A New Age for Taiwanese Comics
2024 / August
Facing strong competition from Japanese manga and Korean manhwa, in recent years Taiwan’s manhua (comic-book) sector has developed a robust brand image, winning numerous international awards and gaining widespread attention. “No matter your nationality, manhua provide a common language,” says Chang Min-hui, manager of the bookstore at Taiwan Comic Base. In this month’s Cover Story we look at the development and current state of manhua in Taiwan from a variety of angles, including the resurgence of Taiwanese manhua, well-known Taiwanese comic books, bastions of manhua in Taiwan, character IP, and Taiwan stories depicted by foreign comic-book artists.
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Featured Story
From Bust to Boom:
A New Golden Age for Taiwanese Comics
When Taiwan Panorama reported on the state of the Taiwanese comic-book market in 2022, the industry was feeling hopeful about developments since 2010, and beginning to ask if a third golden age might be on its way. We now know the answer: an unequivocal “Yes!”......
The Fledging of Taiwanese Manhua:
Visualizing Local Stories for the World
Thanks to government grants, more than 700 Taiwanese comic books—manhua—have seen the light of day in recent years. This success invites us to ask, what characteristics define today’s Taiwanese manhua?......
Bastions of Comic Books in Taiwan
Whether or not you are a fan of comic books, you should visit Taiwan Comic Base in Taipei, the National Taiwan Museum of Comics in Taichung, and Graphic Life Studio in Tainan. You will gain a deeper understanding of how amazing Taiwan can be.......
National Taiwan Museum of Comics:
A Home for Manhua in Taichung
A visit to a group of wooden buildings on Linsen Road in Taichung City’s West District will bring back childhood memories and teach you about the latest developments in Taiwanese comic books. This is the National Taiwan Museum of Comics (NTMC).......
Graphic Life Studio:
Gifts for Taiwan
Many comic-book fans take advantage of the two days a week (Fridays and Saturdays) when Graphic Life Studio is open to the public to come and visit. There they can see Zhou Jian-xin, illustrator of Son of Formosa, at work and maybe get an autograph in a book purchased on-site.......
Taiwanese Character IP on the World Stage
When composing a Line message, you can express your feelings with a “Mei Mei” sticker that says, “You don’t understand my style.” The drinks tumbler in your hand may be a co-branded item combining the Bugcat “Capoo” with a hand-shaken drinks bar brand. Or as you browse the web on your phone yo......
Their Tales, Taiwan’s Times:
Taiwan in the Eyes of International Comic Artists
The freedom and vibrancy of Taiwan’s publishing scene have not only infused the comic industry with a steady stream of fresh energy, but have also recently enticed many international comic artists to publish their works in Taiwan. Some have even crafted “Taiwan” stories from a global perspective.......
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