Fighting the virus with art

"At first I was drawn to comics since it was more vivid and easier to read than books, but then I found myself positively influenced by them," Mao says, adding that such manga work as Naruto has inspired her to work harder and rise above all challenges, including working her way to her dream college.

"I often read a comic piece several times and get a different inspiration each time."

Mao sent her piece to the Beijing campaign in early February. The campaign is an effort of the Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau and the Beijing Animation and Game Industry Alliance, among others.

"I want my works to tell people that life still goes on and things are not that bad," she says.

The campaign has received more than 1,000 pieces of artworks, including from Fujian, Guangdong and Gansu provinces.

"We've received very active public response," says Liu Chungang, a representative of the organizing alliance.

Most works express gratitude toward those on the front line of the fight against the virus, Liu adds.

To date, more than 230 pieces of comics have been published in major media platforms, including People's Daily and Sina. Paper-cutting, Chinese ink painting and oil painting elements have been applied to the cartoons, caricatures and comics.

"The idea is to help boost social stability and get the right ideas across to the public," Liu says.

A total of 100 works will be selected to display at a comic and animation festival later this year.