The freedom and vibrancy of Taiwan’s publishing scene have not only infused the comic industry with a steady stream of fresh energy, but have also recently enticed many international comic artists to publish their works in Taiwan. Some have even crafted “Taiwan” stories from a global perspective.

When composing a Line message, you can express your feelings with a “Mei Mei” sticker that says, “You don’t understand my style.” The drinks tumbler in your hand may be a co-branded item combining the Bugcat “Capoo” with a hand-shaken drinks bar brand. Or as you browse the web on your phone you may come across a hilarious short video of “Shaogao.” In these ways, “character intellectual property” (character IP) is making its way into our daily lives.

Many comic-book fans take advantage of the two days a week (Fridays and Saturdays) when Graphic Life Studio is open to the public to come and visit. There they can see Zhou Jian-xin, illustrator of Son of Formosa, at work and maybe get an autograph in a book purchased on-site.

A visit to a group of wooden buildings on Linsen Road in Taichung City’s West District will bring back childhood memories and teach you about the latest developments in Taiwanese comic books. This is the National Taiwan Museum of Comics (NTMC).

Whether or not you are a fan of comic books, you should visit Taiwan Comic Base in Taipei, the National Taiwan Museum of Comics in Taichung, and Graphic Life Studio in Tainan. You will gain a deeper understanding of how amazing Taiwan can be.

When Taiwan Panorama reported on the state of the Taiwanese comic-­book market in 2022, the industry was feeling hopeful about developments since 2010, and beginning to ask if a third golden age might be on its way. We now know the answer: an unequivocal “Yes!”

Thanks to government grants, more than 700 Taiwanese comic books—manhua—have seen the light of day in recent years. This success invites us to ask, what characteristics define today’s Taiwanese manhua?

With technology dominating the modern world, athletic competition has become another arena in which countries measure their technological prowess.
Athletic training, match officiating, smart sports venues…. The use of technology in sports is growing by leaps and bounds. Taiwan is a core link in the global technology supply chain. How are industry, government and academia utilizing our technological strength to help our national athletes reach the Olympic medals podium?

Taiwan has repeatedly been listed among the highest-ranking non-OIC destinations in the Global Muslim Travel Index produced by CrescentRating and Mastercard, and its numbers of halal-­certified restaurants and Muslim-friendly hotels, tourist attractions, and healthcare facilities continue to ­increase. Eating and daily life in Taiwan are more convenient than ever for Muslims living here or visiting.

Those who have visited Tainan may remember losing their bearings in its winding back streets, which promise pleasant surprises at every turn. Why are there so many little streets and alleys in this historic town in Southern Taiwan? Su Feng-nan, an author who has explored the historical nuances of Tainan’s highways and byways, tells us, “As a city, Tainan didn’t take shape according to a preconceived plan. Rather, it developed organically.