Monsieur Jean: From Bachelor to Father

What will it take to get Dupuy and Berberian the respect they deserve here in the States? Award-winning superstars in their native France, they’ve had a few books published in English but remain little known outside Francophile comics circles. This collection marks another attempt to introduce their sensitive yet energetic work to the U.S. And it’s a significant attempt indeed, weighing in at 264 pages and compiling the earliest stories of their best-known character, Monsieur Jean. The story mostly covers the struggles of a young man in his early 30s, juggling work and life as the prospect of marriage and children looms large over the horizon. It’s amusing and whimsical, sometimes poignant, matched perfectly to the duo’s fluid cartooning style—which draws from the classic traditions of humorous French comics like Spirou while adding the snap of 90s alternative comics. One hopes that this volume will shed some light on one of French cartooning’s great teams—at least enough to help more Dupuy and Berberian translations find their way onto our shores. (Dec.)