One-panel comic by Boston-based graphic designer, illustrator and comic artist Lillian Lee. An office worker stares at their screen trying to decide if they should hit "Reply All" to a company-wide email while an angel hovers over their shoulder tells them not to while a devil on the other shoulder tells them to do it.

Slice of Life, Full of Heart: ‘Empty Bamboo Girl’ in Sampan Newspaper

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There is a unique rhythm to bi-weekly storytelling. It’s a pulse that keeps me grounded in the community while allowing the ink to dry on one narrative before the next begins.

I am incredibly proud to contribute my comic art and storytelling to the Sampan Newspaper, a cornerstone of our region and New England’s only bilingual Chinese-English newspaper. For a creator, there is no greater honor than seeing your work live within a publication that bridges cultures and languages every single day.

More Than Just Ink on Paper

My work with Sampan goes beyond the traditional “funny pages.” It is a dedicated space where art meets advocacy. Through these panels, I explore:

  • Bilingual Narrative: Crafting stories that resonate across English and Chinese speaking communities, ensuring the heart of the message isn’t lost in translation.
  • Public Health Initiatives: Using the visual power of comics to make complex health information accessible, engaging, and culturally relevant.
  • Community Roots: Highlighting local initiatives that keep our neighborhoods vibrant and supported.

In a world of digital noise, there is something profoundly “New England” about the tactile experience of a community newspaper. It’s about being seen, being heard, and — most importantly — being understood.

Join the Journey

Whether you’re picking up a physical copy at a local shop in Chinatown or reading from afar, follow the latest panels.

See the latest at:emptybamboogirl.com