Golden Comics special award goes to veteran cartoonist Hsiao

Taipei, Aug. 14 (CNA) The special contribution award at the 11th Golden Comic Awards will go to renowned cartoonist Loïc Hsiao (蕭言中), who has released over 30 comic books in his illustrious career, the Ministry of Culture (MOC) said Friday.

Hsiao, 55, achieved immediate success as a cartoonist, selling over 500,000 copies of his debut "Short Circuit in Childhood" comic book in 1985, according to the Taiwan Comic Digital Museum (TCDM) website.

He has also written, acted in, and directed more than 20 dramas for the theater, the TCDM said, and he held a world tour last year to exhibit his unique portrayals of famous celebrities and people painted with a Chinese calligraphy brush.

Meanwhile, the ministry on Friday made public the list of 24 works nominated for this year's Golden Comic Awards, the country's highest national award for comic books.

There will also be a total of six recipients of the comic of the year award, including one who will be selected to receive a Golden Comic grand prize, the MOC said.

The selection for the shortlist for the best new talent category, which has three nominations, was based on works that showed potential in addition to experimental qualities, the jury said.

A total of 193 submissions were received for this year's Golden Comic Awards, which offers a total of NT$2.45 million (US$83,354) in prize money. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Sept. 28, according to the ministry.