Some of us enjoy donghua and manhua having the spotlight that they deserve, however, if you would be asked, what are the differences of the two in terms of their history, variety, and visuals, for sure, some of you don’t really know and it’s absolutely fine. We share the same sentiments of not knowing the differences between the two, the first time I indulge into such entertainments.
No pressure folks. Well, you got into the right place, as we take care of the Frequently Asked Questions of Donghua vs. Manhua. Whether it is an animation, comics, or originally Chinese, we will delve into that deeper. But one thing is for sure, it’s beyond the “hua” endings of the two.
Table of Contents
Share:
Table of Content
The difference between Donghua and Manhua
What is Donghua?
Donghua basically refers to Chinese animation and it is, therefore, the counterpart of “anime” in Japanese. It describes or encompasses all Chinese animated works, regardless of the genre, style, and origin.
History
Chinese animation started during the war between China and Japan, through the four siblings, Wan Chaochen, Wan Dihuan, Wan Laiming, and Wan Guchan, also known as the Wan brothers. These four, after a moment of few experimentations, produced an animated Shanghai Commercial Press advertisement, entitled “Su Zhendong’s Chinese Typewriter” in 1922. That was considered as the head start of Chinese animation, going towards the Golden Age of Donghua, up to some moments of gatekeeping because of its political and revolutionary themes, until it came back again to finally flourish, with a unique Chinese style and processes of animations.
Variety
Basically, donghua is exactly like anime but crafted in China instead of Japan. As it covers every Chinese animation regardless of style, genre, and origin, donghua integrates in its animation, the art, cultural folktales, and music of the Chinese culture, which makes up the variety of genre that you could choose from.
Donghua was originally crafted during the war, which creates a revolutionary message for the people of China against Japan, and also for the constituents during the Chinese civil war. However, as we approach towards the modern world, it is undeniable that the art of Chinese animation has reached even the eyes of non-Chinese audiences, which brought us now in this situation where we indulge and dig deeper about it.
Some of the best donghua of all time are the following: Douluo Da Lu (Soul Land), Mo Dao Zu Shi (Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation), Yi Ren Zhi Xia (Under One Person), and the Fox Spirit Matchmaker.
Visuals
Donghua struggled to have the Chinese style in early works, however, the visuals started to establish during the golden age wherein “The Pigsy Eats a Watermelon” was featured as the first animated short using Chinese paper cutting, a Chinese traditional artistry. Moreover, Te Wei’s “Where is Mama” was the first Chinese animation that incorporated the unique Chinese ink wash painting style. To date, Donghua has realized animations as a cultural export, investing to animation technologies and also skilled animators, which creates a much modern visual.
What is Manhua?
Of course, if there is something like donghua or Chinese animation, Chinese comics are also present in the form of Manhua. It is the counterpart of Manga in Japan.
History
Heavily based on political scenes, the first Chinese comic was published in 1904 and it is entitled “Current Affairs Comics”. Following such, “Shanghai Sketch” was published around 1928 which is the first manhua magazine; and that officially started the flourishing of the manhua industry.
The start of manhua digitalisation was gradually seen in 1970 where televisions are starting. This offered a pathway to artists to enter the industry, and eventually increase its coverage, with smartphones and social media began to spread during the 2000’s.
Variety
Just like the simplicity of donghua in terms of genre, manhua have only four categories as of today, namely: Political, Children, Comical, and Action Chinese comics.
As for the target market, presently, although Chinese readers access the comics easily, non-Chinese markets also delve deeper into such artworks.
Some of the famous must-read Manhuas are the following: Once Again, The Ravages of Time, The King’s Avatar, The One, and Douluo Da Lu, which was also mentioned as one of the greatest Donghua with its Chinese animation adaptation.
Visuals
Manhua have realistic artforms mostly coloured in black and white. Depending on the origin of creation, manhua can also be read both left to right and vice versa. Taiwan and Hong Kong Manhuas can be read from right to left while Manhuas from mainland China can be read visually from left to right.
Moreover, webcomics or digitally prepared manhuas are more popular than printed, attributed to the vivid and more precise visuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Donghua?
Donghua is basically a term used for Chinese Animation.
What is Manhua?
Manhua is basically a term used for Chinese Comics.
Is Manhua different from Manhwa and Manga?
Manhua is different from Manhwa and manga, mainly in terms of origin and culture. Manhwa is a Korean visual comic while Manga is a Japanese visual comic or novel. Manhua originated in China and is the term used for Chinese comics.
Are Manhuas adapted as Donghuas?
Definitely. Some of the famous are Mo Dao Zu Shi, Tian Guan Ci Fu, Quanzhi Gaoshou, and Wan Sheng Jie.
Is Manhua right to left?
Depending on the origin of creation, manhua can also be read both left to right and vice versa. Taiwan and Hongkong Manhuas can be read from right to left while Manhuas from mainland China can be read visually from left to right.
Are Manhua colored?
Most manhuas are in black in white and rarely, they are colored even in some webcomics or digitally prepared manhuas.
What are Donghua genres?
Donghua integrates in its animation, the art, cultural folktales, and music of Chinese culture, which makes up the variety of genres that you could choose from.
What are Manhua genres?
Manhua have only four categories as of today, namely: Political, Children, Comical, and Action Chinese comics.
Is Donghua popular?
Donghua is steadily popular not only domestically but also internationally..
Now you know! try donghua! try manhua!
In this era of entertainment and broad influence of art, animation and comics work hand in hand to deliver quality, diversity, and out of this world interaction of art with the people. Donghua and Manhua are two of the well-renowned examples which heavily impacted, not just us the general audience, but of course, the Chinese citizens who, out of all, played a great part in honing these artforms, with their cultural, artistic, and traditional passion and backgrounds. Regardless of it being a Chinese animation or a Chinese comic with no movement, both are as effective and entertaining, and as colorful as their origin.
