In the hustle and bustle of city life, many people yearn for healing and joy. Manga artist Bai Cha is tapping into this desire with his heartwarming “My Royal Cat” series.
During an interview on October 26, Bai Cha expressed his mission, saying, “Culture requires time to accumulate and mature. What I do now is spread the healing and joy of manga culture while integrating elements of traditional Chinese culture as best as I can.” He aims to share the richness of Chinese culture through his comics, hoping that international readers can appreciate its charm.
Bai Cha grew up in the ancient capital of Xi’an, where he developed a love for drawing from a young age. He began his artistic journey in 2003 and has received accolades including China’s Golden Dragon Award for Animation, the Galaxy Award for Best Art, and the Nebula Award for Chinese Science Fiction. His bestselling illustrated book series, “I Just Love How You Can’t Stand Me But Can’t Get Rid of Me,” has sold millions of copies.
In the series, “My Royal Cat” stands out as the main character. This sassy and bold feline brings humor to its interactions with its owner “Shounen” and the family’s pug, “Bazaihei.” Bai Cha describes “My Royal Cat” not just as a comic character but as a vessel for emotion and philosophy. Each cat in the series boasts unique patterns and playful names, carefully chosen to showcase the distinctiveness of Chinese cat culture.
“I hope to use humor and thoughtful interpretations in my work, encouraging readers to reflect while they enjoy the stories,” Bai Cha shared.
He admitted that his creative journey included bouts of anxiety and uncertainty. Before discovering the direction of “My Royal Cat,” he experimented with various styles including science fiction, youth literature, and children’s picture books. “Choosing a cat as the protagonist was the result of long exploration and experimentation,” he stated, emphasizing that creativity is an ongoing process requiring patience and determination.
Regarding the role of comics in education and science communication, Bai Cha holds a high opinion. He believes comics are a fun and accessible format, especially suitable for children. He encourages publishers to produce more comic-based educational content to help kids gain knowledge while enjoying reading.
When discussing intellectual property (IP) development, Bai Cha highlighted the importance of books. He emphasized that books serve as a foundation that retains readers. “The growth of IP should be book-centered, gradually expanding into licensing and commercial collaborations. This model not only supports the long-term stability of IP but also enhances the reading experience for audiences,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Bai Cha admitted he doesn’t have specific plans or goals. He intends to continue using characters like “My Royal Cat” to share the stories he collects and his personal reflections. “This relaxed and carefree state of creativity gives me immense satisfaction,” he said, firmly believing that maintaining his passion for creation will lead to even more outstanding work in the future.
