Chen Quansheng Comic Strip Collection

Author: Chen Quansheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-07-01
Features:
Recently, Liaoning Fine Arts Publishing House published a 32-page edition of "Chen Quansheng's Comic Book Collection." The "Chen Quansheng Comic Book Collection" consists of five works: "Xin Qiji," "Dream of a Love," "The Harmony of Generals and Ministers," "Returning the Jade to Zhao," and "The Case of the Scissors." "Xin Qiji" was featured in the 8th issue of "Comic Book Monthly" in 1983. In June 1984, it was sent by the China Artists Association to Switzerland to participate in the International Comic Book Festival and exhibition. That same year, it won the silver prize at the 6th National Fine Arts Exhibition. This time, Liaoning Fine Arts Publishing House published a standalone edition using the original drafts for the first time. Due to the high-quality printing of the original drafts, the scenes in "Dream of a Love" are clearer than the 1985 version published by Shandong Fine Arts Publishing House. Additionally, the painter redrew the cover.
In "Xin Qiji," the young Xin Qiji, determined to resist the Jin forces and save the country, studied hard and practiced martial arts. At the age of 22, he gathered 2,000 righteous people in his hometown, Sifengxia, raised an anti-Jin banner, and launched vigorous armed struggles in enemy territory, severely damaging the Jin regime's rule. However, the corrupt Southern Song court, content with its own comfort, failed to reclaim the Central Plains or make full use of Xin Qiji, leaving this hero with no means to fulfill his patriotic ambitions. His unfulfilled dreams ultimately led to his tragic death in sleep. Yet as a patriotic poet, Xin Qiji left behind over 600 immortal poems that have been passed down through generations, becoming a treasure in the cultural heritage of the motherland.
"Dream of a Love" is a comic book adaptation of the enchanting and fantastical story "Wang Gui'an" from "Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio." The painter uses ink-wash techniques to depict a beautiful and moving tale. In the famous city of Daming, Hubei, there was a nobleman named Wang Sheng. After losing his wife, he traveled south by boat under the guise of a literary gathering to escape his grief, which led to an extraordinary and miraculous encounter.
"The Harmony of Generals and Ministers" takes place during the Warring States period. The brilliant diplomat Liang Zhaorong of Zhao State, with his wit and determination, foiled Qin King's elaborate plot to murder the Zhao King and seize the "Heshi Jade" during the "Mianchi Meeting." Liang Zhaorong and Lian Po were both trusted by the Zhao King, with Liang Zhaorong serving as the Prime Minister (Shangqing). In his relationship with Lian Po, a seasoned but rough-tongued general, Liang Zhaorong demonstrated the broad-mindedness of a statesman. Always prioritizing national interests over personal grievances, he eventually moved Lian Po, who considered himself a hero, to repent sincerely and apologize to him by "carrying the scold's bridle." With the generals united, even the tyrannical Qin King had to hesitate and refrain from attacking Zhao.
"Returning the Jade to Zhao" is adapted from "Selected Stories from the Records of the Grand Historian" and "The Romance of the Warring States." It tells the story of Liang Zhaorong's efforts to return the "Heshi Jade" to Zhao State in 283 BC. During the Warring States period, Qin was a powerful state that had nearly unified the empire. Zhao still possessed some military strength, with renowned generals like Lian Po, but even they struggled against the ruthless Qin regime. When Qin heard that Yue had acquired the "Heshi Jade," it sought to seize it by force. To uphold Yue's dignity and interests, Liang Zhaorong bravely stood up to the tyrannical Qin King in an unwavering struggle and returned the jade to Zhao, preventing Qin from humiliating Zhao. In recognition of his achievements, the Zhao King enfeoffed him as a High Minister.
"The Case of the Scissors" is a legendary Qing Dynasty mystery case with a plot as intricate as it is touching. It praises the upright and kind maid Chen Jine, the just official Zhou Mingguan who fought for justice, and exposes the heartless tyrant Cao Jin Tang. The story depicts Cao Jin Tang, the governor of Zhejiang, whose only daughter, Cao Yannan, dies suddenly on her wedding night, her chest pierced by half a pair of scissors. Relying on his power, Cao Jin Tang forces the magistrate Zhou Mingguan to execute the groom, Xu Tianci, without questioning the circumstances, claiming revenge for his daughter. Xu Tianci shouts his innocence. Magistrate Zhou Mingguan, a incorruptible and discerning official, is determined not to unjustly execute an innocent person. How is the case resolved? Who is the culprit? Please read the comic book for the details.