9 of the Best French Language Comic Books Series to Read


From the adventures of a superstrong Gaul, to space agents and international spies, French and Belgian bandes-dessinées remain some of the best comic books series ever written, becoming cultural icons both in France and internationally.
With the Angoulême festival taking place from January 29th to February 2nd, here are some of the most famous French-language comic book series that have been translated into English
1. Astérix (Asterix the Gaul)
- Creators: René Goscinny (writer) and Albert Uderzo (artist)
- First Published: 1959
- Overview: Follow the adventures of Asterix, a clever Gaul, and his strong friend Obelix as they resist Roman occupation with the help of a magic potion that gives superhuman strength.
- Why It’s Famous: Witty humour, historical satire, and beloved characters make this series a global icon.
2. Les Aventures de Tintin (The Adventures of Tintin)
- Creator: Hergé (Belgian artist Georges Remi)
- First Published: 1929
- Overview: Tintin, a young reporter, travels the world with his dog Snowy, solving mysteries and battling villains.
- Why It’s Famous: Masterful storytelling, intricate plots, and timeless appeal to readers of all ages.
3. Les Schtroumpfs (The Smurfs)
- Creator: Peyo (Pierre Culliford)
- First Published: 1958
- Overview: A charming series about a group of small, blue creatures who live in a hidden village and face challenges like the villainous Gargamel.
- Why It’s Famous: The Smurfs became a global pop-culture phenomenon, spawning TV shows, movies, and merchandise.
4. Valérian et Laureline (Valerian and Laureline)
- Creators: Pierre Christin (writer) and Jean-Claude Mézières (artist)
- First Published: 1967
- Overview: A groundbreaking sci-fi series following spatiotemporal agents Valerian and Laureline as they navigate missions across time and space.
- Why It’s Famous: Influenced many modern sci-fi works, including Star Wars, with its imaginative worlds and themes.
5. Lucky Luke
- Creators: Morris (artist) and René Goscinny (writer)
- First Published: 1946
- Overview: Lucky Luke, the fastest gunslinger in the West, brings law and order to the Wild West, often accompanied by his loyal horse, Jolly Jumper.
- Why It’s Famous: A clever parody of Westerns with a mix of humor and action.
6. Blake et Mortimer (Blake and Mortimer)
- Creator: Edgar P. Jacobs
- First Published: 1946
- Overview: This classic series blends espionage, mystery, and science fiction, featuring British scientist Philip Mortimer and MI5 agent Captain Francis Blake.
- Why It’s Famous: Detailed artwork and intricate plots have made it a lasting favorite.
7. Adèle Blanc-Sec
- Creator: Jacques Tardi
- First Published: 1976
- Overview: Adèle is an independent journalist and adventurer in early 20th-century Paris, dealing with mysteries, conspiracies, and the supernatural.
- Why It’s Famous: Tardi’s unique art style and the series’ blend of historical fiction and fantasy.
8. Corto Maltese
- Creator: Hugo Pratt (Italian, but published in French)
- First Published: 1967
- Overview: Corto Maltese is a sailor and adventurer navigating exotic locales, historical events, and philosophical dilemmas.
- Why It’s Famous: Renowned for its literary depth, artistic style, and mature themes.
9. Thorgal
- Creators: Jean Van Hamme (writer) and Grzegorz Rosinski (artist)
- First Published: 1977
- Overview: A Viking-inspired epic blending mythology, adventure, and science fiction, focusing on Thorgal Aegirsson and his family.
- Why It’s Famous: Epic storytelling and rich, detailed artwork.
Each series offers something unique, from lighthearted humor to epic adventures, making them beloved by readers worldwide.
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Lead photo credit : A 'trompe l'oeil' featuring agents Blak and Mortimer in Angoulême © Skblzz1 / Wikimedia Commons CC by S.A 4.0
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By François
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