Thoughts (of the day) on Self-Sufficiency

I recently read my wife citing a quote of Seneca in a letter. “We never reflect how pleasant it is to ask for nothing”.  And, as usual, I couldn’t but wonder what was the original text and context…

This famous quote by Seneca the Younger is from Letters From a Stoic: Moral Letters to Lucilius (Epistulae morales ad Lucilium: XV, 9). The quote cited is usually “Numquam cogitamus quam iucundum sit nihil poscere,” but the full text says:

“Detraxi tibi non pusillum negotii: una mercedula et unum graecum ad haec beneficia accedet. Ecce insigne praeceptum: ‘stulta vita ingrata est, trepida; tota in futurum fertur’. ‘Quis hoc’ inquis ‘dicit?’ idem qui supra. Quam tu nunc vitam dici existimas stultam? Babae et Isionis? Non ita est: nostra dicitur, quos caeca cupiditas in nocitura, certe numquam satiatura praecipitat, quibus si quid satis esse posset, fuisset, qui non cogitamus quam iucundum sit nihil poscere, quam magnificum sit plenum esse nec ex fortuna pendere.”

“You see, I have relieved you of no slight bother; and I shall throw in a little complementary present,—it is Greek, too. Here is the proverb; it is an excellent one: “The fool’s life is empty of gratitude and full of fears; its course lies wholly toward the future.” “Who uttered these words?” you say. The same writer whom I mentioned before [Epicurus]. And what sort of life do you think is meant by the fool’s life? That of Baba and Isio? No; he means our own, for we are plunged by our blind desires into ventures which will harm us, but certainly will never satisfy us; for if we could be satisfied with anything, we should have been satisfied long ago; nor do we reflect how pleasant it is to demand nothing, how noble it is to be contented and not to be dependent upon Fortune.” [Translation from Richard M. Gummere, Loeb Classical Library, London, 1925. Vol. 1, taken from Wikisource or Archive].

Seneca being a stoic, he simply tells Lucillius one of the precepts of Stoicism saying that you are truly rich and free when you are self-sufficient and appreciate what you have. You must need as little as possible and not depend on others. That’s the concept of autarky. My wife saw it a little differently. She’d wish we would have a society where seniors would not be embarrassed to ask for help when they need it. Of course, not needing is a good feeling, but not needing to ask may be an even better feeling. Good enough too.

This letter to Lucilius is about “brawn and brains”. He is telling him (XV, 5) “Whatever you do, quickly return from the body to the mind. Exercise it by night and by day; it is nourished by moderate exertion.” (Quicquid facies, cito redi a corpore ad animum. Illum noctibus ac diebus exerce ; labore modico alitur ille.) Also an excellent advice.

Cogitationes ad meipsum / Thoughts for myself [002.026.289]

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Passeurs culturels

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J’ai récemment reçu les épreuves d’un nouvel article qui parle de moi.

Suite au colloque sur l’internationalisation de la BD auquel j’ai participé en mai 2024 et où s’est tenu la table ronde “Initier la vague anime et manga”  — qui avait déjà résulté en un interview sur le blogue de Bounthavy Suvilay, enseignante et journaliste française — cette dernière a écrit un nouvel article à mon sujet, intitulé “Transfert culturel du manga : Toren Smith et Claude J. Pelletier, les passeurs du Canada.” Cet article paraîtra bientôt dans le No 64 de la Revue internationale d’études canadiennes, publiée par la University of Toronto Press. 

La sortie de ce numéro annuel est prévue pour l’automne 2026. Malheureusement, je ne crois pas que ce soit une revue qui ait une grande diffusion. Le site de la revue mentionne qu’il est possible de s’abonner ($79.00 pour un numéro !), mais les articles des numéros précédents semblent disponibles en ligne. La revue n’apparaît pas dans les catalogues des bibliothèques de la Ville de Montréal, ni de la BANQ. Toutefois, selon WorldCat, elle se retrouve dans la plupart des bibliothèques universitaires (Concordia, McGill McLennan, UdeM, UQAM).

De toute façon, je suis presque gêné d’être comparé à Toren Smith qui a tant fait pour la diffusion de l’anime et du manga en Amérique du Nord. Mais, bon, c’est l’œuvre d’une vie, alors j’imagine que je dois l’assumer… C’est vrai que le magazine Protoculture Addicts (et plusieurs autres de mes projets) ont grandement contribués à faire connaître l’anime et le manga, et que ce fut un travail de pionnier qui a eut une certaine influence, mais cela n’est pas du tout au même niveau de ce qu’a accompli le regretté Toren Smith. Et je n’ai rien fait tout seul. Cela a toujours été le travail d’une équipe. Je me vois surtout comme un chef d’orchestre… C’est néanmoins toujours réconfortant de voir son dur labeur reconnu.

Voici donc le résumé de l’article en question:

“Cet article examine le rôle central des passeurs culturels dans la diffusion et l’appropriation du manga et de l’anime en Occident, à travers les parcours de Toren Smith et de Claude J. Pelletier. Le premier a traduit et édité des mangas emblématiques, tandis que le second a créé un réseau d’information spécialisé, contribuant à la reconnaissance du manga hors du Japon, au Canada. L’analyse révèle les mécanismes de sélection, d’adaptation et de médiation qui ont permis ce transfert culturel. Les choix éditoriaux de ces intermédiaires reflètent leurs préférences personnelles et les tendances de la culture jeune nord-américaine. Leurs efforts ont non seulement rendu ces œuvres accessibles, mais ont aussi favorisé leur appropriation, donnant naissance à des créations hybrides inspirées du manga et de l’anime.”

Abstract: 

“This article examines the central role of cultural intermediaries in the dissemination and appropriation of manga and anime in the West, through the trajectories of Toren Smith and Claude J. Pelletier. The former translated and edited iconic manga, while the latter created a specialized information network, contributing to the recognition of manga outside Japan, specifically in Canada. The analysis reveals the mechanisms of selection, adaptation, and mediation that made this cultural transfer possible. The editorial choices of these intermediaries reflect both their personal preferences and the prevailing trends in North American youth culture. Their efforts not only rendered these works accessible but also fostered their appropriation, giving rise to hybrid creations inspired by manga and anime.”

Lorsque l’article sera publié, et s’il est disponible en ligne, j’en ajouterai ici le lien.

Revue de ‘zines

Je continue (tant bien que mal) mon perpétuel rattrapage sur les magazines et autres ‘zines pertinents dans mon champ d’intérêt… Je rattrape entre autres mon retard (de dix-huit numéros !) dans mes lectures de Solaris. 

Solaris #224 (Automne 2022)

Solaris nous offre une fenêtre sur la littérature de genre au Québec et parfois d’ailleurs. Celle-ci s’ouvre à nous en trois volets: le volet fiction comprend quelques nouvelles qui nous offrent l’occasion de nous divertir tout en échantillonnant ses différentes saveurs actuelles. Le volet documentaire nous offre des articles pour découvrir et mieux comprendre ses différents aspects. Finalement, le volet critique se divise en deux parties: “Les littéranautes” qui commentent les parutions locales et les “Lectures” qui commentent le reste.

Dans le volet fiction, ce numéro spécial — qui célèbre les 125 ans de La Guerre des Mondes — nous offre dix courts récits qui s’inspirent du chef-d’oeuvre de H.G. Wells:

  • “Démons de plastique” par Josée Bérubé (23 pages). Une expédition vers Mars semble avoir tourné à la catastrophe. Pourtant, deux ans plus tard, le vaisseau et l’IA qui le pilote réapparaissent dans l’orbite lunaire. Transformé et sans ses membres d’équipage. Les efforts de Shana et Julie pour élucider le mystère de la disparition de leur fille Jessica ouvriront la porte à une découverte étonnante! Très bon texte.
  • “Le Monde de l’après-guerre” par Geneviève Blouin (16 pages). Suite à l’échec de l’invasion martienne, tous croient que Mars est morte. Toutefois, Mademoiselle Rioux, journaliste au Montreal Weekly Select, se demande si le gouvernement du Commonwealth ne cherche pas à minimiser la menace martienne… Très bon texte.
  • “Souvenirs de Luminescence” par Célia Chalfoun (17 pages). Zain visite Jhansi à Luminescence, une région colonisée par un étrange mycélium qui semble communiquer par des rayonnements féériques de murmura et des apparitions de Morphoses… Un bon texte dont la lecture est compliquée par des jeux sur les pronoms.
  • “Accords de principe” par Sébastien Chartrand (30 pages). Les conséquences technologiques et géopolitiques de l’invasion martienne ratée. Ici, on nous offre une suite à l’œuvre de H.G. Wells, tout en pastichant l’uchronie jeune-adulte de Scott Westerfeld, Léviathan. Excellent!
  • “Puis vint le silence” par Christian Léourier (10 pages). Dans les années qui suivent l’invasion manquée, on cherche à l’oublier, à l’effacer et même à la nier. Un bon texte mais sans plus.
  • ”Chroniques d’exil” par Josée Lepire (3 pages). Les martiens, après l’échec de leur tentative d’invasion, espèrent pouvoir un jour retourner sur leur planète dévastée. Hélas… Un court récit intéressant.
  • “Rêves de Mars” par Yves Meynard (24 pages). Lors d’une visite en famille dans un parc d’attractions robotisé style “West-World” mais consacré à une reconstitution du War of The World de H.G. Wells, Paul perd son jeune fils Lucas de vue. Alors qu’il le recherche désespérément, il se retrouve impliqué dans une lutte où s’affrontent des agents dissidents du futur! Un superbe récit où l’on retrouve des influences de Terminator, West-World, et Total Recall.
  • “L’Envol des narcissiques” par Andréa Renaud-Simard (7 pages). La Terre a fini par faire la paix avec l’envahisseur martien. Toutefois, un groupe de dissidents est parti avec une flotte de vaisseaux pour exterminer les martiens restés sur les lunes de Jupiter. Une génération plus tard, ils reprennent contact avec la Terre. Quelles réception recevront-ils ? Bien mais sans plus.
  • “La Guerre des mots” par Jean-Louis Trudel (22 pages). L’invasion martienne fut un succès. Une fois établis sur Terre, les Néo-martiens ont créé une race hybride pour servir d’Intermediaires avec les humains. Étant en partie humain, où ira l’allégeance des Inters ? Un très bon texte du défunt et regretté Jean-Louis Trudel.
  • “Les Chevaux de Troie” par Élisabeth Vonarburg (23 pages). Les membres d’une expédition découvrent que les martiens peuvent les envahir même sur Mars… Le récit nous donne le point de vue des martiens. Très bon texte.

Le volet documentaire offre un autre épisode captivant des “Carnets du Futurible” par Mario Tessier, qui s’intéresse cette fois à “La Troisième Guerre Mondiale ou les mondes en guerre” — dans l’Histoire et dans la fiction. Excellent, comme toujours.

Ce numéro, déjà volumineux (210 pages!), n’offre aucune chronique sur le DALIAF ou de volet critique.

Solaris, qui se veut “l’Anthologie Permanente des Littératures de l’Imaginaire”, nous offre comme toujours un numéro très riche qui demeure un incontournable pour tout amateur du genre.

[ Site de la revue • Amazon • Goodreads • Les Libraires • nooSFere ]

Revue de ‘zines [002.026.285]

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Japanese culture update 

NHK World Japan documentary series continue to be a great source of information about Japanese culture, history and life — including popular culture like anime and manga. Here are some interesting Video On Demand (VOD) that I have recently noticed.

Anime Studio: Toei Animation

This new episode of the documentary series Anime Manga Explosion introduces us to one of the main anime studio of Japan. “This episode spotlights TOEI ANIMATION, an anime studio marking its 70th anniversary. We trace the studio’s history, beginning with the story behind The White Snake Enchanteress, Japan’s first full-color feature-length animated film. We then follow Mazinger Z, which helped create a new business model for Japanese anime, and Dragon Ball, which carried Japanese anime around the world. Finally, we step inside production on the studio’s current series, One Piece, to see the craft behind the animation.” This episode was broadcast on October 9, 2026 and will be available as VOD only until October 17, 2026.

Anime Journal

This is a new documentary series about anime fandom. “This new program digs deep into what overseas fans loved about the anime released this year and how the translators of one anime, Akane-banashi, approached its traditionally Japanese subject matter.” This episode will air on October 14, 2026 (12:30 AM, 04:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 7:30 PM).

Deep Dive with Hideo Kojima

The documentary series Game-Genome explores the inner workings of video games. This episode is about Death Stranding. “Half a century since the birth of video games, we explore how legendary titles have shaped our ideas and created a new culture. “DEATH STRANDING” won new plaudits for its uncanny predictions of our experiences during the pandemic. Program guests share their love for the game, and why it’s captivated so many. Renowned developer Hideo Kojima guides us on a deep dive into his creation and explores his inspiration and motivations. A special, expanded episode with new footage in response to the reaction to the original broadcast.” This episode was broadcast on June 24, 2023 and is available as VOD until September 5, 2027.

Mother 2 (EarthBound)

Another episode of the documentary series Game-Genome. “MOTHER 2 is a classic RPG known internationally as EarthBound. Its creator, Itoi Shigesato, joins longtime fans to discuss how the game was made, revealing secrets behind its lasting popularity.” This episode was broadcast on September 12, 2026 and is available as VOD until September 12, 2027.

Some more news from Anime News Network:

And one more thing …

A dear friend, from the Protoculture days, brought to my attention this AI re-edit of the first episode of Robotech Macross, “Boobytrap”. It is a perfect transposition of the anime into a “live-action“ produced by AI. That’s quite something. Exploring on this subject, I also found on Youtube this AI-produced “live-action” titled  Macross Robotech The Movie: The Future Meets The Past. It seems to be in several parts (here another one). It tells a different story using the Robotech characters. Interesting. Is this the future of movies ?

Anime & manga update [002.026.283]

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Japanese culture update 

NHK World Japan documentary series continue to be a great source of information about Japanese culture, history and life — including popular culture like anime and manga. Here are some interesting Video On Demand (VOD) that I have recently noticed.

White Flag: Mizuki Shigeru and the War

This episode of the “Documentary 360” series is about Mizuki Shigeru. “Manga artist Mizuki Shigeru’s masterpiece “White Flag” comes to life as an anime. His story was based on a WWII soldier who defied his superiors to protect his men. What truly happened on “Iwo Jima”?” This episode was broadcast on September 11, 2026 and is available as VOD until September 11, 2027. A GREAT documentary !

Bread

This episode of the short documentary series “Japan Delish” is about Japanese bread.  “Ever heard of an-pan?! From fruit sandwiches to curry-filled delights, Japanese bread is full of delicious surprises!” This episode was broadcast on December 6, 2025 and is available as VOD until December 5, 2026.

Sake Truth

This episode of the documentary series “Time and Tide” is about sake.  “Sake is gaining attention worldwide for its rich and complex flavors. We explore various aspects of Japan’s national drink, from the koji that determines the flavor to medieval innovations that laid the foundation for sake-making today. We also shine a light on heated sake, or kanzake, and examine the science behind how heat affects its flavor profile.” This episode was broadcast on December 19, 2025 and is available as VOD until December 19, 2026.

Some more news from Anime News Network:

And one more thing …

I forgot. I wanted also to mention this book just recently released in English. It is described as: “In this captivating collection of dialogues, renowned manga artist, writer and painter Mari Yamazaki and art historian Nicole Coolidge Rousmaniere — lead curator of the Art of Mangaexhibit at the de Young Museum and The Brooklyn Museum — explore the patterns of human history to find a roadmap for optimism in the modern world.” (Contributors includes one of my favourite mangaka and one of my favourite translators !) [2026/10/05]

  • YAMAZAKI Mari & COOLIDGE-ROUSMANIERE Nicole  (Translated by Frederik L. Schodt & Beth Cary). Happiness Theories; A Manga Artist & An Art Historian Find Wisdom in 3,000 Years and in LIFE. Shueisha, sept. 2026. 228 pg. $24.99. 979-8-950818-07-3 [Amazon • Goodreads • Les libraires]

Anime & manga update [002.026.277]

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Manga from the past

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My wife received another care package from her sister. She was doing some cleaning up in the house of their childhood. She sent a bunch of manga that my wife bought in her teens. It’s a good example of the shōjo manga that girls were reading in the seventies.

Those manga were mostly aimed at young teen girls and the style of the artwork would probably be seen as old-fashioned today. For those reasons, it is unlikely that any publishers would be interested in translating them. I find this a little sad, because those titles were good and popular entertainment at the time and people today should be aware of this. You cannot understand the history of manga without knowing this…

The first fourteen books are all by the same mangaka: Yukari Ichijo (一条ゆかり). I have already talked about her; I guess my wife liked her stories a lot. It’s mostly romantic comedies.

The Cool Guys Vol. 1-2 (こいきな奴ら / Koikina Yatsura), by Yukari Ichijo, Shueisha (Ribon Mascot Comics). It was serialized in Ribon magazine from January 1974 to March 1977 and compiled in two tankōbon in August 1975 and March 1978. It’s composed of four parts published in yearly special issues: “Act 1: Judes Judith” (Jan. 1974), “Act 2: Esper Hunting” (Feb. 1975), “Act 3: Full of Danger” (Feb. 1976) and “Act 4: Dormie III’s Heritage” (Feb. & March 1977). You can see an excerpt here.

“The adventures of twins dedicated to finding out who killed their beloved parents!  The son of the Count and Countess of Grasse, Judes and his sister Judy, are beautiful twin siblings who are well-known in Paris. The two suspected that their parents had suddenly died in an accident, but with the help of a fellow pickpocket and an ex-killer, they set out to investigate the truth…! A fashionable and popular comic book with thrills and suspense!” (From Manga Updates)

Koikina Guys ACT-III: Full of dangers (こいきな奴ら ACT III: 危険がいっぱしい / Koikina Yatsura Act. III: Kiken ga ippashii),  by Yukari Ichijo, Shueisha. Ribon February New Year’s Special Issue (Vol. 22, No. 3) Supplement – ​​February 1976 (りぼん2月新春特大号（第22巻第3号）付録 昭和51年2月). This is the Ribon yearly special issue with Act III of the previous books. [Google]

Farewell, Janis (さらばジャニス / Saraba janisu), by Yukari Ichijo, Shueisha (Ribon Mascot Comics), 202 pages. Serialized in Ribon magazine and compiled in one volume in 1972. You can read an excerpt here. [Manga Updates]

“Janis discovers a new way of life at a school with a free-spirited atmosphere! Mr. Farrow, a traveler, is dissatisfied with his son Janis’s feminine nature and subjects him to a harsh, Spartan upbringing. However, after reading a letter left by his late mother expressing her wish for him to “live freely,” Janis resolves to leave home… A unique romantic story about a beautiful boy with a girl’s heart.” (From Amazon)

Cleo in the Wind: Part 1-2 (風の中のクレオ / Kaze no naka no Kureo), by Yukari Ichijo, Shueisha (Ribon Mascot Comics). Serialized in Ribon magazine (Aug. ’70 – Feb. ’71) and compiled in two volume in 1971. You can see an extract here. [Amazon • Mangapedia • Manga Updates]

“What is the shocking fate of love between young Cleo and Belle? Velvet (commonly known as Belle), who attends high school, is curious about Cleo’s existence. Cleo is popular with the girls, but he is also insufferable. Belle considers using him as the model for a novel, but… Part one of a dramatic love story about Belle falling for a naive young man. [Vol. 1 also includes the short stories: Twenty Days of Love / Poem of the Wind]” (From Shueisha)

Smile, Queen Bell Part 1-2 (わらってクイーンベル / Waratte kuinberu), by Yukari Ichijo, Shueisha (Ribon Mascot Comics). Serialized in Ribon magazine (April to September 1973) and compiled in two volume in 1973. You can see an extract here. [Amazon • Mangapedia • Manga Updates]

“Queen Bell grew up without knowing her father and lost her mother at a young age. Queen, who was living in a boarding school in Switzerland, receives news that her father has passed away. Queen, confused, visits England and learns that she is the only daughter of a millionaire, but then a mysterious duo appears…!?” (From Amazon)

Love Strategy One-two (ワンツウ 恋の1•2の作戦 / Koi no 1•2 no sakusen), Yukari Ichijo Masterpiece Collection, Shueisha (Ribon Mascot Comics). Serialized in Ribon magazine (in the new year special issue of 1970) and compiled in one volume in August 1970. You can see an extract here. [Amazon • Manga Updates]

“Brothers and sisters who are neighbors… Who is in love with whom? College students Jean and Pierre get a failing grade and end up studying with their younger brothers Henri and Jam at a relative’s house in a rural town. However, there were wonderful sisters living in the house next door, and the boys’ hearts were disturbed! A neighborhood romantic comedy with an unexpected twist!” (From Amazon)

Light a fire in my heart (ハートに火をつけて / Hāto ni hi o tsukete), by Yukari Ichijo, Shueisha (Ribon Mascot Comics). Serialized in Ribon magazine and compiled in one volume in 1973. You can see an extract here. [Amazon • Manga Updates]

“A flame of love ignited in a world of glamour! During winter break, Josée—whose older sister is the actress Cécile Donahue—meets Gillan, the older brother of her best friend Angela, at a club. However, Gillan discovers that Cécile is actually Josée’s mother… A stylish romance filled with the games of love. [Also includes: Winter in Shellfield / Ami… A Male Friend]” (From Amazon)

After the Rain (雨あがり / Ame agari), by Yukari Ichijo, Shueisha (Ribon Mascot Comics). Serialized in Ribon magazine and compiled in one volume in 1971. You can see an extract here. [Amazon • Manga Updates]

“Akihiko, a college student, is captivated by the beauty of an older woman he meets while visiting the grave of his deceased mother. However, that night, he was told by his father that he wanted to “introduce someone whom he was thinking of marrying” and that was exactly the woman he met during the day. It is a work that depicts Akihiko’s love with nowhere to go, who suffers from his feelings for a woman who has become a young mother-in-law.” (From AI Overview)

Gemini (ジェミニ), by Yukari Ichijo, Shueisha (Ribon Mascot Comics). Serialized in Ribon magazine (April ’75 issue) and compiled in one volume in December 1975. You can see an extract here. [Amazon • Manga Updates]

“What will be the fate of the skinny girl who lives in the mansion of her beautiful brothers? Gemini is a poor female student who is busy working part-time. One day, she gets into a car accident at school, and her life changes drastically when the driver turns out to be Shelfy, the girl’s idol! A pure love story of a girl who loves cars.”

The Age of Falling in Love (恋するお年頃 / Koisuru o toshigoro), by Yukari Ichijo, Shueisha (Ribon Mascot Comics). Serialized in Ribon magazine (Jan. & Feb. ’71 issues) and compiled in one volume in 1973. You can see an extract here. [Amazon • Manga Updates]

“School love situation between an innocent girl and a slightly bad boy. 16-year-old Hoshi Ainoko has a crush on her delinquent classmate Jun Hirose, but does he like her best friend Mana? One day, Noko helps Hirose-kun sneak out of class and lies to their teacher… Youthful graffiti full of love troubles.” (From Amazon)

Smitten with Maman Reine (ママン･レーヌに首ったけ / Maman Reenu ni Kubittake), by Yukari Ichijo, Shueisha (Ribon Mascot Comics). Serialized in Margaret magazine (#33 1975) and compiled in one volume in 1976. You can see an extract here. [Amazon • Manga Updates]

“All boys, including superstars and friends, are in love with Maman!? Matthew’s Maman is not good at housework. After the old maid left, there was chaos in the house. Her son Matthew is one of the most popular boys at school, but there are rumors that he’s his mother’s boy! The definitive romantic comedy about unique lovers!”

The next four volumes are by Ryoko Yamagishi (山岸凉子). She’s a member of the Year 24 Group, a movement of female mangaka, all born around the same year (Showa 24 or 1949), that contributed in the 1970s to the innovative development of shōjo manga. None of her works has been translated, but she is mostly known for Shiroi Heya no Futari (1971, about a romance in an all-girls boarding school in France), Hi Izuru Tokoro no Tenshi (1980-84, about Prince Shōtoku who spread Buddhism in the 6th century, won the 1983 Kodansha Manga Award), and Maihime Terpsichora (2000-06, about the harsh reality behind young ballet dancers hopeful, won the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2005) and…

Arabesque vol 1-4 (アラベスク), by Ryoko Yamagishi, Shueisha (Ribon Mascot Comics). Serialized in Ribon magazine (Oct. ’71 to Apr. ’73) and compiled in four volumes in 1972-74. An extract is available here. [Amazon • Manga Updates • Wikipedia JP] 

A story about Russian ballet. “Nonna Petrova, a tall, sixteen-year-old ballet student in Kiev, is unaware of her unique balletic brilliance. Having low self-esteem due to the unwanted comparison with her talented older sister, Nonna is “discovered” by leading ballet dancer Yuri Mironov, and, under his guidance, is led to stardom.” (From Manga Updates)

The last volume is by Mutsumi Tsukumo (津雲むつみ). She’s mainly known for Colorful Time and From the End of Darkness (which both won the Japan Cartoonists Association Award in 1976 and 1993). Several of her titles were also adapted into TV drama (“I’m a man!”, “Wind Ring Dance“, “Hanai Yumei” and “Let me hear the words of love“). She died of lung cancer in 2017. This manga is a faithful adaptation of the famous 1936 Margaret Mitchell’s novel, Gone with the Wind (which is one of my wife favourite story and movie).

Gone with the Wind, Part 1 (風と共に去りぬ第1部 / Kaze to Tomo ni Sarinu), by Mutsumi Tsukumo, Based on the work by Margaret Mitchell. Seventeen Special Limited Edition, 552 pages, 380 yen. It was serialized in Shueisha Weekly Seventeen between 1977 and 1979 and compiled in two volumes in 1978-1980. [Manga Updates]

“Tara is a town in the southern United States just before the Civil War. Scarlett, the daughter of a squire, is proud and beautiful, and a socialite who captivates any man. However, Ashle, whom she loved, ends up marrying Melanie… Mutsumi Tsugumo vividly depicts this timeless masterpiece. An epic story of intertwined love and hate begins――!!” (From Amazon)

Japanese culture update 

NHK World Japan documentary series continue to be a great source of information about Japanese culture, history and life — including popular culture like anime and manga. Here are some interesting Video On Demand (VOD) that I have recently noticed.

Again, not much news about anime & manga this week, but there is always something interesting about Japanese culture. Now, let’s talk about food. 

In North America, we don’t think much about the use of fermentation to produce food, even though we use it constantly to process beer, bread, cheese, kombucha, wine, yogurt, etc. However, in Japan, they take this process very seriously. Much more of their food uses fermentation (for example in gyoshō, miso, nattō, sake, shōchū, shōyu, etc.).  It was long used not only to preserve food, but also to enhanced its flavour. The funny thing is that I discovered this fact while watching an anime: Moyashimon (about which my wife and I wrote a very interesting article in PA #96: 52-55; the series is available on Crunshyroll; it is based on a manga and has also spawn a live-action TV drama series).

I was reminded of all this while watching an episode of the NHK World Japan documentary series Trails to Oishii Tokyo:

Japan’s Fermented Foods Go Global

“More than just a longer shelf life, Japan’s fermented foods offer enhanced flavor and nutrition. Unlock secrets to the culture’s longevity, starting with koji mold cultivation that dates back 600 years. Get an inside look at how the foods are taking the world by storm as we join a miso workshop in Paris and view the largest sake brewery in the U.S. Introducing Japanese fermentation—the foundation of the island nation’s renowned cuisine.” This episode aired on August 19, 2023 and will be available as VOD only until September 11, 2026. Better hurry watching it !

However, the Trails to Oishii Tokyo series offers many more interesting food documentaries:

Shiso

“Shiso: a Japanese herb gaining fans worldwide. Refreshing shiso is key in Japanese cuisine, which features a lot of raw fish. See how shiso’s leaves, flowers and seeds are all used in oishii dishes.” This episode was broadcast on August 28, 2024 and is available as VOD until September 1, 2027.

Japanese Frozen Foods

“Japan is now a frozen foods powerhouse. Cutting-edge technology and producers’ passion keep the hits coming. Dive into the world of Japanese frozen foods that are turning the world upside down.” This episode was broadcast on August 7, 2026  and is available as VOD until August 7, 2027.

Gourmet Canned Food?!

“Canned food is no longer just for storage or emergencies — it has become fine cuisine. Join us in this special episode as we explore the frontlines of Japan’s uniquely evolved canning industry.” This episode was broadcast on October 17, 2025 and is available as VOD until May 15, 2027.

Some more news from Anime News Network:

Anime & manga update [002.026.249]

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Revue de ‘zines

Je continue (tant bien que mal) mon perpétuel rattrapage sur les magazines et autres ‘zines pertinents dans mon champ d’intérêt… Pour vous éviter le souci de courir après l’information, j’en épluche donc le contenu pour vous. C’est plein de bonnes suggestions de lectures… (Faute de temps et d’énergie, j’ai limité ou omis les hyperliens. Si vous voulez en savoir plus sur un auteur, un titre ou un sujet, vous pouvez consulter par vous-même soit Google ou Wikipedia!)

Animeland #255 (Juil.-Sept. 2026)

Ce numéro nous offre un dossier sur Naruto: le manga, portrait de Masashi Kishimoto (mangaka), entrevue avec Chistel Hoolans (DG) pour les 30 ans de Kana, Konoha Land, la génération Boruto, les spin-offs, portrait de Seishi Kishimoto (mangaka, frère jumeau de Masashi Kishimoto), portrait et entrevue de Hiroaki Samura (L’Habitant de l’infini), les versions anime, la version française, entrevue avec Christophe Hespel & Fabienne Loriaux (voix de doublage), et le jeu de plateau Naruto Shippuden Battle. Le numéro se complète avec un dossier Ninja: entrevue avec Pierre-François Souyri (historien du Japon médiéval), les autres oeuvres de shinobi, et entrevue avec Masakazu Hirayama & Yuji Nakao (jeu video Ninja Gaiden 4).

Le numéro se conclut sur une série de chroniques: Wish List (nous offre une sélection de mangas, anime et goodies), et Aparté (rencontres avec Gu Joe & Mu Tou [réalisateurs de La Légende de Hei], Baku Kinoshita [réalisateur du Dernier souffle d’un Yakuza], Hagane, Jules Kollisch & Izu [Kraken Mare] et Pomodorosa [illustrateur, designer et musicien]).

À lire absolument pour tous fans d’anime.

dBD #201 (Juil.-Août 2026)

Dans le cahier actualités on mentionne les parutions du dernier volume de Vinland Saga (le #29) accompagné d’un coffret de collection, de À jamais sans ce jardin par Shizuka Nahano et de Ranpo Amnesia par Shintaro Kago (tous deux chez IMHO). On retrouve également un article rendant hommage à Marjane Satrapi, décédée en juin dernier, une présentation de l’adaptation en animation par Phuong Mai Nguyen de la BD In Waves, par AJ Dingo, parue chez Rue de Sèvres et un article sur le nouveau label de Dargaud: Astrolab.

À la une de ce numéro, on retrouve une présentation sur Hermann, décédé en mars dernier, avec des entrevues, pastiches et hommages par Bernard Cosey, Yves H., Boucq, Dany, Corentin Rouge, Henri Filippini, et Christian Rossi. Le numéro se poursuit avec des entrevues de David Vandermeulen (sur Fritz Haber T.5, chez Delcourt), Christian Rossi (sur Comanche Trail, chez Casterman), Jesus Alonso Iglesias (sur Dortmunder, avec Headline, chez Dupuis), Xavier Houssin (sur  Xaxaxa Illustrations, chez Éd. Caurette), et Joël Parnotte (sur Cauchon… ou l’homme qui tua Jeanne d’Arc, avec Dorison & Delahaye, chez Dargaud).

Et finalement quelques rubriques : dans le Cahier Critique on commente des parutions récentes (je note La grande panique de Diletta par Osamu Tezuka chez FLBLB, Les années bleues T.1 par Ito chez Sakka, The Marshal King T.1 par Boichi chez Doki-Doki, et Kamakura Bakeneko Club par Daisuke Igarashi chez Moonlight), “Ça vaut le détour” commente quelques titres supplémentaires, “Le Territoire des Mangas” nous présente sur deux pages les nouveautés du genre (Hotel Inhumans par Ao Tajima chez Kurokawa, Sukima par Gao Yan chez Casterman, Alice au-delà des étoiles T.1 par Kiko Urino chez Glénat, Fans des sylvanian families T.1 par Kuko Okano chez Soleil, Le journal des chats par Junji Ito chez Delcourt/Tonkam), puis L’Exposition du mois (“Cling! LA BD parle cash”, à la Monnaie de Paris), L’Art de la couverture (Hercule Poirot: Le meurtre de Roger Ackroyd, par Pascal Bresson & Alberto Taracido, chez Paquet) et Humeur.

Une lecture indispensable pour se tenir au courant des nouveautés en BD.

Métal Hurlant N° 18 (Février 2026)

Ce numéro regroupe 25 courts récits et 8 articles (que je n’ai parcourue qu’en diagonale) sur le thème de “Transhumanisme: Upgrade ou crève“. Comme pour les numéros que j’ai commentés précédemment, si souvent les styles (extrêmement variés) des artistes n’étaient pas toujours de mon goût, j’ai quand même trouvé que la plupart des courts récits méritait d’être lus. J’ai mis en caractères gras les titres les plus intéressants (narrativement et/ou graphiquement)…

Ce numéro nous présente donc les récits suivants: “Aventure Labyrinthique” (Lola Owl, Yang Weilin & Maribel Conejero, 17 pg), ”Retour à la normale” (Branko Jelinek, 11 pg), ”Il faut qu’on parle…” (Andrès Garrido Martin, 7 pg, B&W), ”Période de grâce” (Kevin Sullivan & Simon Leclerc, 9 pg), ”Hacks” (Cole Sanders & Jonathan Wayshak, 9 pg), ”Mimmo” (Alessio Fioriniello, 10 pg), ”Déchets” (Carlos Dearmas, 9 pg), ”Cyber Alpage” (Thomas Bidault, 7 pg), ”Chair à Canon” (Tim Adam & Alessandro Saiu, 7 pg), ”Le cerveau de dieu” (Facundo Nehuén Lopez, 9 pg), ”La froide étreinte” (Miran Kim, 7 pg), ”Upgrade” (Valentin Ramon, 9 pg), ”Régression” (Jean-Luc Cornette & Sagar, 7 pg), ”Le raccourci” (Nikola Pisarev, 11 pg), ”Respawn” (Thibaud de Rochebrune, 9 pg), ”Le trou” (Arthur Wong, 7pg), ”Nihilgene” (Jacques Després, 7 pg, B&W), ”Le sourire de Jim” (John Pham, 8 pg), ”Le champ des possibles” (Eldiablo & Constantin Zamfiresco, 9 pg), ”Entre chien et loup” (Alex Ristorcelli, 11 pg), ”Xenia” (Malachi Ward, 9 pg), ”Love Story” (JeanLouis Tripp, 9 pg), ”Projet ‘Immortel’” (Tony Cheng, 7pg), ”Ultime Assaut” (R.L. Black, 9 pg),et ”Lumière” (Adrien Mangoldf & David Ferracci, 9 pg).

Inégal, mais une bonne lecture quand même.

Métal Hurlant N° 18-bis (Avril 2026)

Enfin un numéro “Vintage” comme il s’en faisait au début de l’anthologie, présentant des récits classique publiés dans d’anciens numéros de la revue Métal Hurlant. Ce numéro regroupe 24 courts récits et 11 articles (que je n’ai parcourue qu’en diagonale, sauf pour l’entrevue avec Gou Tanabe) sur le thème de “1970-1990: H.P. Lovecraft & autres histoires terrifiantes”. Comme pour les numéros que j’ai commentés précédemment, si souvent les styles (extrêmement variés) des artistes n’étaient pas toujours de mon goût, j’ai quand même trouvé que la plupart des courts récits méritait d’être lus. J’ai mis en caractères gras les titres les plus intéressants (narrativement et/ou graphiquement)…

Ce numéro nous présente donc les récits suivants: ”Le bol maudit” (Enki Bilal, 8 pg), ”À tire d’aile” (Enki Bilal, 8 pg), ”Ophiuchus” (Enki Bilal, 8 pg), ”La chose à venir” (Enki Bilal, 8 pg), ”Excursion nocturne…” (Frank Margerin, 4 pg, B&W), ”Ktulu” (Moebius, 5 pg), ”Approche sur Centauri” (Philippe Druillet & Moebius, 6 pg), ”Mon petit frère, André” (Philippe Foerster, 5 pg, B&W), ”Le chef-d’oeuvre de Dewsbury” (Yves Chaland & Luc Cornillon, 4 pg), ”L’énigme du mystérieux puits secret” (Yves Chaland & Luc Cornillon, 4 pg), ”Les 2 vies de Basil Wolverton” (Yves Chaland, 2 pg, B&W), “Barzai le Sage” (Marc Caro, 8 pg, B&W), ”L’Homme de Black Hole” (Serge Clerc, 4 pg, B&W), ”Fièvre” (Jean-Michel Nicollet, 8 pg), ”H.P.L.” (Jean-Michel Nicollet, 3 pg), ”Fièvres” (Halmos, 6 pg, B&W), ”Le Roi des mouches” (Rodolphe & Loisel, 7 pg, B&W), ”L’abomination de Dunwich” (Norberto Buscaglia & Alberto Breccia, 15 pg, B&W, tiens plus de l’histoire illustrée que de la BD), ”Le monstre sur le seuil” (Norberto Buscaglia & Alberto Breccia, 11 pg, B&W, tiens plus de l’histoire illustrée que de la BD), ”Necronomicon” (Philippe Druillet, 11 pg, plutôt des illustrations que de la BD), ”Mandragore” (Caza, 12 pg), ”Mausolée” (Frédéric Bézian, 10 pg, B&W), ”L’appel de Cthulhu” (Esteban Maroto, 32 pg, B&W), et ”Le Langage des chats” (Nicole Claveloux, 2 pg, B&W).

Un incontournable pour les amateurs du Métal Hurlant vintage et/ou de Lovecraft.

Pour plus d’Infos: [ Goodreads • Humanos • Nelligan • Wikipedia ]

Revue de ‘zines [002.026.248]

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