Recognizing excellence in original comics and seeking to unearth a new generation of comic artists, the awards focus on highlighting individuals making a contribution in creating, promoting and marketing comics, as well as nurturing new talents in the industry.
The biggest winner was Hsiao Chuang, who claimed the first-ever double of Best Comic Grand Prize and Best New Comic Artist for his “Incidents of the 1980s.” Rights for the piece have already been picked up by a French-based publisher.
Other winners include Chang Ji-ya, Best Potential; Chang Sheng, Best Young Male Comic; Huang Jien-he, Best Editor; Mickeyman, Best Comic Unit; Wei Tzung-cheng, Best Original Design; Zhi-yi +ZEI+, Best Young Female; and Zhou Xien-tzung, Best Children’s Comic.
Ao Yu-hsiang, one of Taiwan’s most revered cartoonists with a career spanning more than 32 years, picked up the Lifetime Achievement Award. He is renowned for his 1985 signature piece “Black Dragon Court Yard,” which sold over 43million copies in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Southeast Asian countries and mainland China.
“There is always a giggling child in the bottom of a comic artist’s heart,” Minister of Culture Lung Ying-tai said as she presented Ao with the award. “He has enabled generations to enjoy homegrown comics and develop a locally influenced cultural imagination.”
In response, Ao said over the past 30 or so years, there have not been many Taiwan-produced comics on the shelves of local bookstores. “I wish to remind all my fellow comic artists that we must always strive to produce irrespective of the obstacles in our path.
According to Lung, new talents can overcome barriers by developing fresh marketing approaches. “A strong title can now crossover to many forms of media like cartoons, movies, novels, TV series and video games,” she said.
As part of the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to support rising stars on the Taiwan comics scene, it has invited three local artists to collaborate with one of their counterparts from New Zealand on a new graphic novel set for release at Taipei International Books Exhibition next year.
The awards were established in 2010 and are the top honors of their kind in Taiwan. Winners are assisted by the MOC in competing for major international comic contests such as France’s Angouleme Comic Festival, Japan publisher Shueisha’s New Artist Award and Switzerland's Lausanne Comic Festival. (SC-JSM)
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