Are you familiar with Manhua or also known as Chinese Webcomics?

I was once a fan of Manga or Japanese webcomics. I think I have read most of the free-to-read manga on the internet, so I got bored again and resort to an option that I never dared to do before. Well, that will be the option which is to try reading Chinese webcomics (Manhua) since I used to think that I will be only loyal to Japanese stuff and culture, but then, boredom comes and I forced myself to betray Japan once in a while.

At first, I read some office romances and forced marriages types of genres and I find it way too cool. Moreover, aside from reading it for free, the comics are also colored with beautiful and handsome characters. But then, when I tried reading some more, there goes my frustration started.

Okay, so how and what about it?

Character Development

First of all, I can't memorize the names of each character even if I have already read up to 100 chapters. I never expect pure Chinese names are way too difficult than those half-Chinese business tycoon names that we see on Television. As far I know, I only heard about Jackie Chan, Jet Lee, Henry Sy, Gokungwei, Ramon Ang, and so on. Well, they are the most popular names that I ever heard here in the Philippines.

See, so easy to remember, right?

However, those names used on Manhuas are way too difficult. For example, names such as Feng Ah Lang, Quin Yi Yue, Cheng Jiang Xue, Nankung Han, Du Man Ning, etc. That is as far as I can remember. My tongue is always twisting when I try to pronounce it so I just glance at it when I'm reading.

Secondly, character personality progress is minimal in every chapter. Like those situations that the male lead is such a bully and the female lead is such a martyr. This situation takes up to 100 chapters or so before they could understand each other's feelings and then, makeup or atone for the things they have done wrong. Unfortunately, another antagonist appears to broke the harmonious situation that the two lead characters are temporarily enjoying and the two lead characters are back to square 1 again.

Third and last, so many enemies surrounding the lead characters. As for an author-to-author perspective, I can totally understand why is it like this. Of course, to keep the story going, create more chapters by thrilling the readers, then left them cliffhanging so that they will stay tuned for updates. But then, from a reader's perspective, I think this is too much. Imagine that all your boyfriend's exes and your in-laws are against you that they always plot something to get rid of you. It's like having the feeling of the whole world is against you and you have nowhere to run but to face them, then accept all the tortures.

Plot Pattern Similarities

I found similar patterns in most of all Forced Marriages genres wherein the female lead has been drugged in her drinks that leads her to sleep with a stranger unconsciously. But then, there's a certain circumstance that keeps them attached. The female lead will be bullied and slandered. The male lead will be her knight in shining armor. Then, resort to getting married to escape all the troubles.

However, if you might be thinking that the story has a great happy ending when they get married, well, you definitely got it wrong. Just take a deep breath and prepare yourself because the real story is just getting started.

Just imagine if you are the female lead in the Chinese webcomics, your stepmother and your stepsister are slandering you for being a slut and status climber. They are spreading rumors about you so that your in-laws would dislike you. And because your husband is known to be a powerful figure in the world of business, the paparazzi are also making stories about you. You are humiliated and your dignity is dragged down that you can't even get out of your house.

That example is much lighter, though. Other manhuas also contain bloody crimes, abortion, and mental tortures. I just dislike the idea of killing people just to gain power and get rid of your rivals. The presentation of a family there also in the upper class is chaotic and full of hypocrisy.

Final Thoughts

If I would compare Manhua to Manga, I still would Manga over it. Manhua has an intense plot, I think that would suit better in a Television series. Manga is just lighter and has a specific direction wherein there will be the story would revolve. It doesn't have so many characters and antagonists so sometimes it appears very cheesy but it is worth it.

I'm sorry, Manhua. You're too bad for my heart. The roller coaster feels of your plot are such a big threat to dear mood. This is the farthest I can go, gotta drop you now.

Goodbye!