A Conversation with Watercolorist, Comic Artist, and Writer Tony Moy

Asian American History 101

Welcome to Season 4, Episode 37! Our guest this episode is the talented watercolorist, comic artist, and writer, Tony Moy. We first met Tony at the 2024 WonderCon in Anaheim when he was part of a panel on using comic books to help fight anti-Asian hate… a panel moderated by Stephanie Lim of Third State Books that also featured Amy Chu and Sarah Myer (we had a chance to speak to Amy on S04E08 and Sarah on S04E24 so check those episodes out).

Tony’s art is beautiful and vibrant. He’s done incredible covers and artwork focused on a variety of properties like Marvel, Star Wars, Studio Ghibli, and more. And he has also worked on his own stories and art. Our favorite series that he’s working on is called The 4Forty2nd, and it focuses on the heroic stories of the 100th and 442nd Regimental Combat Teams made up of Japanese Americans during WWII. They faced intense discrimination and incarceration and became the most decorated combat unit of their size in U.S. history.

We’re big believers in the need for diverse stories… and just like Tony Moy… we believe the true life heroic stories of Japanese American soldiers is something that needs more exposure. If you happen to be at New York Comic Con (October 17-20), then you can pick-up an ultra limited edition that collects the first three episodes of The 4Forty2nd (you can see the cover below). We’re keeping our fingers crossed that he publishes a graphic novel (or two or three) with all the stories on the 442nd RCT.

We talk about his watercolor style, what inspired him to write The 4Forty2nd, how he researches, and so much more! To see more of Tony’s work, visit his website, go to The 4Forty2nd homepage or Webtoons site, and check out his Instagram. The 4Forty2nd is free on Webtoons, so it would be great if you also consider supporting him on Patreon.

If you like what we do, please share, follow, and like us in your podcast directory of choice or on Instagram @AAHistory101. For previous episodes and resources, please visit our site at https://asianamericanhistory101.libsyn.com or social media links at http://castpie.com/AAHistory101. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, email us at [e-mail].