In the News

Comics exhibition draws huge crowds

• Publication Date：07/29/2010
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Kwangyin Liu

Over 95,000 visitors crowded in for the first day of the 11th Comic Exhibition July 28 in Taipei, setting a record number for the annual event.

“From what I have seen, the comics exhibition is as popular as Computex,” said Johnny Chi-chen Chiang, minister of the Cabinet-level Government Information Office, at the opening ceremony.

“Animation and comics have always been an important part of Taiwan’s creative cultural industry, and the government will continue to promote them,” the minister added.

Emile Chih-jen Sheng, minister of the Council for Cultural Affairs, encouraged comics publishers to apply for the investment fund offered for the creative cultural industry.

Through its own efforts and growing government support, Taiwan’s comics industry has seen significant progress, according to Kao Shih-chun, secretary-general of Taiwan-based Chinese Animation & Comic Publishers Association, and coordinator of the exhibition.

Highlights of the exhibition include comics artist and author appearances, which are expected to draw thousands of fans to witness live drawing and writing sessions, he said.

“The Golden Comic Awards are also expected to further boost the industry,” Kao added, referring to the GIO-sponsored event, held for the first time this year.

As part of the event, the GIO has presented a Life Achievement Award to Liu Xing-qin, the 76-year-old veteran Taiwanese comics artist, who has been drawing comics since 1953, according to local media.

Liu’s recent works include over 300 studies of Taiwan’s folk life and traditions. His most well known comics include “The Great Auntie” and “Brother A-san,” which have been translated into several languages, including English, German, and Russian. (THN)