The Contemporary Period (2010–Today)
French comics, or bandes dessinées, have developed through six major historical periods. We explore these periods as:
- The Origins (1830–1900)
- The Birth of the Modern BD (1900–1940)
- The Franco-Belgian Golden Age (1940–1970)
- Maturity and Innovation (1970–1990)
- The Graphic Novel Era (1990–2010)
- The Contemporary Period (2010–Today)
A New Era of Diversity and Digital Transformation
Since 2010, the bande dessinée has entered a period marked by technological innovation, globalisation, and thematic diversification. The medium has adapted to digital distribution, web platforms, and multimedia storytelling. Artists increasingly work across comics, animation, video games, and online formats, reflecting a broad transformation in both production and consumption.
The Market and New Media
The 2010s brought structural changes to the French comics market. Traditional publishers such as Dargaud, Glénat, Delcourt, and Dupuis continue to dominate, but independent and digital publishers have gained prominence. Digital platforms, including dedicated apps, e-books, and tablet editions, have expanded access to new audiences.
Crowdfunding, via platforms like Ulule and Kickstarter, allows authors to finance projects independently, bypassing traditional publishers and retaining creative control. This has facilitated the emergence of niche and experimental works that might not have been viable through conventional channels.
The Rise of Webcomics and Online Creators
Webcomics have become an essential part of the contemporary French comics landscape. While the trend became central in the 2010s, its roots extend earlier: pioneering authors like Boulet (Bouletcorp, started in 2004) laid the groundwork for the blog-BD format and influenced many subsequent creators. From the early 2010s, newer authors such as Maliki and Laurel (Comme convenu) began publishing directly online via personal websites, social media, and specialized platforms such as Delitoon, Webtoon Factory, and Verytoon.
This digital shift allowed a generation of authors—including women, LGBTQ+, and independent voices—to reach large audiences without relying on traditional publishers. Many webcomic projects have later been adapted into print albums or supported via crowdfunding campaigns. Mobile-friendly, vertical scrolling formats, often in full color, have reshaped the way audiences engage with comics and expanded the diversity of readership.
Thematic and Artistic Diversity
Contemporary bandes dessinées cover an unprecedented range of topics. Memoir, social commentary, political discourse, and historical reconstruction now coexist with fantasy, crime, and science fiction. Notable works include Riad Sattouf’s L’Arabe du futur (Tome 1: 2014), Pénélope Bagieu’s Culottées (Tome 1: 2016), Catherine Meurisse’s La Légèreté (2016), and Fabien Toulmé’s Ce n’est pas toi que j’attendais (2014).
Artistic styles are equally diverse. Minimalist linework, painterly realism, digital coloring, and experimental panel layouts coexist alongside traditional ligne claire techniques. This visual variety reflects the medium’s openness to new audiences and influences.
The Influence of Manga and Globalisation
Japanese manga continues to influence French comics, affecting both style and narrative structure. France remains the second-largest manga market in the world, and hybrid storytelling combining Franco-Belgian pacing with manga-inspired techniques has become common.
French authors such as Tony Valente (Radiant) have successfully exported works to Japan, while translations and co-productions have expanded international reach. This cross-cultural exchange demonstrates the globalisation of the medium while maintaining a distinctly French sensibility.
Animation, 3D, and Visual Convergence
Animation and 3D technology play an increasingly important role in contemporary bandes dessinées. Digital production tools—Clip Studio Paint, Procreate, and Blender—are used in both comics and animated projects, creating a shared visual language.
French studios such as Fortiche (Arcane), Xilam (Oggy et les Cafards), and Illumination Mac Guff (Minions) demonstrate the influence of BD aesthetics on global animation. Comics creators frequently collaborate on animated adaptations, including Asterix: Le Secret de la potion magique (2018), Mutafukaz (2017), Le Sommet des Dieux (2021), and Lastman Heroes (2022).
The Angoulême International Comics Festival now includes dedicated animation sections and interactive exhibits, highlighting the ongoing convergence between comics, digital art, and moving image storytelling.
Adaptations and Transmedia Franchises
Heritage BD series continue under new creative teams. Asterix, Spirou et Fantasio, and Lucky Luke remain active, balancing respect for tradition with innovation.
Transmedia storytelling has become standard: albums, animated series, films, and video games often coexist within shared universes. This approach increases audience engagement while expanding the commercial and cultural reach of the works.
Institutional and Cultural Recognition
By the 2010s, comics had achieved full institutional recognition in France. The French Ministry of Culture and national programs such as the 2020 Année de la Bande Dessinée (extended to June 2021 due to the pandemic) underscore the importance of the medium.
Museums such as the Louvre and Pompidou Centre have hosted exhibitions on contemporary BD. Academic programs and research centers dedicated to comics have multiplied, cementing the neuvième art as a legitimate literary and artistic category.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite its success, contemporary BD faces challenges. Digital formats disrupt traditional print sales, while authors navigate issues of fair compensation and sustainability in publishing. Environmental concerns influence paper choice and printing methods.
At the same time, webcomics and online platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for emerging creators and niche content. The field remains highly competitive but more open and internationally connected than ever.
Conclusion: The Global Age of the BD
The Contemporary Period demonstrates the bande dessinée’s flexibility, global relevance, and hybrid nature. Digital media, webcomics, animation, and transmedia projects show that French comics are no longer confined to print.
While rooted in historical Franco-Belgian traditions, the neuvième art now thrives across multiple platforms, maintaining both cultural legitimacy and creative vitality. Works like Asterix, new graphic novels, and webcomics all illustrate a living, evolving art form for the 21st century.
