The French duo of Fabien Grolleau (Audubon, On the Wings of the World) and Ewen Blain have collaborated on a brand new graphic novel that explores one resident’s expertise within the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the following nuclear catastrophe at Fukushima. Guardian of Fukushima is the second ebook in TOKYOPOP’s Comics That Matter initiative (the primary was Victory for Ukraine). The initiative seeks to boost consciousness of import points utilizing the graphic novel medium. Guardian of Fukushima might be launched forward of its March 11th anniversary.
Guardian of Fukushima is advised from the perspective of Naoto Matsumura. The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear energy plant suffered a meltdown after the tsunami and unfold radiation all through the area. The Japanese authorities evacuated residents from the realm as a preventative measure, however Matsumura the farmer risked his life to return house and look after the deserted animals.
Grolleau and Blein mix European artwork type with Japanese aesthetics. Comfortable expressive artwork enhances the impactful story and characters. This unique French graphic novel alludes to timeless Japanese legends as an ode to Mom Nature and human resilience.
Grolleau recollects what introduced him to the challenge:
“After I found Matsumura-san’s life within the forbidden zone of Fukushima, I instantly was in awe of this man’s braveness, modesty, and the Aristocracy. His story is filled with hope and resonated with themes I used to be eager to discover as an writer, comparable to ecology and nature, and with the imaginative and prescient I had of Japanese myths that I needed to share by way of comics.”
Tokyo-based author and scholar Roland Kelts offers the ahead to the ebook. The TOKYOPOP version additionally contains bonus supplies by Fukushima-resident and acclaimed photographer Ko Sasaki, who offers pictures of the catastrophe and its aftermath. TOKYOPOP founder Stu Levy contributes images and background details about the tragedy.
Levy speaks about his ardour in bringing the ebook to publication:
“I’ll always remember my experiences in Tohoku instantly after the tsunami, particularly the resilience and willpower of the native individuals. Naoto Matsumura exemplifies this spirit – and this can to not solely survive but additionally to make sure the survival of the creatures he loves. I’m proud we are able to convey readers Fabien and Ewen’s extraordinary work as a part of our Comics That Matter initiative, and I invite readers of all ages to find his mission and develop into impressed to seek out methods to make a distinction in their very own communities.”
Guardian of Fukushima (MSRP $19.99, ISBN 9781427871367) goes on sale in bookstores on February 28, 2023 and in comics retailers on March 1, 2023.
And now, listed here are the primary 11 pages of Guardian of Fukushima. Take pleasure in!
GU
