French Connections

Department of French and Francophone Studies Research Seminar Series

An Introduction to French-Belgium Comics

Philippe Ostermann (Director, Alliance Française Sydney)

From Tintin to Asterix, many French-Belgian comics – or “Bande Dessinées” – have won the hearts of readers around the world. With an incredible diversity of graphic styles, a unique sense of humour, and the ability to illustrate even the most complex of concepts, these Bande Dessinées are now recognised as the “Ninth Art” and are a true cultural phenomenon in Europe.

Philippe Ostermann, former CEO of the biggest European Bande Dessinée publisher will present a short history of French comics, and how this medium, born in children’s magazines, now reaches all kinds of readers.

For more information, contact: Dr Lea Vuong – lea.vuong@sydney.edu.au