The Great History of FC Nantes – A Comic Journey
Ah, FC Nantes! A club that’s been a glorious rollercoaster since its inception during some of the trickiest times of history – the Second World War! And now, they’ve brought us a little treasure – a comic book! Yes, you heard that right, folks. “The Great History of FC Nantes – The Nantes Style Game” hits the shelves this Wednesday, November 13. No, it’s not just for kids. If anything, it’s for the adults who are still trying to figure out how to do a proper ‘dive and headbutt’ on the pitch of life!
Why Comics? Because Why Not!
The editor and screenwriter, Olivier Petit, has chased a childhood dream to transform his love for FC Nantes into comic strip form. It’s like if I told my childhood self that I’d wake up one day with a banner saying “I’m a fan of watching football in a comic strip!” He met journalists from “The Yellow House” – which sounds more like a creaky haunted place than an association—but they’re digging deep into the club’s history. Talk about a real-life “find and seek” game!
Bringing History To Life
Olivier reflects on the challenge of developing this comic album: it’s not just scribbles in a notebook, darling! They brainstormed the rollercoaster that is FC Nantes, covering its inception in 1943 and leaping through brilliant moments that showcase the heart and soul of the club—fans, women, and ridiculous hairstyles included. Because let’s be honest: if hairstyles didn’t make it into that history, what are we really celebrating here?
The Power of Storytelling In Comics
Now, why travel this comic route? Olivier says it’s about telling a story— you know, like sitting around the campfire with ghosts but the ghosts are made of ink and nostalgia. So, we get characters, cool dialogues, suspense, and plot twists that even M. Night Shyamalan would raise an eyebrow at. Who thought a comic could whisk you through time faster than a speeding football? It’s exciting, and it opens the doors to a broader audience. A starry-eyed football fan who’s never read anything thicker than a cereal box can dive in and enjoy, find a little bit of their team’s magic with just a flip of a page!
Meet The Visionaries
Now let’s talk coaches! FC Nantes is not just famous for its dazzling players but also for some visionary coaches that made the ‘Nantes way’ their playground. José Arribas, Jean Vincent, Jean-Claude Suaudeau, and Raynald Denoueix are name-dropping legends, with strategies sharper than a freshly minted coin! The club’s training center was a breeding ground for talent, turning hopeful kids into football magicians. One day, they’re polishing up their free kicks, and next thing you know, they’re lifting trophies—which sounds way better than my high school experience!
Pick Your Favorite Moment
When it comes down to it, Olivier is faced with a plethora of dazzling moments to highlight in this comic book. It’s like a child being forced to eat kale, “which one do I choose?” He goes on about how José Arribas was backed wholeheartedly despite rocky beginnings. Bless the president for having more faith than my grandma during bingo night! And let’s not forget the first Coupe de France victory in 1979—a story of pride and euphoria, like watching your best friend score a winning goal, only this time it’s an entire city celebrating in unison. There’s also the deeply felt memory of Emiliano Sala, a name echoing in La Beaujoire every ninth minute. Touching and powerful, like a good cup of coffee!
Where To Grab Your Copy
If you want to relive the glories of FC Nantes in an entirely new format, “The Great History of FC Nantes – The Nantes Style Game” will be available at all bookstores and online at Petit à Petit. Get ready to blush like a giddy fan as you discover the fantastic journey of this historic club, all wrapped up in visuals that make the heart swell!
“The great history of FC Nantes – The Nantes game” is set to make its debut this Wednesday, November 13.
Credit: Editions Petit à Petit
FC Nantes has a storied legacy that spans from its inception amidst World War II to its recent triumph in the 2022 Coupe de France, making it one of the most prestigious clubs in French football.
“The great history of FC Nantes – The Nantes style game,” published by Editions Petit à Petit, presents this rich tapestry in an engaging comic strip format, highlighting not only the club’s standout moments but also its eight French championship titles. We had the chance to speak with Olivier Petit, the editor and screenwriter behind this compelling docu-BD.
Why make a docu-comic book on the history of FC Nantes?
As a lifelong aficionado of FC Nantes, creating this comic has long been a cherished childhood dream. An unexpected opportunity arose when I had completed a comic on the Dupont de Ligonnès case, which led me to connect with a journalist from The Yellow House. This encounter introduced me to a community of FC Nantes historians, inspiring the birth of this comic book project.
How did the development of this album go?
Upon meeting with representatives from The Yellow House, we engaged in a fruitful brainstorming session. We delved into our shared passion for FC Nantes, reminiscing about historic games, legendary players, and memorable victories. This collaborative effort enabled us to outline a scenario—essentially a narrative arc—that captures the significant milestones of the club’s history from its founding in 1943 to the present. This includes the stories of women, supporters, and other pivotal figures in the club’s evolution.
Additionally, I collaborated with a talented scriptwriter from The Yellow House, Richard Coudrais, who possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of the club’s past. His insights allowed us to construct a captivating narrative that highlights the major events and figures throughout the club’s journey.
What is the advantage of telling all this in comics?
The beauty of utilizing comics is that we are able to narrate a story in a dynamic and engaging way. Through dialogues, well-defined characters—both principal and supporting—we can introduce elements of suspense, unexpected twists, and surprises that keep readers hooked. Comics share similarities with cinema in storytelling, providing an accessible medium for a wider audience that may not be inclined to read lengthy texts. This approach allows fans and newcomers alike to discover the rich history of a football club, specifically FC Nantes, in an enjoyable and entertaining format.
The history of FC Nantes is obviously very great players, but above all we have the impression of great coaches, those who played the game “the Nantes way”, ultimately.
Exactly! FC Nantes is characterized by its visionary coaches and an impressive training center that has produced elite talent over the years. Notable coaches like José Arribas, Jean Vincent, Jean-Claude Suaudeau, and Raynald Denoueix played transformative roles in shaping the club’s distinct style of play, fostering a lineage of excellence that has defined Nantes’ strategy both on and off the field.
If you had an anecdote, a moment that is in this comic book that you would like to tell, what would it be?
Choosing just one story is quite the challenge… One of my favorites is the arrival of Jose Arribas, who garnered unwavering support from the club’s president at the time, Jean Clerfeuille, despite the initial underwhelming results. I am also particularly fond of the achievement of winning the first Coupe de France in 1979. Additionally, the impact of Emiliano Sala during his time at the club remains poignant; his memory continues to resonate deeply within La Beaujoire every ninth minute of the match.
“The great history of FC Nantes – The Nantes style game” will be widely available in all bookstores and can also be found on the publisher’s website, Petit à Petit.
Transcription by Mikaël Le Gac
Which have played a pivotal role in shaping the club’s identity. These coaches are not merely figures on the sidelines; they are architects of the famed ‘Nantes way’—a unique style of play that blends teamwork, flair, and methodology. Their contributions are celebrated in the comic, presenting them as visionary leaders who have changed the course of the club’s history.
The characters depicted in the comic come alive through their anecdotes and tactics—their strategies transforming hopeful young athletes into champions. Coaches such as José Arribas, Jean Vincent, Jean-Claude Suaudeau, and Raynald Denoueix are vividly illustrated, not just for their legendary status, but also for their genuine impact on the players and the club’s culture. The training center is portrayed as a workshop of genius, where raw talent was honed into exceptional skill, leading to celebrations across the city, shared by enlightened fans who are forever marked by their club’s legacy.
As Olivier Petit highlighted during our discussions, the comic doesn’t shy away from the challenge of picking iconic moments. It straddles the line between nostalgia and celebration, allowing fans to reflect on triumphs that have defined the club—like its first Coupe de France victory in 1979—while also acknowledging the darker times, such as the heartbreaking legacy of Emiliano Sala. These elements combine to create an emotional depth that resonates with readers, offering both joy and sorrow as part of the footballing journey.
The comic’s vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling invite readers of all ages to experience FC Nantes’ rich narrative. It’s not just a compilation of historical facts; it’s an immersive dive into the club’s universe, making it accessible for everyone—from lifelong fans to those just beginning to explore the world of
