10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong artist Man Tsang Wai-man reaches global comic book stage
A massive stage. A sea of fans. Lightsaber beams swept across the screen as the Star Wars theme thundered through the hall.
Hong Kong comic artist Man Tsang Wai-man was stunned when he saw his artwork appear on the big screen, greeted by roars from the crowd. It was the Star Wars Celebration 2025, held in April in Tokyo.
An artist from Hong Kong's small comic scene, Tsang had achieved something rare – working with Disney on the comic book version of the novel, Star Wars: Thrawn, originally by award-winning author Timothy Zahn.
'The idea that people would cheer for something we made? It's unimaginable,' Tsang said. 'Just being part of it, even in a small way, was exhilarating. It actually made me tremble.'
The comic book will be released later this year.
Man Tsang Wai-man sketches at his workshop in Tsuen Wan. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong's comics industry
Tsang's experience in Tokyo was a stark contrast to the reality back home. Hong Kong's comic industry reached its peak in the late 80s and early 90s, but has since struggled.
'In Hong Kong, we draw comics, and no one really notices,' he said.
Tsang has been passionate about drawing since childhood – he became a full-time comic artist at the age of 17.
In 2022, Tsang won the Gold Award from the Hong Kong Comics Support Programme. The government initiative helped him release an original title, which he exhibited at an international festival.
It gained global attention and has been published in countries around the world. Through these international editions, Disney noticed his work.
The new 'Star Wars' graphic novel focuses on Thrawn, a grand admiral and calculating villain. Photo: Instagram /
Drawing the mind of a villain
When Tsang was illustrating the story of Thrawn, he faced some unexpected challenges. Unlike most Star Wars characters, Thrawn does not have special powers or weapons.
The artist found himself drawing a calm, calculating general – a villain defined by his brain.
'Thrawn is like Sima Yi from Romance of the Three Kingdoms,' Tsang explained. 'He doesn't overpower his enemies – he outsmarts them.' But the real challenge was showing what happens in Thrawn's mind, he said.
'He's up against someone with a nuclear weapon, and all he has is his brain. He has to win using mind games. That's way harder,' the artist explained.
Tsang has been passionate about drawing since childhood – he became a full-time comic artist at the age of 17. Photo: Jelly Tse
A new path for local artists
Disney's collaboration with Tsang could create a new path for Hong Kong's comic artists. He hopes this progress does not end with him.
To young artists, Tsang offered advice: do what it takes to get your chance to shine.
'Don't be too proud to fight for opportunities,' he said. 'Sometimes, you have to be willing to crawl and clutch for your shot.'
