Asterix!

© Goscinny & Uderzo


He's turned 50 and this has to be still my favourite comic. Sure there are more serious comics than this but the chaotic word play, ebullient imagery, gentle mockery all without the slightest sense of whimsy and more to do with a sly ticklish chauvinism. Goscinny and Uderzo made comic art without the shame of it being a cartoon. And It's a shame there isn't more bande dessinee available in english. The rich versatility of Bande and its envious presence in continental culture is easy to see in any FNAC store or Hypermarche. Anglo-amercian comics may have more grit and intense subculture verve (although arguably Metal Hurlant was as much a precursor as the underground comics scene) but dessinee has an artistry and richness of its very own.