Boys’ Love, From the Tragic to the Lighthearted

An interview with best-selling and award-winning storyteller MAE, creator of Touch Practice

The rising popularity of BL (Boys’ Love) and GL (Girls’ Love) comics in both Taiwan and Thailand will be celebrated at the Taiwan Pavilion during this year’s Bangkok International Book Fair (details here). bkk UNZINE was delighted to have been given the opportunity to interview MAE, a best-selling comic artist known for her refreshing art style and intricate storytelling that combines fantasy elements. Her first foray into the BL genre, The Monster of Memory, was a major success, selling over fifty thousand copies and being adapted into a game. Her latest work, Touch Practice, is currently being serialized in both Taiwan and Japan, with impressive sales. Last year, its Thai edition was also released.

Was there a particular book or story that first inspired your interest in the BL genre? Or did the desire to tell BL stories come naturally as part of your journey toward becoming a comic artist?

The first time I encountered a BL love story was probably through Touya and Yukito from Cardcaptor Sakura. When I watched it as a child, I was always looking forward to their confession (laughs).

The opportunity to start creating BL comics came with Katekyo Hitman Reborn! when, at that time, I drew fan comics based on this series and which led me into the world of BL creation. Later, when I started creating original works, I also tried different genres, but eventually I realized that drawing two men falling in love makes me the happiest!

BL stories have found growing popularity across various media like TV dramas and novels. What do you think makes the comic book format especially well-suited to conveying the intimacy and emotional depth of these narratives?

I think different media can create distinct ambiences. Novels offer a vast room for imagination, while TV dramas can provide a more intuitive experience through visual and auditory effects. When it comes to a medium that combines both fantasy storytelling and visual elements, manga is the easiest to achieve and present. Also, manga can directly express the creator's inner emotions, which is one of the most unique aspects of comic works.

Your book Monster of Memory resonated deeply with readers and became a big hit in Taiwan. What aspects of the story or characters do you think sparked such a powerful connection with fans?

I believe that the sorrow and longing revolving around death in the work is what resonates most with readers. Perhaps not everyone is fond of the theme of brotherly love, but the emotion of "missing a loved one" is universal. I think this is the part of the work that touches people's hearts the most.

Touch Practice is your first work to be serialized simultaneously in Taiwan and Japan and has also successfully entered the Thai BL comic market. What aspects of your previous works do you think this story continues? And in what ways does it break new ground?

I have always enjoyed incorporating fantasy or unusual elements into everyday life, and this work continues that theme, exploring the difficulties "the Horned" might face in society. As for the breakthrough, in the past, I was always particularly fond of tragic themes because I felt that tragedies were the most emotionally moving. But in Touch Practice, this is the first time I’ve tried to present a story in a lighthearted, entertaining way while also blending in sensuality. I drew a lot of fun and playful content, and it was a very enjoyable attempt!

What are some signature qualities inherent to Taiwanese comics that differentiate them from those from other countries?

Taiwan is particularly open when it comes to content censorship, which is probably one of the most unique aspects of Taiwan XD.

In terms of subject matter, there is relatively more freedom. Age classification and content regulation are not as strict as in some other countries, and almost any topic can be touched on. Creators are also less likely to face public backlash due to the subject matter. I think this social climate has made Taiwanese works more diverse and inclusive.

“…when I started creating original works, I also tried different genres, but eventually I realized that drawing two men falling in love makes me the happiest!”

Can you give examples of seminal comics from Taiwan that have had significant influence for future generations or have proven to be representative of Taiwanese comics? For example, in the US people might mention Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, or Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo, the manga series from Japan.

The most classic Taiwanese comics undoubtedly belong to the works of Chen Uen. In addition, Hong Kong-born comic artist Chan Mou, who rose to prominence in Taiwan, has also been highly influential. Their styles are distinct, with a strong artistic flair. Not only are they visually striking, but they also demonstrate an extremely high level of narrative skill. For Taiwan, historical works with elements from the Three Kingdoms period have always been beloved by the public, and long-form historical comics are particularly challenging to create. They require a significant investment of time and must overcome readers' established habits, which is one of the reasons why the works of these two masters are so unique and valuable.

How do you think Taiwanese culture influences the storytelling in Taiwanese comics as opposed to comics from other countries you have been exposed to?

I think it's the lifestyle in Taiwan and the straightforward way of expressing dialogue. Lifestyle often reflects a country's cultural habits, and these details are indispensable in comics. For example, I particularly enjoy adding scenes like food delivery or people eating while walking, or holding a cup of bubble tea at any given moment. These elements are second nature to Taiwanese people, but they're less commonly seen in works from other countries. The depiction of this everyday life is something I find especially interesting.

What do you think are the similarities or the divides between Taiwanese comics and Thai comics?

The similarities between the comic industries in Taiwan and Thailand, I think, are quite evident, particularly in the fact that BL works are one of the main genres in both countries. Both Taiwan and Thailand's BL comic industries have a rather unique and stable support base, and are also relatively easy to gain attention. The differences may lie in the censorship system and cultural differences, which can affect the themes being explored.

Follow MAE’s social media accounts:

Be sure to visit the Taiwan Pavilion during the Bangkok International Book Fair from 27th March through 31st March 2025 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

Beyond BL and GL, the pavilion will feature nearly 50 Taiwanese comic works, spanning various artistic styles and themes. Many of them have been gaining increasing international recognition, with successful licensing deals across global markets. Notable authors include Gui, Daily Greens, and Rimui, among others.

MAE will be in attendance as a speaker as well as for signings and a special LIVE DRAWING session.

See the full event schedule for TAIWAN COMICS (@T01 in the International Books Zone) here.

This interview was made possible by the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA). Please visit the links below for information on many more exciting projects from Taiwan.

Read the interview with fellow Taiwanese artist Monday Recover, also scheduled to attend the Bangkok International Book Fair, here.