Children's Publications and Early Magazines

The turn of the 20th century witnessed the launch of publications specifically dedicated to illustrated stories for children. "La Jeunesse Illustrée" (1903) and "Les Belles Images" (1904) provided platforms for early BD artists to develop their craft. These magazines, while aimed at young readers, often featured sophisticated visual storytelling that appealed to adults as well.

A pivotal moment came with the launch of "La Semaine de Suzette" in 1905, a magazine aimed at young girls that would run until 1960. This publication introduced "Bécassine," created by writer Jacqueline Rivière and illustrator Joseph Pinchon. Bécassine, a young Breton maid having adventures in Paris and beyond, became one of the first major BD characters and remains an icon of French popular culture.

The Bécassine series broke important ground in several ways. It featured a female protagonist at a time when most comics focused on male characters. The stories, while often reflecting the class prejudices of their era, gave voice to regional identity and the experiences of rural French people adapting to modern urban life. The visual style, with its clear lines and expressive character design, influenced the development of what would become the "clear line" school of BD art.