Sanmao. Episode 4

Author: Zhang Leping, Chen Lei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: Sanmao was a figure from a decade ago. Logically, she should have grown into a more impressive person by now. 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 decade. Ten years ago, Sanmao picked up trash and slept on the streets. Ten years later, Sanmao shows no improvement. 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 will never be enough to draw or write about her.
"The Military Chronicle" was a fresh and engaging topic about eight or nine years ago. But eight or nine years later, it has become a dull old theme. It's natural for old tunes not to be pleasing, but considering that in those eight years, people of all ages joined the war, it would be unreasonable for Sanmao not to participate. 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 flaws. For example, in terms of Sanmao's age, joining the army isn't entirely reasonable. If I exaggerate it, it becomes inhumane. If I say she lacks courage, it contradicts the essence of joining the army. Therefore, it's difficult to place Sanmao appropriately in the military camp. Out of necessity, I had to portray her as a clown.
Over the years, what has always made me feel sad is that, whether intentionally or unintentionally, I've drawn an unadulterated 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 grows even stronger.