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Interview: Blitz 2 creator Cedric Biscay

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/10/2020

Volume two of the only manga to be produced out of Monaco, Blitz, hit book stores last week. We caught up with its creator and co-author Cedric Biscay to learn more about the groundbreaking series and how Monaco fits into this new and exciting world.
On 22nd October, Cedric Biscay and his team launched the second edition of Blitz, the latest in a manga series about a group of young chess players competing in a tournament that takes its hero to the legendary Monte-Carlo Casino. The manga was created in collaboration with the greatest chess player in history – Garry Kasparov.
Cedric Biscay is the CEO and Founder of Monaco-based Shibuya Productions, responsible also for the triumphant comeback of the Shenmue saga in 2019 on PS4 and PC, winner of three world records in the Guinness book, producer of the multi-award-winning documentary Sad Hill Unearthed on Netflix, and the upcoming Astroboy Reboot series. This year, he is the recipient of the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Certificate of Honour.
Monaco Life: How long did it take to complete Blitz volume two? Was much of it done during lockdown and did this affect the story in any way?
Cedric Biscay: It took six months to complete. Unfortunately, we lost valuable time due to the quarantine regarding the release date. Ideally, we want to make a volume every four months.
The lockdown did not affect the story, however it did enable me to progress faster on volumes three and four.
How successful was volume one?
To date, we have sold more than 7,000 copies in France, which is very good for a volume one of a new series, especially considering the quarantine has affected volume one in two aspects.
Firstly, there were transport and logistics problems. Secondly, a Monegasque company is currently not allowed to sell directly on Amazon. As a result, there were no Blitz sales for almost three months. However, I believe the situation with Amazon is evolving favourably, according to my information.
How does volume two differ from the first edition?
The main aim of the first volume was to set up the characters and the story.
In this second volume, we enter deeper into the chess games. I wanted to make them punchier and more fun, so I asked artist Daitaro Nishihara to imagine the characters on a battlefield during the most striking games.
The characters imagine themselves as real chess warriors and it brings a lot of fun and intensity to the games.
It is important to mention that Blitz can be read by everyone. It is not necessary to know anything about chess, so we’ve added in the bonus section some explanations about chess games and a glossary.

The first book was revolutionary because you collaborated with Japanese artists, and this one has gone one step further, with collaborations between Monaco, Japan, France and the United States. Do you feel you are breaking ground in the world of manga?
As a matter of fact, yes. We are innovative in the sense that even if Blitz follows the manga’s codes, the way it is made differs a lot from the usual standards.
And we must be very careful to avoid mistakes in our exchanges between French, Japanese and English.
I am convinced that Blitz can bring a breath of fresh air into the world of manga, not only through the subject matter, which is truly original, but also through the unique multi-cultural vision it brings.
The fact that Garry Kasparov is involved also gives it a lot of credibility, and not forgetting the contribution of Alexis Champion who, at the end of each volume, gives the keys to develop personal intuition. I don’t think I can say it enough, but Blitz is also a manga about intuition.
I enjoy proposing several levels of reading whether it is for children, teens or adults.
By the way, when I participate in autograph sessions, I can see that the profile of readers is incredibly varied, and it makes me very proud.
Do you touch on any social issues in the book?
It’s a big word to say that we are actually addressing social problems, but our characters are not flat.
The hero, for example, does not ‘fit the mold’. In Japan, where there are strict codes of conduct, we can see that he is not particularly appreciated by the teachers and some classmates at the beginning.
The same goes for the main female character – she is tough and not a girl who stands by the hero or is a ‘trophy’.
It is important that everyone can identify with the characters they want and show that whether you are a girl or a boy, you can be a badass.
Also, while it is too early to talk about it specifically, there will be a disabled character who also appears in the story.
We are all anxiously awaiting Astroboy Reboot. Do you have any idea of when it will be released?
I get so many messages from fans about this project. Obviously, I understand their frustration since we can not communicate on it due to various NDA’s signed with a major US company.
But I can say that the situation is evolving and I hope to be able to make some announcements by the end of the year.
The most important thing to remember is that we have been working on it since day one, even though it is very long and external factors sometimes simply prevent us from communicating fully with the fans in a way that keeps them informed in a concrete way.
Astroboy is an iconic manga and I absolutely respect its author Osamu Tezuka. It is unthinkable for me not to provide the best for Astroboy Reboot. My mission remains the same – to deliver a beautiful series and broadcast it as widely as possible around the world.
Can you reveal what is next in the Blitz series? Do you envisage it being a large series?
I do not want to reveal too much of course. But I can say that qualifying for the tournament will continue and although the main plot is in Japan, the Principality of Monaco will continue to be shown.
The Monte-Carlo Casino has been drawn for the first time in volume two, thanks to our partnership with the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM). It will also be featured on the back cover of volume three.
It is very important for me to have part of the story here in Monaco. I think it is great to see the Principality of Monaco in a manga and I think it brings additional value to Blitz.
I am also happy that the Monegasque authorities appreciate it and find it fun to see Monaco in a totally different universe than usual.
Shibuya Productions is a Monegasque company and we are totally committed to the “Monaco team”. The more we talk about the Principality of Monaco in general, the more beneficial I think it is for local companies and institutions.
Ideally, I would like Blitz to reach a little more than 20 volumes, which is what I think is needed to tell the story properly.
Do you plan to release this manga in other countries?
Yes, I think it is of major importance for Blitz IP.
We have already had an online publication on Shonen Jump Plus in Japan. We are also targeting China, USA and all countries that have a developed manga market in general.
We are currently looking for publishing partners abroad to allow us to make Blitz known to as many people as possible. I receive a lot of messages from manga fans or chess enthusiasts overseas who are waiting for a translation in their country. We are working on it!
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Well, I want to say thank you for taking the time to read this article!
I hope all Monaco Life readers will be able to read Blitz and enjoy it. See you on 26th February for volume 3!
 
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Shibuya strengthens position in video game sector with new thriller

Interview: Cédric Biscay, CEO Shibuya Productions

 
Photo: Cedric Biscay, Director of Tourism and Congresses in Monaco Guy Antognelli, and Director of the Casino de Monte-Carlo Boris Donskoff during a press conference at the Casino de Monte-Carlo on 22ndOctober 2020 © Bruno Bébert / Agence Best image 
 

No Finish Line: How the virtual race will work

by: Stephanie Horsman
28/10/2020

For the first time in its 21-year-history, No Finish Line will be held virtually this year. Here is everything you need to know about how to participate and rack up those kilometres for charity.

No Finish Line returns to the Principality for its 21st edition starting Saturday 14th November at 3pm for eight non-stop days until Sunday 22nd November at 3pm. The race has become a much-anticipated event for businesses and individuals in the community who don their sport shoes to walk or run for a good cause. This year’s ambitious goal is to collectively cover 400,000 kilometres. 

As Covid casts its long shadow, the organisers of the event have met the challenge by creating a way for participants to race without breaking health and safety rules. Rather than following a set course, contestants can choose their own paths and commit to covering as many kilometres as many times as they wish, using the Zapsports app to track their progress.

The same rules apply with regards to donations. For each kilometre run, Children and Future donates one euro to support projects for disadvantaged and sick children.

All racers need to do is download the app and select the No Finish Line race. When they are ready to go, they start the stopwatch and the distances are clocked by the app, where they will be continuously updated. The updates can be tracked on the Children and Future website (childrenandfuture.com) any time and the final scores will also be available there, as well as on social media. An awards ceremony will be held in the first quarter of 2021.

AS Monaco Basketball star Will Yeguete has signed on as a sponsor for the race, adding some star power to the event. Additionally, No Finish Line’s organisers will be holding a toy drive from Saturday 14th November to Saturday, 21st November at the Fontvieille Big Top to collect as-new condition toys for the region’s children affected by Storm Alex. They have also decided to dedicate a portion of the funds raised for projects to help the kids in the valleys most affected. 

Inscriptions for teams can be made on the Children and Future website up until 11th November at 6pm and for individuals until 22nd November at 12pm. The cost per participant is €12.

 
 

Ducruet takes up new role at Forest

by: Cassandra Tanti
27/10/2020

Louis Ducruet, son of Monaco’s Princess Stephanie, has joined Nottingham Forest football club as an advisor for international projects.
After weeks of speculation, Louis Ducruet, former vice-presidential assistant at AS Monaco, confirmed on Instagram that he has been recruited as part of the club’s backroom staff. The official role he will take on for the Reds is advisor for the team’s international projects.
“It is a great pleasure for me to announce that I’m officially joining NFFC,” Ducruet posted on Instagram. “I’m glad to join such a historical club, I’m ready for this new challenge! Let’s go Reds!”
In his new position, the 27-year-old will be helping the club expand its presence worldwide.
Louis Ducruet left his position at AS Monaco last summer after five years with the team. He started in the marketing department then moved up to international recruiting, followed by his last position as Assistant to Vice-President and General Manager Oleg Petrov.
Before accepting the two-year position in Nottingham, Ducruet was rumored to have been courted by clubs in Belgium and Switzerland.
Nottingham Forest expressed their “delight” at welcoming Ducruet and said that they hope he will “use his overseas experience to help expand the global presence of the club.”
 
Photo by Nottingham Forest football club
 
 

Moore launches new sustainability platform

by: Cassandra Tanti
27/10/2020

Monaco resident Christian Moore has officially launched Global Environment Media (GEM) with a team of likeminded nonprofit, civic and corporate leaders from the around the world. GEM is a content platform designed to educate, engage, and empower audiences to tell positive stories of progress about our planet.
Global Environment Media was launched on Friday 23rd October and coincides with the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.
Seeing the need for positive solutions that address the current environmental crises, Christian Moore, Vincent Roger, Dennis Kucinich, Michael Clemente, Elizabeth Kucinich, Marc Scarpa and Doug Scott joined forces to build a media company with the support of the non-profit organisation GEMA.
The aim is to “lead current and future generations to a healthier, more sustainable planet.”
The founders share a vision to curate, produce and distribute inspiring environmental stories with positive solutions.
“GEM embodies the mindset that people must fall in love with the natural world first in order to then be engaged and excited enough to save it. This was why we launched GEM as the first-of-its kind media network,” said Christian Moore, Managing Partner of GEM and president of the Global Environment Movement Association (GEMA).
GEM-TV.com will be divided into four primary sections: Live TV; Topics – with an expansive VOD library featuring ‘solution-oriented’ videos covering nine environmental topics: energy, climate change, people on earth, forests, the ocean, biodiversity, food, sustainable living and water; Research – an education section with infographics and academic papers serving as a portal to global environmental courses; and Kids – a special learning section for children.
“We believe in positivity and wanted to create a destination where people can explore stories of innovators who are impacting the world,” said Vincent Roger, Managing Partner of GEM and Treasurer of GEMA. “We know that governments can only go so far and together with GEM, individuals, businesses and NGOs can take action and catalyse the change needed to heal our planet.”
GEM has already partnered with 50 institutions, foundations, NGOs, and nearly 40 global advisory members.
 
 
 
 

Italy introduces restrictions and closures

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/10/2020

Neighbouring Italy is the latest country to reinforce strict new measures for bars, restaurants and public gatherings in a last-ditch effort to avoid a national lockdown.
“If this November we respect all these new rules we will be able to keep the epidemic curve under control… and face December, and the Christmas holidays with greater serenity,” Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told a press conference on Sunday.
Under the new rules, effective Monday 26th October to 24th November, bars and restaurants must close at 6pm and can stay open later only for takeaway service. A maximum of four people can sit at a table together. Consuming food and drinks in public places will also be banned from 6pm.
Cinemas, theaters, swimming pools, and gyms have to close, although museums can remain open. Gatherings for weddings, baptisms and funerals are banned, as are all events and fairs. Distance learning will be applied in high schools for at least 75%  of students.
Working remotely is strongly encouraged. Home visits from people other than relatives are strongly discouraged, as is leaving home for reasons other than work, study, health and emergencies.
Italy’s worst hit regions of Lombardy, Campania and Lazio had already implemented their own tougher local restrictions in the days before Sunday’s announcement, including nighttime curfews.
In acknowledging that businesses like bars and gyms will be hit hard by the new measures, Mr Conte ensured that the government will compensate with “substantial” financial aid.
On Saturday, Italy topped the half-million mark in the total number of confirmed coronavirus infections since the start of the pandemic.
 
Photo of Venice, source Pixabay
 
 
 

AS Monaco fall to Lyon

by: Stephanie Horsman
26/10/2020

Despite a strong start, AS Monaco wasn’t able to keep the momentum up on Sunday in a tough match against 6th ranked Olympique Lyonnaise, resulting in a 1-4 loss.
Playing on the opponent’s home turf, AS Monaco started the game against Lyon with gusto. They made several shots on goal in the first 15 minutes, but the Lyonnaise goalie, Anthony Lopes, was having a stellar game and his reflexes were sharp as tacks, thus stopping any points from being scored.
Lyon opened the scoring 12 minutes in with a shot by Memphis Depay, marking the first of four goals made in the first half. Lyon’s Karl Toko Ekambi racked up two goals within 10 minutes of each other in the 34th minute and the 44th and Houssem Aouar scored in the 41st. The score sat at 0-4 and things were looking a bit bleak for Monaco as they went into the locker room at halftime.
“They were very dangerous, especially in the first half,” said Monaco Coach Niko Kovac. “We did everything wrong in those first 45 minutes, where we made a lot of bad decisions, starting with me. I am the coach, I chose the team and the tactical system, so I take my share of responsibility for this loss. We weren’t active enough. We were too reactive. We didn’t close down the spaces when needed.”
The second half was a bit better for the Red and Whites, and they were playing well as a team. Wissam Ben Yedder made a fantastic play resulting in a goal in the 48thminute, saving his team from a complete blow-out and breathing some life back into the squad, but sadly not enough for a comeback. The score sat at 1-4 With Lyon taking the day.
“The team as a whole was too passive. I think we need to analyse what happened in that first half,” Coach Kovac reflected.
Monaco drops to 12th in Ligue 1 but have a chance to redeem themselves on Sunday 1st November when they will host Girondins de Bordeaux at Stade Louis II.
 
Photo courtesy AS Monaco