The Chinese Comic, previously a big influence on Japanese manga, is currently making a big name for itself. With attention focused on the Chinese Olympiad, Manhua is one of many underground mediums providing an alternative perspective on Chinese culture. 

An exhibition, China Comics Now, is currently touring the UK with the main focus on the manhua artists who are revolutionising comics. Curator Paul Gravett reckons that manhua could soon spin off into films and games media making it potentially a huge publishing phenomenon.

According to Yishan Li, an artist who already has mainstream success, manhua is not merely the hybrid of Japanese manga and western comics. ‘It is more about the Chinese way of telling stories,’ she says.