by Kam Williams

Comedy Zen, a TV series which runs on the ImaginAsian TV network, showcases the talent of some of the most dynamic Asian-American comics around, utilizing a straightforward stand-up format. This DVD is a compilation of the show’s first season, plus another 90 minutes of never before seen bonus footage.

Among the stars appearing are Bobby Lee and Dr. Ken Jeong, a couple of comics you might have recently caught on the Kims of Comedy Tour, though they’re doing fresh material here. What is most remarkable about these engaging entertainers’ dynamic brand of observational humor is that most manage to be hilarious and intelligent at the same time, and without having to refer to themselves in a disparaging fashion or with any ethnic slurs.

In fact, their Asian-affirming goal seems to be to ridicule unfair stereotypes used against their people, such as the ones which suggest that they all drive poorly, are under-endowed, and speak with Chinglish accents, mixing their ‘l’s and ‘r’s. Some of these comedians even exhibiting a certain militancy, such as KT Tatara, who complains about others feeling comfortable cracking Asian jokes while he’s still in the room and laughing right in his face.

PK, a flip Filipino, bemoans the popularity of American Idol reject William Hung for setting “us back 20 years,” adding, “When an Asian person acts stupid on TV, we all feel pain.” He closes his set with a parody of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech in which he prays that Asian women will no longer be exploited in pornography.

My favorite performer was Randall Park who opened his act by asking the audience for a show of hands in response to the question, “Who here hates racism?” Oddly, only a third of them do. Then, he soberly explains exactly why he hates racism, namely, “Because people have no control over the color of their skin.” Next, he makes the point that it’s fairer to like or dislike an individual by the content of his or her character, cleverly mixing in several side-splitting jokes to illustrate his point.

Humor as a serious means of subverting the dominant paradigm. Brilliant!

Excellent (4 stars)

Unrated

Running time: 135 minutes

Studio: ImaginAsian Home Entertainment/Genius Products DVD Extras: Bonus footage, comedian bios, and promos.