Usagi and Stan in France - 2006

Post by **Steve Hubbell** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 1:46 -0700

Here are the photographs from the Manga Cafe signing which, thanks to Thomas, almost makes it feel like we are actually there witnessing the occassion....

Thomas Froehling · Post by **Thomas Froehling** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 1:53 -0700

Steve Hubbell wrote:While these are a nice bunch of pictures, they are a mere handful compared to the nearly 100 photos Thomas took at the Manga Cafe signing later that same day.

There were two other photographers present at Arkhams, besides Fanfan and me, so I figured I'd just take a few pictures there; Fanfan had to leave early from the Manga Café, so I took the responsibility to let you all know what it was like there...

I believe Fanfan will post his pictures as soon as he returns from St. Malo, and possibly will try to get additional photos taken at Arkhams.

Post by **Steve Hubbell** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 2:23 -0700

Post by **Steve Hubbell** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 2:36 -0700

Thomas Froehling wrote:Then the owners of the Manga Café offered to invite Stan for a dinner. I'm still so delightedly shocked about that little scene that I will describe it in more detail:
Owner: "After you have finished [with the painting], we would like to invite you for a dinner at a nearby restaurant. Would you prefer French cuisine or do you want something Asian?"
Stan:" Ah, French, of cource! [slight pause, then, with a gesture in my direction:] Can my friend Thomas come there, too? That is, [turning to me] if it's ok for you ??

What could I say: still shaken about Sensei calling me his friend, I think I mumbled something like "It would be my honor..." and hardly heard the owner agree to Sensei's request.

So we took off to a nice restaurant just on the other side of the street. We (that is the owner's wife, her oldest son and her youngest daugther, Stan and I) were lucky to get a suitable table and soon we were engaged in a warm and informational conversation.

The little girl soon gathered her courage to ask Sensei some questions she didn't dare speak out earlier: she asked if Stan did any other comics besides Usagi, so he used the table paper to show her rather than just tell.

During and after the meal (which was delicious!) he did another beautiful sketch on a second table paper, especially for the girl it seemed; even if I would have wanted it, the expresion on her face when she held it close made it absolutely clear that she would have fought for it (and it would have been heartless to even try to make her part with it...).

MikeM · Post by **MikeM** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 6:15 -0700

Those are some really nice pics!

Thomas Froehling · Fri Nov 03, 2006 14:48 -0700

Thank you, MikeM;
It has been such a pleasurable evening that I had the feeling I wanted to share the experience (as close as it is possible, at least) with all of you.

tayocham · Post by **tayocham** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 15:01 -0700

I am so happy for you and yet so jealous at the same time!

Heh, Bart!

Leonardo-san · Post by **Leonardo-san** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 19:37 -0700

Thank you for sharing all these pictures!
It's fascinating to see all of those sketches. Also enjoyable to see glimpses of other places and other people.

Merci beaucoup!

Gaffey · Post by **Gaffey** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 6:58 -0700

Usagi in the rain!

Does it get any better? Thanks for the pics.

Post by **Todd Shogun** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 22:54 -0700

Sweet!!! Thanks for posting those pix!!

Stan Sakai · Post by **Stan Sakai** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 9:13 -0700

I returned from France late last night, after almost 20 hours on a train, at the airport, or on a plane.

It was wonderful to meet so many European readers. Thank you for coming to my signings Thomas, Cosmo, Christophe. There were even a couple of Russian readers who were at a Virgin Megastore signing. Apparently there is some historic connection between France and St Petersburg. Special thanks have to go out to Fanfan, who took a lot of time off work to show me around and accompany me on much of my trip. He is a terrific travel agent.

I will write up a travel report when I have the time. I'm already late with my pages for UY 100. I would be dead already if Editor Diana was not in Europe herself. She gets back early next week, and expects my pages on her desk by then.

Stan Sakai · Post by **Stan Sakai** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 9:23 -0700

Thomas Froehling wrote:

Then the owners of the Manga Café offered to invite Stan for a dinner. I'm still so delightedly shocked about that little scene that I will describe it in more detail:
Owner: "After you have finished [with the painting], we would like to invite you for a dinner at a nearby restaurant. Would you prefer French cuisine or do you want something Asian?"
Stan:" Ah, French, of cource! [slight pause, then, with a gesture in my direction:] Can my friend Thomas come there, too? That is, [turning to me] if it's ok for you ??

What could I say: still shaken about Sensei calling me his friend, I think I mumbled something like "It would be my honor..." and hardly heard the owner agree to Sensei's request.

Yes, I can be very generous about inviting people to dinner, when someone else is paying for it.

But seriously, it was a pleasure for me to meet you, Thomas. Thank you for traveling to Paris just for the occassion.