Because they are robust markers of popular culture, comics and sports attract each other. But it’s not always a simple by-product when a sportsman or woman takes on the 9th art form.
What do Serena Williams, Rudy Gobert, and Zinedine Zidane have in common? They have each, in their own way, integrated the world of comics—a way to inspire the younger generation as much as a recognition of their cultural impact.
Writing your own legend
When Kylian M’Bappé set out to tell his story, he did not opt for the traditional autobiography format but the more original comic strip format. Illustrated by Faro, Je m’appelle Kylian is a way for the PSG striker to give shape to his legend and reach out to young readers.
With Bash, Rudy Gobert integrates elements of his own career in a clearly futuristic and offbeat universe. For the basketball player, a manga fan in his youth, the project is both the realization of a childhood dream and the opportunity to create a powerful story from his own trajectory.
Offering an inspiring story
Before them, Zlatan or Neymar also had the right to a book derived from their “adventures.” Zinedine Zidane had the honor of integrating the famous Japanese manga Captain Tsubasa (Olive and Tom) in a special issue. In another register, Stephen Curry (I have a superpower) and Serena Williams (The Adventures of Qai Qai) became authors to deliver inspiring graphic stories.
