Comics, cartoons, funnies—no matter how you spell it, mean a momentary, humorous escape from the pressures of our daily life. For the adult, a cleverly crafted cartoon is like a valve—it helps to ease the tension of a working day. A comic book adventure leads children, whether in the Republic of China or the United States, into a realm of superheroes, villians and magic feats. Popular in all languages and cultures, cartoons and comic books are becoming a recognized art and entertainment form in the Republic of China.

There are presently two distinct types of comics in the Republic of China: the comic storybook and the cartoon or funnies as they appear in newspapers.

The comic storybook uses a sequential formula, not unlike a movie, to present a coherent storyline projected in a series of drawings. Characters are usually not so exaggerated and the plot is presented in a logical time-frame. The sequential format is an effective method of attracting readers—the build-up in action keeps intrigued readers in a constant state of suspense and surprise. These serial-style comics were an effective method used by daily newspapers to increase circulation. Similarly, enthralled children, hooked on cartoon kungfu adventures, kept artists working overtime. Popular examples of this genre are: Chu Ke Ssu Lang, Ta Shen P'o, and Niu Po Po.

The cartoon, which appears most often in newspapers, is shorter usually consisting of a one-box scene or at most four boxes. Characters and scenes are exaggerated in style and shape and there is often no strict observance of time sequence. The main characters never age or change, and they seem to have found the magic elixir of life. Distortion is an important key—the artist must use the most effective means to get his point across. Among the more popular comic strips are: Wu Lung Yuan, Hsian K'ang Li and Fei Lung Kuo Chiang. There are two types of one-box cartoons. The first of these is the illustration which appears with a current event, or comments on a political situation. This style of cartooning requires the artist to have a full understanding of the story and events behind the subject. Using this information he can express his opinion through the cartoon medium. Readers of this type of cartoon tend to be of a higher education level as the humor projected is often quite subtle and comments on current issues.

The second type of one-box cartoons are basic illustrations which accompany a story. The artist is merely drawing a complementary piece—there is no hidden commentary or underlying meaning.

Comic strips, the four-box variety which appear in daily papers boast a special feature: they use a normal, logical progression for the first three boxes, then abandon all format in the last box. The fourth box often uses a surprise ending to make their point. Comic strips, because they are longer and more expressive than the one-box cartoon, usually have a much larger following as the idea and humor expressed are much more obvious.

Historically, comic illustrations have appeared in Chinese culture since the T'ang dynasty (618-907 AD), but the actual appellation "Man Hwa" (which translates to exaggerated drawing or caricature) did not appear until after 1916. At that time, Feng Tzu-k'ai returned from Japan where the concept of Man Hwa was already popular. The early Chinese cartoons dealt almost entirely with the political situation, which frequently involved war conditions. This was most evident during the period of the Japanese invasion in the 1930's when political cartoons were used to rally the national spirit in the defense of the motherland.

During the war years three brothers stood at the forefront of the cartooning profession in China. They were Liang Ting-ming, Liang Yu-ming and Liang Chung-ming. The three worked for the government producing cartoons for propaganda purposes. After their arrival on Taiwan, Liang Chung-ming and Liang Yu-ming continued to draw politically oriented cartoons. Liang Chung-ming concentrated his efforts on the international political situation, while Liang Yu-ming produced comic storybooks.

The years 1956-1966 marked the zenith in popularity of comic books. These humorous stories attracted readers of all ages and provided an inexpensive entertainment outlet—movies and television had not developed a mass appeal.

Niu Ke is a representative cartoonist of these boom years. His serial-style "Niu Po Po" was so popular that it was responsible for the rise in the newspaper's circulation. This trend spurred rival newspapers to hire cartoonists on their staff in order to increase circulation. His talent for creating interesting storylines did not stop at comic books—Niu also writes many popular mystery novels.

Liu Hsing-ch'in, the creator of the popular "Ta Shen P'o" is a former primary school art teacher. At one time the department of education tried to forbid children from reading comic books. Liu, however, knew from experience that children will be children so he then drew his own comic book entitled, "Don't Read Comic Books", which was a huge success.

The final representative of the early comic book cartoonists is Yeh Hung-chia, the creator of "Chu Ke Ssu Lang", a kungfu adventure series. His comics are most popular with children and he cites one instance when a fan reportedly admitted that without Yeh's comics his childhood would have been in vain. The popular reception of his comics has in his own words, brought him unlimited advantages.

Following the late sixties the popularity of the comic book began to decline. There are several reasons attributed to this trend, among which are: Japanese comic books continued to flood the market, thus affecting sales of domestic comics. This in turn discouraged the development of local cartoonists. Finally, increased access to television created a rival source of entertainment—former readers enjoyed staying at home watching the increasing number of entertainment-oriented programs.

During the early 1970's a second wave of cartoonists emerged giving the public a new exposure to this art form.

Ch'en Chao-pao used the traditional style of Chinese painting to create his cartoons. To be a successful cartoonist Ch'en feels the artist must incorporate a solid drawing skill with an ability to express a sense of humor. Many people have a fine sense of humor but are unable to express it through drawings.

Chao Ning is not only a successful cartoonist, he is also a noted humorist and has written many limericks. He holds a Ph.D in philosophy from the University of Minnesota and an MA in broadcast communications from the University of Wisconsin. His formula for a successful cartoon: its hidden meaning must be understandable, it must be humorous as well as interjecting a note of satire, and the skill of the artist in expressing all this in drawing is crucial.

Hung Yi-man left the security of a high-paying job to pursue cartooning. This decision, made at a time when cartooning was not so widely recognized, was considered quite shocking to his friends and family. He presently draws instructive, educational cartoons—Hung feels that the majority of cartoons lack educational value. Modestly admitting he is not an artist, Hung works hard at developing his craft by reading, researching and travelling, in order to broaden his horizons and increase his knowledge.

In the past few years there has been another new movement of cartoonists—those who represent a new school of thought and work mainly in the newspaper comic strip medium.

Ao Yu-hsiang draws a humorous strip for the China Times called, "Wu Lung Yuan". This is a humorous look at the world of kungfu. Ao draws his inspiration from the fertile mediums of television and films to create his characters. He has also ventured into cartoon films and television programming.

Lao Ch'iung, one of the few female cartoonists in the group has a feature strip in the United Daily News. Her strip entitled, "Hsian K'ang Li" deals with a contemporary couple and their child, and the problems they encounter in daily life. She believes that our world is a veritable fountain of source material for cartoonists. Lao also feels that most people read the funnies without thinking about their underlying meaning. She hopes that her work not only makes readers laugh, but will give them pause to think a bit.

Yu Fu is a successful political and current events cartoonist. He usually works in the evenings—his days are devoted to preparing his topic by listening to the news and reading. While political cartoons have a lethal power to cut people, he believes a good cartoonist should use an objective outlook and sense of fair play in presenting his cartoons.

Cartooning in the Republic of China has come a long way, but in the words of many, still has some ground to cover. There should be a greater network of support for aspiring artists, complete and accurate outlets for the cartoonist to draw his sources, and the public should be more accepting of the satire that often accompanies the current-event style of cartoons.

The cartoonist must also have the proper education, background and training to be able to assume his role as one who uses humor to express concern for the society we all live in.

(Gerald Hatherly)

[Picture Caption]

1.2.3. Liang Chung-ming specializes in drawing cartoons dealing with international politics. 1.2. are examples of his work. 4.5.6. Niu Ke's "Niu Po Po" cartoon strip series has enjoyed great popularity. 5.6. are examples of his current events cartoons.

1.2.3. Liu Hsiang-ch'in is not only a noted cartoonist but an inventor as well. 1. "A San Ke and Ta Shen P'o", and 2. his hand-pattern model for drawing. 4. Yeh Hung-chia's "Ssu Lang Chen Ping" is a popular symbol of righteousness and justice for many children. 5. Chao Ning's selfportrait. 6.7. Chao Ning often complements his cartoons with humorous limericks.

1. Hung Yi-nan's recent "Lan Yu Fei Yu Chi" featured this "Hair Dance." This collection deals with the unique environment of Orchid Island. 2. A self-portrait of Hung Yi-nan. 3.4. Ao Yu-hsiang achieved fame with his cartoon "Wu Lung Yuan." It is full of hilarious material.

1. Material for Lao Ch'iung's humorous cartoons is drawn from daily life. 2. Lao Ch'iung's "Hsien K'ang Li." 3.4.5. At work at the newspaper—cartoonist Yu Fu and his political cartoons.

Three examples of outstanding new work: 1. Sha Yung's "Ch'u Wai Jen." 2. Tsai Chih-chung's "Fei Lung Kuo Chiang." 3. Chu Teh-yung's "Tu Chuan Wo."

1.2.3. Liang Chung-ming specializes in drawing cartoons dealing with international politics. 1.2. are examples of his work.

1.2.3. Liang Chung-ming specializes in drawing cartoons dealing with international politics. 1.2. are examples of his work.

4.5.6. Niu Ke's "Niu Po Po" cartoon strip series has enjoyed great popularity. 5.6. are examples of his current events cartoons.

4.5.6. Niu Ke's "Niu Po Po" cartoon strip series has enjoyed great popularity. 5.6. are examples of his current events cartoons.

4.5.6. Niu Ke's "Niu Po Po" cartoon strip series has enjoyed great popularity. 5.6. are examples of his current events cartoons.

1.2.3. Liu Hsiang-ch'in is not only a noted cartoonist but an inventor as well. 1. "A San Ke and Ta Shen P'o", and 2. his hand-pattern model for drawing.

1.2.3. Liu Hsiang-ch'in is not only a noted cartoonist but an inventor as well. 1. "A San Ke and Ta Shen P'o", and 2. his hand-pattern model for drawing.

1.2.3. Liu Hsiang-ch'in is not only a noted cartoonist but an inventor as well. 1. "A San Ke and Ta Shen P'o", and 2. his hand-pattern model for drawing.

4. Yeh Hung-chia's "Ssu Lang Chen Ping" is a popular symbol of righteousness and justice for many children.

5. Chao Ning's selfportrait.

6.7. Chao Ning often complements his cartoons with humorous limericks.

6.7. Chao Ning often complements his cartoons with humorous limericks.

1. Hung Yi-nan's recent "Lan Yu Fei Yu Chi" featured this "Hair Dance." This collection deals with the unique environment of Orchid Island.

2. A self-portrait of Hung Yi-nan.

3.4. Ao Yu-hsiang achieved fame with his cartoon "Wu Lung Yuan." It is full of hilarious material.

3.4. Ao Yu-hsiang achieved fame with his cartoon "Wu Lung Yuan." It is full of hilarious material.

1. Material for Lao Ch'iung's humorous cartoons is drawn from daily life.

2. Lao Ch'iung's "Hsien K'ang Li.

3.4.5. At work at the newspaper—cartoonist Yu Fu and his political cartoons.

3.4.5. At work at the newspaper—cartoonist Yu Fu and his political cartoons.

3.4.5. At work at the newspaper—cartoonist Yu Fu and his political cartoons.

Three examples of outstanding new work: 1. Sha Yung's "Ch'u Wai Jen.

2. Tsai Chih-chung's "Fei Lung Kuo Chiang.

3. Chu Teh-yung's "Tu Chuan Wo.".