Maturity and Innovation in French Comics (1970–1990)

French comics, or bandes dessinées, have developed through six major historical periods. We explore these periods as:

1. The Origins (1830–1900)
2. The Birth of the Modern BD (1900–1940)
3. The Franco-Belgian Golden Age (1940–1970)
4. Maturity and Innovation (1970–1990)
5. The Graphic Novel Era (1990–2010)
6. The Contemporary Period (2010–Today)

This article examines the fourth period, when French comics matured, expanded into adult themes, and became a platform for artistic experimentation. The era saw the rise of auteur comics, independent publishers, and broader cultural recognition of the medium.

The Expansion Beyond Children’s Stories

By the 1970s, the Franco-Belgian comic industry had established a strong infrastructure: magazines, professional artists, and devoted readers. Creators began exploring themes beyond humor and adventure for children, reflecting contemporary social, political, and philosophical concerns.

Magazines such as Métal Hurlant (founded in 1974 by Jean Giraud, Philippe Druillet, and Bernard Farkas) became seminal platforms for adult-oriented storytelling. These magazines emphasized visual experimentation, science fiction, and fantasy, introducing readers to complex narratives and avant-garde art styles.

The 1968 Meeting: A Turning Point

In 1968, René Goscinny attended a pivotal meeting at La Brasserie des Copains, located at 14 Rue des Pyramides in Paris. This gathering was significant for several reasons:

• Generational Shift: Goscinny, a leading figure in mainstream French comics, engaged with younger, experimental artists who sought to challenge the established norms of the industry.
• Advocacy for Change: The younger artists expressed their desire for more mature, socially engaged, and experimental comics, moving away from the traditional, family-oriented narratives that Goscinny championed.
• Symbolic Significance: While Goscinny’s presence at the meeting indicated a willingness to engage with new ideas, the discussions highlighted the growing divide between established creators and the emerging generation. This moment is often referred to as the “first death” of Goscinny, symbolizing the end of an era in French comics.

Key Artists and Innovations

This period was dominated by visionary artists who pushed the boundaries of the medium:

• Jean Giraud (Moebius): Revolutionized visual storytelling with imaginative landscapes and surrealistic science fiction in works like Arzach and The Incal.
• Philippe Druillet: Known for cosmic fantasy and elaborate, detailed panels, influencing the visual vocabulary of French and international comics.
• Claire Bretécher: Pioneered social and feminist satire with series like Les Frustrés, bringing observational humor to adult readers.
• Enki Bilal: Combined political themes, noir aesthetics, and experimental layouts in graphic novels that would gain international acclaim.

This era introduced auteur comics, where the artist’s vision, style, and narrative control defined the work, moving away from purely serialized, magazine-driven formats.

Independent Publishing and Adult Themes

Independent publishers emerged in response to the creative limitations of mainstream magazines. Houses like Les Humanoïdes Associés (founded 1974) provided artists with complete creative freedom, publishing graphic albums that were more experimental in layout, content, and artistic technique.

These publications allowed comics to explore mature themes: dystopia, existential questions, war, sexuality, and social critique. The combination of adult subject matter, high-quality art, and narrative depth began to position comics as a legitimate art form in French cultural discourse.

Goscinny’s Real Death (1977)

René Goscinny died suddenly on November 5, 1977, of a heart attack during a meeting with his publishers in Paris.

• Astérix continued under Albert Uderzo, but Goscinny’s editorial vision and narrative genius were irreplaceable.
• His death symbolically reinforced the generational shift toward experimental and adult-oriented comics that had begun in the late 1960s.

Cross-Cultural and International Impact

The period also saw increasing international collaboration and influence. French artists absorbed inspiration from Japanese manga, American underground comix, and Italian graphic storytelling. Likewise, the innovative works of Moebius, Druillet, and others influenced filmmakers, video games, and animated series worldwide, demonstrating the global reach of French comics.

Legacy of Maturity and Innovation

By 1990, French comics had evolved from children’s entertainment into a medium capable of artistic sophistication and adult engagement. The period established the modern perception of the bande dessinée as a versatile and culturally significant art form.

The innovations in storytelling, visual experimentation, and thematic diversity paved the way for the Graphic Novel Era (1990–2010), when literary recognition and international acclaim would become central to French and Franco-Belgian comics.

Continue reading: History of French Comics: Part 5