 2023


Bring out the bouquets! This new collection by cartoonist Barbara Brandon-Croft proves that her pioneering comic strip is as fitting and funny today as it was when it appeared in mainstream syndication from 1991–2005.

Photo of zines and buttons in the Collectively 2022 Full pack, on a crocheted afghan.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

January 20, 2023


Two new product packs—Collectively 2022 Mini and Collectively 2022 Full—are now available, featuring limited works previously only seen at the 2022 San Diego Zine Fest. Proceeds from each support the Hello Barkada comics series and guest writer series.

Photo of the black, white, and gold book cover of Queenie: Godmother of Harlem, featuring a black and white illustration of Queenie who is seated and reclined while holding up a lowball glass of whiskey.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

December 24, 2022


Inspired by the life of Stephanie "Queenie" St. Clair, this graphic novel by Elizabeth Colomba and Aurélie Lévy, and published by Megascope / Abrams ComicArts, is a gripping read.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

Published on Popverse October 4, 2022


Cartoonist Liz Montague chats about Maybe An Artist, Jackie Ormes, and serendipity.


NOTE: Links will redirect you to read the article on ThePopverse.com

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

September 23, 2022


How publisher, editor, and writer Jamila Rowser is a catalyst for the comics we need in the world.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

September 16, 2022


How Growing Up, the debut LP by The Linda Lindas, is poised to resonate with fans of all ages.

Tan Collectively logo repeated down a brown background.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

August 30, 2022


Hello Barkada presents the first annual Collectively, a month-long event made up of a series of programs and publications hosted throughout September, Hello Barkada's anniversary month.

Profile photo of MariNaomi.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

Published on Popverse June 15, 2022


How the veteran cartoonist inspires community, connection, and gumption.


NOTE: Links will redirect you to read the article on ThePopverse.com

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

July 24, 2022


The SDCC panel The Ethnogothic: Horror and Conjure in Storytelling examines the renaissance of horror works in Black speculative fiction.


This article originally appeared on ThePopverse.com.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

June 7, 2022


Hello Barkada hosted comics professionals Jamila Rowser, Regine Sawyer, Amy Chu, Amber Padilla, Dr. Shamika A. Mitchell, Deb Aoki, and Jessica Tseang on panels at Comic-Con International 2022 to consider where comics storytelling can expand and how the industry behind comics creation must change.

TCAF Web Banner on a brown background. Black text says, "TCAF Responds to Concerns Raised by Comics Community About Saba Moeel."

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

June 1, 2022


Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF) clarifies that their statement published on May 31 responds to concerns about Moeel's discriminatory remarks published online, including transphobic comments, but does not address allegations of Moeel profiting off Black personhood and culture.

Profile photo of Elizabeth Ito.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

Published on Popverse May 25, 2022


The animation veteran and former Adventure Time director discusses the storytelling and appeal of her award-winning Netflix show.


NOTE: Links will redirect you to read the article on ThePopverse.com

Promotional graphic for the 11th SDAFF Spring Showcase.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

April 20, 2022


The 11th annual mini film festival hosted by the Pacific Arts Movement took place in-person at the UltraStar Mission Valley from Thursday, April 21, 2022 through Thursday, April 28, 2022. Over 15 films were featured from such directors as Kamila Andini (Yuni), Jun Lana (Big Night!), and the late Kinuyo Tanaka.

Photo of Vietnamese American Wednesday Tran, sitting on a forest floor in front of a mossy boulder with her white bulldog Brock.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

March 25, 2022


How multidisciplinary artist Wednesday Tran found healing and abundance by reclaiming their creativity.

Collage of screenshots featuring Christine Pasalo Norland and Jonita Davis during The Call Out episode 1.

By Christine Pasalo Norland

March 24, 2022


Follow @JonitaLDavis and @HelloBarkada on Instagram! In this collaborative series, film critic and The Black CAPE Magazine founder Jonita Davis joins Christine Pasalo Norland to call attention to exclusionary film and TV critique, examine how they're problematic, and highlight reviewers who positively reframe dialogue around the film and TV projects. The Call Out is based on Davis' Medium Essay, "Why I Am Calling Out All Colonizer Criticism and What That Means for You."

Brown-toned text that says "Allowed" is set inside merged black conversation bubbles.

By Christine Pasalo Norland

March 2, 2022


In our new programming series, invited artists and writers join Christine Pasalo Norland in conversation, to share aloud the influences and intentions behind their latest works. For our first episode, we welcomed cartoonist Trinidad Escobar to discuss her new comics collection Arrive In My Hands, published by Black Josei Press.

Front cover of Trinidad Escobar's "Arrive In My Hands" Queer Erotic Comics. Featuring an illustration of oceanside cliff formations that look like two women laying on their left sides in an embrace.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

February 25, 2022


Published by Black Josei Press, Trinidad Escobar's Arrive In My Hands is a collection of Queer erotic comics, poem-comics, and illustrations that surges off the page like desire released from dormancy.

COVER IMAGE COURTESY OF BLACK JOSEI PRESS.

Artwork of a black femme-presenting humanoid with the announcement that Hello Barkada is participating in Virtuous Con.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

February 7, 2022


Hello Barkada is proud to have participated in the second annual Virtuous Con: Black History Month! We collaborated with an esteemed group of creators and thinkers to contribute three livestream panels to the amazing lineup of virtual programming that took place on Saturday and Sunday, February 12–13, 2022. Stay tuned for new about watching the panel replays!

Black and white photo of Afro-Latine artist, educator, and activist Sharon Lee De La Cruz laying on their back with their hands under their head, looking up at the camera.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

January 31, 2022


New York-based artist, educator, and activist Sharon Lee De La Cruz shares what is gained from being comfortable with tinkering, the draw of small presses, and the appeal of comics storytelling.

Screenshots from the first Happy Hour Chat Instagram Live program featuring Jade Seaberry and Christine Pasalo Norland. Seaberry's feed is on top of Pasalo Norland's feed.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

January 21, 2022


Jade Seaberry of DiverseToons hosts Hello Barkada Founder Christine Pasalo Norland for a monthly Instagram Live series about bringing panels to pop culture conventions.

A light-skinned Black woman with type 3C hair walking down a dirt road that cuts through a grass plain. The woman is walking towards the camera, yet looking beyond it. She is wearing an olive green bomber jacket on top of a light grey knit top.

By Jonita Davis 

January 7, 2022


Why this film from 2019 is worth several watches now that it's available to stream on Netflix. Codeblack's Fast Color stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Lorraine Toussaint.

IMAGE OF GUGU MBATHA-RAW COURTESY OF LIONSGATE.

A brown hand holding up the black and white zine in front of a leafy green hedge. The cover of the zine features falling leaves and the title, "isang mahal."

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

January 5, 2022


We're wishing you a happy new year with our first micro-press effort: A 16-page zine featuring the first print reproductions of our 2021 comics series as well as original written and illustrated works.

Text in a centered black box says, "Everyday is a good day to support and buy from Black artists. www.blackartistdatabase.co." The box is layered on a slightly larger box that's marbled in black, white, and green. Both boxes on a black background where BAD outlined in white appears on repeat down the left side of the graphic.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

December 7, 2021 


Also known as B.A.D., this free and independently-run platform counters the systemic inequity of the mainstream music industry by helping Black musicians, labels, producers, artists, and creatives find, connect, and work with each other directly. 

IMAGE FROM B.A.D.'S INSTAGRAM & DESIGNED BY BETHAN DADSON.

Banner on a concrete light post on the campus of San Diego State University. Text on the banner says "You are learning on Kumeyaay land." The text is on photo of a dirt trail with a view of brush, trees, and distant hills.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

November 12, 2021 


Native American & Indigenous students, faculty, and staff at San Diego State University hosted a series of events throughout November to celebrate Native American Heritage Month 2021, including a conversation with Tongva writer, illustrator, and comics artist Weshoyot Alvitre.

PHOTO FROM SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY TWITTER FEED.

Production still of brown-skinned character Zelda interviewing a colorful, multi-armed ghost named Chete at a table in a Korean BBQ restaurant. Chepe is in the center, flanked by Zelda to the left and a brown-skinned character on its right. On the table are bowls of kimchi and steamed white rice, and a Fisher Price-like voice recorder and microphone.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

October 20, 2021 


Why more people should watch and fan the popular Netflix animated series by creator Elizabeth Ito.

IMAGE COURTESY OF NETFLIX.

Cast onstage behind microphones and sheet music stands. A transparent photo of Larry Itliong at a United Farm Workers meeting is superimposed on top of the cast photo so that his image lightly appears above the musical cast.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

October 12, 2021 


The creative team behind the musical about Filipino American activist Larry Itliong is raising funds towards the production's premiere at the historic Brava Theater in San Francisco.

Round color photos of Black cartoonists Barbara Brandon-Croft, Bianca Xunise, and Steenz are layered over the bottom of a black and white photo of Black woman cartoonist Jackie Ormes, all appearing on a purple background. Text in light purple says, "Celebrating Jackie Ormes. Live stream, Thursday, October 28, 2021, 7:00 p.m. EST."

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

October 9, 2021 


Hello Barkada and Women in Comics Collective International (WinC) present "Celebrating Jackie Ormes," a free virtual panel that took place on Thursday, October 28, and features cartoonists Barbara Brandon-Croft, Bianca Xunise, and Steenz. Replay link in the article!

Filipina American fine artist Mary Jhun reviewing a painting from the exhibit.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

September 28, 2021 


Filipina American surrealist Mary Jhun exhibits new works at the Thumpbrint Gallery in La Jolla, California, during October.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY JHUN.

Illustrations of Breena Nuñez Laneha and Lawrence Lindell Laneha flanking their small press mascot, House.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

September 20, 2021 


Cartoonists Breena Nuñez and Lawrence Lindell discuss healing by way of their new animated series, comics, and coffee.

ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF LANEHA HOUSE.

Three Latinx cousins in the middle of a pinky swear.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

September 13, 2021 


Who's ready to keep up with the Morales'? The next season of Netflix's Latinx dramedy premiered this November.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX.

Characters Xialiang, Shang-Chi, and Katy from the Marvel movie "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings."

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

September 8, 2021 


The Marvel blockbuster adds to the growing tapestry of Asian representation in American popular culture. Just bare in mind: We don’t all know martial arts.

PHOTO FROM MARVEL.COM.

By Christine Pasalo Norland 

September 6, 2021 


Mingei International Museum reopens in San Diego's historic Balboa Park. Dedicated to folk art, craft, and design, the renovated museum offers new indoor and outdoor spaces including a new restaurant, and forever-free admission to its first floor.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MINGEI INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM.