The second Vietnam Comics Day 2016 took place on September 11 in Hanoi, showcasing the rising prominence of Vietnamese comics in the hearts of audiences. However, it is essential to recognize that building a sustainable comic culture in Vietnam faces numerous challenges and requires substantial effort.
Emergence of a New Wave of Artists
Over the past two years, Vietnamese comics have made considerable strides in development. A significant factor contributing to this growth is the active involvement of creators from the 8X and 9X generations, who are passionate about comics and eager to cultivate a vibrant comic culture in Vietnam. This new wave includes both professional artists and students who are keen on discovering notable Vietnamese comic works.
The 2016 comics festival attracted a considerable audience in Hanoi.
Long thần tướng (by the authors Thành Phong, Mỵ Anh, Khánh Dưỡng) can be considered a pioneering work in the Vietnamese comic scene through its crowdfunding approach. The success of this project has opened up numerous avenues for the development of Vietnamese comics. With community support and the creative potential of the artists, Vietnamese comics can indeed thrive. Notably, the two initial volumes of Long thần tướng successfully called for community funding and received enthusiastic reactions from audiences. Another exciting news is that Long thần tướng recently won the International Manga Award from Japan.
According to the assessment of dedicated fans of Vietnamese comics, the top five most captivating stories in 2015 were Bad luck (by Châu Chất Chém), Địa ngục môn (by Can Tiểu Hy), Tam Tấu Violon (by Mèo Ú Sấu Mùi), Ông lão đánh cá và con cá vàng – hậu truyện (by Tống Tất Tuệ), and Tai Mèo và mặt ngầu (by Mèo Mun đen). Each story explores unique themes and styles.
In Địa ngục môn, author Can Tiểu Hy weaves a supernatural and mysterious tale of a girl wrongly accused of death during her quest to regain her life. Meanwhile, Tam Tấu Violon delves into the lives of three musicians, Đệch, and Chuột. Ông lão đánh cá và con cá vàng – hậu truyện provides a fresh perspective that captivates those familiar with the classic tale of Ông lão đánh cá và con cá vàng. This narrative portrays the elder’s life as not just a series of challenges but as a reflection of a resilient character. The golden fish represents both the magical and mundane aspects of human existence.
Additionally, the creative names behind this new wave of Vietnamese comics cannot overlook Phan Thành Trí with Vùng trời hư cấu, Dương Minh Đức with Nhóm máu O, HRO with Học sinh chân kinh, Đình Lân with Project Icon, Tuyết đỉnh sinh vật with Tuyết đỉnh sinh vật Artbook, Chuyện của Heo, Dương Thạch Thảo (pen name Nie) with 50 sắc thái, and Bích Ngọc (pen name Mực) with Chuyện của Mực…
The work Long thần tướng won the International Manga Award from Japan.
Facing Many Challenges Ahead
Khánh Dưỡng, a representative of Comicola, shared that in 2016, the number of new Vietnamese comics published did not increase significantly compared to previous years, but the quality is improving. Several Vietnamese authors have gained recognition in prestigious comic awards worldwide. The success of Vietnamese comics can be attributed to various factors. Among them, the ability to leverage social media for promotion is becoming increasingly important, especially for engaging younger audiences.
Efforts to advertise and introduce comic products have been prioritized, focusing on appropriate marketing strategies. Authors have effectively utilized information technology and social networks to promote their “spirit of creation.” Crowdfunding not only serves as a source of funding for projects but also as a way to promote their works effectively. Promotional products such as keychains, art prints, and posters have been made appealing to the public. The production team of Long thần tướng even created trailers similar to movie promotions, sharing them online before the official release. Additionally, the cosplay photos of popular girl Khả Ngân as the beloved character Lê Nhật Lan have also attracted substantial attention from the online community.
Many individuals have expressed the need to build a sustainable comic culture in Vietnam, yet numerous challenges remain. Despite the efforts to tap into the “spirit of creation,” many new stories lack originality and depth, making it challenging for audiences to connect with them. Another noteworthy issue is that Vietnamese creators are still heavily influenced by international comic styles, particularly Japanese manga. To establish a unique identity for Vietnamese comics, it is crucial to develop an individual style that is distinct from any foreign influences or trends. Moreover, some works that have generated buzz have not achieved commercial success despite their quality content. This represents one of the significant challenges for the development of Vietnamese comics.
Vietnamese comics currently have a tremendous potential audience, consisting of comic enthusiasts who wish to contribute to the growth of “made in Vietnam” comics. This highlights the motivation for creators to produce high-quality works, as the emotional connection to their audience needs to be nurtured through trust and quality content.
(According to SKDS)
