Manga, Comics and Graphic Novel Publishing

Program Overview

The Free Mover – Manga Publishing programme is designed for international students wishing to specialise in Japanese manga publishing and its international circulation, while completing part of their studies in France.

It offers a structured academic experience at Master’s level within ASFORED, a school recognised for its expertise in publishing and editorial professions.

The programme is built on selected competence blocks from RNCP 40153, adapted to the specific editorial, cultural and economic models of manga.

Academic Positioning

• Graduate / Master’s level programme
• Aligned with European and international higher education standards
• Structured according to the ECTS credit system
• Compatible with Campus France Free Mover procedures
• Academic transcript issued for credit transfer and recognition

Programme Content

Core Competence Blocks – Manga Specialisation

Editorial Strategy and Manga Ecosystems

• History and evolution of manga publishing in Japan
• Editorial typologies (shōnen, shōjo, seinen, josei, etc.)
• Role of publishers, editors and magazines
• Manga series development and long-term editorial strategy
• Analysis of European and international manga markets

Development of a Manga Editorial Project

• Editorial selection and evaluation of manga projects
• Relationship between editor and mangaka
• Construction of an editorial line and collection identity
• Editorial planning, scheduling and project coordination
• Feasibility studies for international publication

Production, Translation and Adaptation

• Manga production workflows and quality standards
• Translation, lettering and localisation processes
• Cultural adaptation for non-Japanese audiences
• Digital manga formats and reading platforms
• Technical constraints of print and digital production

Rights, Licensing and International Circulation

• Copyright frameworks in Japanese publishing
• Publishing contracts and licensing agreements
• International rights sales and co-edition models
• Adaptation rights (animation, audiovisual, transmedia)
• Manga as a global cultural industry

Marketing, Communities and Cultural Mediation

• Manga readerships and fan cultures
• Marketing strategies for manga publishing
• Role of festivals, conventions and cultural events
• Community building and social media ecosystems
• Manga within contemporary popular culture

Professional Project

• Individual or group manga editorial project
• International development or licensing strategy
• Market analysis focused on manga publishing
• Editorial proposal presented to an academic or professional jury