Bandes dessinées (also known as BDs), have a respected heritage in France. In 2023, 75 million comic books were sold across the country, according to market research company, GfK.
The wide selection of comics and graphic novels that fills France's librairies might feel overwhelming for someone wishing to discover the genre.
That's why The Connexion asked three comic book experts for their professional recommendations for adults looking to pick up a BD for the first time.
Suggestions from Marina Sichantho and Jean-Philippe Martin
Marina Sichantho is assistant general manager at Angoulême's Cité internationale de la bande dessinée et de l’image (CIBDI), a museum dedicated to the art of BDs. Jean-Philippe Martin is the centre's scientific and programming adviser.
They recommend starting out with the following list:
The Clandestines de l’Histoire series by Catel Muller and José-Louis Bocquet, telling the story of women forgotten by history: Kiki de Montparnasse, Olympe de Gouges, Joséphine Baker, Alice Guy and Anita Conti
The Frustrés series by Claire Bretécher
L'Incal by Jean Giraud (known as Moebius), one of the great titles of science fiction
Le Monde sans fin, by Christophe Blain and Jean-Marc Jancovici, a bestseller in France in 2022 and now translated into English
British cartoonist, illustrator and writer Posy Simmonds MBE was crowned winner of Angoulême International Comics Festival (FIBD) 2024’s Grand Prix, making her the first British recipient and the fourth woman to be awarded the French lifetime achievement award.
She shares her expert recommendations on top BDs for beginners:
La Légèreté by Catherine Meurisse
Rébétiko by David Prudhomme
The Arab of the Future novels by Riad Sattouf
Anything by Claire Bretécher
The Last Days of Stefan Zweig by Laurent Seksik and Guillaume Sorel
Read our interview with Posy where we spoke about her creative influences and upcoming exhibition called Posy Simmonds. Herself. It will be held at the 52nd Angoulême International Comics Festival (FIBD) from January 30 to February 2, 2025.
Do you read comics or bandes dessinées as an adult? We would love to hear if our readers have any recommendations to share at letters@connexionfrance.com
