The manga book Dia Nguc Mon (Gateway to Underworld) by the HCM City-based artist Can Tieu Hy, has been announced as one of the winners at the 10th Japan International Manga Awards.

The cover of "Dia Nguc Mon"

The book, which is the debut work of Hy, whose real name is Phan Cao Ha My, has been given a Silver Award.

The Gold Award was granted to The Master of Arms of Joel Parnotte and Xavier Dorison from France. Other Silver Awards went to the Scavengers by Han Zuzheng from China, and The Heart of Darkness by a group of authors from Italy, including Laura Iorio, Roberto Ricci and Marco Cosimo D’amico.

26-year-old Hy will fly to Tokyo to attend the award ceremony on February 6.

The Japan International Manga Awards were founded in 2007 by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the purpose of expanding international exchange and mutual understanding through world-famous manga culture. The awards aim to honour foreign manga artists who contribute to the development of manga culture worldwide.

There were 296 entries from 55 countries and territories competing at this year’s awards.

Last year, Long Than Tuong by Vietnamese manga artist Nguyen Thanh Phong also won a Silver Award.

VNA