Malaysian comics (Malay: komik, kartun, cergam[a][1]) originated in colonial Malaya in the early 20th century as single-panel satirical cartoons in newspapers. Following the World War II and Malaya's independence in 1957, comic strips became the dominant form in newspapers. By the end of the 1970s humor magazines featuring satirical cartoons flourished.[2] Indigenous comic book publishing started as early as the 1950s but it gained widespread recognition only in the 1980s. While early Malaysian comics were heavily influenced by American styles,[3] Japanese manga has increasingly shaped contemporary Malaysian comics, in line with global trends.[4]
Malaysia is a multicultural nation, primarily composed of Malays and Chinese, with smaller Indians and other communities. Its complex geopolitical history, from the colonial period to the present, has often been reflected in its comics.[5] Ethnic harmony is a national policy,[citation needed] supported by government initiatives promoting national unity to prevent a recurrence of the 1969 race riot.[6] Many Malaysian comics portray the country as a tolerant society where diverse ethnic groups coexist,[7] though some argued that the nation's mixed cultural identity—and its comics—are still evolving.[8] Traditionally, each ethnic group produced comics in its language.[5] Due to the small and fragmented market size, scholars suggest Malaysian comics have not developed a distinctive style comparable to those of Japan or the United States.[9]
- ^ a b Karna 2014, p. 6.
- ^ Muliyadi 1997, p. 43.
- ^ Junid & Yamato 2019, p. 82.
- ^ Lent 2015, No.166/342.
- ^ a b Lent 2015, p. 153.
- ^ Suraya 2019, pp. 46–47.
- ^ Kamal, Haw & Bakhir 2017, p. 295.
- ^ Gan 2011, p. 1.
- ^ Nasir 2021, p. 63.
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