Quebec Manga Scene Explodes: ‘Eljun Elected Officials’ Leads New Wave
Montreal, QC – A quiet revolution is unfolding in Quebec’s creative landscape. The province is experiencing a surge in manga creation and readership, driven by a passionate fanbase and a willingness to adapt a beloved Japanese art form to a distinctly Quebecois sensibility. This breaking news comes as the fourth volume of the critically acclaimed series, Eljun Elected Officials, prepares for release this spring, signaling a new era for comic book authors in the region.
From Fanbase to Creators: The Rise of Quebec Manga
According to author and screenwriter Jean-François Laliberté, Quebec’s access to manga translations – thanks in part to France being the second largest manga-reading country in the world – has cultivated a deep appreciation for the medium. But it’s more than just readership; a growing number of younger Quebecers are actively engaging with manga culture, practicing the distinctive drawing style and embracing cosplay at events like Comiccon, which are seeing record attendance.
“Over the years, there has been an increasing interest in creating manga series, both in Quebec and in France,” Laliberté explains. This isn’t just a fleeting trend. Publishers are taking notice, actively seeking out authors to bring original manga stories to life. Michel Quintin editions, the publisher of U-Merlin, recognized the burgeoning popularity at the 2021 Montreal Book Fair and specifically approached Laliberté and Sacha Lefebvre to tackle the challenge of creating a Quebec-made manga.
Navigating Tradition: Adapting the Manga Format for a New Audience
One of the initial hurdles was the fundamental difference in reading direction. Japanese manga is read from right to left, top to bottom, a format that doesn’t naturally align with Western reading habits. Laliberté initially worried publishers wouldn’t embrace the project. “At the beginning, we were not sure of being able to publish a manga in Quebec…because the reading direction is different,” he admits. However, the team was determined to stay true to the essence of manga while making it accessible to Quebec readers.
“We wanted manga fans to find Eljun Elected Officials in a bookstore and he wants to take it home because the story appeals to him, because it’s a manga,” Laliberté emphasizes. The solution? Enlarged speech bubbles to accommodate longer, horizontally-written words – a subtle but significant adaptation that’s becoming a hallmark of “Quebec manga.” They also boldly introduced a stronger female character than typically seen in the genre, challenging traditional tropes.
‘Eljun Elected Officials’: A Viking-Inspired Shonen Saga
Eljun Elected Officials falls into the “shonen” category – action-packed adventures filled with magic and compelling characters. The story centers around Eljun, the “tree of life” who has chosen fighters imbued with the powers of magical animals. Revner (raven) and Ulfa (wolf) are among the chosen, battling to protect nine worlds. The series draws heavily from Viking mythology and aesthetics, inspired by the video games Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and God of War Ragnarök.
The series’ impact is already being felt. Fans have cosplayed characters from the series at conventions, demonstrating a deep connection to the story and its world. “As an author, it’s super impressive to see readers take ownership of the story and the characters,” Laliberté shares, clearly moved by the enthusiastic response.
The Future of Quebec Manga: A Growing Industry
The success of Eljun Elected Officials – which has already required multiple reprints – is paving the way for more Quebec-made manga. Laliberté’s publisher is actively planning future projects, and he anticipates a significant expansion of the industry. With fifteen volumes planned for the Eljun saga, and a growing number of students engaging with manga through Laliberté’s workshops, the future looks bright for this exciting new chapter in Quebec’s cultural scene. The co-creators have already completed four volumes, with the fourth slated for release in Spring 2026.
Jean-François Laliberté is currently appearing at the Estrie Book Fair until October 20th, offering a chance for fans to meet the creator and learn more about the world of Eljun Elected Officials and the burgeoning Quebec manga scene. This isn’t just a local phenomenon; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of manga, now with a uniquely Quebecois voice.
