Sanma. 2

Author: Zhang Leping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: Sanmao was a figure from a decade ago, and by now, she should have grown into a more impressive person. However, I still draw Sanmao, and I still draw the old Sanmao. The reason is that I feel Sanmao's living environment has remained unchanged over the past decade. Ten years ago, Sanmao picked up trash and slept on the streets; ten years later, she hasn't improved at all. The only slight difference in her spirit is that the later Sanmao starts acting like an adult, selling goods on the streets, smoking American cigarettes, and shouting "Hello, Joe." Since Sanmao has so many problems, I feel that there's always more to draw and write about.
"The Military Chronicle" was a fresh and engaging topic a decade ago, but after eight or nine years, it has become a monotonous old tune. It's natural that playing an old tune wouldn't please people, but considering that over the past eight years, people of all ages joined the war, it wouldn't make sense for Sanmao not to participate if she didn't. So, regardless of whether she qualified or not, I decided to have her sign up for the army. Out of impulse, the story inevitably has its flaws. For example, from Sanmao's age, joining the army isn't entirely reasonable. If I exaggerate it, it becomes inhumane. If I say she lacks courage, it also contradicts the essence of joining the army. Therefore, it's quite difficult to properly place Sanmao in the military camp. Out of necessity, I had to portray Sanmao as a clown.
Over the years, what has always made me feel sad is that, whether intentionally or unintentionally, I've drawn an unrefined Sanmao as a clown-like character. Although Sanmao has many problems, the responsibility doesn't lie with her. I draw Sanmao every day, and every day, I discover her stubborn flaws. Therefore, my hope for Sanmao's living environment to improve is particularly strong.