The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) is a major period in the history of modern China. But beyond the media stereotypes, what was the life of the youth in China really like during this period? Coming of age during the Chinese Revolution in China, sixteen-year-old Ma Xiaojun yearns to rebel against the system. But while he manages to get into plenty of trouble with his friends, he also nurtures a more solitary side and a mysterious obsession with keys. When maturity yields a newfound interest in the opposite sex, Xiaojun finds himself intrigued by the untouchable Mi Lan. Will he ever find the key to unlock the enigma she presents? Adapted from the novel by Wang Shuo (and adapted for the screen under the title 'The Brilliant Days'), this graphic retelling of the tale plunges the reader into the everyday turmoil of this epoch where 'liberty' was not just another vain word and love proved as complicated as ever.