Genesis: A Small Grants-funded comic book

Local comic book publisher, AD Comics launched a new Bruneian comic book “GENESIS” funded by the U.S. Embassy Small Grants program on February 15, 2023. “GENESIS” is a modern folktale set in Borneo that centers on six young people locked at home during a pandemic, undergoing the adventure of a lifetime. The 75-page graphic novel focuses on youth resiliency in the face of a changing climate, the importance of mental health and the value of environmental conservation.

At the launch event held at Two Sons Coffee, Setia Kenangan II, in Kiulap, U.S. Embassy officials and AD Comics representatives distributed copies of the comic book to the public for free. The “GENESIS” project marks a first for the U.S. Embassy in Brunei — funding a comic book that will be distributed at no cost to the general public. Speaking at the launch ceremony, U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer Jeff Barrus said: “The U.S. Embassy supports Bruneians telling their own stories in their voices. We believe local creators play a crucial role in inspiring and challenging the rest of us to see the world with fresh eyes.”

AD Comics is the first comic book publisher in Brunei Darussalam and the creator of Bruneian superhero Tebuanman.

The Small Grants Program is a funding opportunity to promote bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding between the United States and Brunei. Small Grants projects are to be implemented in Brunei Darussalam over a period of one year with grants of up to US$20,000. U.S. Embassy Small Grants Program funds projects focused on a variety of themes including Entrepreneurship / Innovation / Digital Economy, Climate Change and the Environment, Culture and Arts; Civil Society Development, Diversity and Inclusion, and Civic Education.