The reinvention of comics in the 21st century

2000-2010: A decade of diversification and experimentation

The early years of the 21st century have seen a great diversification of genres and styles in comics. The graphic novel, a longer and more complex format than the traditional comic strip, has experienced a significant boom, with works such as Marjane Satrapi's "Persepolis" (2004) demonstrating the ability of comics to address serious and complex subjects with depth and nuance.

Children's comics have also seen significant development, with authors such as Christophe Blain ("Gus", "Socrate le demi-chien") or Julien Néel ("Lou!") creating works that explore universal themes that speak to all ages. In terms of genres, comics have continued to diversify, with the emergence of new subgenres such as dystopian science fiction comics (" Blacksad ", Juanjo Guarnido) or documentary comics or autobiographical comics also gaining popularity, allowing authors to tell their own stories and explore current topics with a unique perspective such as Tardi transposing his father's notebooks into comics in "Moi, René Tardi, prisonnier de guerre au Stalag IIB."

On the artistic front, new styles emerged, such as Enki Bilal 's multidisciplinary style in his "Nikopol Trilogy." Comics continued to push the boundaries, with authors such as Alison Bechdel ("Fun Home") and Chris Ware ("Jimmy Corrigan, The Smartest Kid on Earth") using innovative narrative and graphic techniques to tell their stories.

Digital comics have also taken their first steps, with platforms like Comixology and Izneo making it easier for readers to discover new works and for authors to distribute their work.

2010-2020: A global and recognized comic strip

The second decade of the 21st century has seen comics become a global phenomenon, with authors and readers coming from all corners of the world. International festivals such as the Angoulême Festival in France and Comic-Con International in San Diego, USA, attract millions of visitors each year, unlike their much less popular beginnings.

Comics have also gained recognition as a legitimate art form. Prestigious awards such as the Eisner Award and the Angoulême Prize honor the best works from around the world each year, and comic book exhibitions are held in renowned museums and art galleries.

Subgenres keep adding up to comics like the one psychological horror (Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino's "Gideon Falls") and alternative superhero comics (Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba's "The Umbrella Academy").

A global and recognized comic strip

Digital comics have also seen significant growth, with platforms like Webtoon and Tapas allowing readers to discover new works from around the world.

Today: The Art of Renewal

Comics are constantly reinventing themselves and we are far from having seen everything of this art. Octogenarian heroes maintain their popularity, while stories continue to be constantly woven, for all tastes, all ages and for unexpected ends. The universes become part of the reader who identifies with them and belongs to them in all possible ways.

Comics in all their forms

At Heritage Hub, we look forward to continuing this historical adventure!