Publisher and former political prisoner Tsai Kun-lin is to receive the special contribution prize at this year’s Golden Comic Awards, the highest honor in Taiwan’s comic industry, the Ministry of Culture announced June 11.
Tsai, 88, was arrested in 1950 and given a 10-year sentence for taking part in a book club in which a member was accused of promoting propaganda. After completing his prison term on Green Island in southeastern Taiwan’s Taitung County, he worked as a newspaper editor and translator of Japanese comics.
In 1966, Tsai founded the biweekly children’s magazine Prince. Consisting of illustrated and literary works, the publication ran for about 400 issues and provided a significant platform for emerging Taiwan comic artists.
According to the MOC, the award marks recognition of Tsai’s courage and perseverance in fostering the development of the nation’s publishing sector.
The GCA jury noted that by ensuring illustrated stories comprised 20 percent or less of Prince’s content, Tsai was able to circumvent strict censorship regulations on comics during the White Terror period. His efforts cultivated local cultural creativity and advanced the careers of many artistic talents, the jury said.
In addition to the Special Contribution Award, the MOC also revealed the 23 works shortlisted from 136 submissions in categories spanning cross-media application, editor, new talent, as well as comics for teenagers and young adults. Among the nominees are talents such as Cherng, competing for best comic strip collection, and Ruan Guang-min, aiming to repeat his success last year in the young adults section.
The winners in each category will receive their awards and prizes of up to NT$300,000 (US$10,053) at a ceremony in September, according to the ministry. (CPY-E)
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