Cartooning had a long tradition in Australia, dating well back into the 19th century. The Australian Cartoonists Association is one of the world's oldest cartoon organizations. Shanghai, as the birthplace of modern comics in China, has also nurtured outstanding cartoonists like Feng Zikai, and important publications in the history of modern Chinese comics like the Shanghai Sketch.

"The ACE! exhibition series showcases the outstanding and original comic art from Australia. Australia's comic industry is booming, with the continuous rise of the global interest in 'graphic novels', and diverse comic themes and creators," said John Williams, the consul general of Australia in Shanghai, at the opening ceremony on Friday.