Like many expressions of art, Manhua also has an interesting historical story behind it. It is often used as a rebellious visual tool to gain public attention. Let's dive into the what is "漫畵" and its modern history in China and Japan.

What is Manhua?

Manhua  "漫畵" ( the Chinese traditional way of writing ) and manga "漫画" ( simplified way of writing  ) both originates from from the Chinese writing "漫画". The term "漫画", where "漫" implies whimsical or unrestrained, and "画" means drawing or picture. In other words, the definition of Manhua or Manga initially lay in two main aspects: one, the exaggeration in content, and two, the simplicity and fluidity in artistic expression.

Although it started off in China, it is Japan who made the artform popular during its golden ages during its economic miracle years "高度経済成長", which as coined as the greatest years of prosperity Japan had seen in the late 1960s. As everyone knows, Shonen manga was slowly losing its audience as the digital age drew near and the bloom of Manhwa, aka webtoon, from Korean came in storming the industry. Some of the reasons why manga lost its grip are Japan's refusal to adapt to the global market and the development of smartphone. Ever since the first Apple iPhone hit the market in 2002, there is a shift in smartphone interfaces away from keyboards to touchscreen. Korea manhwa artists, with the rise of Samsung and other smart phone giants, recognized the change and adapted; thus, the vertical scroll was born. The Chinese manhua market was growing steadily following the growth of manhwa, but due to domestic government regulations, the growth was halted. These artists are left jobless and had to leave their passion behind.

A Brief History of Manhua

Chinese comics, or Manhua, have a rich and evolving history, tracing back to ancient China where drawings with satirical elements existed but were not recognized as an independent art form. It was not until the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican era that Manhua emerged as a distinct genre, known by various names like satire, allegorical, and humorous paintings. The rise of modern Manhua was closely linked to the bourgeois democratic revolution and anti-imperialist struggles, with notable pieces like the "Shooting Pigs and Slaughtering Sheep" during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, and the earliest known newspaper comic "The Situation Map" published in 1903 in Shanghai.

The May Fourth Movement further catalyzed the development of Manhua, as revolutionary masses produced comics with significant agitational impact. The first personal collection of a Chinese comic artist, "National Humiliation Illustrated" by Du Yu, was published, and in 1918, Shen Bochen established "Shanghai Poke," China's first dedicated comic publication. The 1920s marked the formal adoption of the term Manhua, with artists like Feng Zikai contributing significantly to the genre's growth and popularity.

The 1930s saw an unprecedented boom in Manhua creation, with various publications emerging in Shanghai. Manhua became a tool of political and social expression, especially during the Japanese invasion and the subsequent liberation war. Post the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the 1950s witnessed a new peak in Manhua creation, playing a crucial role in reflecting internal contradictions and contributing to the Anti-American and Korean War efforts.

Modern Manhua Trends

Towards the end of the 20th century, a new type of Manhua, influenced by foreign comics, entered China. The first Chinese comic magazine, "Comic King," was launched in 1993, introducing a new style of storytelling and layout that resonated with a generation accustomed to animated television. This era also witnessed the slow growth and social acceptance of comics as a mainstream cultural form.

In the 21st century, digital platforms like Sina Weibo and NetEase's LOFTER became important for Chinese comic artists to showcase and share their work. Online platforms like Tencent Animation, launched in 2012, focus on nurturing local comic talent. The advent of the internet and mobile technology also popularized "strip comics," tailored for smartphone screens, marking the latest evolution in the realm of Chinese Manhua.

History of Manga in Japan

It is said that the precursor of Japanese manga is the "鸟兽人物戏画" (Choju-giga), created in the 12th-13th century, which are scrolls passed down through generations at Kyoto's Kozan-ji Temple. The scrolls are divided into four parts, known as volumes A, B, C, and D, containing content that metaphorically mocks and satirizes the social phenomena of the time. Notably, volume A, which famously depicts rabbits, frogs, and monkeys in an anthropomorphic manner, is the most renowned. Due to the similarity in artistic techniques used in these scrolls with those in modern Japanese manga, Choju-giga is often regarded as the oldest form of manga in Japan.

Female Manga Artists and Fans in Japan

In the 1960s, shojo (girls') manga in Japan saw a significant rise, driven by female manga artists who brought fresh perspectives to this genre. Publications like "Shojo Friend" and "Margaret" began scouting new talent through contests, providing a platform for young women in a male-dominated field. These artists, influenced by Western culture, created more dynamic and relatable female characters compared to the simplistic "paper doll" images of their male counterparts.

The "Year 24 Group," a collective of prominent female manga artists born around 1949, including Moto Hagio and Riyoko Ikeda, played a pivotal role in transforming shojo manga. They introduced stories that resonated deeply with young female readers, breaking away from traditional male-driven narratives.

As manga readers matured, the genre diversified to cater to young and adult women, moving beyond traditional themes to explore more complex aspects of life and society. This shift marked the growth and maturity of the manga market. Alongside mainstream manga, a niche of "underground manga" and "doujinshi" (fan comics) also emerged, characterized by unique styles and themes, further enriching the diversity of the manga landscape in Japan.

Support Manhua Artists with Unifans

The history of manga and manhua reveals a challenging journey for artists, who frequently battle to sustain their livelihoods in a competitive industry. As avid fans and members of the Unifan community, we have a unique opportunity to support these artists. By actively engaging with their work, purchasing their creations, and spreading awareness, we can help secure their financial stability. This support is vital not just for the artists' welfare, but also for the continuation of a rich cultural tradition. By backing these creators, we enable them to continue crafting valuable stories that enrich our lives and contribute to the global tapestry of storytelling. Let's unite in our passion and commitment to these artists, ensuring that their dreams are realized and their artistry continues to thrive for generations to come.

Unifans is a membership sponsorship platform operated by an international team with an audience spanning the Chinese and English-speaking worlds. The platform welcomes creators of all kinds to join, and web novels are an important category within the content matrix.

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