20 must-read French Bandes Dessinées
If you’re learning French and looking for a fun, cultural, and visual way to boost your vocabulary, discover slang, and dive into the humour of French-speaking countries, there’s no better way than reading Bandes dessinées (French comic books)!
French comics aren’t just for kids — they’re a huge part of Francophone culture. From world-famous characters to quirky adventures, these illustrated stories are full of linguistic gems and cultural references. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, comics offer an entertaining and accessible way to improve your reading skills. These are the BDs you’ll find in our home: we read them as children, and now our kids read them with the same enthusiasm. This is a world of intelligent storytelling and rich vocabulary — nothing beats these classics for building a solid foundation in French and deepening your cultural understanding, all while having a relaxing and enjoyable time. So much better than any grammar book!
Here’s a selection of our favourite classic BDs to get you started, classified by genre and level of difficulty to help you explore and enjoy them at your own pace:
Adventure Bandes dessinées
For those who love to travel the world, face challenges, and live thrilling escapades alongside unforgettable heroes.
Tintin (Hergé)
Follow the young reporter Tintin, his dog Milou, and the grumpy but hilarious Captain Haddock as they travel the world solving mysteries. It’s a perfect starting point for learners — the language is clear, and you’ll discover a treasure trove of colourful expressions. Thomas loves using Tintin in his French lessons because it’s dynamic, rich in vocabulary, and offers strong connections between the illustrations and the text. It helps develop an understanding of implicit meaning, making it ideal for enriching vocabulary, whether you’re a native speaker or a learner of French.
👉 Read more about learning French with Tintin here
Astérix et Obélix (Goscinny & Uderzo)
Astérix et Obélix is set in ancient Gaul, where the clever Asterix and his strong friend Obelix use a magic potion to resist Roman occupation. This hilarious and clever series is filled with puns, wordplay, and caricatures of various cultures, making it a fun and engaging way to learn history and enjoy jokes. The adventures often take the duo abroad, though many stories are set in their small village. With its unique blend of humor and historical references, Astérix has become one of the most popular and enduring Franco-Belgian comic series worldwide, translated into over 100 languages. The global appeal of Astérix is often attributed to its anti-imperialist values and its message of cross-cultural communication.
Lucky Luke – Morris & Goscinny
The cowboy who shoots faster than his shadow. These witty Western tales are full of puns and historical references, making them perfect for learning informal language and humour, while offering a fun look at life in the Wild West. Lucky Luke, accompanied only by his trusty horse Jolly Jumper, enforces law and order in a far-fetched Far West that’s more authentic than reality itself. Whether chasing the notorious Dalton brothers or crossing paths with various historical figures, Lucky Luke brings to life the behind-the-scenes of the American frontier with plenty of humour and adventure. A classic French read that has charmed generations of readers.
Papyrus – Lucien De Gieter
A magical tale set in ancient Egypt, following a young fisherman chosen by the gods to protect the pharaoh’s daughter. Both educational and exciting, Papyrus is perfect for learners fascinated by mythology and history. A young fisherman living in ancient Egypt, Papyrus comes into possession of a magical sword and becomes the protector and confidant of Princess Théti-Chéri. He must defend her from the plots and schemes of Amon’s priests and treacherous princes determined to bring her down. Papyrus is also the star of a successful animated series with 52 episodes, beloved across Europe.
Spirou et Fantasio – Franquin & others
Spirou, a bellboy-turned-reporter, is an adventurer at heart. Always accompanied by his friend Fantasio and his faithful squirrel, Spip, Spirou travels the world fighting villains of all kinds. Whether facing the evil scientist Zorglub, the sinister pirate John Héléna, or battling the Italian mafia and Chinese triads in New York, he’s always ready for action. In Palombia, he even uncovers the secret of the mythical Marsupilami. One of the greatest heroes in BD, Spirou has maintained his charm and vitality for over 75 years. A must-read in the world of comics, we absolutely love it (especially the original series).
Natacha – Walthéry
Natacha is an adventurous air hostess who unexpectedly became a key figure in Franco-Belgian comics. Created in 1970, she was the first major female lead in a field dominated by male heroes. François Walthéry, the series’ artist, recalls that the idea came when Yvan Delporte suggested making her an air hostess instead of a cop or steward. Natacha was young, beautiful, and fearless—breaking away from the typical roles of women in comics. While Walthéry didn’t consider her a feminist character, he did introduce a strong female presence long before it became the norm.
Les Tuniques Bleues – Lambil & Cauvin
Set during the American Civil War, this humorous series blends history with slapstick comedy. Follow Cornélius Chesterfield, a zealous, disciplined sergeant in the Union Army, and his clever, grumbling sidekick Blutch, who dreams only of deserting. Caught in the absurdities of war, these two do their best to dodge the chaos caused by stubborn commanders and ridiculous orders. With a sharp critique of militarism and war, Lambil and Cauvin serve up a funny, action-packed look at how the French imagine American history!
Fantasy Bandes dessinées
For those who believe in magic, enchanted forests, and little creatures with big hearts.
Johan et Pirlouit – Peyo
Johan et Pirlouit is a timeless Belgian classic by Peyo, beloved by generations of readers. This action-packed, humorous, and magical series follows the adventures of Johan, a young squire, and Pirlouit, his clumsy but loyal companion. Their stories are a blend of adventure, humor, and fantasy, transporting readers into a dream world filled with enchantment. Long before J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter, Peyo mastered the art of captivating young readers with tales that keep them hooked until the very end. Whether battling Vikings, rescuing children, or saving villages with magical waters, Johan and Pirlouit’s timeless adventures continue to delight.
Les Schtroumpfs (The Smurfs) – Peyo
Who doesn’t know the Schtroumpfs? These lovable blue elves with their signature white hats all look alike, despite their unique personalities, and speak a curious language where most words are replaced by “schtroumpf” or “schtroumpfer.” Under the kind-hearted leadership of Papa Smurf, this charming little community lives its life while battling the evil wizard Gargamel, who is bent on destroying them. A delightful fantasy that will captivate younger readers and entertain the older ones—plus, it offers a playful challenge and a fun twist on sentence structure!
Science-Fiction Bandes dessinées
For those who dream of space travel, futuristic technologies, and extraordinary adventures across time and galaxies.
Yoko Tsuno – Roger Leloup
A Japanese electrical engineer in Belgium? Absolutely! Yoko Tsuno’s adventures blend sci-fi, travel, and technology in an intelligent, female-led series. Not only is Yoko smart, brave, and beautiful, but she’s also an electronics expert. Along with her friends Pol and Vic, she embarks on thrilling adventures that mix fantasy and science fiction, whether she’s traveling back to 15th-century Bruges or facing the dangers of the planet Vinéa. A series that combines action, thoughtful reflection, and stunning artwork by Roger Leloup, a master of the genre.
Valérian et Laureline – Mézières & Christin
Before Star Wars, there was Valérian. This sci-fi classic, created by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières, follows the adventures of Valérian and Laureline, two time-traveling agents from Galaxity. First appearing in Pilote in 1967, their missions span across time and space aboard a ship navigating the vast unknown. Known for its inventiveness and boldness, Valérian quickly became the gold standard for sci-fi comics, blending time travel, intergalactic exploration, and philosophical themes with a touch of humour.
With over 20 translations, Valérian is a groundbreaking series that has inspired countless authors and filmmakers, including George Lucas and Luc Besson, who brought it to the big screen in 2017. A must-read for curious and imaginative learners, this series offers not only action-packed adventures but also a deeper look into the complexities of time and space.
Crime / Detective / Mystery Bandes dessinées
For those who love solving mysteries, following clever detectives, and uncovering secrets hidden in the shadows.
Gil Jourdan – Tillieux
A mix of police procedural and witty humour, Gil Jourdan offers a delightful detective story filled with informal French and sharp dialogue. Set in atmospheres reminiscent of Simenon, with a touch of Audiard’s clever wit, detective Gil Jourdan and his reformed thief assistant Libellule tackle a variety of cases. Alongside Inspector Crouton—an efficient, honest cop with an iconic red mustache—they confront drug traffickers, ghosts, dictatorships, and international saboteurs. Created by Maurice Tillieux, a key figure in Belgian comics, Gil Jourdan revolutionized the genre by infusing humour into detective stories, leaving a lasting impact on the world of bandes dessinées.
Colonel Clifton – Raymond Macherot
A retired British colonel turned detective in post-war England – Clifton solves mysteries with wit, charm, and a very British sense of order. The language is playful, and the mix of French and British culture adds a fun twist.
Clifton, or Une Aventure du colonel Clifton, is a Franco-Belgian humorous detective comic series created by Raymond Macherot in 1959 for Le Journal Tintin. The first album was published in 1961 by Le Lombard. Macherot, inspired by British detective fiction, created a character combining three English archetypes: the scout leader, the retired colonel, and the amateur detective.
Macherot used his memories of England during World War II to illustrate the story, blending nostalgia and humor. Although Macherot only completed three stories before leaving Le Journal Tintin to join Le Journal de Spirou, the series was revived by Greg in 1969 with new stories and a fresh artistic direction.
Tif et Tondu – Will, Rosy, Tillieux
Detective stories with a touch of the bizarre, Tif et Tondu mixes action, mystery, and a bit of the fantastical. These adventures are filled with classic vocabulary and clever twists. Best friends Tif, the bald one, and Tondu, the bearded one, solve mysteries that straddle the line between detective fiction and the supernatural.
Whether they’re battling a giant automaton from the Middle Ages, facing an invisible gorilla with a human brain, investigating the murders of lighthouse keepers, or stopping a heist at the Louvre, their cases are never ordinary. Along the way, they must also outwit the enigmatic M. Choc, the international criminal in a tuxedo and medieval knight’s helmet. A gripping and enchanting series of adventures, brought to life by the talents of Will, Dineur, Rosy, Tillieux, Desberg, Lapière, and Sikorski.
Ric Hochet – Tibet & Duchâteau
A fast-paced detective series following journalist Ric Hochet as he investigates mysterious crimes and strange events, often with a touch of the supernatural. The language is rich and engaging, filled with classic idioms and journalistic vocabulary — perfect for learners looking to sharpen their comprehension and deduction skills! If, like my daughter and me, you enjoy watching and reading detective series, you’ll love Ric Hochet. It’s packed with action, drama, and occasionally a bit of suspense — a true TV show on paper.
Ric Hochet is a Franco-Belgian comic book series created by writer A.-P. Duchâteau and illustrator Tibet, with the first volume published in September 1963 by Le Lombard. The eponymous hero is loosely inspired by Rouletabille, to whom there are occasional references. This character is also a tribute to another comic book figure, Jean Valhardi. A journalist, Ric Hochet regularly cooperates with the criminal police. His investigations often take place in a fantastic atmosphere that conceals sordid murderous impulses and the narrow interests of the protagonists. The theme of the double appears in many albums, often linked to notions of parentage, revenants, or even the “false dead.”
Jérôme K. Jérôme Bloche – Dodier
He might wish he resembled Humphrey Bogart, but Jérôme Bloche has more of a Monsieur Hulot vibe. An amateur detective with a moped and a trench coat, he deals with modern urban mysteries. A foodie and a dreamer, absent-minded yet tender, fearful but courageous, Jérôme is also surprisingly clever.
Following in the footsteps of his American predecessors, our private detective first solved a case in 1982, with stories by Makyo and Serge Le Tendre, and illustrations by Alain Dodier. After collaborating on a few albums, Dodier took full control of this smart and deeply human series. Perfect for learning colloquial, contemporary French, Jérôme K. Jérôme Bloche was awarded the Best Series Prize at the 37th Angoulême Festival and won the “Best Series” award at the 2014 Cognac “POLAR” Festival.
Humour / Slice of Life Bandes dessinées
For those who enjoy laughing at everyday moments and finding joy in the simple adventures of daily life.
Boule et Bill – Roba
A boy and his dog navigating everyday life—Boule et Bill is a heartwarming, funny series that’s easy to follow, filled with relatable situations. Boule, an ordinary little boy, has his best friend Bill, a mischievous and lovable cocker spaniel. But Bill’s heart also belongs to Caroline, the cute turtle! Set in a warm, family-friendly universe, the playful antics of Boule and Bill bring laughter to readers of all ages. This delightful series is perfect for beginners and intermediate learners, offering plenty of simple, yet engaging French vocabulary.
Gaston Lagaffe – Franquin
Everyone’s favourite office disaster, Gaston Lagaffe is the dreamer and inventor whose unexpected and often catastrophic creations never fail to bring laughter. Whether he’s trying to improve office life, caring for a cat or seagull, inventing musical instruments, or fine-tuning his car, Gaston’s antics always lead to explosions, fires, and chaos, leaving readers in fits of laughter. Created by the legendary André Franquin, this iconic series is a must-read for anyone who hasn’t yet experienced its hilarious workplace mishaps and inventive onomatopoeia. A true comic classic that will delight readers of all ages!
Achille Talon – Greg
Achille Talon, created by Michel Greg in 1963, is a comic strip full of wordplay, humor, and complex language that’s a fun challenge for those who love clever quips. The series, featuring the bumbling, egotistical anti-hero Achille Talon, has mostly faded into obscurity since Greg’s passing in 1999. Originally a hit, it thrived in the ’60s and ’70s, charming readers with its witty dialogues and satirical tone.
Achille is a portly, boastful man in a garish yellow suit with a comically oversized nose, who loves to present himself as an intellectual, often using grandiose phrases. His interactions, especially with his sarcastic neighbor Hilarion Lefuneste, are filled with hilarious verbal duels. While Talon’s mishaps drive the plot, his eccentricities—such as his unfortunate tendency to overstate everything—lead to uproarious, over-the-top situations.
The series also features a variety of colorful characters, including Talon’s snobbish fiancée Virgule de Guillemets and his perpetually drunk father, Alambic. The comic’s signature humor lies in its detailed, pun-filled dialogue, which pokes fun at society’s norms. Though the series may seem like a relic, its cleverness and wit still make it an enjoyable read for fans of sophisticated humor.
Les Pieds Nickelés – Pellos
One of the oldest French comics, featuring three crooks who scheme their way through society. Full of satire and period slang—perfect for advanced learners. This BD series is a real gem, and definitely one of our favorites. Impertinent, crafty, masters of the art of getting by—meet Ribouldingue, Filochard, and Croquignol, the three lovable scoundrels who take every opportunity to steal from the rich and mock the fools. By mocking current events and ridiculing the bourgeois, cops, and bureaucrats, Les Pieds Nickelés are more relevant than ever. A must-read, or a great one to rediscover in a collection that takes the series from 1981 all the way back to 1948.
Ready to read some French Bandes Dessinées?
Choose the series that suits your level and interests – and remember: reading in French doesn’t have to feel like homework! With comics, you’ll learn naturally through context, visuals, and humour.
📖 Which one will you start with? Let us know in the comments – and don’t forget to check out our article on Learning French with Tintin where you can even read Tintin online!
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