Scott No: -
Serial number: 2022-18
Values in set: 5
Date of issue: September 3rd, 2022
Denomination: 520 fen
Designer: Shang Ying
Size of stamps: 50 * 30 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition: 10 (2 Sets)
Size of sheet: 130 * 195 mm
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

China Post scheduled the issuance of a set of 5 special stamps themed "Animation – Black Cat Sheriff" on September 3, 2022. The total face value of the complete set is 5.20 yuan, with a planned circulation of 6.3 million sets.

Black Cat Sheriff is China’s first sci-fi educational animated series. Produced by Shanghai Animation Film Studio in 1984, it was adapted from Zhu Zhixiang’s sci-fi fairy tale of the same name. Directed by Dai Tielang, Fan Madi, and Xiong Nanqing, the 5-episode animation tells the story of the smart, brave, and handsome Black Cat Sheriff. Leading his police team, he wipes out grain-stealing hamsters, solves the praying mantis murder case, and eliminates villains like "One-Ear" – cracking one case after another that endangers the safety of the forest. Thanks to his efforts, all animals in the forest live a peaceful life. The series was deeply loved by children and became a precious memory for youngsters in the 1980s and 1990s. Besides popularizing animal science knowledge, the animation also featured a large number of "high-tech" equipment such as motorcycle airships. While entertaining and educating, it stimulated children’s imagination and broadened their horizons. It took the lead in the era in exploring ideological, artistic, and commercial values, and laid the foundation for China’s TV animation series.

This set of stamps was designed by Shang Ying, depicting 5 key plot moments from the animation: "Apprehending Robbers", "Capturing Vicious Eagles", "Defending the Homeland", "Fighting Side by Side", and "Securing a Total Victory". The design highlights the classic animated image of Black Cat Sheriff – valiant, dashing, and endowed with both wisdom and courage. Following the design style of previous animation-themed stamp series, it adopts montage techniques to reorganize, splice, and enhance the colors of different scenes and shots. The stamps have prominent subjects, bright colors, dynamic details, and coherent scenes, presenting classic moments in the static format of stamps and reviving the iconic animated characters.

The set of stamps was printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Co., Ltd. using the photogravure process, featuring bright colors and high saturation. Special metallic inks (gold and silver) were also used: the gold ink makes the stamp face value and inscriptions shine brilliantly, while the silver outline lines endow Black Cat Sheriff with a metallic luster, further highlighting his "protagonist aura".