Sanmao's Wanderings Comic

Author: Zhang Leping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-11-01
Features: On June 15, 1947, the comic strip Sanmao on the Streets began serialization in Shanghai's Dagongbao. It was a Chinese version of Les Misérables, a tearful indictment of an unequal society. The work expressed deep sympathy for the exploited and oppressed working masses, mercilessly exposed the corruption of the Nationalist authorities, and generated huge among the general public, drawing great attention from the media. Sanmao quickly became a household name, producing a powerful artistic impact. Children were moved by Sanmao's plight, sometimes feeling sorrowful and heartbroken for him. Sanmao's fate became a major event in the lives of Shanghai children at the time, and many sent him warm clothing, shoes, and socks. Zhang Leping often recalled this incident: a family had seven children, named Damao, Ermao, Sanmao, and the youngest, Qima. Their lives were slightly better than Sanmao's in the comic, because their father still had a job, but he worked very hard. After reading segments like "People Are Not Plants" and "There Are Still Good People," they were deeply moved. Damao and Ermao sat stunned, refusing to eat porridge for a long time. Sanmao and Sitmao took off their own woolen vests and wanted to give them to the Sanmao in the illustration. Wuma saw the Sanmao in the comic get beaten for breaking a bottle, quickly found a bottle, and wanted to repay the shop owner on his behalf.