Orange

Orange, published in 2005 by Benjamin, stands as a seminal work in the evolution of contemporary Chinese manhua. Emerging during a period when the medium was increasingly embracing Western-influenced graphic design and digital artistry, the volume serves as a curated showcase of the artist’s distinct, ethereal aesthetic. Benjamin sought to bridge the gap between traditional storytelling and fine art, utilizing a vivid, neon-drenched color palette that defined the moody, introspective tone of his early career.

The collection was received as a landmark of modern Chinese youth culture, resonating with a generation navigating the pressures of urbanization and emotional alienation. Critics and readers alike praised the work for its unconventional layout and painterly technique, which diverged significantly from the black-and-white, ink-heavy conventions of traditional Japanese manga. Its impact established Benjamin as a leading figure in the global expansion of manhua, cementing his reputation as an artist who prioritized raw, atmospheric expression over rigid genre tropes.