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Xia Da

Chinese comics artist

In this Chinese name, the family name is Xia.

Xia Da (Chinese: 夏达; born 4 April ) is a Chinesemanhua artist.[1] She is best known for creating the comics Zi Bu Yu and Chang Ge Xing.[2] Five million copies of her works have been sold as of [3] Her art has been noted for its classical style, and has been met with positive reception in both China and Japan.[4]

Early life

Xia Da was born on 4 April , in Huaihua, Hunan Province.[4] Her interests had included painting and comic-reading since she was a child, and she was eventually inspired to make her own comics in high school. She published her first work, titled Cheng Zhang, in the Beijing Cartoon magazine, receiving an encouraging, handwritten reply by her editorial teacher. After graduating from university, she moved to Beijing and briefly worked in advertising before quitting to focus on her own comics. During this time, she became engrossed in drawing, seldom leaving her apartment as she lived on a modest income.[1]

Career

Her first comic book, April Story, was published in shortly before her college graduation.Zi Bu Yu, her second work, was serialized in The series won the 5th Golden Dragon Award that year, and was subsequently published in Japan by Ultra Jump in [6] Prior to its publication in Japan, the work was reviewed and recommended by Matsui Sakamoto, editor-in-chief of the manga Saint Seiya.[7]

After the release of Zi Bu Yu, Xia Da published several other comics. Chang Ge Xing, a historical drama set in the Tang dynasty,[8] received the Golden Monkey Award for Chinese Comics during its serialization,[9] and a televised series based on the comic began shooting in [10]

In December , Xia Da issued an article on Weibo holding Summer Island Studio responsible for an unequal contract agreement set to last for 10 years. A publication hiatus for Chang Ge Xing was announced in the same article, with Xia Da citing issues with her health as the main cause.[11] On 26 December, Xia Da and more than 30 comic creators announced their contract withdrawal from Summer Island.[12]

In September , Xia Da announced the formation of her own studio in Hangzhou, along with the serialization of a new comic, Shiyi Liu.[13]

Awards

Xia Da has won many awards including:

  • Golden Dragon Award for Best Girls' comic
  • Newcomer Award at the first Sino-Japanese Youth Exchange Cartoon Festival

Bibliography

  • Winter Fairy Tale ()
  • Da, Xia (Chinese: 夏达) (). 四月物语/: 夏达优秀漫画短篇集 [April Story] (in Chinese). 电子工业出版社. ISBN&#;.: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)- Total pages:
  • Da, Xia (Chinese: 夏达) (). 游园惊梦 (in Chinese). 湖南少年儿童出版社. ISBN&#;.: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)- Total pages: 85
  • Peony Pavilion ()
  • Zi Bu Yu #1–2 ()
  • Tonglei ()
  • Morning Star of Midland ()
  • Da, Xia (Chinese: 夏达) (). 哥斯拉不说话 [Godzilla Never Speaks] (in Chinese). 新世纪出版社社. ISBN&#;.: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)- Total pages:
  • Chuxia (paintings) ()
  • Chang Ge Xing #1–6 (–) ISBN&#;
  • Shiyi Liu ()

References

  • Ogi, Fusami; Suter, Rebecca; Lent, John A. (). Women's Manga in Asia and Beyond: Uniting Different Cultures and Identities. Springer. ISBN&#;.- Total pages: