American Born Chinese

My initial impression of Yang's book American Born Chinese, was that it was an interesting story of self-acceptance with underlying themes of Chinese stereotypes and racial identity. Since I am not familiar with reading graphic novels, it was not an easy experience. Having to slow down and study the frames became enjoyable by the end of the book, but was frustrating at first.
The ideas expressed were many and layered: Chinese culture and American culture, cultural stereotypes, self-acceptance, relationships between characters, the relationship between the separate stories, and spiritual/moral themes woven throughout.
My comfort level with reading a graphic novel began to rise by the time the character of Tze-yo-tzuh was introduced. The way he resembled the God of Christianity brought familiarity for me to the text. On page 80, he speaks so self -assuredly of his virtues: "I am Tze-yo-tzuh. I was, I am and I shall forever be. I have searched your soul, little monkey. I know your most hidden thoughts. I know when you sit and when you stand, when you journey and when you rest. Even before a word is upon your tongue, I have known it. My eyes have seen all your days. I am the heights of heaven and the depths of the underworld. Even at the end of all that is, my hand is there, holding you fast. It was I who formed your inmost being. I who knit you together in the womb of that rock. I made you with awe and wonder, for wonderful are all of my works."
The monkey king has his mouth open resembling a shocked, speechless response, but the great sage speaks with calmness and certainty. He is illustrated as being old and wise. The monkey appears to be questioning, the sage appears to be all-knowing.
Yang did an impressive job of introducing this character. Not just with words, but with visuals as well.