Old Master Q is a popular and ongoing Hong Kong comic strip created by Alfonso Wong (pen name: Wong Chak). The English title is an approximation of the original Chinese title, Lao Fu Zi. Comics range from 4 or 6 panel gag strips with little or no text, to longer stories with full storylines.
A mainstay of the Hong Kong comics/manhua industry since the early 1960s, Old Master Q has been adapted into both animated and live-action movies, and is still published in magazines and newspapers to this day.
The History of Old Master Q and Its Role in Hong Kong Comics and Culture
After the Second World War, Hong Kong was demoralized from nearly four years of Japanese occupation, and then unsettled by the continuing Chinese Civil War across the border. As the economy picked up in the following years, the city still struggled to balance Chinese and British influences. An additional source of anxiety was the looming 1997 handover of Hong Kong from British to Chinese rule. As Old Master Q became a regular feature in magazines and newspapers in the '60s, it soon grew in popularity because of the its frank portrayal of these concerns.
Frequent topics that Old Master Q addressed included the westernization of Hong Kong society, urban poverty and crime. Many comics still focused on slapstick comedy, aliens, and general wackiness, but Old Master Q's rise in popularity in the '60s and '70s lay in its straightforward commentary on sensitive but common social trends.
At the same time, the comic is dated by some of its references and attitudes. The strips that poke fun at Westerners, modern style or fashion, women, and especially political issues (such as the 1997 handover) might be hard for today's readers to accept or identify with. But many strips also deal with everyday situations or dilemma that can appeal to all. In the end, no matter what the strips are about, Old Master Q is a hilarious glimpse into Hong Kong's people, history, and culture.
About Comic Book Artist Alfonso Wong: Life in China and Hong Kong
Wong Chak is actually the name of Alfonso Wong's oldest son; he borrowed it in 1962, when Old Master Q was first printed, as a pen name for his first Old Master Q comics. Wong was born as Wong Kar Hei in 1924 in Tianjin, China. He finished his studies in Western Art at Beijing Catholic University in 1944, and ended up in Hong Kong by 1960. Here, he worked as an artist and art editor for various Catholic organizations, and also as a cartoonist on the side. Wong eventually got his big break in 1964 with the serialization of Old Master Q, which has since become popular in many other Asian countries.
The Characters of Old Master Q: "Traditional Personalities of Chinese People"
Old Master Q: the bald protagonist of the series, but not always a hero, with his quick temper, stubborn personality, and love of schadenfreude. On the other hand, his words and actions are often exactly what many readers would think in his situation. According to Alfonso Wong, he created Old Master Q's character with "the traditional name and personalities of Chinese [people]" in mind. Old Master Q is always to be found in his trademark outfit, a fetching combination of a Chinese-style hat with a bobble on top, a long black and yellow tunic, and blue drawstring pants.
Big Potato: Old Master Q's best friend and ally. Big Potato is named for the unfortunate sweet potato/peanut shape of his head and body. His personality is similar to that of Old Master Q, but sadly, a little slower on the uptake.
Mr. Chin: the third part of Old Master Q's trio of friends. Younger than either Old Master Q or Big Potato, Mr. Chin has a sense of machismo and confidence that often gets him into trouble.
Miss Chan: Old Master Q's default love interest. With her killer '60s wardrobe and hair, Miss Chan's affection for him varies from comic strip to comic strip. Needless to say, whenever she makes an appearance, she usually ends up on a disastrously unsuccessful date with Old Master Q.
Mr. Chiu: Old Master Q's eternal nemesis. From work, to sports, to possessions, kung-fu fights and food, the two always battle for dominance or revenge to make the other look bad.
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