Manga Series Visualizes Japan-Era Student Life Against Backdrop of NTNU Campus
NTNU Class of 2011 alumna Zuo Hsuan has recently published the second volume of her manga series, 'The Banana Sprout,' set in 1930s Taiwan, which delves deeper into the story of Yeh Hsing-chiao and his Japanese roommate, Untaro.
Initially conceived as a part of NTNU’s centennial celebrations, the NTNU-funded series elegantly intertwines historical authenticity with fictional narratives, drawing from NTNU's rich history and archives. The first volume of the series received the Annual Comic Award at the 14th Golden Comic Awards, and marked Zuo Hsuan's anticipated return to long-form storytelling after a six-year hiatus.
Set against the backdrop of the highly selective Taihoku High School, the precursor to NTNU, the story follows high school student Yeh Hsing-chiao, who finds himself roommates with the eccentric and well-read Untaro when they move into the student dormitory. Despite their contrasting personalities, the duo decides to collaborate on publishing a new literary magazine called 'The Sound of the Bell,' that sets out to challenge the conventions of their time. With this endeavor, the two embark on a quest to navigate and influence their shared and uncertain future.
'The Banana Sprout' not only explores the vibrancy and challenges of student life during the Japanese colonial period in Taiwan, but also weaves unique events into its narrative that engages with contemporary readers: such as the episode on “Storm” and another describing a moonlight boat trip. To truly capture the essence of the era, Zuo Hsuan's dedication to historical accuracy involved meticulous research, including exploring forgotten corners of the original site of the Taihoku High School and its surrounding area, and watching an extensive catalogue of silent films from the 1930s from the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute.
While the comic is rooted in historical facts, the author said she prioritizes narrative development over strict adherence to historical timelines. This creative choice allows her to craft a compelling story that, while featuring fictional characters and plots, remains informed by the spirit of the bygone era.
Zuo Hsuan plans to release at least four volumes for the series, each intending to encapsulate the era's atmosphere. “I envision the narrative in each volume to be similar to a season of a TV series, with a new storyline unfolding in each subsequent volume.”