The Best European Comics, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Torpedo is a 1930s mobster tale with gritty crime and hits.
It was the War of the Trenches is a WW1 horror comic.
Lucky Luke features witty cowboy adventures with humor and history.

As a lover of comics who has traversed the globe from the verdant hills of Gaul to the bustling streets of Mumbai and beyond, I can confidently say that Asterix and Tintin hold a special place in my heart. Both series, though vastly different in their themes and art styles, have captivated millions with their wit, adventure, and timeless charm.

Since ancient times, individuals have been sketching humorous drawings of one another. However, it wasn’t until the start of the 20th century that comics as a means of storytelling gained significant popularity. This was when comic strips featuring amusing characters such as funny men, mischievous children, or zany animals started interspersing newspaper articles. Following this trend, America began creating superhero narratives, while Japan introduced dramatic manga stories. Europe found itself in a unique position, often absorbing elements from both and attempting to carve out its own distinctive approach.

Some European comic series have achieved global fame, such as The Smurfs and The Moomins. However, others remain popular only within Europe or even just one of its countries. Regardless of their genre – whether they are well-known, underdogs, lighthearted, or serious – these comics represent some of the most prominent and impactful European comic series, with popularity serving as a ranking factor. This does not mean that less popular entries are inferior; rather, it may be more challenging to find them.

10 Torpedo

Sicilian Mobster Makes a Name for Himself in 1930s America

Creators: Enrique Sánchez Abulí and Jordi Bernet.
Country: Spain.
Volumes: 5.
Run: 1981-Present.

Prior to the popularity of superheroes in American comics, narratives predominantly revolved around detective and gangster tales with a pulpy feel. Today, unless it’s a specific crime comic, these stories have been largely replaced by more vibrant villains. However, they continue to persist in series like Torpedo, which is devoid of any superheroes donning spandex. This series, set in 1936, chronicles the life of Luca Torelli, an Italian immigrant who transformed into a mobster. In his younger years, he orchestrated his neighbor to murder his abusive father as retribution for the death of his older brother.

The neighbor wanted his own revenge, which led to Luca and his uncle silencing him. To avoid the heat, he took his uncle’s advice and fled to the US. After surviving on menial jobs and committing escalating crimes, he becomes one of New York City’s best hitmen, or ‘torpedos’. Often aided by his Polish-American sidekick Rascal, the strip follows his different hits and the politics within the world of organized crime. It’s a hard-boiled story that’ll suit anyone who loves noir detective tales.

9 It Was the War of the Trenches

The Carnage of World War 1 Realized in Gruesome Detail

Creator: Jacques Tardi.
Country: France.
Volume: 1.
Run: 1993.

One reason World War II has inspired numerous works of fiction is its versatility in accommodating various narratives. While some stories delve into the complex political intrigues, others highlight the heroic efforts of the “good guys” against the ruthless Nazi regime and their infamous leader. Conversely, World War I presents a grimmer landscape with soldiers from diverse nations losing their lives in countries like France, Belgium, Turkey, and beyond, due to their nation’s political obligations.

In the graphic novel “The Great War of the Trenches“, Jacques Tardi narrates an account that intertwines factual information about the war with his grandfather’s personal experiences as a combatant. The narrative delves into the devastating impact of the conflict, encompassing not only the gruesome injuries and disfigurements sustained by soldiers, but also their mental struggles during and after the war. With unsparing descriptions, this comic book portrays the harshness of the war itself, questioning whether the sacrifices made by its soldiers were truly justified.

8 Marvelman/Miracleman

Silver Age Shazam Clone Gets Reinvented as a Dark Superhero Story

Creator: Mick Anglo (original), Alan Moore, and Mark Buckingham (revival).
Country: United Kingdom.
Volumes: 4.
Run: 1954-1963 (original), 1985-1993 (revival), 2014-Present (Marvel).

Almost any comic by Alan Moore could make this list, ranging from his portrayal of Jack the Ripper in “From Hell” to his “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen,” where every fictional character is authentic. However, one often-overlooked but fascinating piece is his work on Marvelman (renamed Miracleman to avoid legal issues with Marvel Comics, who currently own the character). This British superhero was created when legal problems prevented Captain Marvel (known as Shazam) comics from being published. In Moore’s version, an amnesiac man gradually regains his memory of a Silver Age hero from his past.

After discovering that his old companion Johnny Bates, also known as Kid Marvelman, had survived, he learns that this once virtuous character had been corrupted by his powers and now seeks to imprison his former mentor permanently. Although it’s not Moore’s best work, it is one of the most impactful stories. The story’s grim universe of morally compromised heroes shares similarities with the world portrayed in ‘The Boys’, including a main antagonist reminiscent of Homelander, the sociopathic Kid Marvelman. Eventually, the narrative evolves into something resembling ‘Injustice’ or the Justice Lords, as the hero takes charge to prevent figures like his former sidekick from regaining power and becoming a threat again.

7 Lucky Luke

Cool Cowboy Stops Wrongdoers in the Wild West

Creator: Maurice ‘Morris’ De Bevere.
Country: Belgium.
Albums: 72 (under Morris), 11 (under Achdé).
Run: 1946-Present.

Experiencing “Torpedo” reveals that many European comics continue to unfold within the U.S., a testament to the enduring influence of American comics. As a passionate fan myself, I can understand why this is so; given the roots of modern comic art in America, it’s no surprise that creators across the continent have been captivated by at least one American strip or another. So, fellow enthusiasts, I find myself pondering: what intrigues artist Maurice ‘Morris’ De Bevere about the Wild West in “Torpedo,” or how do European comics like “Les Tuniques Bleu” (a Belgian comic about the U.S. Civil War) depict our nation accurately, inaccurately, or from a unique perspective? What elements of America’s vast landscapes and history did De Bevere find compelling in his work?

He saw Lucky Luke, a comic about a cowboy who “shoots faster than his shadow”, rides on Jolly Jumper, “the smartest horse in the world”, and is often joined by Rin Tin Can, “the stupidest dog in the universe”. He uses his smarts and sharp-shooting to work with or against real-life figures like Calamity Jane and Jesse James. Goscinny and Morris liked to work real events into their stories, but they placed historical accuracy second to funny jokes and a great story. This leads to Lucky Luke catching on as an irreverent Belgian look at cowboys.

6 The Incal

Detective Is Led on a Journey Through Space by a Magic Crystal

Creators: Alejandro Jodorowsky, Jean ‘Moebius’ Giraud, Zoran Janjetov (Before the Incal), and José Landrönn (Final Incal).
Country: France.
Volumes: 15.
Run: 1980-1988 (with Moebius), 1988-1995 (with Janjetov), 2008-2014 (with Landrönn).

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but express my awe for the legendary comic artist, Jean ‘Moebius’ Giraud. His unique interpretation of the ligne claire art style, which gave birth to captivating, surreal sci-fi landscapes, has left an indelible mark on countless works. From cinematic masterpieces like “Blade Runner” and “The Fifth Element,” to revered creators such as Hayao Miyazaki and Mike Mignola, his influence is undeniable. Many of his renowned narratives graced the pages of prestigious comics like “Heavy Metal.” Among these, one story stands out as a testament to his genius: “The Incal,” a tale that has transcended the comic book medium on its own accord.

This is a science fiction-noir tale where John Difool finds himself in possession of the potent Light Incal crystal, a treasure coveted by numerous influential groups. To prevent misuse and save the universe, he enlists allies such as Kill Wolfhead, the Amok warrior, and Animah, the Light Incal’s guardian. He must keep this plot device, often referred to as the MacGuffin, out of reach from factions like the Bergs and the Technopriests. With its portrayal of dystopian cities and unsettling landscapes, it paved the way for cyberpunk media. Notably, the story was conceived by Jodorowsky, but Moebius brought it to fruition.

5 The Metabarons

The Harsh, Strange Backstory of The Incal’s Cyborg Super-Merc

Creators: Alejandro Jodorowsky and Juan Gimenez.
Country: France.
Albums: 8.
Run : 1992-2003.

A significant portion of “The Incal” drew inspiration from what Jodorowsky envisioned for his aborted adaptation of “Dune“. This served as a foundation for him to construct his own expansive space opera universe, often referred to as the ‘Jodoverse’, populated with diverse characters, races, planets, and occurrences. One intriguing associate of John Difool was the Metabaron, a potent psychic cyborg mercenary who is the final one to bear that title among five. Jodorowsky went on to narrate his tale, as well as those of his predecessors, in his spin-off “The Metabarons“.

The robot named Tonto recounts the story of the Metabarons to another robot called Lothar. This narrative encompasses their history, cultural practices like Bushitaka rituals, beliefs, weaponry, and the tale of how the Metabaron from the comic ‘Incal’, known as Nameless, became the last one. It reflects the impact of ‘Dune’ on its creator Jodorowsky, featuring tribal disputes, political intrigue, advanced body modifications akin to biopunk, spiritual enlightenments, and culminating in a surprising climax that sets up Nameless’ role in ‘The Incal’. This work is comparable in depth to its predecessor, offering insights into the functioning of the Jodoverse.

4 Corto Maltese

Laconic Sailor Travels Wherever the Wind Takes Him

Creator: Hugo Pratt.
Country: Italy.
Albums: 17.
Run: 1967-1989 (original), 2017-Present (under Ruben Pellejero and Juan Diaz Canales).

Regardless of one’s past or upbringing, everyone enjoys a thrilling adventure tale, and this might be why Corto Maltese became so popular. It is often considered one of the greatest comics ever created, both for its compelling narrative and stunning artwork. Notably, renowned comic writer Frank Miller agreed to adapt it for Canal+ in 2022; however, given his previous work on The Spirit, this may raise some eyebrows. This series takes place during the early 20th century and follows Corto Maltese, a mixed Anglo-Spanish Romani sea captain from Malta.

Growing up, he had his palm read, revealing no fate line. Choosing to forge his own path, he resolved to create his destiny by going wherever he desired. He doesn’t pass judgment on others, instead cultivating friendships with people from diverse backgrounds – from British nobility and Czech intellectuals to renowned figures like James Joyce. His life may seem ordinary at first glance, but it can get quite imaginative. When not aiding the oppressed, such as the South American Jivaro tribe, he embarks on expeditions searching for the mythical continent of Mu or collaborates with legendary sorcerer Merlin.

3 Judge Dredd

Hardcore Cop Punishes Evil Slightly More Than He Punishes Good

Creators: John Wagner, Carlos Ezquerra, and Pat Mills.
Country: United Kingdom.
Trade Paperbacks: 47+
Run : 1977-Present.

It could be strongly argued that the entire section belongs to “2000AD,” not just “Judge Dredd,” since it was home to numerous comics. Despite the popularity of “Rogue Trooper” and “Strontium Dog,” Judge Dredd’s antiheroic authoritarian character made him the comic’s standout star. He is one of the Street Judges in Mega-City-One, who possess the power to apprehend, judge, and punish lawbreakers, even administering capital punishment.

Equipped with his multi-functional firearm, known as the Lawgiver, and an AI-driven motorbike called Lawmaster, he enforces justice across the city streets and beyond its limits into the post-apocalyptic wasteland known as ‘The Cursed Earth’. It blends elements of futuristic science fiction with a touch of satire, as Dredd grapples with his intricate past and otherworldly adversaries such as the Dark Judges. The comic takes a humorous approach to law enforcement, challenging the righteousness commonly portrayed in Western comics by pushing it to its limits, as Dredd is just as likely to imprison citizens as he is to rescue them.

2 Asterix

Diminutive Gaul Thrashes Entire Roman Armies With His Smarts and a Magic Potion

Creators: René Goscinny & Albert Uderzo.
Country: France.
Albums: 40+.
Run: 1959-Present.

The renowned pirate manga from Japan, One Piece, holds the title of the best-selling comic series ever. However, a veteran French comic titled Asterix, set in the Roman Empire era, is hot on its heels. By 2023, it had surpassed the 393 million mark in copies sold of its various tales. In these stories, Asterix uses his cleverness and a magical potion brewed by the druid Getafix (or Paranoramix in French) to outwit the Romans. Despite its simplicity, the series transcends just the Gauls fighting the Romans.

Asterix has faced battles against gentrification, mental manipulation, economic dominance, and underhand tactics from the Romans and other adversaries. He’s ventured far beyond Gaul, visiting Egypt, India, and even America. In essence, he’s similar to France’s Mickey Mouse, complete with numerous animated and live-action versions, a theme park, and contentious aspects. Uderzo’s artwork isn’t always kind, and his individual storylines were less powerful compared to those written by Goscinny. Fortunately, the newer stories penned by Ferri, Conrad, and Fabcaro are more motivating and contemporary.

1 The Adventures of Tintin

Boy Reporter Travels the World in Search of Mystery and Adventure

Creator: George ‘Hergé’ Remi.
Country: Belgium.
Albums: 24.
Run: 1929-1986.

The ligne claire style describes scenes that are drawn with clear, varying lines with no hatched shading, and was created by Belgian illustrator George ‘Hergé’ Remi. It’s shown at its best in his most iconic work, The Adventures of Tintin. They follow the title character as he and his dog, Snowy, travel the world to report on one adventure or another. It’s basically Indiana Jones or Uncharted if the lead was a Belgian kid, and his sidekick was a sozzled sea captain with a creative use of curses (“Billions of blistering blue barnacles!”).

The series gained popularity globally, influencing numerous artists such as Jacques Tardi and Andy Warhol. However, its impact in North America has been limited to the film “The Secret of the Unicorn,” with only a few exceptions. Over time, some of the early volumes have become dated due to their content, with the creator himself later distancing himself from racially insensitive stories like “Tintin in the Congo.” Like classic cartoons from Disney and Warner Bros., it may contain elements that are reminiscent of a less enlightened past.

2024-10-29 19:34