Zuo Ma's debut comic collection Night Bus explores rural China through magical realism

Zuo Ma, a Chinese comic artist, presents his first collection titled Night Bus, which includes eleven stories crafted between 2009 and 2013. These narratives tackle significant national topics such as rural urbanization, economic migration, and environmental pollution through personal experiences. The protagonist, Xiao Jun, an aspiring comic artist, grapples with these issues alongside recurring symbols like beetles and his dog, Niu Niu. Elements of magical realism blur the lines between dreams and reality, with characters making appearances in multiple stories. For instance, a character from 'Walking Alone' is also found in 'Iwana Bouzu' and 'A Story of Fireworks.' The main story pays tribute to Ma's grandmother, illustrating her battle with Alzheimer's as Xiao Jun and his brother embark on a fantastical journey, delving into the realms of memory, imagination, and reality.