Unpacking the Manga Phenomenon in Guérande
Yes, you heard right — the small town of Guérande isn’t just famous for its salt marshes and medieval architecture; it is now the epicenter of a manga revolution! Move over, traditional literature; there’s a new sheriff in town, and he’s dressed in oversized trousers and a headband. Welcome to Mangaddict44, a charming little association where fans of anime and manga unite like teens at a TikTok convention.
What’s in a Genre?
Mangaddict44 aims to bridge the generational divide with a delightful smorgasbord of manga genres: shōnen and shōjo, his and josei — that’s right, folks! Each genre is like a ticket to a fantastical universe with its peculiar charm. You’ve got shōnen — a realm where young boys heroically navigate parallel worlds, along with its playful counterpart, shōjo, where budding friendships blossom like roses, and first loves turn heads. Johnny Guihéneuf, the charismatic secretary of the association, promises parents that diving into these “very gendered books” doesn’t mean they have to turn in their adult badges — just perhaps their dignity when they inevitably pick up a manga themselves!
Binding Families With Books
Did someone say ‘family bonding’? Anne-Élisabeth Vagne, the association’s treasurer, might’ve entered the realm of manga just to understand her children’s obsession, but the ultimate twist? Now, she’s just as hooked! Who knew that engaging with tender stories about love and friendship would draw a whole family together? Just imagine lounging on a couch, surrounded by snacks, engaged in deep philosophical discussions over whether Shonen Jump or Shojo Beat reigns supreme. Truly riveting stuff, wouldn’t you agree?
“This knowledge helps reassure everyone by clarifying choices, being in their world and knowing what they are reading. It becomes a family activity.”
— Jérôme Pénot, President of Mangaddict44
Young Creatives at Work
Surprisingly, this isn’t just a parent-child affair; our young heroes, like Louis, Arthur, and Ernest, aren’t merely consuming manga—they’re running the show! From finance to communications, these kids have taken the reins, proving that youth engagement is no child’s play. Ernest even declared his undying love for SpyxFamily, with a passion so contagious, it could put a kid chasing down an ice cream truck to shame! Honestly, they might as well start planning the next Avengers moment with all that energy.
All Things Japanese
Aren’t we trendsetters in Guérande? It’s not just about manga; this enthusiastic crew is diving headfirst into all aspects of Japanese culture. We’re talking cosplay extravaganzas, homemade sushi parties, and cooking workshops—because nothing says “I love you” quite like a hand-rolled sushi made with love (and a fair share of rice). They’ll even be visiting Japanese shops and fairs like there’s a Pokémon event on the line. All signs point to Guérande becoming the next big hub for everything kawaii!
Mark Your Calendars!
With grand ambitions like hosting a manga festival still brewing, Mangaddict44 is poised for greatness. While we wait with bated breath, don’t miss the upcoming open day on November 17, 2024. Expect a reading corner, drawing workshops, Japanese treats, and perhaps a raffle you didn’t see coming. Who knows? You might walk in a casual observer and come out with a manga addiction!
So, dear reader, whether you’re a parent cluelessly trying to navigate a sea of manga or a teenager ready to dive deep into storylines that’ll tug on your heartstrings—Mangaddict44 has got something for everyone. They’re not just reading manga; they’re crafting a community, and as anyone can tell you, that’s a happy place to be.
Editorial Guérande
Published on Nov 5, 2024 at 9:46 a.m.
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In Guérande (Loire-Atlantique), an enthusiastic association has emerged, uniting manga enthusiasts spanning various ages including children, teenagers, and adults alike.
Very gendered books
The twenty members of Mangaddict44, founded in 2023, engage in lively discussions about their readings and enjoy exchanging books. However, the diverse interests within the manga genre often pose challenges for parents trying to comprehend their teenagers’ fervor for this distinctively gendered literary style:
shōnen (literature aimed at young boys, often featuring action-packed narratives and alternate realities), shōjo (geared toward young girls, frequently encompassing themes of friendship, budding romance, fantasy, or music), his (targeted at young adults, delving into themes of war, power dynamics, and manipulation), and josei (appealing to adult women), as expertly outlined by Johnny Guihéneuf, secretary of the association.
A contagious passion
Mangaddict44 serves as a vibrant community hub where parents often find themselves drawn into the manga world through their children’s interests, exemplified by Anne-Élisabeth Vagne, the association’s treasurer.
This knowledge helps reassure everyone by clarifying choices, being in their world and knowing what they are reading. It becomes a family activity.
Jérôme Pénot, president of Mangaddict44
Young people, actors of the association
“The world of manga stories, the illustrations, and the narratives, alongside the rapid pace of reading” are particularly captivating for members Louis, Arthur, Thomas, Augustin, Siméon, and Solène.
“I read SpyxFamily and never got over it; it’s fantastic!” shares Ernest with palpable enthusiasm.
Members actively participate in the association, contributing to various committees such as finance, event planning, sponsor outreach, and communications.
A broader interest in Japanese culture
The realm of Mangaddict44 extends beyond manga, encapsulating a wider appreciation for Japanese culture. Members enthusiastically engage in cosplay, crafting their costumes, and share in the joy of preparing Japanese cuisine as a family through organized workshops. Activities also include visits to Japanese shops, attendance at trade fairs, and participation in Japanese-themed events, enriching their cultural experience.
A manga festival in Guérande?
Among the association’s ambitious projects is the aspiration to launch a manga festival in Guérande. Until then, interested individuals can meet Mangaddict44 during open days scheduled for Sunday, November 17, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Salle des Pierrières in Clis (Guérande). Attendees can look forward to a reading corner, a drawing workshop, delightful Japanese catering, and even a raffle.
Contacts : [email protected]such. 09 77 52 36 74 and social networks. From 9 years old. Membership possible during the year.
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**Interview with Johnny Guihéneuf and Anne-Élisabeth Vagne of Mangaddict44**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Johnny and Anne-Élisabeth! It’s exciting to see how Guérande is becoming a hub for manga culture. Can you tell us a bit about the inception of Mangaddict44?
**Johnny Guihéneuf:** Absolutely! Mangaddict44 was founded in 2023 with the idea of creating a space for manga enthusiasts of all ages. We wanted to bridge the generational divide, allowing parents to connect with their children through shared interests in manga. It’s been amazing to see families come together over these stories.
**Anne-Élisabeth Vagne:** Right! I originally got involved to understand my kids’ passion for manga. I thought I’d just dip my toes in but quickly got hooked myself. It’s turned into a wonderful family activity, and now we often have deep discussions about the stories we’re reading together. It’s a great way to bond.
**Interviewer:** What genres are most popular among your members?
**Johnny Guihéneuf:** We have a lovely mix! Shōnen and shōjo are particularly popular, but we also delve into his and josei. Each genre brings something unique to the table, and our members love discussing the nuances, which often leads to some delightful debates—like which series is the best!
**Interviewer:** That sounds engaging! I also heard that young members like Ernest are quite involved in the organization. How is the youth impacting the direction of Mangaddict44?
**Anne-Élisabeth Vagne:** They’re the backbone of our operations! Ernest, for instance, has taken on roles in finance and communications. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and it really energizes our community. They’re not just consumers of manga—they’re leaders, and we love seeing their creativity shine.
**Interviewer:** It’s wonderful to see young people taking initiative. With all these activities, how is Mangaddict44 incorporating broader aspects of Japanese culture beyond manga?
**Johnny Guihéneuf:** We’ve had a blast with everything from cosplay events to sushi-making workshops! We want to celebrate Japanese culture in a way that fosters connection. Plus, we always have fun visiting Japanese fairs and shops. It’s about embracing the culture as a whole.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what are your plans for the future?
**Anne-Élisabeth Vagne:** We’re gearing up for an open day on November 17, 2024, where we’ll have reading corners, drawing workshops, and Japanese treats! And we’re not stopping there—we’re planning to host a larger manga festival in the coming years. We want to create an exciting space that invites everyone into the world of manga.
**Interviewer:** That sounds incredible! Any final thoughts you’d like to share with potential new members or parents who are hesitant about manga?
**Johnny Guihéneuf:** Just dive in! Manga is a fantastic way to explore storytelling, and it doesn’t matter your age. We promise you’ll find something that resonates. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter with your kids!
**Anne-Élisabeth Vagne:** Absolutely! Engaging with their interests makes it easier to connect on deeper topics. You might just discover a new passion yourself.
**Interviewer:** Thank you both for sharing your insights! We’re excited to see how Mangaddict44 continues to grow and enrich the community here in Guérande.
**Johnny Guihéneuf and Anne-Élisabeth Vagne:** Thank you for having us! We can’t wait to welcome more folks into the world of manga!
