Please upgrade your web browserYou’re using a browser that we don’t support. To get the best experience using our site, we recommend you upgrade to a newer browser – please see our supported browsers list.
Sign in / uponeworld
Please upgrade your web browserYou’re using a browser that we don’t support. To get the best experience using our site, we recommend you upgrade to a newer browser – please see our supported browsers list.
Cathay Pacific

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
Find the best fares to
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