The European manga industry is mourning the loss of Yves Schlirf, the founder of the influential French publishing house Kana. Dargaud and Kana confirmed that Schlirf passed away on September 13. A lifelong advocate for the medium, Schlirf was a central figure in the growth of the European comics market, having transitioned from running one of Brussels' first comic specialty bookstores to leading major publishing operations.
After founding Kana in 1996 following several trips to Japan, Schlirf was instrumental in introducing iconic manga titles to French-speaking audiences. Under his editorial direction, the publisher secured rights to massive hits including Naruto, YuYu Hakusho, Detective Conan, and Death Note. His work helped cement Kana as a cornerstone of the European manga landscape, a legacy that continues today with the publication of contemporary series like Kagurabachi and Fire Force.
Beyond his work with manga, Schlirf held a long-standing tenure as the director-general for Dargaud in Belgium. His career was defined by a deep commitment to the "9th Art," a term used in French-speaking regions to elevate comics as a distinct artistic discipline. At the time of his passing, he was reportedly overseeing the production of an anniversary album for the classic series Blake and Mortimer.
Why it matters: Schlirf’s influence on the accessibility of Japanese media in Europe cannot be overstated; his early acquisition of titles like Slam Dunk and Saint Seiya helped establish the foundation for the current mainstream popularity of manga in the region. While his death marks the end of a significant era for the publisher, the extensive catalog he curated remains a defining element of the French comic book market.
