Riad Sattouf Interview: Comics & Creative Process
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PARIS, 2025-06-20 13:01:00 – Riad sattouf, celebrated for his autobiographical series “The Arab of Tomorrow,” offers a captivating lens through which to view contemporary life, particularly in his work featuring Esther. His approach offers a refreshing outlook on how the younger generation navigates a world saturated with facts, a stark contrast to earlier times.
Sattouf utilized conversations,messages,and emails to build trust and capture Esther’s unique viewpoint,incorporating elements from her stories as inspiration for his creative process.
sattouf’s method of collaboration with Esther highlights the importance of trust and open interaction in capturing authentic perspectives.
Sattouf approached their interactions with an open mind, taking inspiration from Esther’s narratives but not strictly adhering to every detail. He described the process as using “cooking ingredients” from her life, transforming them into something new. This approach allowed for a comfortable exchange, where the comic differed from Esther’s real life.
esther,a student in a private Parisian school,has witnessed significant events,including protests and attacks.Her experiences, though shaped by her parents’ protective approach to shielding her from news, offer a unique view of contemporary history.
Esther’s sheltered yet observant perspective provides a unique lens through which to examine contemporary events and their impact on young people.
Sattouf aimed to depict the world through a child’s eyes, showcasing how understanding can shift without complete information.This concept highlights how people frequently enough form opinions without fully grasping the intricacies of situations.
Riad Sattouf and Richard dumas.
Photo: Allary-Éditions

The youth of today, contrasted with previous generations, experience a world that has become smaller, losing some of its mystery. Social networks and constant access to the internet provide detailed insights into how people live globally.
The accessibility of information in the modern world has fundamentally altered the experience of youth, perhaps diminishing the sense of wonder and finding.
The loss of secrets in the world can be disheartening. sattouf reflected on his own experience wanting to be a comic author, imagining the mystical universe of such a life. Today, everything about comic authors is available at your fingertips.
A sample side from Esther’s diaries from Riad Sattouf, Volume 9.
Photo: Reprodukt-Verlag
Sofia Alvarez
Culture critic with bylines in Variety and Rolling Stone. Tracks film, TV, music and celebrity trends across continents.