Au Temps de Botchan

Set in early 20th-century Japan, Au Temps de Botchan is a five-issue Casterman series from 2011–2014 that reimagines the world of Natsume Sōseki's classic novel Botchan. The series expands on the original story's themes of tradition versus modernity, following the hot-headed young teacher as he navigates the petty rivalries and cultural shifts of a provincial school. Known for its meticulous period detail and expressive artwork, the series is most associated with writer and artist Jiro Taniguchi, whose gentle, humanistic touch brings Meiji-era Japan to vivid life. It matters as a thoughtful, cross-cultural adaptation that introduces a literary masterpiece to a new audience through the comics medium.