Franco-Belgian comics facts for kids

Franco-Belgian comics are special comic books and graphic novels. They are made for readers in Belgium and France. These countries have a long and rich history of creating amazing comics. In French, these comics are often called BDs. This is short for bandes dessinées, which means "drawn strips." Many other European comics, especially from Italy, are greatly inspired by Franco-Belgian comics. French is spoken not only in France but also in parts of Belgium and Switzerland. This means many people can enjoy these stories!

These comics are very popular in France and Belgium. They are a big part of the culture there. People of all ages read them, from young children to adults. Many famous characters and stories come from Franco-Belgian comics.

What Makes Them Special?

Franco-Belgian comics often have a unique style. They can be very detailed and artistic. Artists spend a lot of time on the drawings. Writers create exciting and imaginative stories.

Different Styles

There are many different styles within Franco-Belgian comics. Some are funny and light-hearted. Others are serious and adventurous. Some even explore science fiction or fantasy worlds. This variety means there is a comic for everyone.

Popularity and Influence

These comics are not just popular in Europe. Many have been translated into other languages. They have inspired movies, TV shows, and even video games. Characters like The Smurfs and The Adventures of Tintin are known all over the world. They show how much impact Franco-Belgian comics have had.

Notable Comics and Characters

While hundreds of comic series have been made in the Franco-Belgian group, some are more notable than others. Most of those listed are aimed at younger readers:

• XIII by William Vance and Jean Van Hamme
• Adèle Blanc-Sec by Jacques Tardi
• Asterix by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
• Barbe Rouge by Jean-Michel Charlier, Victor Hubinon and others
• Bécassine by Jacqueline Rivière and Joseph Pinchon
• Blake and Mortimer by E.P. Jacobs
• Blueberry by Jean-Michel Charlier and Jean Giraud
• Boule and Bill by Jean Roba
• Les Cités Obscures by François Schuiten and Benoît Peeters
• Gaston by André Franquin
• Incal by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Jean Giraud
• Jerry Spring by Jijé
• Jommeke by Jef Nys (originally made in Dutch)
• Kiekeboe by Merho (originally made in Dutch)
• Largo Winch by Philippe Francq and Jean Van Hamme
• Lucky Luke by Morris and René Goscinny
• Marsupilami by André Franquin
• Michel Vaillant by Jean Graton
• Nero by Marc Sleen (originally made in Dutch)
• Rahan by Roger Lecureux
• The Smurfs by Peyo
• Spike and Suzy (Dutch: Suske & Wiske) by Willy Vandersteen (originally made in Dutch)
• Spirou et Fantasio by André Franquin, Jijé and others
• Tanguy et Laverdure by Jean-Michel Charlier, Jijé and others
• Thorgal by Grzegorz Rosiński and Jean Van Hamme
• The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé
• Titeuf by Zep
• Les Tuniques Bleues by Willy Lambil and Raoul Cauvin
• Valérian and Laureline by Jean-Claude Mézières and Pierre Christin

Images for kids

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  The French comic Les Pieds Nickelés (1954 book cover): an early 20th-century forerunner of the modern Franco-Belgian comic

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  Close Hergé collaborator and magazine contributor Bob de Moor

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  Maurice De Bevere, also known as "Morris"

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  Comics artist Mœbius (2008), who achieved international renown through Métal Hurlant

See also

In Spanish: Historieta franco-belga para niños