When Royan inspires Arthur de Pins
Royan is the scene of this revolutionary comic strip whose Arthur de Pins is the initiator. Although he grew up in Brittany, he frequently spent his childhood holidays in Royan, more precisely on Dovecote beach. Between 2010 and 2013, this seaside resort served as the setting for his trilogy entitled "The Crab's March"In 2012, he was awarded the Prix Jeunesse des Fauves at the Angoulême International Comics Festival for the second volume of his series "Zombillénium". In 2014, Royan pays tribute to him by dedicating an open-air exhibition to "The Crab March".
Discovering the Crab Walk
Do you know Cancer Simplicimus Vulgaris, more commonly known as square crabs? These curious creatures inhabit the brownish waters of the Gironde estuary for millennia. They are afflicted with a strange genetic defect: nature has condemned them to move only sideways, forbidding them any possibility of turning. Their existence is therefore reduced to an uninterrupted march along a straight line. But one summer vacation on the beaches of Royan, three of them, named Bateau, Soleil and Guitare, will initiate a revolution aimed at changing their condition: the march of the crabs.
Thus begins the trilogy of Arthur de Pins and the adventure of these crabs which were nevertheless destined never to cross paths. Between class struggle and environmental message, this story is for adults and children alike.
The influence of Royan on the Crab March
During our interview with the artist, he revealed to us his deep attachment to Royan and particularly to the Dovecote beach. We can imagine him then, observing the crabs tirelessly pacing the shore. This vision undoubtedly marked him deeply and inspired his artistic work. He found in these creatures the perfect metaphor for the human condition, also condemned to follow predefined paths without being able to really escape from them.
Let's see if Arthur still has a crush on Royan...
Interview with Arthur de Pins
What memories do you keep of your holidays in Royan?
From my childhood, I have memories of Pigeonnier beach, a very family-friendly beach where everyone knew each other and where the bar/Mickey club/brasserie/telephone was the nerve center. Very nice memories of costume contests, marble runs... And crab fishing!
Can you tell us about the evolution of your drawing style?
I've been drawing since I was little. As a teenager, I was mainly inspired by designers of whom I was a fan. But the turning point was towards the end of my studies, when I learned to use Illustrator software. It was when I discovered Monsieur Z's drawings that I wanted to obtain this style in flat areas, without lines, very retro. Mr Z is also a native of Royan. The loop closes.
Do you still come to stay in Royan?
Whenever I can, because I'm still a big fan of Charente-Maritime (La Rochelle, Oléron, La Tremblade…). And Royan is kind of "on the route" between the north and the south. It's a necessary stop. Curiously, I've noticed that the town isn't very well known among the people I talk to about it. Much less so than La Rochelle. So I transform into a tour guide and sing the praises of the town and its surroundings.
How do you view the landscapes of estuaries?
I'm a big fan of the marshy landscapes, between land and sea, that you can see in Port-Maubert, Mornac or La Tremblade. I find a mad poetry in them, unlike the great ocean beaches that bore me. The only downside that slows people down a bit is the color of the water, more brown than blue. But for me, that's part of the charm.
What do you think of Royan's “50s” architecture?
Royan is a very unique seaside resort, very "modern" in the architectural sense (it was nicknamed "Little Brazilia"). Some of the houses look like they've come straight out of a Tati film. Setting the action of his graphic novel there is therefore a tribute to the post-war boom years. Hervé Bourhis also chose Royan as the setting for his graphic novel, *Le Teckel*. During a trip related to my graphic novel, I discovered the work of Marsaudon, of whom I only knew the Rancho logo. Everything in Royan evokes the 60s and 70s. Going there is like traveling back in time.
"La Marche du Crab" has also become a board game. How do we play it?
This is a collaborative game, where only two players play. Not one against the other, but two against the game. One of the players embodies Sun and can only move from east to west, while the other is Boat and only moves according to the north-south axis. The two being able to carry each other, they will have to help each other to clean the beach and find their congeners prisoners of the Cakes.
A last word to share with us?
Greetings to all the inhabitants of Royan and to all the elders of the Pigeonnier beach!!!
In conclusion, Arthur de Pins' "The Crab's March" is deeply influenced by Royan. Its seaside atmosphere and unique landscapes were a source of inspiration for the artist, allowing him to explore profound themes and captivate his readers with his boundless imagination and flair for language.
The Crab March de Arthur de Pins © SUN Editions, 2010-2023 – Published in the Noctambule collection
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