Anyang – The 19th International Comic Conference opened its doors on Saturday in the ancient city of Anyang, located in central China’s Henan Province. This significant event has drawn the attention and participation of over 1,000 cartoonists and animators from 12 countries and regions, including China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore.
According to Antara News Agency, the conference showcases a total of 2,931 comic works from 29 countries and regions. The event, which will run until November 8, also features a special exhibition that highlights China’s comic evolution over the past 30 years. This exhibition includes masterpieces from 70 prominent Chinese cartoonists.
The international comic conference, first initiated in 1996 by cartoon industry organizations from China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and other countries, has grown to become a significant event in the global comic and animation industry. Anyang, known as one of the eight ancient capitals of China, adds a historic backdrop to the conference. The city is renowned for its rich history dating back over 3000 years, notably as the capital of the Shang Dynasty (c.16th century-11th century BC). The oracle bone script, regarded as the earliest mature writing system in China, was discovered here, adding a unique charm to the comic conference held in the city often associated with the origins of Chinese writing.
The International Comic Conference in Anyang not only celebrates the art of comics and animation but also bridges the historical significance of the city with contemporary cultural expressions. The event serves as a platform for cultural exchange and showcases the dynamic evolution of the comic industry across different countries and regions.