creator-story-01 | MANGA Plus Creators by SHUEISHA
CREATOR STORY · No.01
Creator Story NeoNeo ヒービジュアル

— CREATOR STORY —

Drawing from France,
reaching the world.

French Manga creator Néo is taking the Manga scene by storm with his breathtaking artwork and a singular vision.

His award-winning work, Little Monster, is set in a world where "monsters" and "humans" coexist, reflecting the complex emotions we all carry. The story acts as a mirror to each reader's soul, leaving the interpretation of the ending entirely to the individual.

How did a former Computer Science student choose the path of Manga? And how did he create a story that resonates so powerfully across the globe? Read on as we uncover the philosophy and passion behind Néo's journey.

作家プロフィール

Néo プロフィール写真
Néo
Based in
France
Work
Little Monster (Gold Award - December 2025)
Tools
CLIP STUDIO PAINT, Wacom Tablet, etc.
Little Monster 表紙
Little Monster
Genre
Action / Comedy
Episodes
One-shot (1 episode)
Award
Gold Award — Monthly Awards Dec 2025

*Please note: This interview contains spoilers for "Little Monster". We recommend reading the story before continuing.

Chapter 01

The Spark

"The word would be 'Emotions'."

— Néo

Q.1When did you first start drawing Manga?
I was in school for computer science seven years ago. I got back into watching anime and started digging to understand what was behind the shows; that's when I found out it all originally came from Manga.

This discovery was the turning point. To be honest, it was at first to test stories and create characters and universes. I loved the world-building aspect. I thought about many possibilities before, like books or novels, but I realized that for me personally, drawing was the best way to express my ideas.
Q.2Which works and creators have influenced you the most?
When I was studying computer science, the works that inspired me to create my own Manga were by two French authors.

The first is Reno Lemaire, the creator of "Dreamland", with whom I work on "Free Quest" now. I knew French Manga existed because of him. The other author is Tony Valente, who writes "Radiant". For the art side of their works, I sensed more Japanese sensibilities, but I also felt like there were some parts that drew from the European or American side.

Later, as I read more Japanese Manga, I found many inspirations there too. For the story side, I was very inspired by "Chainsaw Man" and "Attack on Titan". For the artwork, "My Hero Academia" and "Fire Force".
Q.3When you are creating Manga, what is the most important thing on your mind?
I always think about the characters first. That is my main concern throughout the story. If they are not appealing or notable, I don't think I'm writing a good story.
Q.4What does Manga mean to you?
The word would be "Emotions."

I try to put as much of myself in the story as possible to make sure the Manga is mine. Drawing Manga is not my ultimate goal; my goal is to create emotions in readers around the world.
Chapter 02

The Work
— Little Monster

"What if someone makes the audience laugh
despite herself—she can't control it?"

— Néo

作品コマ画像 ①
Q.5For Little Monster, how did you think of the idea?
It started from a strange idea one night while I was trying to fall asleep. I started thinking about a story with a modern setting that would contrast with the fantasy world of my series, "Free Quest".

I thought, "What if there was a TV show and if participants failed to make the public laugh, their heads were cut off?"

The character Alice immediately came to my mind. What if someone makes the audience laugh despite herself—she can't control it?

Then I thought about a twist: making the audience made up of monsters that laugh at her.
作品コマ画像 ②
Q.6Which scene or panel did you pour the most energy into?
That's a hard question. It was the moment when Alice decides to refuse to go on stage in the middle of the story while wearing the bunny suit.

Adding to the flashback of her aunt dying and her strong desire to make the world a better place by making people smile, it was the most challenging part in terms of capturing Alice's emotions.
作品コマ画像 ③
Q.7What did you focus on most during the creation of this work?
I wanted as many people as possible to discover my work. To achieve that, I tried to make the best translation possible for Little Monster, even though I'm not a native speaker. For example, in English, I tried my best to understand American culture and "dad jokes."

As a result, I'm surprised that despite the language barrier, it sparked so many reactions.

Now, I am working with an editor from the MANGA Plus editorial team to deliver the work to Japanese readers on Jump+.
作品コマ画像 ④
Q.8Where did the title Little Monster come from?
Since I didn't know what the title would be until I finished the one-shot, I focused on making it sound cool and making the reader curious, instead of trying to focus too much on the hidden meaning.

With the title "Little Monster" I tried to capture the emotional vibe of the story and what it was going to be about.
Q.9What is the message you want to convey through this work?
I would much rather have readers experience the story for themselves and come to their own conclusions.

However, I would say the theme was "the failure of making people smile the way Alice wanted." To explore this, I chose to include the death of a character at the end. It was a very difficult decision, but I think it was the best solution to make sure the final story was impactful.
Chapter 03

The Turning Point

"Your stories can resonate with a worldwide audience."

— Néo

Q.10What made you want to upload to MANGA Plus Creators by SHUEISHA (hereafter, "MANGA Plus Creators")?
First, I wanted to reach a global audience, and I thought MANGA Plus Creators was the best international platform for that.

Second, Little Monster was a personal project for myself. In France, when you have a publisher, they have a word during the creation process of your project. I posted it on this platform because I could publish without constraints.
Q.11When you got the news that you won the Gold Award, what were you doing?
I was finishing a hard deadline for my third volume of "Free Quest". When I saw the email, I initially thought it was just a simple notification or mention, so I didn't think much of it.

When I reread it, I was shocked. I never thought it was possible to win the Gold Award. I felt really thankful, but a part of me thought it was a mistake at first.
Q.12What does it mean to be published on MANGA Plus by SHUEISHA and Jump+?
Since my initial goal was to be published in France, I thought my stories would only speak to a French audience. I didn't think it would reach a wider audience.

If I told my younger self something, it would be: "Your stories can resonate with a worldwide audience."
Q.13Using MANGA Plus Creators, is there something you felt you cannot find anywhere else?
In addition to the international aspect, the possibility that a Japanese editor could come across my work was a great opportunity. I value feedback a lot, even from readers.
Getting both feedback motivated me.
Q.14Do you have any plans for a sequel to Little Monster?
I didn't have any particular plans, but now that I've been given the opportunity to be published on MANGA Plus by SHUEISHA and Jump+, if "Little Monster" resonates with the Japanese audience, I am open to the idea of a sequel.
Chapter 04

The Dream

"I wish for my works to be discovered
by as many people as possible."

— Néo

Q.15What is your vision for your future as a creator?
As long as I can make a living out of my work and spend my time drawing and writing stories, I don't have particular ambitions. Although, I wish for my works to be easily accessible and discovered by as many people as possible.
— MESSAGE TO FUTURE CREATORS —

Faites vos histoires pour vous.

Prendre du plaisir est indispensable.

— Make your stories for yourself. Having fun with it is a must.

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Creator Award
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Little Monster 表紙

Little Monster

Author Néo
Genre Action / Comedy
Episodes One-shot (1 episode)
Award Gold Award — Monthly Awards Dec 2025