In the Year of the Virus: A Poignant Look Back at the Time When the World Was Affected by the Coronavirus

In In the Year of the Virus (2020), Singaporean poet and author Felix Cheong collaborates with illustrator Eko (Jia He Yi) to reflect on the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Combining poetry and comics, the work explores the impact of the virus on Singapore while also offering a unique perspective from the virus itself, anthropomorphized as a character. The book begins with the virus speaking directly to the reader, describing its relentless, indiscriminate spread and lack of self-awareness, allowing it to affect everyone equally. The accompanying illustrations—depicting orange spots symbolizing the virus’ spread—contrast images of human indifference, such as crowded subways and social gatherings, with the virus’s impact: a jogger collapsing from its effects and fearful strangers exchanging glances. Through this personification, Cheong and Eko underscore the virus’ democratic nature, contrasting it with humanity’s social divisions and prejudices. In the Year of the Virus thus reflects the duality of the pandemic: while the virus does not discriminate, humanity’s complacency and biases remain glaringly evident.