A Look Back: Our Writing on Internet Culture & Graphic Novels in China

Editor’s note: This post was commissioned by The London Book Fair, who wished to offer attendees in its upcoming conference an introduction to internet culture, graphic novels and book culture in Greater China.

Internet memes are alive and kicking in China, though they might not be the ones we’re used to seeing. If you only had time to learn about one Chinese meme, it would have to be the obscenely-named grass mud horse, sometimes a symbol of anti-censorship, sometimes just a cute animal.

The real-life consequences of internet memes. How the Umbrella ‘Revolution’ meme hurt the movement in Hong Kong.

Fans affectionately call Nicki Minaj “spicy chicken” online. The funny Chinese nicknames of international celebrities.

Netizens in Hong Kong defend copyright with internet memes. A fascinating case study on cross-border intellectual property, copycats and some angry, angry fans.

Author-illustrator Jing Liu made a graphic novel chronicling Chinese history through the ages. We reviewed the first four parts here, here, here and here.

China is not on the verge of a new comics renaissance. That and other gems from this interview with underground comics group Cult Youth.

The Hong Kong bookstore that sells banned-in-China books alongside… infant formula and milk powder. Ironically, its emblem is the face of Chairman Mao.

For more check out our column, the China Meme Report, or read some of our other book reviews.