Manhua is a term used to describe Chinese comics and printed cartoons. Over the past century, this medium has established its own distinctive art style and storytelling techniques, as demonstrated by some of the finest manhua. Through its various genre narratives, it provides insight into Chinese culture, history, and mythology.
The finest manhua represents China’s abundant literary and artistic heritage while also incorporating contemporary pop culture elements. These comics illustrate captivating stories of martial arts, romance, humor, and science fiction that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Below are 7 notable manhua series that have spanned past and present, showcasing why this form of media has become an integral component of Chinese contemporary culture.
Top Picks: 7 Best Manhua That Define Chinese Graphic Novels
1. Chinese Heroes
Ma Wing Shing is the creator of Chinese Hero, a comic book that depicts important moments from Chinese history and culture. Each chapter is organized chronologically and centers on a distinct historical figure, spanning from ancient times to the modern era in a vivid, narrative style.
While incorporating artistic liberties for dramatic effect, the book encompasses a wide range of figures including mythological heroes, strategists from warring states, rebel leaders, politicians, writers, scientists, athletes, and others. Additionally, the inclusion of real historical texts pertaining to Chinese history throughout adds educational significance.
The panel layouts in Chinese Hero are packed with abundant background details that surround each character. This makes it a great choice for readers looking for the top manhua, as it provides a comprehensive overview of China’s history and legends that span more than two millennia through the use of visual storytelling.
2. Ravages of Time
Ravages of Time is a remarkable manhua that brilliantly reimagines the historical Records of the Three Kingdoms as a strategic thriller. It masterfully showcases the cunning tactics and power struggles of prominent figures such as Liu Bei and Cao Cao, as depicted in the classic novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, revealing the intense battles and elaborate machinations in their pursuit of domination over China.
The dialogue and tactical planning in this game stay true to the poetic nature of Chinese literature, while the stunning visuals enhance the experience with intricate and beautiful art, evocative of traditional ink-wash aesthetics.
With careful attention to detail, creator Chan Mou showcases his extensive research in bringing this timeless epic to life. The inclusion of battle maps and emblem designs further demonstrate his dedication to authenticity. For those seeking visuals that rival the complexity of the original palace intrigue, Ravages of Time is hailed as one of the greatest achievements in Chinese comics.
Their Journey
This ongoing top manhua depicts an LGBTQ+ love story between two female students in contemporary China. Defying traditional genre norms, Their Story presents realistic characters and plots that resonate with numerous queer readers.
By examining everyday occurrences such as subway rides and text exchanges, this narrative thoughtfully delves into the ups and downs of their developing romance. It addresses similar themes, such as societal expectations surrounding careers and families, that are often seen in heterosexual coming-of-age tales.
In addition, Pages includes moving messages from the story’s fanbase on occasion. Their Story stands out as a groundbreaking achievement for Chinese comics, with its poignant portrayal of queer love and its blend of heartwarming fluff.
4. Journey to the West
Yang Jigeng’s manhua is considered one of the top modern reinterpretations of the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. This humorous and visually stunning adaptation follows the epic journey of Monkey King and Monk Xuanzang as they seek scriptures from India, brought to life with vibrant watercolor illustrations.
Iconic characters such as Dragon King and the beloved Pigsy have been given a stunning makeover, and pivotal moments such as Monkey King’s rebellion against the gods are brought to life through beautifully illustrated scenes. This compact manhua encapsulates the grandeur of a mythological epic, providing a visually captivating experience.
5. Ghost Blows Out the Light
The manhua adaptation of Ghost Blows of the Light features stunning watercolor webtoon-style art and is based on supernatural fantasy novels. It takes place during the Tang Dynasty in China and follows the story of Du Ping, a young lordling who is searching for a way to cure his illness. During his investigation of a haunted mansion, he meets the beautiful maiden Huli.
With the help of Du’s confidant, they quickly become immersed in unraveling the enigmas surrounding the overwhelming ghost population in the capital. This manhua stands out for its seamless fusion of suspense, adventure, and wit against a backdrop of palace politics and Taoist practices.
The mystical setting of Tang China is vividly brought to life through the fluid artwork, without compromising legibility even during chaotic scenes. Ghost Blows Out the Light is a perfect example of a successful adaptation of a digital manhua.
6. The King’s Avatar
Regarded as one of the top manhua in the gaming genre, The King’s Avatar tells the story of an esports star who is forced to retire at the height of his career. He then adopts an anonymous amateur persona on a new server, gradually working towards rebuilding his professional career from the ground up.
The webtoon quickly gained a large following in China and was even adapted into an anime. In the beginning, the story follows protagonist Ye Xiu as he experiences the excitement of exploration, creating a new account, and honing his skills through relentless determination and practice, showcasing his extraordinary talents despite starting from scratch.
While creating a new team of amateur gamers, he experiences a sense of camaraderie as they face challenges and deal with past tensions with old rivals resurfacing once again.
Tales of Demons and Gods
Considered to be among the top manhua in the action fantasy category, Tales of Demons and Gods takes place in a realm filled with sects and ferocious creatures. The story chronicles the adventures of the formidable cultivator Nie Li, who is resurrected after losing everything in a battle with the Sage Emperor.
This manhua seamlessly weaves together elements of mythology, wuxia martial arts, and magic while delving into conspiracies that span across multiple lifetimes. It presents an enthralling and grandiose fantasy journey as a man is reborn as a teenager before a tragic event. Utilizing his knowledge and abilities, Nie Li rapidly improves himself and his comrades, manipulating events to counter a looming demonic danger.
Regular modifications based on the novel ensure that the level of intrigue remains high as Nie Li navigates through fresh, perilous obstacles and discoveries on his journey towards his ultimate fate.
Conclusion
By conducting bold story experiments and promoting artistic innovation, the modernizing industry infrastructure is able to push boundaries for the medium.
The success of Their Story has led to numerous international awards for manhua. With streaming platforms like Tencent providing a wide selection of manhua, the popularity of Chinese comics continues to grow. Overseas publishers are also increasing their efforts to adapt and promote these comics, recognizing their widespread appeal.
One of the most thrilling moments to explore Chinese graphic fiction is now. These manhua are among the top choices, offering ideal opportunities to uncover valuable treasures from China and ignite a lasting love for the medium.
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