Depicting Hope in Fear: Comic Creation and the Resurgence of ‘Black Bug’

Depicting Hope in Fear: Comic Creation and the Resurgence of ‘Black Bug’

Revisiting the Birth of ‘Black Bug’

Recently, a comic creation sharing session titled “Depicting Hope in Fear – ‘Black Bug'” took place at Guangzhou Zhongshuge Yongqingfang store. This session was the second stop of an event series organized by New Star Publishing House, a significant player in the comic industry. The attendees of the event included renowned individuals from the comic world such as Wang Xiaoyang, the author of the ‘Black Bug’ comic, Jincheng, the founder of ‘Comics Friend’ magazine and the ‘Golden Dragon Award,’ and contemporary artist Cat Daddy Yuhai. The session provided a platform for these artists to discuss comics and the creative process, and allowed attendees to revisit the origins of the ‘Black Bug’ comic.

Wang Xiaoyang: A Journey Through Comics

Wang Xiaoyang, a celebrated comic artist who began his journey in elementary school, has published works in almost all local comic magazines. His talent and creativity have earned him numerous comic awards, including the prestigious ‘Golden Dragon Award,’ which he has won thrice.

During the sharing session, Wang Xiaoyang offered insights into his creative journey. He stressed the importance of brainstorming and idea generation before starting the official creation process. A notable aspect of his work is the emphasis on the page-turning impulse in his comics, aiming to make readers eager to turn to the next page. Jincheng, recognizing Wang Xiaoyang’s talent, described him as the ‘King of Plot’ and praised him for his dedication to his work. The aesthetic composition, story rhythm, and the reading experience of the readers were highlighted as key factors contributing to the success of Wang Xiaoyang’s comics.

Exploring the Genre of Horror Comics

Wang Xiaoyang also shared his experience with horror comics. He emphasized that horror comics should not merely scare the readers, but also make them want to continue reading. Jincheng echoed these sentiments, stating that horror comics are unique within the comic genre. It is not the lack of readers that makes horror comics special, but the fact that not many people can master the art of creating them.

‘Black Bug’: A New Version Emerges

After more than a decade, a new version of ‘Black Bug’ has been released. This updated version includes five stories and additional content. Wang Xiaoyang revealed that his life and work state have significantly changed compared to earlier times. Despite venturing into music and releasing albums, he has chosen to return to the world of comics. He shared that his inspiration often strikes when he is alone, and his past experiences will become the creative materials for his future works. The resurgence of ‘Black Bug’ thus marks not just the return of a beloved comic series, but also the return of a talented artist to his true passion.