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    Tracing the proud history of Hong Kong-made comics
    Hong Kong-made comics are so much more than child's play
    Hong Kong comics Credit: Brian BRAKE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
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    Hong Kong SAR

    Hong Kong comics are no imported fandom - the city has a proud history of comics and creativity. The industry started out humbly in the 1930s, and reached its prime in the ’80s. At their peak, Hong Kong comics sold five million copies a year, worth HK$100 million.

    Exhibition view of Hong Kong comics

    The hapless Old Master Q and his friends have entertained generations since the ’60s.

    Master Q cartoon cutouts

    Credit: Nora Tam/South China Morning Post via Getty Images

    And artist Theresa Wai-chun Lee made her name in the ’60s with the stylish Miss 13 Dots.

    An exhibition dedicated to Miss 13 Dots

    Credit: Hong Kong Arts Centre

    Martial arts heroes have always been the most popular, such as Tiger Wong from Oriental Heroes.

    Shrek and Fiona from 'Shrek'

    Credit: Ho-man Fung/AFP

    But it’s not all fists of fury. Alice Mak’s adorable McDull has gone from comics to TV to seven feature films.

    Shrek and Fiona from 'Shrek'

    Credit: Sputnik/AFP

    The city’s comics have gone international; Hong Kong’s Raman Hui was the character designer of Shrek. And The Ravages of Time has gone from local comic to global hit – it’s a big-time mobile game, too.

    An Iron Man statue

    Credit: Lok Mickey/Imaginechina

    While comics sales are down, the fans are still fervent. Hong Kong’s toy industry is going strong – but with a shift to western superheroes.

    Hero image: Brian BRAKE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

    More inspiration

    Hong Kong travel information

    Country / Region
    Hong Kong SAR
    Language
    Cantonese, English
    Airport code
    HKG
    Currency
    HKD
    Time zone
    GMT +08:00
    Climate
    Subtropical
    Country / Region
    Hong Kong SAR
    Time zone
    GMT +08:00
    Currency
    HKD
    Airport code
    HKG
    Language
    Cantonese, English
    Climate
    Subtropical
    Find the best fares to
    Hong Kong SAR