On January 16, 2025, the list of winners for the 18th Japan International Manga Award was revealed. We feel honored that our comic work, Cats Legend in the Forbidden City, won a Bronze Prize.
The Japan International MANGA Award was established in May 2007 with the aim of rewarding MANGA creators who contribute to the spread of MANGA culture overseas and international cultural exchanges through MANGA. The Award has been hosted every year since then.
The selection process is highly competitive, with only one work receiving the prestigious Gold Award, three works awarded the Silver Prize, and eleven others honored with the Bronze Award.
Prior to this international accolade, Cats Legend in the Forbidden City had already garnered multiple nominations in domestic comic competitions. Notably, it has been shortlisted for the Golden Monkey Award for Best Promising Comics, the Golden Dragon Award for Best Animation IP, the Xinguang Award for Best Comics, and the Cyber Sausa Award for Best Story Comics. These nominations reflect the work's excellence and its recognition within the domestic comic industry.
"Palace cats," with their rich history and unique cultural significance, have long been an integral part of the Forbidden City's cultural fabric. When the profound historical and cultural heritage of the Forbidden City meets the endearing charm of these feline inhabitants, a captivating synergy emerges. Cats Legend in the Forbidden City masterfully captures this magical interplay.
Cats Legend in the Forbidden City is a four-volume series of story comics that uses the Forbidden City as its grand stage and the palace cats as its protagonists. It vividly portrays the dynastic changes and historical vicissitudes of the Forbidden City over six centuries, inviting readers to explore the unique elegance and allure of the world's largest palace complex.
In these four volumes, readers will --
Follow the growth stories of the cats as they help the weak, demonstrate unity and friendship, uphold justice, and courageously take on responsibilities.
Encounter a diverse cast of feline characters, each with distinct personalities and vivid imagery.
Experience the meticulous craftsmanship of the creative team in panel narration, scene composition, and color application.
The Simplified Chinese edition will be published by Jieli Publishing House in May 2025. Stay tuned!
