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Home , Blake and Mortimer, Bob de Groot, Bob de Moor, Boule et Bill, Brussels Town Hall, Casterman

Brussels, the capital city of thematic kit 1. AND COMIC STRIP a. Birth of comic strip in Brussels b. From comic strip hero to film star c. The new generation of the Brussels comic strip scene

2. COMIC STRIP, PART OF BRUSSELS’ HERITAGE a. Brochures on b. Comic Strip frescoes c. Buildings and monuments not to be missed d. Museums, exhibitions and galleries

3. COMIC STRIP ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS a. The various comic strip events b. Guided tours

4. COMIC STRIP SHOPPING

5. COMIC STRIP RESTAURANTS & BARS

6. USEFUL CONTACTS www.visit.brussels/comics BRUSSELS IS THE CAPITAL CITY OF COMIC STRIP! IN EACH CITY DISTRICT, AS YOU WEND YOUR WAY ALONG THE STREETS AND ALLEYWAYS OF BRUSSELS, COMIC STRIP IS EVERY- WHERE. IT’S A SOURCE OF NATIONAL PRIDE, AND THAT CAN BE FELT PARTICULARLY STRONGLY IN OUR CAPITAL CITY. BECAUSE SO MANY AUTHORS FROM BRUSSELS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE RAPID GROWTH IN POPULARITY OF THE 9TH ART. YOU’LL FIND OUT ALL ABOUT IT WHEN YOU VISIT A MUSEUM, ENTIRELY DEDICATED TO COMIC STRIP, WANDER AROUND AMONG THE COMIC FRESCOES OR COME ACROSS MONUMENTAL SCULP- TURES OF BELGIAN CHARACTERS. COMIC STRIP IS AN ART IN ITS OWN RIGHT AND THE PEOPLE OF BRUSSELS ARE PARTICULARLY FOND OF IT.

www.visit.brussels/comics 1. BRUSSELS AND COMIC STRIP

A. BIRTH OF COMIC STRIP IN BRUSSELS Telling stories through a series of images is something that’s always been done all over the world. However, specialists agree that holds great sway in the sphere of what we now call comic strip. The 9th art is one of the themes that have been shaping the identity of its capital city, Brussels, for nearly a century.

The story of Franco-Belgian comic strip really began in 1929 with Hergé, Georges Remi. It was in Le Petit Vingtième, the youth supplement of the Brussels daily paper Le Vingtième Siècle, that he gave life to that most famous of reporters: . He also invented “la ” (the clear line), a strict style of graphic art that’s unmistakeable.

After the Second World War, the world of comic strip was influenced by the predominance of two newspapers for young people: Le Journal Tintin published by Les Éditions de Lombard and Le Journal de published by . These magazines launched or worked together with the biggest comic strip authors of the 20th century. Hergé (Tintin / Quick & Flupke), (Schtroumpfs or Smurfs / Johan et Pirlouit or ), Walthéry (), Franquin ( Lagaffe / ), Edgar P. Jacobs (), Roba ( or Billy and Buddy), and Jijé (Blondin and Cirage).

Although Flemish comic strip was not as well known among French-speakers, it also proved a huge hit, with the series Jommeke by , by and Nero by . What’s more, en (Bob et Bobette or Spike and Suzy) by is still achiev- ing international success today.

Today more than ever, comic strip explores all genres and no school attempts to dominate. The world of movie-making is taking an increasing interest in Belgian comic strips, finding in them perfect scenarios enjoyed by both children and adults.

4 B. FROM COMIC STRIP HERO TO FILM STAR How fortunate that the Brussels comic strip heroes are made of paper – they would otherwise be getting big ideas of themselves, now that they’ve made it into the film world. And Tintin is not the only one.

Tintin is still the number one, as always. It was none other than who turned this Brussels comic strip hero into a film star. The legendary American film director discovered Hergé’s oeuvre when film reviewers in the early eighties pointed out the similarities between Indiana Jones and Tintin. Spielberg was an instant fan, and also the one selected by Hergé to film Tintin. But he took his time – about thirty years. Tintin’s world premiere didn’t take place until October 2011 in Brussels. The strips The Crab with the Golden Claws, The Secret of the and Red Rackham’s Treasure were fused into one action-packed adventure film. Advanced technology was employed to bring Tintin and the motley crew of supporting characters to life. The end result is animation, but the basis was laid using real actors. As a tribute, Spiel- berg gave Hergé a cameo in the first scene of the film. Hergé is the street artist who draws Tintin at the flea market in the Vossenplein. : the secret of the Unicorn is to have a sequel, directed by another giant of the film world who is also a lover of Tintin: Peter Jackson, director of the Lord Of The Rings trilogy.

2011 was also a great year for . Peyo (pen name of Belgian Pierre Culliford), first drew the famous little blue creatures with white gnome hats and trousers in 1958. The strips were a big success and the animation film, The Smurfs and the Magic Flute, followed in 1975. The American break-through came in the eighties, thanks to the hundreds of cartoons produced by Hanna-Barbera for television. In the summer of 2011, , Grouchy Smurf, Clumsy Smurf and Brainy Smurf conquered the hearts of many children in a Hollywood production. ‘The Smurfs’ is not a cartoon but live action with three-dimensional, computer-generated smurfs. Pursued by the evil wizard and his cat Azrael, the smurfs land in the New York of the present day. In July 2013, the film “The Smurphs II: Beware of the Naughties” brought the little blue people to . The third chapter in the saga, “The Lost Village”, is due to premiere in 2017.

Tintin and the smurfs are not the only comic strip heroes who have made it to film stardom. In 2008 and 2011, two French blockbusters were released based on Largo Winch - a millionaire in jeans with the charm of a playboy and the superhuman powers of the traditional comic book hero. Largo Winch is a creation of the Brussels duo, (screenplay) and (art work). Together they collaborate on the spare themes of the popular comic strip of the same name.

Spring of 2012 at last saw the release of ‘On the Trail of Marsupilami’ by Alain Chabat, the French director who previously had a hit with ‘As- terix and Obelix Meet Cleopatra’. Marsupilami, a mysterious creature from the Palombian forest that can do the craziest things with its tail, was created by Franquin, the grand master of the Belgian comic strip who also gave us Gaston Lagaffe, among others.

The Boule and Bill, Benoit Brisefer and Ducobu series have also been adapted for the big screen. Comic strips have been a constant source of inspiration for the 7th art.

Niels Ruel (Journalist)

5 C. THE NEW GENERATION OF THE BRUSSELS COMIC STRIP SCENE Brussels has traditionally attracted many comic strip authors due to its association with some famous comic strip names such as Hergé, Peyo, Franquin and Edgar P. Jacobs and their respective creations; Tintin, the Smurfs, Gaston and Blake and Mortimer. Brussels is rightfully considered the international mecca of the cartoon scene and is home to acclaimed comic courses, numerous independent publishers, comics associations and initiatives and is once more boasting a new generation of talented comic strip authors.

Training as a comic book artist in the city where the creators of the cartoon are honoured by museums, comic strip walls and statues must be the ultimate dream of every young person who wants to build their career as a cartoonist.

Since the late 1960’s, comic book artists have been able to train at the Ecole Supérieure des Arts (Higher School of Arts) - Saint-Luc, known as ESA-St-Luc, in Brussels. It was , famous for his comic Luc Orient, who with the support of the great Hergé gave courses on comic books. This training course was the first of its kind and quickly developed into an official course. In 1976, Claude Renard took over from Paape. The training was also to provide a brief introduction to comic strip land, seeing as this became the breeding ground for new Belgian comic talent . Saint Luc’s young graduates include Max de Radiguès, Thomas Mathieu, Cyril Elophe and Noémie Marsily.

A second French-speaking institution, the School of Graphic Research (ERG), is another hothouse nurturing talents. It offers courses on comic strip design. Cédric Manche, Pierre Lecrenier and Nicolas Vadot all studied there.

Since the end of 1998, a new comic course was also set-up at the Campus Sint-Lukas Brussels. The course proved to be a huge success, boasting among its list of graduates such names as Olivier Schrauwen, Simon Spruyt, Conz and Judith Van Istendael who achieved in- ternational acclaim. However, even some of the youngest graduates are showing huge talent; names such as Frederik Vanden Stock, Shamisa Debroey, Ben Gijsemans, Olbrechts and Delphine Frantzen are knocking at the door and conquering the international comic scene. This is hardly surprising as they have all been able to bring something new and different to the comic strip world.

Defining this ‘new’ and alternative style is almost impossible. The drawing and narrative styles of the aforementioned authors differ greatly. Their quirky character and desire to blaze their own trails, not living off the impressive Belgian comic-scene past, are factors which this new generation of comic artists have in common. It is for that reason that they receive international acclaim. The Brussels comic strip author, Judith Van Istendael can count herself as one of these stars. Ten years ago she made her debut with a pow- erful story “Dance by the Light of the Moon”, depicting a love affair between a political refugee from Togo and a Belgian woman; a semi- autobiographical and thought-provoking story. A few years later, Van Istendael impressed us all with her harrowing tale, “When David lost his voice”; an emotional depiction in which the Brussels comic author tells the story of David in the last stages of his battle with cancer. Using atmospheric watercolours and pencil, she lovingly tells the story of Davids close family circle and their reaction when faced with the disease.

In addition to Judith Van Istendael, Brussels has several other fantastic comic strip authors. Wauter Mannaert was already in the spotlight following his debut strip ‘Underground.’ But it was ‘El Mesías’, a tumultuous tale about the ups and mostly downs of a Spanish utopian village, combined with the script-writing by ’s Mark Bellido, where he made his breakthrough.

The avant-garde comic illustrator Dominique Goblet spent 12 years working on her debut ‘To Pretend Is To Lie,’ an emotional story about her childhood where she depicts the troubled relationship with her parents, given an extra dimension through her interpretation and the experi- mental use of comic grammar, it as if she has reinvented the strip. The subsequent albums she created are of the same level and are highly regarded on the international comic scene. David Vandermeulen, the Brussels comic strip author can best be described as a comic book art- ist. Vandermeulen was fascinated by the life of Fritz Haber, inventor of mustard gas that was used for the first time in 1915 during a battle at Ypres, and made a multi-part historical comic biography of the Jewish chemist and Nobel Prize winner. His gripping narrative and visual style, combined with a strong protagonist and impressive informative research differs from other strip biographies from the Brussels scene. Thierry Bouüaert made his debut with a rather classic comic, but it was his trilogy “Le style Catherine” in which he told a very personal story that he ventured outside the box with both the subject matter (incest) and his experimental use of different font styles.

Many authors from the young Brussels strip generation owe their first publications to independent publishers like FRMK, l’Employé du Moi and La 5ème Couche. These are initiatives which have come about due to dissatisfaction with existing large publishers who have not exactly instilled confidence in the young Brussels comic strip authors who have found it better to go it alone.

The energy and vitality of the comic strip sector in Brussels also draws numerous talented young foreigners, such as Emilie Platteau (), Léonie Bischoff (), Sacha Goerg (Switzerland) and Abdel Bouzbiba (France). Cheeky, quirky and all with their own unique stories; truly Brussels at its best! Kurt Morissens (journalist)

6 2. COMIC STRIP, PART OF BRUSSELS’ HERITAGE

A. BROCHURES ON COMICS BRUSSELS, CAPITAL CITY OF COMIC STRIP Fans of comic strip? You won’t be disappointed! As the acknowledged capital of comic strip, Brussels is always giving pride of place to the 9th art. Several museums, galleries, markets, festivals and specialist stores are entirely dedicated to it. But one of the most amazing activities is undoubtedly the famous comic strip trail. Meet Tintin, Astérix, Blake & Mortimer, Bob & Bobette (Spike & Suzy) or as you wander down a street, around a museum or simply past a café. As you come across forty or so monumental frescoes you’ll get to know these legend- ary characters and their talented authors. The only walk of its kind! This leaflet is available in English, French, Dutch and German.

TINTIN IN BRUSSELS Brussels is indubitably the city of Tintin: the city where he was born and spent all his life, whilst continuing to remain a great source of pride to the city. Every small Brussels child grew up devouring the adventures of this intrepid globetrotter who is an integral part of Brussels culture. A leisurely promenade in the footsteps of Tintin and his creator in the heart of Brussels. The map is available from all visitor centres around the city. This minimap is available in English, French, Dutch, German and Spanish at the price of 1€.

BIP Rue Royale 2-4, 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0) 2 513 89 40 [email protected]

7 B. COMIC STRIP FRESCOES See in more detail about fifty walls of the Comic Strip Walk. The story behind the series, anecdotes and key dates … they’ll hold no more secrets from you!

TINTIN In 2011 Steven Spielberg created a stunning animated Tintin film. Belgium’s most famous comic strip hero is the brainchild of Georges Prosper Remi, better known by his pen name Hergé, one of the truly great comic strip authors. The scene depicted is from The Calculus Affair. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DE L’ÉTUVE, 1000 BRU CREATOR: HERGÉ PUBLISHER:

SMURFS A fun stop along the route. Can you spot all the references to Brussels’ heritage on this mural? The Ommegang, chips, the , the flower carpet, the Meyboom, our favourite little blue heroes pay homage to their roots. WHERE? CARREFOUR DE L’EUROPE, BENEATH THE ARCADE, 1000 BRUSSELS CREATOR: PEYO PUBLISHER:

LE SCORPION This hot-blooded fighter owes his nickname to a scorpion tattoo on his right shoulder. His arch-enemy is Trebaldi, a fanatical cardinal who works his way up to become Pope in the 18th century. Story-writer Desberg created this cloak-and-dagger series of sword-fighting duels in sinister catacombs. The elegant images are the work of Swiss artist Marini. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DU TREURENBERG, 1000 BRU ARTIST: MARINI WRITER: STÉPHANE DESBERG PUBLISHER:

GASTON LAGAFFE Once again, Gaston thinks it’s too nice a day to waste working for his boss, as he leans over the window ledge, playing with his yo-yo. You guessed it: the yo-yo hits a passer-by on the head. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DE L’ECUYER 15, 1000 BRU CREATOR: FRANQUIN PUBLISHERS: DUPUIS,

LA VACHE There’s so much going on in these two murals you don’t know where to look first! WHERE TO FIND IT: HÔTEL SLEEP WELL, RUE DU DAMIER 23, 1000 BRU CREATOR: JOHAN DE MOOR PUBLISHER: LE LOMBARD

8 SPIKE & SUZY carries five of Belgium’s most beloved comic book heroes on one hand: strong Jerome, crazy Ambrose, nervous Aunt Sidonia, brave Suzy and stubborn Spike. Spike and Suzy is the standard bearer of Flemish family comic strip. Creator Willy Vandersteen was a gifted artist and a consummate storyteller with a lowbrow sense of humour. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DE LAEKEN 111, 1000 BRU CREATOR: WILLY VANDERSTEEN PUBLISHER: STANDAARD

UNNECESSARY NOISE PROHIBITED It was the inhabitants of this neighbourhood who chose the talented Dominique Goblet to illustrate this section of wall. This silhouette was inspired by her piece “les Hommes-loups”. An alternative album that combines various graphic styles. WHERE TO FIND IT? Rue Saint-Jean Népomucène, 1000 BRU CREATOR: Dominique Goblet PUBLISHER: FRMK

CORTO MALTESE Together, the four drawings on Quai des Péniches are eighty metres long. They’re taken from the albums Corto Maltese in Africa, Corto Mal- tese in Siberia, The Golden House of Samarkand and The Celts. WHERE TO FIND IT: QUAI DES PÉNICHES, 1000 BRU CREATOR: HUGO PRATT PUBLISHER: CASTERMAN

PARCHIS The Parchis mural can be admired from the Tour & Taxis Park greenhouse. Cartoonist Peter Willems, from , humorously depicts the ac- tivities of the district. To create the drawing, he took his inspiration from the popular Moroccan game, parchis, a board game that uses pawns. Familiar features of the district, like the vegetable gardens, the inhabitants playing parchis and the Jubilé Bridge, are easily recognisable. WHERE TO FIND IT: PARC DE TOUR & TAXIS, 1020 BRU CREATOR: PETER WILLEMS

CUBITUS The tubby white dog is the life’s work of Walloon cartoonist Dupa. Cubitus loves good food, a fascinating novel and good conversation. Against his , he also gets to test the inventions of his master: inventor/old sea dog/walking disaster Semaphore. In the late 1980s, Cubitus made an appearance in a Japanese cartoon series. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DE FLANDRE 109, 1000 BRU CREATOR: DUPA PUBLISHER: LE LOMBARD

BILLY THE CAT Living on the street is not easy, but fortunately, yellow and black striped cat Billy has not only enemies but also a motley crew of friends such as Sausage, Jumbo the Pigeon, Mr Hubert and Miss Cha-cha. Billy is transformed into a cat, and wants to turn back into a human. The series is an example of an elegant Belgian children’s comic strip that also appeals to adults. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE D’OPHEM 24, 1000 BRU ARTIST: COLMAN, WRITER: DESBERG PUBLISHER: DUPUIS

Jardins aux Fleurs Brecht Evens’ impressive mural overlooks and magnifies this genuine little green oasis. The 415m² drawing plunges you into a colourful atmo- sphere. It invites you to travel and discover cultures from here and further afield. WHERE? RUE DU GRAND SERMENT - RUE DU CHAR - 1000 BRUSSELS CREATOR: BRECHT EVENS

9 CAROLINE BALDWIN Plunge into the heat of the night in a tropical paradise. Caroline Baldwin is the famous detective who, in the last window, is about to kiss someone. WHERE TO FIND IT: PLACE DE NINOVE, 1000 BRU CREATOR: ANDRÉ TAYMANS PUBLISHER: CASTERMAN

Zidrou Zidrou is a very prolific Belgian writer. He is represented on this mural imagining his most emblematic characters: Ducobu and his friend Léonie, Tamara, Léonard, le Boss, Sac à Puces, etc. The happy bunch can be found on the former site of Brussels’ Tour à Plomb. The tower, 55 metres high, was built in 1898 for the site of the former foundry, to make lead shot. WHERE TO FIND IT? Rue l’Abattoir 22-24, 1000 BRU CREATOR: ZIDROU PUBLISHER: LE LOMBARD, DARGAUD, DUPUIS

NIC’S DREAMS Hermann made his name with series like Comanche and Jeremiah or one-offs like Sarajevo Tango and Caatinga. This comic mural is a reminder of three dreamy albums that he drew in the early eighties. Every night, Nic experiences fun adventures in the company of an elephant, chim- panzee, giraffe, hippo, turtle or whale, but the adventures do not always turn out well. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DE LA SENNE - RUE DES FABRIQUES 40, 1000 BRU CREATOR: HERMANN PUBLISHER: DUPUIS

CORI THE SHIP’S BOY was Hergé’s right-hand man. When Tintin was no longer occupying all his time, he drew six adventures of Cori the ship’s boy. Cori sails with the Dutch East Company that brought the their Golden Age. Adventure drips from every page. The sailing ships are majestic and the sea battles are unforgettable. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DES FABRIQUES 21, 1000 BRU CREATOR: BOB DE MOOR PUBLISHER: CASTERMAN

LUCKY LUKE The infamous Dalton brothers have just robbed a bank. But they do not get far because Lucky Luke has his eye on them and he shoots faster than his shadow. René Goscinny created the first stories, but the humorous western is primarily the life’s work of Belgian artist . Lucky Luke is one of the most successful European comic strip series. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DE LA BUANDERIE 19, 1000 BRU CREATOR: MORRIS PUBLISHERS: DUPUIS, DARGAUD

ASTERIX , Obelix and their colourful fellow villagers are enthusiastically attacking a Roman camp. Dogmatix leads the way. It’s a scene familiar to millions of readers in over 70 countries. After the death of the brilliant story writer René Goscinny, cartoonist continued the series alone. It’s an icon among European comic strips. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DE LA BUANDERIE 33-35, 1000 BRU ARTIST: UDERZO WRITERS: GOSCINNY & UDERZO PUBLISHER: ALBERT-RENÉ

10 DUCOBU We find school pupil Ducobu on one of the facades of Six Jetons primary school. What is this loveable little scamp’s favourite thing to do? Infuriate professor Latouche and find weird and wonderful ways to cheat off his classmate Léonie. WHERE TO FIND IT? Rue des Six Jetons 25, 1000 BRU CREATOR: Zidrou PUBLISHER: Le Lombard

NERO From 1947 to 2002, Nero appeared every day in the newspapers. You will recognise the anti-hero by his big nose, bow-tie and his two pre- cious hairs. Marc Sleen was a prolific cartoonist and liked to allude to current affairs, but his funniest characters were pure fabrications: Mrs Pheip, Halyard, etc. The Marc Sleen museum is located in rue des Sables. WHERE TO FIND IT: PLACE SAINT-GÉRY, 1000 BRU CREATOR: MARC SLEEN PUBLISHER: STANDAARD

In My Area Lucy McKenzie’s mural is a collaboration between the WIELS contemporary art centre, and the . This piece pays homage to the to the numerous comic strip murals that adorn the city’s walls. Ever since she moved to Brussels, the artist has been curious abou the murals and their function in public space. Her she uses the “ligne claire” graphic style, with which she has created only feminine figures. WHERE TO FIND IT? Rue de Chartreux, 1000 BRU PUBLISHER: Lucy McKenzie

THE ANGEL This sad angel belongs to a series that looks back in a way that leaves a lasting impression, to that revolutionary but not so cheerful twentieth century: XXe ciel.com. Award-winning cartoonist Yslaire is an innovator who is not afraid to experiment with different media and forms. His historical-romantic saga Sambre is a particular favourite. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DES CHARTREUX, 1000 BRU CREATOR: YSLAIRE PUBLISHERS: HUMANOÏDES ASSOCIÉS, FUTUROPOLIS, GLÉNAT

THE PASSAGE François Schuiten and Benoît Peeters bring us perspective changes and virtuoso elaborations of how people in days gone by envisioned the future. They argue that the universe they depict in The Obscure Cities really does exist. Connections are believed to exist between the Earth and counter-Earth, between Brussels and Brüsel. Is this comic strip mural such a passageway? WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DU MARCHÉ AU CHARBON 19, 1000 BRU AUTHORS: FRANÇOIS SCHUITEN & BENOÎT PEETERS PUBLISHER: CASTERMAN

11 LGBT Ralf König is the designer of this urban mural dedicated to LGBT diversity. It is the only one of its kind in Europe! This German cartoonist has been publishing comic books for over 30 years, portraying the values and stereotypes of the gay community. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DE LA CHAUFFERETTE, 1000 BRU CREATOR: RALF KÖNIG

BROUSSAILLE Broussaille was the very first comic strip mural, back in July 1991. Brussels author Frank Pé does not deny that Broussaille is an alter ego. Both city boys are sensitive souls, curious nature lovers and avid dreamers. In their philosophical visions they see fauns, whales flying over the grey city, giant turtles crossing the street. WHERE TO FIND IT: PLATTESTEEN, 1000 BRU CREATOR: FRANK PÉ PUBLISHER: DUPUIS

VICTOR SACKVILLE During the First World War, Victor Sackville travels the world as a spy for His Majesty the King of . Where he can, the impeccably dressed gentleman does anything he can to disrupt the enemy’s plans. The clear, meticulous drawings are by Belgian artist Francis Carin. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DU MARCHÉ AU CHARBON 60, 1000 BRU ARTIST: FRANCIS CARIN WRITERS: FRANÇOIS RIVIÈRE, GABRIELLE BORILE PUBLISHER: LE LOMBARD

RIC HOCHET A villain threatens Nadine with a large knife. How fortunate that Commissaire Bourdon and especially happen to be nearby. Over the course of 78 albums, the shrewd journalist with a Porsche and a somewhat limited wardrobe outwits charlatans and lunatics. Artist Tibet and writer Duchâteau are also the duo behind Chick Bill. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DU BON SECOURS 9, 1000 BRU ARTIST: TIBET WRITER: A.P. DUCHÂTEAU PUBLISHER: LE LOMBARD

THORGAL The comic strip mural depicts Thorgal with his wife Aaricia. Beneath his warlike exterior lies a character passionate about justice and freedom, who longs only for a peaceful life with his beloved wife. WHERE TO FIND IT: PLACE ANNEESSENS, 1000 BRU AUTHORS: JEAN VAN HAMME & GRZEGORZ ROSINSKI PUBLISHER: LE LOMBARD

12 FROUD & STOUF Initially created for television, this cartoon series, with a typically Belgian perspective, was also published as a comic strip. Froud and Stouf are two little blue dogs who philosophise about life. WHERE TO FIND IT: BOULEVARD MAURICE LEMONNIER 32, 1000 BRU AUTHORS: FRÉDÉRIC JANNIN ET STEFAN LIBERSKI PUBLISHER: LUC PIRE, DUPUIS

MONSIEUR JEAN Conflict in his relationship, depression, friends who are unlikely to complain, the endless battle against routine and the daily grind: the adven- tures of Mr. Jean are touchingly recognisable. The tone alternates between light-hearted and melancholy. Drawing or inventing the stories: Philippe Dupuy and Charles Berberian do everything together. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DES BOGARDS 28, 1000 BRU AUTHORS: PHILIPPE DUPUY & CHARLES BERBERIAN PUBLISHERS: HUMANOÏDES ASSOCIÉS, DUPUIS, OOG&BLIK

KINKY & COSY Kinky and Cosy, the quirky twin sisters created by Belgian writer and cartoonist Nix, are literally wreaking havoc in Brussels. As they wave a home-made peace flag tied to an old broom, Nix’s pair of “enfants terribles” cannot help laying waste to their room, which has turned into a battlefield. Its floor is littered with bottles of gueuze, bags of chips (with mayonnaise) and Brussels sprouts. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DES BOGARDS 19, 1000 BRU CREATOR: NIX PUBLISHER: LE LOMBARD

XIII Like Bourne in the film, XIII is a trained fighting machine whose main characteristic is a failing memory. While searching for his true identity, he stumbles from one adventure to another. The exciting plots of this monument of realistic action comic strips are by Jean Van Hamme (Thorgal, Largo Winch), and the drawings by . WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE PHILIPPE DE CHAMPAGNE, 1000 BRU ARTIST: WILLIAM VANCE WRITER: JEAN VAN HAMME PUBLISHER: DARGAUD

YOKO TSUNO Together with air hostess Natacha, was one of the first comic strip women to have her own series in the early ‘70s. The Japanese electrical engineer is at least as bold and brave as the male comic heroes and her adventures take place both on Earth and in space. A creation by Belgian for the weekly Spirou magazine. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE TERRE-NEUVE, 1000 BRU CREATOR: ROGER LELOUP PUBLISHER: DUPUIS

STAM & PILOU The little acrobat is called Stam. Girl-next-door Pilou is sitting on his head. The rascals play leading roles in light-hearted stories with lots of practical jokes and situational humour. The sign that Grandpa Fons is holding says “Sprekt a mooiertoêl!”, which is Brussels dialect for “speak your mother tongue”. WHERE TO FIND IT: LA FLEUR EN PAPIER DORÉ, RUE DES ALEXIENS 55 - 1000 BRU CREATORS: DE MARCK & DE WULF PUBLISHER: VAN HALEWYCK

YOUNG ALBERT was barely 33 when he was killed in a traffic accident. Collectors fight over the modest body of work that he left behind. Famous cartoonists refer to this Frenchman as their great role model. In Young Albert, the writer told the story of the sometimes cruel boyish pranks of a kid in post-war Brussels. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DES ALEXIENS 49, 1000 BRU CREATOR: YVES CHALAND PUBLISHER: HUMANOÏDES ASSOCIÉS

13 OLIVIER RAMEAU Flower power! Olivier Rameau holds out his hand to the sensual Colombe Tiredaile. In their utopian world, you pay not with money but with tears of joy, songs, laughter or a big kiss. Cartoonist and writer produced this poetic fantasy series in the crazy days of 1968. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DU CHÊNE 9, 1000 BRU ARTIST: DANY WRITER: GREG PUBLISHER: EDITIONS JOKER

QUICK AND FLUPKE We should not forget that Hergé (1907-1983) had two other offspring in addition to Tintin: Quick and Flupke. These two are the opposite of Tintin. They’re subversive rather than role models. They don’t go to the four corners of the world to have their adventures but stay in the Marolles, the working-class district where Hergé grew up. Quick, the one in the red turtle-neck sweater and Flupke, in the green jacket, are always causing problems with their tricks and, as a general rule, running up against the law. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE NOTRE-SEIGNEUR 19, 1000 BRUSSELS CREATOR: HERGÉ PUBLISHER: CASTERMAN

LÉONARD Léonard, who is a caricature of Leonardo de Vinci, never misses the chance to devise the most far-fetched inventions, which he has no qualms about trying out on his guinea pig and faithful disciple, who only wants a quiet life. However, there is nothing abracadabra about this mural. Léonard is simply painting our beautiful Palais de Justice. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DES CAPUCINS 23A, 1000 BRU ARTIST: TURK WRITER: PUBLISHER: LE LOMBARD

BLONDIN & CIRAGE The two young customers of this grocer are none other than Blondin, the serious hero who solves problems through reasoning, and his friend Cirage, who prefers to leap into action. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DES CAPUCINS 15, 1000 BRU CREATOR: JIJÉ PUBLISHER: DUPUIS

ODILON VERJUS This mural depicts the crazy adventures of missionary Odilon Verjus, with his disciple Laurent de Boismenu at his side. Josephine Baker, who appears in only 3 albums, is the star here. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DES CAPUCINS, 1000 BRU ARTIST: LAURENT VERRON WRITER: YANN PUBLISHER: LE LOMBARD

LE CHAT Just look at that, a cat in a suit who’s building himself with bricks on a blind façade! This humorous, cum philosophical Cat is always trying to extract an unexpected smile from his readers. WHERE TO FIND IT: BOULEVARD DU MIDI 87, 1000 BRU CREATOR: PHILIPPE GELUCK PUBLISHER: CASTERMAN

14 JOJO Jojo, the mischievous boy, and his friend Fat Louis, here testing how strong the light fitting is, are always giving Mamy Léontine a hard time. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE PIEREMANS, 1000 BRU CREATOR: ANDRÉ GEERT PUBLISHER: DUPUIS

THE BEAVER PATROL In 1953 sketched the first adventures of a group of boy scouts. Poulain (or Foal, the patrol leader), Faucon (Hawk, the intellectual), Chat (Cat, the daredevil), Tapir (the bon-vivant) and Mouche (Fly, the youngest member) form the Beaver Patrol. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE BLAES-RUE PIEREMANS, 1000 BRU ARTIST: MITACQ WRITERS: JEAN-MICHEL CHARLIER, MITACQ PUBLISHER: DUPUIS

BOULE & BILL Roba drew inspiration from his own family when he created Boule & Bill (Billy and Buddy), his son and dog respectively. This mural was of- ficially unveiled for the first time in 1992, and was restored in 2014 following building work. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DU CHEVREUIL, 1000 BRU ARTIST: ROBA WRITER: PUBLISHER: DARGAUD, DUPUIS

SPIROU The Spirou mural fits perfectly into the Marolles district where second-hand goods dealers reign supreme. Since Rob-Vel first created it in 1938, Jijé, Franquin, Fournier, Cauvin & Nic, Chaland, Tome & Janry and many other authors have, in turn, applied their talent to bringing Spirou to life in his comic strip magazine and book. Some of them appear in this mural ... do you recognise them? WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE NOTRE DAME DES GRÂCES, 1000 BRU AUTHORS: YOANN & VELHMANN PUBLISHER: DUPUIS

PASSE-MOI L’CIEL In the humorous series Passe-moi l’ciel, Stuff and Janry cheerfully make fun of Saint Peter and Lucifer. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DES MINIMES 91, 1000 BRU ARTIST: STUF WRITER: JANRY PUBLISHER: DUPUIS

BENOIT BRISEFER Benoit Brisefer is a little boy with a very big heart and herculean strength that he loses if he catches a cold. He lives in a little town that is a good place to live and just happens to look like the Marolles district. He is known for his kindness and spontaneity and he never fails to help all and sundry. The mural illustrates this perfectly: it shows him taking a giant leap to catch an escaping balloon. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE HAUTE 119, 1000 BRU CREATOR: PEYO PUBLISHER: LE LOMBARD

LAEKEN /HEYSEL

TITEUF Titeuf, who’s come to Brussels on a school trip, has hoisted himself up onto the Atomium’s spheres. Is it to see, in the sort of convex mirror there, whether his hair still looks good? Or is it an attempt to spy on the girls from above? WHERE TO FIND IT: BOULEVARD E. BOCKSTAEL 1, 1020 BRU CREATOR: ZEP PUBLISHER: GLÉNAT

15 DEBBIE Skipping around the city with her little dog, happy and carefree, shows real spirit, doesn’t it? The dog is called Patapouf (Timmy) and the little girl, Martine (Debbie). WHERE TO FIND IT: AVENUE DE LA REINE 325, 1020 BRU ARTIST: MARCEL MARLIER WRITERS:GILBERT DELAHAYE, JEAN-LOUIS MARLIER PUBLISHER: CASTERMAN

LE ROI DES MOUCHES This monumental mural was created by Mezzo as a tribute to Hergé. The character traits and physique of Mezzo’s yeti are similar to those of Hergé’s yeti in Tintin in Tibet. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE HUBERT STIERNET 23, 1020 BRU ARTIST: MEZZO WRITER: PIRUS PUBLISHER: GLÉNAT

LINCOLN Lincoln is the young man with the hat getting ready to fight the giant, who’s rolling up his sleeves. This lonesome and quick-tempered cowboy often lets his fists do the talking! WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DES PALAIS OUTREPONTS, 1020 BRU ARTIST: JÉRÔME JOUVRAY WRITER: OLIVIER JOUVRAY PUBLISHER: PAQUET

LE PETIT SPIROU In 1983, for a special edition, Tome and Janry dreamed up Spirou’s childhood, just for fun: and “” was born. Given the success of the series, it will be a very long time before the merry-go-round shown on the Bruparck mural stops turning. WHERE TO FIND IT: BRUPARCK, 1020 BRU ARTIST: JANRY WRITER: TOME PUBLISHER: DUPUIS

NATACHA Natacha, the air hostess, is much more than just a pretty blonde. This is a determined young woman with a highly developed sense of justice. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE JAN BOLLEN, 1020 BRU CREATOR: FRANÇOIS WALTHÉRY PUBLISHER: DUPUIS, MARSU PRODUCTIONS

GIL JOURDAN is the detective driving the yellow car. In the passenger seat is Libellule, the ex-burglar who, with varying degrees of success, as- sists the sometimes rather haughty detective. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE THIJS VAN HAM - RUE LÉOPOLD 1ER, 1020 BRU CREATOR: PUBLISHER: DUPUIS

16 DE KIEKEBOES You’ll have to look long and hard to find a Flemish person who doesn’t know that the man with the moustache sitting behind the camera is called Marcel Kiekeboe! WHERE TO FIND IT: THÉÂTRE AMÉRICAIN, AVENUE DU GROS TILLEUL 2, 1020 BRU CREATOR: MERHO PUBLISHER: STANDAARD

MARSUPILAMI The Marsupilami has been the famous friend of Spirou since 1952. The chosen location is the Avenue Houba de Strooper. Why? The legend tells that Franquin found his inspiration for the Marsupilami’s “Houba, Houba” call when he walked on this avenue. WHERE TO FIND IT: AV. HOUBA DE STROOPER 141, 1020 BRU CREATOR: FRANQUIN PUBLISHER: DUPUIS

JOMMEKE Jommeke tells the adventures of two children who enjoy all kinds of adventures with Professor Gobelijn and his parrot Flip. The mural is 7 metres high and 5 metres wide. Many neighbourhood features and monuments have been included in the design. Including the Jubilé Bridge and Tour & Taxis Park where Jommeke and his friends play. WHERE TO FIND IT: RUE DE LA CHANTERELLE 3, 1020 BRU CREATOR: JEF NYS PUBLISHER: BALLON MEDIA

FIND MORE MURALS ON THE WEBSITE WWW.VISIT.BRUSSELS/COMICS

17 OFF THE CITY OF BRUSSELS COMIC STRIP ROUTE The City of Brussels Comic Strip Route is the best known and has the most frescoes. However, there are plenty of other comic strip ini- tiatives throughout the Brussels capital region. It is therefore not unusual to come across comic strips in other districts. Here are a few examples.

L’ARCHE - FRANÇOIS SCHUITEN INTERSECTION OF RUE MAES AND CHAUSSÉE D’, 1050 BRU

TINTIN – HERGÉ GARE DE BRUXELLES LUXEMBOURG (ENTRANCE RUE DE TRÈVE), 1050 BRU

LE CHAT - PHILIPPE GELUCK INTERSECTION OF BOULEVARD GÉNÉRAL JACQUES AND CHAUSSÉE DE WAVRE, 1040 BRU

TINTIN – HERGÉ METRO STATION STOCKEL, 1150 BRU (ENTRANCE ONLY WITH A STIB TICKET)

GIL JOURDAN – MAURICE TILLIEUX RUE DU VIEUX MOULIN 56, 1160 BRU

TINTIN – HERGÉ GARE DU MIDI, EUROSTAR ARRIVALS HALL, 1060 BRU

YAKARI - & JOB RUE DETHY 25, 1060 BRU

LES FEMMES EN BLANC – PLACE DE LA VÈCQUÉE - 1200 BRU

LA FEMME LÉOPARD – YANN & SCHWARTZ RUE DE LA CROIX 9, 1050 BRU

COULEUR CAFÉ - JUDITH VANISTENDAEL PLACE DE SAINT-JOSSE, 1210 BRU

BAMBINA MAGRITTA – VANNA VICCI RUE DU MARTEAU 6, 1210 BRU

BRÜSEL – FRANÇOIS SCHUITEN YOUTH HOSTEL GÉNÉRATION EUROPE, RUE DE L’ELÉPHANT 4, 1080 BRU

FIND MORE MURALS ON THE WEBSITE WWW.VISIT.BRUSSELS/COMICS

18 B. BUILDINGS AND STATUES NOT TO BE MISSED LE LOMBARD Close to Gare du Midi (railway station) stands the “Tintin Building”, a listed monument which was once home to the publishing company Les Éditions du Lombard. They published the Tintin magazine from 1946 to 1988. The sign in the image of Tintin and Milou () is one of the symbols of Brussels. Avenue Paul-Henri Spaak 7, 1060 Brussels

SMURF STATUE When the of creating a Smurf statue was presented to Studio Peyo, they first did some research to find the appropriate pose and attitude. Numerous sketches were made and given the impressive size of the statue the scale of the Smurf needed to be expressed so he was placed on a mushroom. He also needed to look his usual warm and friendly self so was given a broad smurfy smile, thus inviting people to come into the gallery or to come and pose next to him. Rue Marché-aux-Herbes, 1000 Brussels - next to the Horta Gallery (in Brussels Central Station)

GASTON STATUE The statue of Gaston Lagaffe was commissioned by Delhaize Le Lion for the Christmas and New Year holidays of 1992. Gaston Lagaffe is a mythical character in the Belgian comic strip created by the famous author Franquin. Lagaffe found a permanent place for himself close to the Centre belge de la Bande Dessinée (Belgian Comic Strip Center) in February 1996. Boulevard Pacheco, 1000 Brussels

STATUE OF BILLY AND BUDDY Since September 2000, the commune of has had a statue of Billy and Buddy, made by the sculptor Tom Frantzen. It’s a nod to , from Jette, who used to live not far from there. Avenue Van Engeland- Avenue du Heymbosch, 1090 Jette

STATUE OF TINTIN AND SNOWY IN In 1975, (Les Editions du Lombard publishing company) and Guy Dessicy (Publiart) decided to give Hergé a surprise for the 30th anniversary of the Tintin magazine. To mark the occasion, they commissioned a standing statue of Tintin & Snowy from the sculptor Nat Neujean. Several copies were made of this statue: the first is currently in the Centre Culturel d’Uccle (Uccle Cultural Centre) after spending some time in Wolvendael Park. This copy had been officially unveiled on 29th September 1976. Rue Rouge 47, 1180 Uccle

LA MAISON AUTRIQUE (AUTRIQUE HOUSE) Autrique House is a grand townhouse built by in 1893. Between its construction in 1893 and the mid-1990s, Autrique House underwent a number of transformations. François Schuiten and Benoît Peeters are currently responsible for its entire scenographic design. From Wednesday to Sunday, its doors open onto a unique atmosphere. Every year, La Maison Autrique plays host to outstanding exhibitions!

Chaussée de Haecht 266, 1030 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0) 2 215 66 00 www.autrique.be

19 TRAIN WORLD Train World is an incredible, one-of-a-kind museum that it brings to life the history of railways. The scenography for Train World was created by the Belgian artist François Schuiten in collaboration with Expoduo. A stage designer and comic book artist, it was his work on “Les Cités Ob- scures”, with the screenwriter Benoît Peeters, that made François Schuiten famous. Apart from his many comic books (such as “Aux médianes de Cymbiola”, “Les Terres Creuses”, “Le Rail” and “La Douce”), he has designed a number of scenographies and entertainment exhibitions as well as decorating two metro stations, “Porte de Hal” in Brussels and “Arts et Métiers” in Paris.

In Train World, François Schuiten tells the story of the railways of yesterday, today and tomorrow in a dynamic and surprising stage produc- tion. With his staging, you can experience the railway as never before as you are guided on a journey that encourages you to see, touch and feel, and will surprise you with its fascinating stories. Place Princesse Elisabeth 5, 1030 Brussels www.trainworld.be

C. MUSEUMS, EXHIBITIONS AND GALLERIES COMICS ART MUSEUM

The Belgian Comic Strip Centre? In the land of Smurfs and Tintin, visitors discover a range of permanent exhibitions, illustrated with original artwork and unique objects. Simultaneously, there are also several temporary exhibitions. But the Comics Art Museum is also the former Waucquez Warehouse, a gem of Art Nouveau by grand master Victor Horta (1906). Open every day from 10am to 6pm.

Permanent exhibitions at the Comics Art Museum:

THE INVENTION OF COMIC STRIP THE ART OF COMIC STRIP HORTA AND THE WAUCQUEZ WAREHOUSE THE HERGE AREA THE PEYO EXHIBITION PIETER DE POORTERE AUDITORIUM

Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Brussels Tel. : + 32 (0) 2 219 19 80 ww.cbbd.be

20 MUSEUM MARC SLEEN

Admire the life and work of Marc Sleen (30.12.1922-06.11.2016) as you make your way through a permanent exhibition which details the many different aspects of his creative body of work. Marc Sleen is considered to be one of the fathers of Flemish comic strip. He’s the creator of Nero, for which he alone produced more than 200 albums.

Rue des Sables 33-35, 1000 Brussels Tel.: + 32 (0)2 219 19 80 www.marc-sleen.be

MOOF The Museum of Original Figurines has a unique collection dedicated to the heroes of comic strip, which explores the great myths of comic strip in the form of real “little” works of art. Some very special figurines are: Milou’s (Snowy’s) sarcophagus (Les cigares du Pharaon / The Cigars of the Pharaoh ), Tintin’s vase (Le Lotus bleu / ), the statue of the boy Abdullah (Tintin au pays de l’or noir / Tintin in the Land of Black Gold), the bust of the Japanese rogue Mitsuhirato (The Blue Lotus), the frescoes of Rascar Capac (Les 7 Boules de cristal / The Seven Crystal Balls) as well as the life-sized statues of Tintin, Milou (Snowy), and professeur Tournesol () as they appear in On a marché sur la Lune / Explorers on the Moon. You’ll also discover other exclusive objects there, such as: two bronze busts of Astérix and Obélix, and an original illustration plate of Franquin’s Gaston in black & white, and the “life-sized” village of the Schtroumpfs (Smurfs).

Based inside the MOOF, the Raymond Leblanc Foundation promotes, collects and preserves all of the cultural heritage built up by Raymond Leblanc, founder of Les Éditions du Lombard publishers, the Tintin magazine, the Publiart advertising agency and the Belvision cartoon stu- dios.

MOOF Galerie Horta-Central Railway Station Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes 116, 1000 Brussels Tel.: + 32 (0) 2 265 33 25 www.moof-museum.be

Raymond Leblanc Foundation Galerie Horta-Central Railway Station, 1000 Brussels Paulette Smets-Melloul (Director-Founder) Tel.: +32 (0) 2 526 68 90

21 THE HERGÉ MUSEUM A voyage in 80 original printing plates and 800 photos that delve into the essence of Hergé’s work through a series of items and documents on display at the Hergé Museum. Here you will discover the creative spirit of Hergé, who did not confine himself to Tintin. A graphic designer, publicist, caricaturist and storyteller, all facets of the artist are laid bare.

Rue du Labrador, 26, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve Tel. : +32 (0) 10 48 84 21 How to get there: - by train to Brussels (Midi-Centrale-Nord) and then Louvain-la-Neuve (a 1 hour journey) - some hotels organise bus trips to the museum: check it out… www.museeherge.com www.tintin.com

GALERIE & SHOP BRÜSEL The Brüsel bookshop and its stainless steel structure unearthed from the “Cités Obscures” (Obscure Cities) has, for nearly 20 years, been part of the life of all comic strip fans living in or familiar with Brussels. And it can pride itself on having become the comic strip reference point of the comic strip capital. Set up in an old grocery shop and a fin-de-siècle building in the area around la Bourse (the Stock Exchange), Brüsel has followed and often led the development and the transformations of the 9th Art. The bookshop that used to offer the best of the 500 annual issues on a surface area of 60 m², now champions the cream of more than 5000 publications a year on 300 m² and a stock of 20,000 titles.

From the start, the bookshop was divided into an exhibition and sales gallery, becoming a new leader in “para-comic strip”: exhibitions, sales, originals, silk-screen prints, posters, framing, figurines, production of ex-libris and of exclusive editions.

Boulevard Anspach 98, 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0) 2 511 08 09 Place Flagey 29, 1050 Brussels (Ixelles) Tel: +32 (0) 2 649 02 11 www.brusel.com

GALERIE CHAMPAKA Housed in a mansion in the typical style of Brussels, the Champaka Gallery lies somewhere between comic strip and illustration. It takes an unusual look at creators of worlds of international stature. So, don’t look for albums or original illustration plates in this extraordinary gallery. The Champaka Gallery is aimed at a more particular kind of audience, to which it presents comic strip works bordering on contemporary art.

Rue Ernest Allard 27, 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0) 2 514 91 52 www.galeriechampaka.com

22 HUBERTY & BREYNE GALLERY At the heart of the Chatelain district, dozens of original drawings are on display at the Galerie Huberty & Breyne. This gallery, which also has a branch in Paris, puts on several exhibitions every year, but also organises special auctions of original high-end boards and drawings.

Place du Chatelain 33, 1000 Brussels www.huberty-breyne.be

THE TINTIN GALLERY The light and spacious gallery is the perfect place for Tintin fans to meet and discuss their favourite subject. Collectors can admire exceptional articles such as bas-reliefs, lithographs and a bronze statue of Tintin and Snowy. The Tintin©Hergé Gallery is like a museum where you can actually acquire works of art. Find out more about the artwork on offer via the links below.

Place du Grand Sablon 35, 1000 Brussels http://galerie.tintin.com/en/

JEU DE BULLES Specialising in old comic books, this shop also sells collectors’ items, originals and silk screen prints that you’ll find hard to resist. In May 2016, there will be an exhibition-sale of Willy Vandersteen drawing boards. Need some expert help? Every Friday or by appointment.

Place du Jeu de Balle 79, 1000 Brussels www.jeudebulles.be

COMIC ART FACTORY Gallery dedicated to french and belgian comic strip, but also american comics. Originals can be bought at affordable price.

Chaussée de Wavre 237, 1050 Brussels www.comicartfactory.com

CRYPTE TONIQUE La Crypte Tonique is a publisher and bookshop, entirely dedicated to images, whether literary, mental or the plastic arts, and everything that goes with them. Modern works stand alongside older creations, copies jostle original versions, the dead rub shoulders with the living and the profane and the sacred sit side by side. La Crypte Tonique can be found in the centre of Brussels, and its stock, swap shop and publications department take up three floors. Philippe Capart coordinates it all.

Galerie Bortier 16, 1000 Brussels www.lacryptetonique.com

23 3. NOT TO BE MISSED IN 2019 A. VARIOUS COMIC STRIP EVENTS

The 9th art always takes pride of place in the Brussels-Capital Region. Each event draws in the crowds. Children and adults, professionals and enthusiasts meet up here to find that rare gem or just to enjoy a typical Brussels-style celebration.

More information on : WWW.VISIT.BRUSSELS/COMICS THE SMURF EXPERIENCE 09/06/2018-January 2019, Brussels Expo, www.thesmurfexperience.be The Smurf Experience, offers an unprecedented chance to plunge into the magical world of these little blue elves. An exploration with spec- tacular special effects and displays for a unique experience to share with the family.

FOIRE DU LIVRE 14/03/2019-17/03/2019| Tour & Taxis | www.flb.be The Brussels Book Fair is the Belgian capital’s oldest and most prestigious literary festival. So much more than just a mere book event, the Fair is a real cultural landmark,that is completely free of charge, in tune with the latest trends and open to all publishing sectors. In 2017, it will be holding a big pop culture and fantasy night on Friday 10 March. The programme includes: meetings with authors, signings, live draw- ing sessions, cosplay competitions ... A unique event full of fascinating things to do and see!

ANIMA 01/03/2019-10/03/2019| Flagey | www.animafestival.be The Anima festival, Brussels’s international animated film festival, will take place at Flagey (Brussels) and events will be held simultaneously in several towns in and . For ten days, Anima will be offering a selection of competing short and long animated films never seen before, for children and adults. This year, Anima will be highlighting virtual reality (VR) and psychedelia! In addition to the numerous films on show, the festival will also offer: an exhibition, children’s workshops, work experience for teens, concerts, installations, talks on animated cinema, and a Nuit Animée (All-night animation) expected to be one of the wildest yet .. along with plenty more surprises!

COMIC CON BRUSSELS 02/03/2019-03/03/2019 | Tour & Taxis / www.comicconbrussels.com The most popular Brussels comics convention welcomes more than ten thousand visitors every year at the historic Tour & Taxis site. Delight in the cosplayers’ fabulous costumes, meet world stars, have a great time with the video games or wander around the hundreds of special- ist stands... There is something for every taste in this huge celebration of contemporary pop culture: comics, cosplay, gaming, films, manga, sets, collectors’ items, animé, clothes, toys, gadgets and lots more. From the most retro Batman to the latest Pokemon, they will all become your new friends at Comic Con Brussels.

24 MADE IN ASIA 8/03/2019-10/03/2019| Brussels Expo | www.madeinasia.be Discover MADE IN ASIA, the biggest Belgian pop culture-Asian manga event! More than 300 exhibitors, shops, fun and cultural activities, concerts with brand new material, and Japanese guests will be there for signings, not to mention the big Cosplay competition: the World Cosplay Summit! Further information and tickets at MADEINASIA.BE

COMIC STRIP FESTIVAL 13/09/2019> 14/09/2019, Parc de Bruxelles, www.fetedelabd.brussels Keeping up with publications, the Comic Strip Festival is increasingly becoming an unmissable event for the comic strip industry. Three days of activities for young and old, for die-hard comic strip fans and those with a newly discovered love of the genre. The programme includes: exhibitions, guided tours, signing sessions, the Journal Tintin Rally, the Balloon’s day parade, etc.

25 B. GUIDED TOURS BRUSSELS & BELGIUM GUIDES - GBB

BRUSSELS, CAPITAL OF COMIC STRIP The official guides of Brussels take you on a walk through the world of comic strip. This trail criss-crosses the city from one fresco to another and is a very special and unusual interpretation of our city. Encounters with the authors: Frank Pé, Roba, Carin, Tibet, Morris, Philippe Geluck, Marc Sleen and Vandersteen, and with the characters: Boule et Bill (Billy and Buddy), Lucky Luke, le Chat (the Cat), Ric Hochet, Cubitus, Bob & Bobette (Spike & Suzy), Nero and his friends. A won- derful way to round off this journey is a visit to the Comics Art Center where you’ll find all your favourite heroes.

ON THE TRAIL OF TINTIN, THE LITTLE REPORTER Find out about this typical Brussels character with the official guides of Brussels (GBB). On a two-hour walk with them, they’ll show you the different places, buildings, frescoes and anecdotes featured in the Tintin albums. The spot- light will be on Hergé, the pseudonym of Georges Remy and comic strip artist of all the albums of the famous reporter. And the character, Tintin, will be ‘unpacked’ and analysed in an entertaining way. Throughout the tour, your guides will shed light on the subject of the private and profes- sional life, the achievements and the workplaces of the greatest master of comic strip.

Brussels Town Hall Grand-Place, 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0) 2 548 04 48 www.guidesbrussels.be

ITINÉRAIRES

TINTIN AND BRUSSELS From one speech balloon to another, thanks to Milou’s (Snowy’s) great sense of smell, the Itinéraires team invites you to explore Brussels with Tintin as your guide. From the high notes of La Castafiore in front of the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie to the port of Brussels with Captain Haddock, a reminder of the encounter between Tchang (Chang) and Hergé, the brilliant ideas of our professeur Tournesol (Professor Calculus) and the collaboration of our two famous detectives Dupond and Dupont (Thomson and Thompson). You’ll experience some ‘real’ adventures: ones that put the 9th art and “another Brussels” centre stage. This route was developed in cooperation with the Hergé Studios. Please contact the Itinéraires team to agree on the practical details of your tour.

26 BRUSSELS AS TOLD BY THE HEROES AND AUTHORS OF COMIC STRIP The Comic Strip Route is an exploration of the interaction between artistic expression and urban place of interest. It’s a way of getting closer to the character of its inhabitants by means of the personality of the comic strip artists and scriptwriters, through the atmosphere of the stories that they’ve staged. Finally, it’s a completely original angle from which to explore the city, some of its most contrasting monuments and districts. A comic strip and a comic strip coordinator at the start of your walk will liven up your tour! Please contact the team to agree on the practical details of your tour.

BRUSSELS SEGWAY: COMIC STRIP Set off on a Segway to explore a comic strip route in Brussels. This rather odd, playful, environmentally-friendly and surprising machine that’s great fun to use is a motorised two-wheeled vehicle which balances dynamically and which you drive standing up. Two experiences in one: while riding around on this funny machine, with your guide, come across the heroes of our comic strips on the painted walls, the historic buildings depicted by our comic strip authors and the must-see sites that make Brussels the living capital of comic strip. Maximum 7 participants per tour. As soon as the asbl (not-for-profit association) confirms your booking, you’ll be asked for payment by trans- fer before the tour. Segway hire included in the price.

Rue Hôtel des Monnaies 157, 1060 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 534 30 00 www.itineraires.be

COMICS ART MUSEUM

COMIC STRIP TRAIL Visits to the museum can be adapted to the age and interests of the group. The guide service provides guided tours based on specific themes (Art Nouveau, classic or modern comic strip, Tintin, etc.), and discovery walks in the centre of Brussels. Duration: 2½ hours Languages: French, English, Dutch, German, Spanish, Italian, Danish, Polish, Czech and Greek.

HERGÉ’S BRUSSELS The roots of Tintin and of Hergé are closely linked to Brussels. Set off to discover the character and his creator with an official guide from the Comics Art Museum. You’ll be heading out to encounter not only a series of places and buildings that appear in the albums but also frescoes of the Hergé series as well as innumerable details on the biography of the artist. During this two-hour walking trail, you’ll (re)discover an icon of the Ninth art and get to know Brussels as seen through the eyes of one of its great artists. Start of tour: Comics Art Museum, rue des Sables 20, 1000 Brussels

NERO ROUTE Discover Brussels through the eyes of Nero and his creator Marc Sleen. The tour takes about 2 hours and a half. It starts at the Comics Art Museum and ends on Grand-Place. Languages: English, French, Dutch, German, Spanish, Italian, Danish, Swedish and Greek.

Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 219 19 80 www.cbbd.be

BRUXELLES BAVARD

Bruxelles Bavard presents original trails and a new way of explor- ing Brussels: Brussels seen through comic strip, Brussels in strip drawings,...

Rue des Thuyas 12, 1170 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) 2 673 18 35 www.bruxellesbavard.be

27 PRO VELO

Cafés and comic strip. From Quick and Flupke to Brüsel including Lucky Luke, the capital of Europe is also the capital of comic strip. Many authors have chosen to set up home here and one of Victor Horta’s finest buildings has been converted into a temple of comic strip. More than 40 blind walls in the heart of Brussels have been adorned with comic strip frescoes. Discovering them prompts you to see the city from another perspective. What’s more, since in Belgium beer is an art too, the tour also takes in a few ‘brusseleir’ cafés. 3½ hrs - 12km

Rue de Londres 15, 1050 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0) 2 517 17 65 www.provelo.org

MORE GUIDED TOURS ON : www.visit.brussels/guides

28 4. COMIC STRIP SHOPPING

The Brussels-Capital Region has a wealth of original shops. Here and there, you’ll come across some key bookshops and galleries. The most emblematic are, without a doubt, the specialist centres Brüsel & Multi-BD on Boulevard Anspach, Het B-Gevaar on Rue de la Fourche or else Le Dépôt BD and Utopia, Rue du Midi. Some hold exhibitions, others book-signing sessions. Together they make up the most animated hub of the comic strip sector in Brussels.

Brussels-City Brüsel Boulevard Anspach 98 1000 Brussels La boutique Tintin Rue de la Colline 3 1000 Brussels Smurf Store Rue Marché-aux-Herbes 116 1000 Brussels Het B-Gevaar Rue de la Fourche 15 1000 Brussels Tropismes Galerie du Roi 4 1000 Brussels La Maison de la BD Boulevard de l’Impératrice 1 1000 Brussels Huberty-Breyne Rue Bodenbroek 1000 Brussels Little Nemo Boulevard Maurice Lemonnier 25 1000 Brussels Le Fantôme Espagnol Boulevard Maurice Lemonnier 31 1000 Brussels Multi-Jeunesse Boulevard Anspach 126 1000 Brussels Le Dépôt Rue du Midi 108 1000 Brussels Multi BD Boulevard Anspach 122, 1000 Brussels Utopia Rue du Midi 39 1000 Brussels Dong Co Rue du Midi 33 1000 Brussels Hors Série Rue du Midi 67 1000 Brussels Jeu de Bulles 79 Place du Jeu de Balle 1000 Bruxelles Filigranes Avenue des Arts 39-40 1040 Etterbeek Saint-Gilles Librairie The Skull Chaussée de Waterloo 336 1060 Saint-Gilles Bédémania Chaussée de Waterloo 169 1060 Saint-Gilles Forbidden Zone Rue de Tamines 25 1060 Saint-Gilles

29 Ixelles – Porte de Namur Librairie Durango Rue de l’Athénée 3 1050 Ixelles Le Dépot Chaussée d’Ixelles 120 1050 Ixelles Espace BD Place Fernand Cocq 2 1050 Ixelles Flagey Place Eugène Flagey 29 1050 Ixelles Jette Paradise BD Avenue de Jette 136 1090 Jette Book Center Rue Henri Werrie 85 1090 Jette Objectif BD Avenue de Jette 272 1090 Jette

LE WOLF This bookshop is mainly for young people. This institution is laid out as a bookshop, a library and a cafeteria. Here, young people can find comic strips, among other things. Rue de la Violette 18/20, 1000 Brussels www.lewolf.be

THE SLUMBERLAND BOOKSHOP - BELGIAN COMIC STRIP CENTER Albums, figurines, postcards, board games and other spin-off products… here, you can track down all kinds of comic strip stamped objects. Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Brussels www.cbbd.be

COMIC STRIP HOUSE Opened in 2005, the Comic Strip House sells a wide range of comics in French, Dutch, English, German and Spanish as well as Tintin albums in over 50 languages and dialects. In addition to first editions, studies on authors and reference works, comics, manga and graphic novels are all on display, along with figures, statues, posters, prints, soft toys, postcards, playing cards and puzzles… There is something for everyone. Boulevard de l’Impératrice 1, 1000 Brussels www.maisondelabd.be

BOUTIQUE TINTIN The Blue Lotus dragon welcomes you on the threshold of this shop created for die-hard Tintin fans. It is an exciting treasure trove for lovers of the bequiffed reporter, with albums, figurines, t-shirts and other items of clothing, posters, key rings, … all with the image of Tintin, Snowy, Captain Haddock, Professor Calculus and even Ms Castafiore. Rue de la Colline 13, 1000 Brussels www.tintinboutique.com

THE SMURFS BOUTIQUE Along with MOOF (Museum of Original Figurines), this shop, dedicated to the little blue men, was opened by the daughter of Peyo, the Smurfs’ creator. The shop overflows with articles, gadgets, albums and products, all exclusively 100% blue. Galerie Horta, 116 rue du Marché-aux-Herbes , 1000 Brussels www.facebook.com/smurfstore

30 5. COMIC STRIP RESTAURANTS

BAR DESSINÉ - RADISSONBLU (occasionaly open) Go on a world tour of Belgian comic strip at the Bar Dessiné, as you savour a single-malt whisky, puff on an Havana cigar or sip an exquisite cocktail. Original and unique images decorate the ‘estaminet’ (old-style café-bar) where you can order light snacks and specialities of Brussels.

Rue du Fossé-aux-Loups 47, 1000 Brussels www.radissonblu.fr/royalhotel-brussels/restaurant/bar

BRASSERIE HORTA - THE COMICS ART MUSEUM The Comics Art Museum is a seminal meeting-place of fantasy, imagination and beauty. It also includes a brasserie with the inimitable Brussels atmosphere. Art Nouveau and Comic Strip enthusiasts alike are in for a treat: pleasing on the eye and on the palate.

Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Brussels www.brasseriehorta.be

COOK & BOOK Cook & Book is a unique concept: a restaurant where you sit down to table in 9 bookshops, each with a different ambience. From comic strips to travel, music to fine arts, young literature to novels… Cook & Book also hosts numerous events including book signing sessions.

Place du Temps Libre 1, 1200 Brussels www.cookandbook.be

LA FLEUR EN PAPIER DORÉ Hergé often used to drop in at this ‘estaminet’ (old-style little café-bar) with an illustrious past to enjoy a good Gueuze. It was here that the key figures of twentieth-century Belgian surrealism used to gather in the days of René Magritte. And it was also the favourite bistro of Pierre Alechinsky and Jacques Brel. The café is still an artistic and literary watering hole nowadays. Since May 2011, the inner courtyard of la Fleur en Papier Doré has been home to a comic strip fresco created by the comic strip artists De Marck and De Wulf (Stam and Pilou).

Rue des Alexiens 53/55, 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0) 2 511 16 59 www.fleurenpapierdore.be

FILIGRANES Amazing bookshop with a Coffee Corner. The comic strip department is one of the biggest in Belgium. Avenue des Arts 39, 1000 Brussels

31 7. USEFUL CONTACTS

VISITBRUSSELS SOME PUBLISHERS AND www.visitbrussels.be RIGHT OWNERS Rue Royale 2-4 1000 Brussels DARGAUD-LOMBARD S.A STUDIOS HERGÉ – MOULINSART Tel : + 32 (0) 2 513 89 40 www.lelombard.be / www.dargaud.com www.moulinsart.be [email protected] Avenue Paul-Henri Spaak 7, 1060 Brussels Avenue Louise 162, b7, 1050 Brussels T. : +32 (0) 2 526 68 11 T. : +32 (0) 2 626 24 21 PRESS OFFICERS: [email protected] [email protected] / [email protected] Jeroen Roppe : [email protected] Pierre Massart : [email protected] EDITIONS DUPUIS INTERNATIONAL MERCHANDISING, Gary Divito : [email protected] www.dupuis.com PROMOTION & SERVICES S.A. (smurfs) Noémie Wibail: [email protected] Rue Destrée, 52, 6001 Marcinelle www.smurfs.com Gaetan Peffer: [email protected] T.: +32 (0)71 600 500 Rue du Cerf 85, 1332 Genval [email protected] T. : +32 (0) 2 652 02 20 [email protected] STANDAARD UITGEVERIJ www.standaarduitgeverij.be Mechelsesteenweg 203, 2018 T.: +32 (0) 3 285 72 00 [email protected]

ALL INFORMATION ABOUT COMIC STRIP IN BRUSSELS : www.visit.brussels/comics

PICTURES LIBRARY: WWW.VISIT.BRUSSELS/PICTURES * IN ORDER TO RESPECT COPYRIGHTS, DO NOT REFRAME THE PICTURES OF THE PAINTED MURALS

©visit.brussels-2019 pictures: E.Danhier |JP. Lejeune |M.Vanhulst|CBBD/D. Fouss|MOOF|OPT/Ricardo de la Riva|P.Moers 32