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INTERVIEW – If the general public badociates the genre with Star Wars or the numerous novels of Anglo-Saxon sci-fi, the world of manga and Japanese animation teems with intergalactic works. Interview of Thomas Sirdey, co-founder of Japan Expo, July 5-8, Villepinte
After the centenary of the Japanese animation in 2017, this year Japan Expo released the candles in the shape of rockets. Not less than three notable anniversaries will be celebrated: the forty years of Cobra and Albator as well as the twenty years of Cowboy Bebop . Thomas Sirdey, co-founder of Japan Expo, explains his choices and the importance of gender in the manga universe
»READ ALSO – Five good reasons to go to Japan Expo
LE FIGARO. – Cobra and Albator are 40 years old, Cowboy Bebop is 20 years old. Why do these works matter in the world of manga?
Thomas SIRDEY – Simply because they are works that have marked their times. Although created in 1978, Albator and Cobra did not arrive at once in France. First there was Albator in 1980, then Cobra in 1985. France has a special relationship with Cobra its author Buichi Terazawa claiming to be inspired of Jean-Paul Belmondo for the hero. Cowboy Bebop happened to him later, in 1998. At that time, the Japanese cartoon was a little in a wave and this project surprised everyone and handed the Japanese animation at the forefront of the international scene. It is surprising to see, twenty years later, the major impact that this anime has had.
How important is the genre space opera in pop culture in Japan?
The genre space opera is part of science fiction that has always been very important in Japan. It's a happy vision of science. Star Wars and Star Trek proved the concept of saga. They brought a "grand history" dimension that is perfectly suited to serialization in the manga. It is then possible to create vast and complex worlds beyond simply piling up technological fantasies. Since then, the genre has exploded all over the world and especially in Japan. Well supported by the incredible ability of the Japanese to grow their licenses in all areas. For the exhibition Cobra the rights holders gave us an incredible material. There had been so many unsuspected derivatives. And then there was the rise of the "Mechas", giant transformable robots that dominated the toy market and still play a major role in Japan.
What are the series to be introduced to Japanese space opera?
The genre is flourishing. I recommend the following works: Captain Flam Cobra Albator Macross and Cowboy Bebop . With these five works you will go to the conquest of space in good company. An initiation for all ages. Then you can immerse yourself in the works a little less general public, as Nadeshiko or Gunbuster . For recent works, the hypermodern reboot of Heroes of the galaxy is likely to become a must. A superb exhibition is dedicated to this dantesque title in partnership with Kurokawa editions.
Do you think that the adaptation of Cobra in film by Alexandre Aja will be born?
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