17
Sep

The different types of comics in Viet Nam. Part 4: Comic Book

Here it is – the oldest genre and the ultimate goal of comics: publishing. Looking back at the early days of the comic printing industry, the 80s and 90s generations in Vietnam surely cannot forget the iconic names from Japan, the land of Manga. There is no need to list them here, as their impact is undeniable. Moreover, they served as an inspiration for dedicated Vietnamese authors to create purely Vietnamese works like Blue Fairy, Viet Land Genius, Hesman, and more.

At that time, every comic book was passed around among friends, one book rented from the library can be read by a whole group of 5-10. These heartwarming stories nurtured the souls of Vietnamese children, from history-based tales featuring characters named after the 12 zodiac animals that instilled a love for national heritage, to larger-than-life robot adventures sparking the imaginations of young dreamers.

Over time, famous Vietnamese literary works were boldly adapted into printed comics, creating a sensation. Titles like Chi Pheo, When The Light is Out, and The Tempest, as part of the Vietnamese Classics series by B.R.O (the team behind Học Sinh Chân Kinh), left a lasting impression with their distinctive artwork and striking covers.

If Than Dong Dat Viet, Blue Fairy, Hesman, Ti Quyay, and Trang Quynh defined the late ‘90s and early 2000s, the latter half of the 2010s saw a slight decline. However, new hopefuls continued to emerge, keeping the passion for purely Vietnamese comics alive. Some standout names from this period include Long Than Tuong, and more recently, The Ozon Planet. This list is far from complete and will continue to grow.

All of this proves that Vietnamese printed comics can still thrive—provided that authors have enough time, dedication, and financial support to bring their creative visions to life. The potential is limitless; all that’s missing is a final push to reignite the fire.

This nostalgic reflection comes from an old ‘soul’ that has lived through that era. And with that, this marks the final piece in this section. Next time, let’s talk about how to draw, what to draw with, where to post, and which direction to take. See you soon!