Comics
Once considered a niche form of entertainment, comic art and graphic novels have fought for recognition as legitimate art forms, gaining significant attention and value in the art world today. It is recognized as the ninth art, with original illustrations and graphic novels breaking records at major art auctions. In 2014, a hand-drawn Tintin page by Hergé sold for a staggering 2.5 million euros, proving that comic art is now a serious investment for collectors.
Many believe that comic books originated in America in 1896 with the creation of Yellow Kid, but the roots of graphic storytelling go even deeper. In the 1830s, Swiss artist Rudolphe Töpffer pioneered the concept of "mixed literature," blending evolving drawings with engaging narratives—an early form of what we now call the graphic novel.
While comic strips gained mass popularity in the U.S. during the early 20th century, driven by the fierce competition between publishing giants Hearst and Pulitzer, it was in the 1930s that the industry truly exploded. This era, often referred to as the Golden Age of Comics, saw the birth of legendary superheroes like Superman and Batman and the rise of iconic publishers Marvel and DC Comics.
In Europe, the Franco-Belgian school of comics flourished between the 1930s and 1950s, introducing some of the most beloved characters in comic history. Visionary artists like Hergé, creator of Tintin, and Franquin, the mastermind behind Spirou, shaped the artistic landscape of the time. Once considered primarily for younger readers, graphic novels took on a more mature and sophisticated direction from the 1960s onward, embracing bold themes and breaking away from puritanical constraints.
Comic art further cemented its place in art history thanks to the pioneers of pop art. Mel Ramos, Andy Warhol, and above all, Roy Lichtenstein, transformed elements of comic strips into high art. In 1961, Lichtenstein painted one of his most famous works, Look Mickey, a piece that marked the first time an artist used comic strip elements in a fine art context. This work had a decisive impact on Lichtenstein's career and pop art as a whole.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Pacific, manga, a form of graphic novel closely related to comics, quickly rose to prominence. Although it did not establish itself in France until the late 1990s, manga traces its origins back to the early 20th century. The master of Japanese printmaking, Hokusai, is said to be at the origins of manga (which comes from the word for 'sketches' or 'light image'). Inspired by traditional Kabuki arts and the Ehon and Emaki illustrations, manga saw immense success due to constant developments in the press.
Kitazawa Rakuten, a household name in manga, is widely recognized as the creator of the first school of graphic novels in Japan, which boasts an impressive array of talented alumni: Naoki Urasawa, Tezuka Osamu, Tatsumi Yoshihiro, and Otomo Katsuhiro.
Explore the complex and surprising world of the 9th art with this unique modern selection of paintings, full editions, and drawings. Discover the works of the best-known artists, alongside young emerging talents like Lenil Yu, David Leroi, and Lucio Forte.
