In his new comic L'Insensé, French cartoonist Manu Larcenet explores the life of a reclusive and sick cartoonist, delving into themes of mental health and artistic expression. Larcenet, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, discusses how creating art has become a form of healing for him. He has previously adapted Cormac McCarthy's La Route into a comic and had one of his works, Le Combat Ordinaire, turned into a film. Despite these accomplishments, Larcenet admits to being critical of parts of his own bibliography, though he is especially proud of L'Insensé. Larcenet explains that the protagonist of L'Insensé is not entirely based on himself but represents a part of him, much like his earlier work Blast. He felt the need to capture his "darkness" in Blast before it faded, and similarly, he felt the time was right to create L'Insensé with the experience he has gained over the years. He credits several artists, including Franquin, Cosey, Blutch, Goossens, Fred, and Munoz, for influencing his work. The protagonist's appearance was inspired by a documentary on Hayao Miyazaki, the renowned Japanese filmmaker known for works like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. Larcenet discusses how his work methods have evolved, noting that he has become more interested in drawing, which he once considered less important than the story or atmosphere. He initially wanted to be a comic book scriptwriter but took on the role of artist when no one else was drawing. While adapting La Route, he realized he needed to improve his understanding of anatomy and studied extensively. He also mentions his dislike for paper, comparing the feeling to chalk on a blackboard, and how he found renewed pleasure in drawing using a graphics tablet, recalling a childhood experience with a large piece of glass as a drawing board. Larcenet describes his studio in the countryside, which he finds inspiring and reminiscent of a childhood visit during a heatwave in 1976. He expresses joy at being able to draw all day in such an environment. He also experimented with watercolor on oil paint, acknowledging that this is not possible in reality. Larcenet notes that he began his art studies around the time he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He found solace in art classes, which helped him cope with his mental health struggles. He emphasizes that art channels his thoughts and prevents his mind from wandering. He recalls a childhood experience where he discovered an old man's artistic work, which changed his perception of art and success. Larcenet discusses his long-term therapy and treatment for bipolar disorder, noting that he has been in therapy for forty years. He mentions his past struggles with drug addiction and how meeting his wife helped him find stability. He advises others with bipolar disorder or personality disorders that the condition does not disappear but may subside over time. L'Insensé by Manu Larcenet is published by Dargaud, with 176 pages and priced at 27€, available in bookstores.