From Rodolphe Töpffer to Asterix, discover the fascinating anecdotes and origins of French comics. 🎨

French comics are much more than just entertainment: they are a rich cultural heritage, punctuated by innovations and unforgettable characters. But do you really know their history? Let's dive together behind the scenes of the ninth art.

The Beginnings of Comics: Rodolphe Töpffer, Pioneer of the Genre

Long before Hergé and Goscinny, one man laid the foundations of modern comics: Rodolphe Töpffer . In the 19th century, this Swiss artist imagined illustrated stories where text and image intertwined to create a dynamic narrative. His work inspired the first comic book authors and paved the way for a whole new visual art.

"Mickey's Journal": First Major Comics Magazine in France

It was in 1934 that the first major comic strip magazine appeared in France: Le Journal de Mickey . Imported from the United States, it introduced a whole generation of young readers to the world of comic strips and prepared the ground for the arrival of now legendary heroes such as Tintin and Spirou .

Asterix and Ompah-Pah: An Unexpected Duo

Before inventing the little grumbling Gaul, René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo had imagined a completely different hero: Ompah-Pah , an 18th-century Native American. Although this character did not enjoy the same success as Asterix, he remains a founding work of the legendary duo.

Asterix and Latraviata, signed by Uderzo

Blake and Mortimer: Born Heroes of Tintin

Did you know that Blake and Mortimer owe their existence in part to Tintin? Their creator, Edgar P. Jacobs , was first a collaborator of Hergé, working on several albums before launching his own adventures. Even today, their captivating investigations fascinate comic book fans.

Blake and Mortimer, the will of William S.

A Constantly Evolving Heritage

French comics continue to innovate and establish themselves on the world stage. New talents are constantly reinventing the genre, perpetuating the legacy of the great names of the past.
At Heritage Hub , we are proud to celebrate this history by offering authentic and signed comics, living testimonies of the richness of this art.