The best of times, the worst of times
With the CCC having broken the ice and graphic publications gradually coming to greater attention, the stigma once attached to comics is now falling away. A number of government agencies have even begun working with comics artists, leading to a wave of “official” comics.
More importantly, the government has begun to regard comics as an important part of the cultural content industry, formulating policies, investing substantial resources, and working to revitalize the sector’s development. Not only has the CCC been transferred from Academia Sinica to the Creative Content Agency and expanded into an online comic serialization platform, the Taiwan Comic Base has also come into operation, and a National Comic Museum is in preparation. Assistance in finding opportunities for content licensing (such as for film or TV adaptations), substantial subsidies for publishing houses, and the establishment of the Golden Comic Awards (succeeding the Graphic Comic Awards) have all brought with them significant benefits for the industry.
With an increasing number of original works, the themes and styles of Taiwan comics are becoming ever more diverse, and artists are trying to outgrow the influence of foreign comics such as Japanese manga and develop their own personal styles.
Another reason for pride is that Taiwan’s position as a leader in gender equality in Asia is reflected in its comics industry. Not only do female artists and editors account for the vast majority of these positions, a large part of the writing, which was predominantly done by men in golden ages past, is now also by women. There are also a number of iconic and distinctively Taiwanese works on issues of gender equality, which have been warmly embraced by the market.
For example, Huang Tingyu, proprietor of comics shop Mangasick, introduced us to Let’s Go T, which combines female sexual autonomy with comedic elements. The comic was originally self-published by artist Guzi, but became so popular that it attracted the attention of publishers and was even licensed for publication in Japan. Huihui’s Feifei’s Inflatable Adventure! is also self-published, but has nonetheless managed to secure a spot near the top of Mangasick’s sales chart.
Sometimes it is both the worst of times and the best of times. Taiwan comics are at a critical juncture in their development, but going from dormant to blooming and from monolithic to diverse is no easy task. As a witness to this crucial moment, why not seek out some original Taiwan comics that capture your fancy, doing your part to support the industry while also enjoying the unique pleasures this moment has to offer?
Government publications in comics form have become a growing trend in recent years.
Huang Tingyu’s comic shop Mangasick is a mecca for lovers of comics and animation visiting Taiwan.