This book is a compilation of Ren Zheng-hua's award-winning works in later periods. Eight works of varied lengths and themes, depicting the cold human nature in real world, including serious themes like long-term care, domestic violence, office rumors that kill and bullying, as well as foreign domestic helpers; Ren portrays the issues of love, marriage, and offspring in the Chinese society through literary means, as well as dark humor and surrealist fantasies that take place in ancient times. These are all important works in the history of Taiwanese comics, but have long been out of print. This time, the original drawings have been reedited for the publication, allowing Ren's exciting works to reappear in front of readers.
“Seven Free Men in Bamboo Forest” was one of Ren's most representative works before his departure from the comic industry. Fully relaxed and free brushstrokes are tender and abstract, while the comic itself is highly satirical and humorous, as Ren elevated his work to another level, impressing readers with his talent! This work was published in small quantity in form of doujinshi (self-published), making it a very rare and precious work.
“Happy Family” explores what is a normal “happy” family against a backdrop of long-term medical care, and probes directly into the harsh truth of domestic violence.
“No Means No” continues to take the approach from the previous work, where “truth is not what is seen on surface,” presenting how “rumors can kill” as well as the bullying, misunderstanding, and family pressure suffered by women in a misogynic environment.
“Anna's Children” delicately depicts the reality of raising kids of foreign domestic helper comes into the family.
“Temptation” is a dark comedy set in ancient times, like the film, “A Chinese Ghost Story,” poking fun at misogyny.
“The Visitor” presents a surrealist fantasy, like a pursuit of self, or questioning of life beliefs.
“Children” was published in independent volumes, presenting a longer story on the Chinese people's obsession with offspring. This comic was published in French, Le fils, by publisher Carsterman.
“Fighting Fish” as the epilogue is the only non-fiction in this book, offering a peek into the author's thoughts on life.
She killed her boyfriend in a public place in front of many witnesses, and has been sentenced to life in prison and be treated for mental illness. Originally a new recruit at a top company. She is pretty and quiet.
A coworker of Chen. Good looking womanizer who approached Chen several times.
Court-appointed psychiatrist responsible for Chen's case. Gradually discovers her motive.