French Language, Literature & Culture

In France and the French-speaking section of Belgium, graphic novels and comics have been a major literary and artistic format since the early to mid twentieth century. Unlike in the English-speaking world, where graphic novels have only recently gained some level of respectability, and still struggle to be considered as literature, in France and Belgium they are highly respected and considered the "ninth art" (with architecture, sculpture, painting, music, poetry, theater, cinema, and photography). 

The Asterix books tell stories about a small group of Gauls that continue to resist the Roman Empire after Julius Caesar's conquest, thanks to a druid who can make a magic potion that confers superhuman strength. Full of humor and satire, after their launch in 1959, the Asterix books became a global phenomenon, translated into multiple languages and converted into other media such as film, video games, and even amusement parks. Second only to One Piece in all-time global sales of a graphic novel series, the Asterix books have sold over 390 million copies. The library currently owns six.

Launched in 1929 by Belgian storyteller Hergé, the Tintin comics follow the adventures of a young Belgian reporter who travels the world accompanied by his white fox terrier, Milou (Snowy in English translation). The Tintin comics exploded in popularity in the 1930s, propelling French-language bandes dessinées into international popularity. The Tintin books have since sold over 250 million copies, been translated into many languages, and have been portrayed in film. They have received some criticism for their frequently uncritical colonialist perspective, but remain a fundamental cornerstone of the French graphic novel and essential reading for anyone interested in the genre. The library has eight out of the 23 total volumes.