Suna Cha
ChinaComx Affiliated Ph.D. Candidate | Lianhuanhua and Transmediality#
With a background in literary studies, I work on the transmedial circulation of modern Chinese literary texts, with a focus on visual culture in the Mao era. My dissertation explores the complex interplay between lianhuanhua and discourses of realism, investigating how lianhuanhua, a genre with strong tradition of depicting pre-modern legends and fantasies, encountered with contemporary ‘reality’ themes in the early days of the PRC. By looking into lianhuanhua adapted from various sources of ‘reality’, including news report, scientific pamphlets, fictions, and amateur arts, I try to reveal the socialist transmedia dynamics and situate lianhuanhua within the interdisciplinary discussions of realism. I employ research methods such as archival research, close-reading, and culture studies. My academic interests also include the media history of early Chinese internet, game studies, and fandom studies.
Research interests#
Modern Chinese literature / visual culture / media studies / adaptation