Nicolas Verstappen's 'The Art of Thai Comics' Uncovers a Century of Neglected Tradition

In November 2023, Belgian comics expert Nicolas Verstappen completed a five-year endeavor with the release of 'The Art of Thai Comics,' a bilingual book that charts the progression of the medium from 1907 to 2007. Key insights were drawn from the discovery of over a thousand newspaper strips from the 1930s. The volume features more than thirty cartoonists, such as Sawas Jutharop, who transitioned from political satire to grand adaptations after the 1932 press regulations, and Jamnong Rodari, recognized for his realistic storytelling. It also discusses Hem Vejakorn and Prayoon Chanyawongse, who opposed censorship in 1972. The work explores trends like one-baht comics and manga influences, while briefly touching on modern online comics. Published by River Books, it seeks to elevate Thailand's comics heritage.