KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 — How many artists can say they’ve collaborated with a legendary comic book creator? Moreover, how many in South-east Asia can make that claim?

That rare opportunity became a reality for two talented Malaysian comic artists — Ling Chun Qing, widely known as Ruby Ling, and Emily Yim — who teamed up with none other than Bob Layton, the iconic writer and artist best known for his work on Marvel, DC and Valiant comics, which he co-founded.

Their collaboration resulted in a stunning piece of artwork featuring Iron Man soaring through the skies of Kuala Lumpur, battling the classic Marvel villain Fin Fang Foom by firing his repulsor above the city’s most iconic landmark — the Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC).

The artwork was officially unveiled on Saturday during the soft launch of the Collektr Experience Centre at Amcorp Mall, marking a proud moment for the Malaysian comic art scene.

Speaking to Malay Mail, Ling shared how this collaboration came to be, stating how he and Yim visited Layton for his 50th anniversary signing event that took place at InkInk Collectibles, located in Bras Basah Complex, in Singapore.

“We had lunch together, and he (Layton) said, ‘I want to visit Malaysia,’” said Ling. 

“We wanted to conceptualise something that would be very special to everybody.

“I figured it would be interesting to get Bob to ink with a local Malaysian artist,” he added.

He added that many crazy ideas were brainstormed for the artwork before settling on the piece featuring Iron Man vs. Fin Fang Foom.

“One concept even had all cultures coming together, or characters having a tea break together.

“In the end, we went with something more straightforward — a classic battle scene,” said Ling.

The original art sketch was created by both Layton and Ling, while Yim contributed to the coloured versions of the artwork.

Layton contributed key creative ideas, according to Ling, including the decision to have Iron Man engage in a fight rather than simply flying away when Fin Fang Foom chases him.

Choice of characters in the artwork

While it’s evident why Iron Man was chosen for this artwork — considering he is one of the characters Layton helped revolutionise through stories like Demon in a Bottle — the choice of villain is more specific.

According to Ling, they could have picked any villain, but Fin Fang Foom was selected for a very particular reason: a sense of unfinished business from a story that was never completed.

“I remember when the first Iron Man movie came out — it was a smash hit, and many praised Jon Favreau’s direction.

“Marvel had actually commissioned Favreau to write a follow-up story in comic form, where Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Iron Man would be in Las Vegas fighting Fin Fang Foom,” he said.

“The entire book was meant to be illustrated by Adi Granov, who was the cover artist at the time.

“But the book was never completed, and we never got to see that story — or Fin Fang Foom — come to life.

“That’s the Easter egg we included in the artwork and hopefully, long-time Iron Man fans will spot it and appreciate the nod,” he added.

Several copies of this cultural crossover artwork by Ling, Yim and Layton were distributed to members of the media during Saturday’s event, with many taking the opportunity to secure Layton’s coveted signature.

The original piece, unveiled at the launch, has already been placed on auction via the Collektr app, where bidding began yesterday and will run until Thursday, October 9.

Only one original physical artwork exists, making it a truly one-of-a-kind collector’s item.