• Cartoon and Animation Studies
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• s.48
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• pp.333-358
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• 2017

Mainland China is under different conditions both socially and politically than other countries, so there is a lack of practical researches on cartoon characters. With a profound interest, the researcher has selected a character that is realistic and loved by many Chinese. The subject of the study is "Shan Mao Series." Out of 16 seasons, the most famous one is the Chronicle of Shan Mao's Wander. I analyzed the character thoroughly, dealing with the beginning of the character, the process of character development, and a reality shown in the chronicle, etc. on chapter II, and the character's image component on chapter III. Chinese modern cartoons were affected by a situational anxiety because of foreign powers and war. Thus satire cartoons went in fads among the public. The epitome of a typical cartoon was the Shan Mao Series. From 1935, when the character was first created, to now it has eaten into Chinese people's hearts. It's because the story happens during a war period and it deals with a playful, humorous main character's life and these facts show the hidden side of the unfair social system. Most of readers prefer a smart, playful, righteous, and brave character. Shan means three and mao, hair in Chinese, so Shan Mao is a child who has three hair. The character is not just a simple cartoon character; it has developed into a national figure among many Chinese. The reason why the researcher has chosen the series created by Zhang Leping, the author of the cartoon, is because a good cartoon, good animation, and even good movie stimulate the feelings that we get from our surroundings. The character which is created in China seems very unique and bizarre but there is a sense of friendliness. Also its character image and scenes make people laugh and it has become a typical symbol of a modern cartoon in China.