Manga: the art of storytelling

After a first section devoted to security and marked by talks from Frédéric Martin, former RAID negotiator, and Céline Grassegger, general commissioner, the Université des Savoirs Partagés offered, on Thursday November 06, a dive into the heart of Japanese artistic creation.

The audience was welcomed by Anne and Minh, authors, artists and mangakas - known for Ichigo Stories, Summer Fighters and their reinterpretations of the Little Red Riding Hood tale - for a conference dedicated to manga and illustrated book publishing.

At the origins of manga

In a warm atmosphere, the duo traced the evolution of manga, from the prints of Hokusai in the XIXᵉ century to the influence of Osamu Tezuka, considered the father of modern manga. This historical journey has put into perspective the transformation of "drawings for entertainment" into a world-renowned narrative art.

The creative process: from image to emotion

Anne and Minh presented the creative stages - storyboarding, pencilling, inking, coloring - emphasizing the emotional power of each square. They highlighted the parallels with cinema (wide shots, close-ups, dynamic angles) and explained their division of labor: Minh designs the characters, Anne imagines vivid, meticulous backgrounds, influenced by Katsuhiro Otomo.

From drawing to publishing

The duo revealed the behind-the-scenes story of publication: relationships with French publishing houses, editorial constraints and the roles of the various players. In particular, they spoke of the confidence of their publisher wishing to enter the original manga market for the first time.

Live drawing and exchanges with the audience

A highlight of the evening, a live drawing session gave spectators - children, students, amateurs - the chance to practice typical manga expressions. The question-and-answer session confirmed the audience's interest, closing with a series of autographs. Their presence at the Salon International de la Bande Dessinée de Valenciennes, which took place the following weekend, and the exhibition of their drawings during the month of November at l'Aparté (site des Tertiales) prolonged the enthusiasm generated by their intervention.

Their presence at the Salon International de la Bande Dessinée de Valenciennes, which took place the following weekend, and the exhibition of their boards during the month of November at l'Aparté (site des Tertiales), prolonged the enthusiasm generated by their intervention.

Towards the Year of Japan 2026

This immersive conference prepares for the Year of Japan 2026 organized by the Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, which will highlight the creativity and vitality of contemporary manga and strengthen cultural ties between France and Japan.

The Université des Savoirs Partagés (USP) is a project initiated by the Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France that offers free conferences open to all, hosted by renowned personalities and addressing varied and accessible themes.
USP is also developing a transgenerational training offer, promoting the hybridization of knowledge and offering participants access to the University's resources, activities and cultural events.

Beyond conferences, USP is developing a transgenerational training offer open to all, promoting the hybridization of knowledge and links with social and civic life. Participants can benefit from opening modules, accreditations, as well as access to the University's libraries, documentation centers, sports activities, exhibitions and cultural events.