Marseille will soon be steeped in the chilling artistry of Junji Ito, the celebrated manga artist, as his immersive exhibition, “Obsession and Nightmares,” extends its run from February 27 to March 1 for Japan Expo Marseille.
Ito’s Horror and Oh! Great’s Bold New Direction
This year’s manga events showcased both established masters and exciting shifts in creative direction.
- Junji Ito’s horror exhibition will be featured at Japan Expo Marseille.
- Mangaka Oh! Great is venturing into the Franco-Belgian comic book format with a new science fiction title.
- Kazuhiko Torishima, key to the success of “Dragon Ball,” will share his expertise in a new manga technique guide.
Oh! Great, known for his work on “Air Gear” and “Bakemonogatari,” was also a featured guest, celebrating the 25th anniversary with Pika. But the surprise doesn’t end there: he’s boldly stepping into a new realm – the world of Franco-Belgian comics! His upcoming title, “Smoke,” published by Not at all, will be a full-color science fiction story, a dream he’s harbored for years, and is slated to hit bookstores on January 30.
Dragon Ball Legacy and Future Techniques
The 2025 event also honored the legacy of “Dragon Ball” with the appearance of Kazuhiko Torishima, the editor instrumental in the success of “Dragon Ball” and “Dr. Slump,” alongside Akira Toriyama. Fans were also treated to appearances by Toyotaro, the artist behind “Dragon Ball Super,” and Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru, an animator from “Dragon Ball Z.”
These appearances underscore the enduring appeal of classic manga and the continued innovation within the industry, offering fans a glimpse into the creative processes behind their favorite stories.
