Yeah I was also thinking something either AI, or a whole bunch of filters/photo collage. The girl doesn’t really look rendered by a human (although I know there are artists who can do that, it takes a lot of work). Either way, it could be an autonomous work, but I doubt it.

Honestly, it’s actually the rise of AI art that’s making me eager to go back to my art roots, less as a creator but more as a researcher. I think it’s becoming more and more important we get a more thorough understanding of what art is to us, what entices us about it, and whether we want that to be replaced by something a machine can think of.

And now I cant unsee it :')

Gota be said; these seagulls are of way more peacefull breed than the one’s by Franquin. They seem almost pleasant

I really like how you describe that… schoolboy-schoolgirl admiration stage! Although I’d say its rather one sided for Geanny, as Gaston seems more occupied with himself… But maby that is typical for that fase/age as well…

And again well put; being a free spirit is too much of a character trait for both Asterix and Obelix to take it away.

Ah cool! Do you have a page online where I can check your work? because I’m really into that kinda stuff.

ah too bad

Every sizeable company gets one ;)

Good stuff. The 2nd panel is such a typical gag it had me wondering if franquin didn’t actually do that joke before.

Also, the ‘musician’ looking closely like Jules-de-chez-Smith-ect-ect is a really nice touch

The Aztec Lizardmen. One of the more aesthetically pleasing fantasy races. Last thing I would have expected to find here :')

Although for me the rocket trough the roof takes it!

Find the French version of these strips and you might have your answer ^^’

Difficult to pinpoint exactly why it feels political. I think the little guy trying to get things done from the bigger creatures in a quote repetitive manner already kinda hints at it for me (the ostrich represents x, they other creature represents Y, and so on)

But especially near the end there’s a lot of imagery that I feel could as well be used in the working class revolts for example.

I really adore this art style. The vibrant watercolours with those sketchy but clear defined lines are a dream.

Edit; between the media limited palette and how they’re used, it’s precisely on this line between concept and rendering where and illustration of discovering a non-existent continent should be. The artist might as well have been there, sketching what he saw .

I really like this query… It’s something I never even considered withing the context of Franco comics. I do agree that tone Is probably a part of it, although I also feel that comedy can leave plenty of space for love interest. (It does n’t always have to be dark, mysterious and full of tensions. Look at Gaston’s M’oiselle Jeanne for example)

I think more than tone, function is reason to include someone or rather not include them. M’oiselle Jeanne for example, really only is dragged out when certain sides of Gaston’s character need highlighting. As well as to complement the offices reactions to his inventions, being a lot more unconditional in her admiration than for example Lebrac.

So no matter how adorable Obelix gets when he has a crush, something Underzo does grant him on occasion, what would really be the point of him having a girlfriend from a narrative perspective? What kind of girlfriend could even survive being with this bachelor-type force of nature without just becoming another face in the village that gets to whoop his ass at the beginning of the book for leaving his menhirs all over the house, and kiss him on the nose when he gets back? It would be adorable, but I’m not sure if there’d be a point to it other than fan service.

Now I don’t know a bunch about Tintin or lucky Luke. But what I do know about lucky is 2 things;

1. he shoots faster than his own shadow
2. he’s a poor lonesome cowboy and a long way from home.

A poor lonesome couple doesn’t quite have the same ring to it…

Edit; I’ve yet to give Franka a serious chance… After this, I might just do that

Almost seems political… Athoug my french isn’t quite good enough to follow. Eithe way, I love it when they break with regular strip formats.

I love the idea of the US in its entirety as a pyramid scheme… well, its kinda sad as wel, but it’s certainly an image!

I’m looking forward to this place becoming a bigger community, and I’d love to contribute as well. Thing is, I’m a bit of a wildcard when it comes to where my attention goes. Yet if the urge strikes me, can I just make posts? is there a certain format I should adhere to? Do we consider English comics also as part of this? (not mean as a cheap EU quip, but looking at Alan Moore’s work for example; to me it feels more American than Franco-Belgian… which is why I labled him with the Americans in the first place… Or am I overthinking things now?

I think it just comes from a different culture. Same as with food, American culture is one of rapid growth and excess, whereas Europeans, especially in the south, tend to go a bit slower, with a bit more respect for tradition.

If you ever want a good read, Alessandro Barrico(IT) wrote a series of essays bundled in “the barbarians” where he explains about the clash between these two cultures way better then I ever could. In short, not doing him justice; he claims its a difference between going in depth (deep, specialized knowledge) or going wide (big networks, knowing a little bit about a lot of things).

I started out with the european stuff being eally lucky my dad is such a collector (and it’s only in hindsight i realise how good his taste was; from Gaston to storm/trigie/ to moebius to Asterix) Then I grew up and started developping my own taste with the likes of Hellboy, Sandman, Watchman, scott pilgrim… only to eventually return to the european stuff because it’s just so… sensible. TBF this blog is playing a big part in that return.

edit: before the american stuff, there was also a manga period btw. not really important to this comparison, but I guess its relevant to understand its not just a binary comparison… the world of mangaka’s is so different again in its own right.

first glance, I thought this was mike mignola’s hellboy

Yet there’s some clear differences… especially when you look at the other work by Olsen. Still I have great admiration for this ‘ink forward’ style of illustration, and therefore am happy to learn about Olsen. Thanks a bunch

Also, I feel the comparison between Olsen and Mignola is quite telling for the difference between more bold American illustrations vs more, i don’t know, delicate? European preferences.

life goals! :')

I think I understand? Thanks for claring things up, and sorry if I accidentally distracted from the actual topic (although mentioning the bad faith trolling has probably done that more effectively… but whatever)

Cursing in Dutch and going on in French is the most Belge thing ever :‘) And very specific as French is generally considered as a preferred cursing language. (even the matrix’ Merrovingian agrees)

Anyway, I’m rather curious about this one… might try to pick it up. If I do, I’ll write a review

if even after asking for an explanation your explanation is " try googling it" I’m going to assume you dont want to be understood.

If I’m trolling I’m definitely not doing it consciously. I know “I’m not a troll” is about the most suspicious thing on the internet, especially from a baby account, but sadly I cant be fucked to make a better point