Unforgettable Signings: The Stories Behind the Most Incredible Signatures in the Comic Book World

Comic book signings are much more than just an autograph on a page. Behind each signature often lies a unique story, sometimes moving, often funny, and always memorable. In this article, let's dive into the most incredible anecdotes surrounding the signings that have left their mark on the world of comics.

1. Hergé and the dedication… to chocolate!

Here is a surprising anecdote about the famous creator of Tintin , Hergé. During a book signing session in a Brussels bookstore in the 1950s, a young reader, too impatient, accidentally dropped a chocolate bar on the album he had just signed. Hergé, with his legendary humor, not only signed the album, but added a little drawing of Snowy licking the chocolate! This unique album has become a real treasure for its owner.

2. Franquin and the hidden drawing

The author of Gaston Lagaffe , André Franquin, was known for his perfectionism. He hated signing sessions because he could never draw as he wanted in such a short time. Once, during a signing in Belgium, Franquin discreetly slipped an original unpublished plate into an album he had signed. The lucky owner only discovered this treasure much later, and imagine his surprise! This kind of discovery is extremely rare, but it makes collectors happy.

3. Zep, dedication with a live joke

Titeuf author Zep is known for his humorous dedications. At a book fair, a fan asked him to dedicate his album in an "original" way. So Zep drew Titeuf next to his face and, in the bubble, he wrote: "Why are you looking at me like that? Do I have something on my face?" before sticking a small crumb on the album to simulate a drawing defect. This sense of humor made the audience burst out laughing and made this dedication unforgettable.

4. Dedication in the open sea

During a ferry crossing between France and England, a collector had the chance to meet Régis Loisel , the author of Peter Pan . Equipped with his album in his bag, the fan did not hesitate for a second before asking for a dedication. Loisel, amused by the situation, drew Peter Pan in full flight over the sea. This kind of dedication, made in such unusual circumstances, often becomes one of the most valuable for collectors.

5. The moving meeting between Tchang and Hergé

This is more than just an anecdote, it is a story of friendship. Hergé was inspired by his Chinese friend Tchang Tchong-jen to create the character of the same name in The Blue Lotus . After years of separation, the two friends met again in 1981, and during this meeting, Hergé signed a special edition of The Blue Lotus with a moving dedication for his friend Tchang. This moment sealed a friendship forever marked in the history of comics.