BEIJING (SCMP): Some comic artists have exposed the harsh working conditions at a prominent manga studio in China, where employees have lived together in a “farm-like” flat for years, facing overwork and sleep deprivation. On Sept 22, a former A-soul employee, known online as Zhenliubao, posted on Weibo, accusing the studio of “shattering his dream”. Zhenliubao claimed that since 2008, dozens of comic artists have lived in dormitories converted from a livestock factory, sharing communal spaces and using unisex bathrooms. On Sept 24, current A-soul employee Liu Ke, better known by his pen name Jileniao, released a statement supporting the studio. Ranked ninth on the 2013 China Comic Artists’ Rich List, Liu earned 2.15 million yuan (US$305,000) in royalties that year.

Source: The Star October 07, 2024 07:39 UTC