Hong Kong Avenue of Comic Stars
Hidden away in Kowloon Park is Hong Kong's Avenue of Comic Stars. Unlike its local movie star equivalent which is by a promenade (also in Tsim Sha Tsui), the Avenue of Comic Stars is a little slice of local comic book culture. Figures range from more famous 90s era figures, older classic characters to current publishing successes.
The local comic scene has a mix of influences from Japanese comics and individual style. Note manga and the local manhua have the same linguistic root, so in the interests of keeping descriptions simple the term comics is used. Alongside Japanese comics, local comics are readily consumed by the local population.
Outside of a magazine or newspaper, local comics are generally found in two formats. One format is the volume form. Similar to that which Japanese comics are collected in (chapters), local comics are bound in volumes which are slightly bigger and appear more like a novel. Master Q is a good example. Commonly black and white, yet some contemporary comics, e.g. Maggie Market, are published in glossy full colour and lack old school panels/borders. These are usually found in bookstores.
The other format is similar to that of American superhero comics. Less than A4 sized, full colour booklets. Comics published in this format are usually geared towards a male audience and feature amazing fight scenes. The art is more similar to Japanese comics but it focuses heavily on sharp details, so don't expect cutesy characters. If illustration is your thing, its worth buying a copy just to see how well the illustrations are drawn and rendered. I wouldn't be the only one who has ever sneaked off with an older relative's comics just so I could spend time pouring over the level of detail included in each panel during an action sequence. This format is almost exclusively sold at local newsstands. Local newsstands are not like Australian newsagents, they are an institution more like a stand/pop up store, which sell certain goods.
The following are a few of the featured characters:
Storm Riders - Cloud
Cloud from the Storm Riders. Storm Riders is an Ancient Chinese martial arts epic. It is also one of the most successful comic to live action film adaptions, if not the most successful (locally speaking).
McDull
McDull is a comic where the artist drew inspiration from her brother's experiences at kindergarten. McDull and Co. are featured in picture storybooks and have been featured in a successful animated movie franchise. Of the films, the seemingly simple often hilarious story about a gentle kindergartener's life in Hong Kong has translated well even for adult audiences.
Hero Wah
Hero Wah or Chinese Hero is another famous comic.
Master Q
The adventures of Master Q is one of the earliest Chinese comics. There have been numerous animated and film adaptations.
Miss 13 dots
Miss 13 dots is another early comic character. Miss 13 dots is about a glamourous socialite, however the term '13 dots' (on a clock) has entered local vernecular to mean someone who's a bit strange.
Maggie Market
Maggie Market is one of the up and coming contemporary comic characters. The artist based the character on her own misadventures about work and having a baby.
Hong Kong Avenue of Comic Stars banner
This banner offers a quick timeline of many notable local characters.
The Avenue of the Comic Stars offers a unique tribute to local comics and the local art scene. This is perfect for something different that's outside of the food and shopping that Hong Kong is known for. Its location in the picturesque Kowloon Park also offers a escape to nature from the urban jungle.
