PATRICK LACAN VERTS/GREEN: Discussion and Comic Book Presentation

A discussion and comic book presentation by Patrick Lacan, in French; moderated and interpreted by Sophia Mehrbrey

This is the second time the reciprocal residency program for authors from Heidelberg and Occitania is taking place. In 2026, comic book author Patrick Lacan from Toulouse has been invited by Heidelberg, a UNESCO City of Literature, the Montpellier House, and the Agence Unique Occitanie Culture to spend four weeks on the Neckar.

In a conversation marking the end of his residency, Patrick Lacan will discuss his comic *Grün*—illustrated by Marion Besançon and translated into German by Karen Bo—as well as his writing residency at the Montpellier House. In the comic, humanity is struck overnight by a wave of plant mutations: Newborns’ heads are crowned with leaves, and buds and blossoms sprout from their limbs. This inexplicable phenomenon inspires enthusiasm in some while evoking fear and rejection in others. The new “Pro-Humanity” movement is gaining more and more support… *Grün* addresses current issues affecting our social climate in a variety of ways, while also questioning our complex relationship with nature. A gentle fable about letting go, accepting change, and the urgency of slowing down.

Patrick Lacan has been interested in comic book culture since childhood and published his first works in 2000. His works combine visions of the future with social criticism.