Belgium’s last big comic publisher goes French

28 June 2004

BRUSSELS – Belgium’s last major publisher of ‘bandes dessines’ or hardback comic books has been bought out by a French company, it was reported on Monday.

According to Graphiline.com, an internet website specialising in graphic arts, Editions Dupuis has been bought by French publishing giant Darguad. 

Prior to the buyout, Editions Dupuis was owned by Belgian millionaire Albert Frere.

The news marks another victory for France in the ongoing battle with Belgium for the title of Europe’s bandes dessine, or BD, champion.

BD’s are incredibly popular in Belgium and over half the books printed in the country are comic books.

The most famous Belgian BD characters are without doubt the young, blond-quiffed reporter Tintin and his faithful dog snowy.

[Copyright Expatica 2004]

Subject: Belgian news