Lifetime of ideas

Tsai Chih-chung, a well-known cartoonist from Taiwan, has published a biography titled Genius and Master: The Cartoon Guru Tsai Chih-chung's Legendary Life. The cartoon, drawn by Tsai, shows him and figures from his popular comic works.

"According to my calculations then, I would have had enough money to survive till 80 on instant noodles, as long as I did not squander my money on gambling or undertaking risky ventures. But I had to do something more meaningful with my life."

The cartoon series, which was introduced to the Chinese mainland in 1989, has since become firmly etched in the collective memory of children on both sides of the Straits.

Explaining the success of the series, Tsai says: "My roots taught me how to use Western methods to promote Chinese culture."

Tsai recently took only 11 days to write his autobiography that includes 300 cartoons.

The autobiography, titled Genius and Master: The Cartoon Guru Tsai Chih-chung's Legendary Life, was published by China CITIC Press earlier this month.

Speaking of the title, Tsai says: "Every kid is a genius, but not every mother knows it."

Revealing details of his early life, Tsai, who was born in a Roman Catholic family, says his father was a renowned calligrapher while his mother was a fan of local operas, and she often took him along to watch performances.