Famous Chinese novels coming as comic series online

[Photo provided to China Daily]

Weaving historical turbulence into adventures, the author's tales are studded with plot twists, bittersweet romances, emotional connections as well as abundant depictions of Chinese culture, including poetry.

During the past six decades, his novels have reportedly sold up to 300 million copies - with bootleg copies too - and have been translated into foreign languages such as Korean, English, Japanese and French.

Cha, 93, could not make it to the Beijing event but a photo - featuring him holding a draft of his writing on Princess Jianning, a role in Duke of Mount Deer - was shown.

In a piece of calligraphy written for the upcoming comic strips, the author writes that he was eager to see a good adaptation.

Zou from Tencent also reveals that his team has so far talked to more than 1,000 writers and illustrators, but hasn't decided the final list. He says the adaptation may expand to an animation series or movies if the comic series is successful.

The first comic strips are expected to appear on Tencent's ac.qq.com and its mobile app in September, and the comic series may run for five years.

Zou says Tencent's online comics and animation platforms are visited on average by 90 million people per month, with estimates that such viewers in China now stand at some 300 million.

Most Chinese fans are fascinated with comics from Japan and the United States, but Zou says he believes a blend of Chinese tradition and local talent will change the big picture.