Since the series launched in Japan in 1999, the manga naruto has continued to win over readers and expand its universe to be translated into more than 60 countries and territories. In France, Volumes 1 and 2 of naruto still ranked in the 10 best-selling comic strips last year.
To celebrate the twenty years of French publication of this essential series, the Cité de la Bande Dessinée et de l’Image d’Angoulême invites you, over nearly a hundred square meters, to (re)discover the highlights of the adventure and the advantages of this manga that has become cult, notably through reprographics exceptional pieces of famous boards.
Masashi Kishimoto
The designer was born on November 8, 1974 in Okayama Prefecture (Japan). As a child, he was passionate about manga Jump and the robot cat series Doraemon created by Fujiko Fujio. During his studies in Fine Arts, he explored the codes of manga, the work of Katsuhiro Otomo (author ofAkira) and that of Akira Toriyama (dragonball), whom he admires.
The author multiplies the research and begins to draw Hiatari, the story of a ninja. Dreaming of being published, he enters a Weekly Shonen Jump magazine contest with the story Karakuri, for which he received the Hope Step Prize, awarded by Shueisha Publishing to promising young authors. He then wrote warrior stories, a baseball manga, then a one-shot: naruto.
Like his model Akira Toriyama, the author imagines an adventure full of humor and twists. Between humor, suspense, actions and emotions, Masashi Kishimoto creates a strong and original story, imbued with references to Japanese culture.
A story with positive and caring messagesthe manga celebrates friendship, solidarity and the importance of believing in yourself to overcome obstacles and achieve your dreams…
Titeuf – 30 years of Wick
In January 1992, Zep imagined the character of Titeuf, in his studio whose window looks out over the courtyard of the Carouge school in Geneva. A few weeks later, he sends his project to several publishers in Paris or Brussels who refuse it. But in April, JC Camano, editor at Glénat, came across the pages of Titeuf finally published in the Swiss magazine Run for your life. He contacts Zep who hangs up on him, believing it to be a hoax.
30 years later, Titeuf has sold over 20 million copies and has been translated into 25 languages. To celebrate this anniversary, the Cité Internationale de la Bande Dessinée et de l’Image d’Angoulême, in partnership with Glénat editions, is hosting an exhibition of 30 original platesselected and commented on by Zep himself in short videos.
The opportunity to return to the story of Titeuf, this child of the 90s, who won the hearts of a large audience who also grew up to the rhythm of his gags in the schoolyard.
Examples of boards: “the woman with no balls”, “the anti-gravity suspenders”, “it’s pô in the game”, “Ken and Barbie”, “Puduk”… The Chinese version (censored!) of ” Sunday morning”, the direct color drawings of “music festival” or the mythical double page of the “math pedophile”.
Zep
In 2004, he received the Grand Prix of the city of Angoulême for his entire career.
He writes and directs Titeuf, the moviereleased in April 2011. In 2020, the cult Guide to the sexual penis is reissued with Hélène Bruller. In 2021, Zep sends Titeuf to summer camp and offers a special album with The great adventure. Then in 2022, a Beau Livre Titeuf, designed as a guest book, is published as part of its 30th anniversary. In 2023, the anniversary year will end with the upcoming release of volume 18 of Titeuf, Follow the wick.
More information on the programs at this address.
Photo credits: International City of Comics and Images