Bu Kek Siansu's Universe
by Binatang Press
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FOLLOWING SIN TONG'S ADVENTURE
It may started with Kwa Sin Liong, but Bu Kek Siansu is just Asmaraman S Kho Ping Hoo's opening episode of what expands into a much longer family saga. It's been a long time dream at Binatang Press to be able to unearth the cult series and bring to today's generation.
Binatang Press' whole episode about Kho Ping Hoo really started in his hometown, Solo. It was circa April-May 2023, we did a couple of back-and-forth between Jakarta-Solo to set up our Dari Ngak Ngik Ngok ke Dheg Dheg Plas display as part of Lokananta Remasterd exhibition at Lokananta Bloc. During these times, we tracked down CV Gema, Asmaraman S Kho Ping Hoo's own publishing house. We finally found it and get to know Pak Bunawan, Asmaraman S Kho Ping Hoo's son-in-law. And that's where everything started.
We launched Bu Kek Siansu Vol 01 in Kedai Tjikini, Jakarta in April 2025, followed by the second one in October that same year.
Bu Kek Siansu vol 01 launch at Kedai Tjikini
This June, we finally concluded our Bu Kek Siansu series which ends in volume 3. The original series ran for about 24 volumes, but we condensed them into 3 volumes. One volume of our version equals to roughly 7-8 volumes from the original series.
The last week of June was a colorful weekend because the launch happened simultaneously in two places. It was our first time hosting two launches at once: Sekutu Rumah Karya, Solo and Gramedia Jalma, Jakarta. Doing this in Solo especially carries its own weight, this is the hometown of Asmaraman S Kho Ping Hoo.
ON THE BOOK'S ARTWORK
Colorful display from vol 01 launch
Illustration has always been a big charm for the book. We somehow already knew what we wanted the illustration to feel. It should be something refreshing, but carries the same charm as the original artwork. We thought of no one other than Yoel Kristiandi to help illustrate the book. It did not take long before he jumped on board. It's Yoel's illustration that gives a youthful look to the cult series so it's only natural that we ended up with endless options of merchandise from his art.
Bu Kek Siansu postcard collections
One time during UNFOLD Art Book Fair in Shenzhen, some visitors even wanted to buy our promotional Bu Kek Siansu banner that reads 'warrior' in Mandarin character (this banner is not for sale obviously).
BU KEK SIANSU UNIVERSE
This August mark's Asmaraman S Kho Ping Hoo's centennial anniversary. We say it's never too late to start immersing yourself into the world of Bu Kek Siansu. If you are just starting out, you can get our complete bundle that holds all of our three volumes.
Already have Volume 1 and 2? Volume 3 have an option that comes together with the box, so your set finally matches.
Already have all three? We also have the box only option, so you can house your collection into one neat bundle.