At the 2024 South China Book Festival, Lu Siying, the chief artist behind the popular Nailong comics, introduced her latest work to readers. In the exclusive interview with GDToday, Lu unveiled plans for the beloved cartoon character to enter international markets, aiming to continuously bring joy to audiences worldwide.
Nailong sharing session at the 2024 South China Book Festival
Nailong, a chubby cartoon dragon from Shenzhen, Guangdong, has gained significant popularity both domestically and internationally in recent years. Lu Siying, who graduated from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, is one of the main creators of the Nailong comic book.
Nailong and its chief comic artist Lu Siying
The Nailong series, which touches the audience with its heartwarming and comedic content, has garnered an impressive following over the past few years. According to Lu Siying's introduction, the series has over 36 million fans across short video platforms in China and has also made its way onto international platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. This expansion allows overseas fans to enjoy Nailong's charming stories, which aim to bring laughter and a sense of companionship to audiences worldwide.
Lu highlighted the therapeutic nature of the Nailong stories, emphasizing how they help viewers and readers momentarily escape their worries. "Nailong, alongside his best friend Xiaoqi, brings joy and reminds us of the value of friendship," she noted.
Nailong and its best friend Xiaoqi in the comic book
In recent years, Chinese animations and comics have attracted significant attention both in China and abroad. Lu Siying and her team are committed to contributing to the rise of Chinese animation by continuously developing Nailong's presence in various formats. These formats include an upcoming feature film, comic books, and a mix of short and long video series. Lu told GDToday that, while Nailong initially entered the public eye as a 3D animation character, the team has ventured into the 2D market with a comic series launched this year, and they have plans to create and promote even more lovable characters.
The comic book of Nailong
As production for Nailong comics intensifies, Lu Siying hinted at the possibility of multilingual versions for the overseas market. The team is dedicated to ensuring that all future content will be accessible to international audiences. She acknowledged the eager anticipation of international fans for updates on animations and book releases, promising that they are working diligently to meet these expectations.
Lu Siying concluded with a heartfelt message to fans: "Please stay tuned for our upcoming feature film and more high-quality products in the future. We will work hard to live up to your expectations."
Reporter | Chen Longyan
Video | Qin Shaolong
Photo | South China Book Festival
Editor | Nan, James
