Long Wei, A Chinese Avenger in Milan

Abstract

Long Wei is the name of the protagonist of the homonymous series of 12 comic books in “bonellide” format published by Editoriale Aurea between 2013 and 2014, created by Diego Cajelli (screenplay) and Luca Genovese (drawings). Long Wei is a young Chinese, skilful in kung fu. Just arrived in Milan, he is involved in adventures against the crime, and within the Chinese community he becomes the bearer of a justice that does not always coincide with the law. For the first time, in an Italian popular comic, migration is an important theme, while usually is treated by other kinds of comics, such as the graphic novel. The result is an interesting product even if we can often find repetition of stereotyped formulas that also derive from the constant references to “paraliterary” genres, having great success in other media, such as martial arts movies or noir.