Masters of the Ninth Art: Bandes Dessinées and Franco-Belgian Identity

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Liverpool University Press, Jan 1, 2005 - Literary Criticism - 252 pages
In English-speaking countries, Francophone comic strips like Hergés's Les Aventures de Tin Tin and Goscinny and Uderzo's Les Aventures d'Asterix are viewed—and marketed—as children's literature. But in Belgium and France, their respective countries of origin, such strips—known as bandes dessinées—are considered a genuine art form, or, more specifically, "the ninth art." But what accounts for the drastic difference in the way such comics are received?

In Masters of the Ninth Art, Matthew Screech explores that difference in the reception and reputation of bandes dessinées. Along with in-depth looks at Tin Tin and Asterix, Screech considers other major comics artists such as Jacque Tardi, Jean Giraud, and Moebius, assessing in the process their role in Francophone literary and artistic culture.

Illustrated with images from the artists discussed, Masters of the Ninth Art will appeal to students of European popular culture, literature, and graphic art.
 

Contents

Hergés Aventures
17
André Franquins Humorous Strips
52
René Goscinnys and Albert Uderzos
75
Innovation and Renewal
92
Jacques Tardi
128
Humour and Shared Identity
154
Reconstructing the Narrative and After
182
Conclusion
202
Notes
208
Bibliography
230
Index
244
Copyright

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About the author (2005)

Matthew Screech is a lecturer in French in the Department of Languages at Manchester Metropolitan University and the author of Ephra[1]im Mikha[1]el: Poèmes en Vers et en Prose.

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