The Birth of the Modern Comic Strip

The 1890s saw the emergence of what we would recognize as modern comic strips in French publications. "La Famille Fenouillard" by Georges Colomb (writing under the pseudonym Christophe) began serialization in 1889 in "Le Petit Français Illustré." This series, following the misadventures of a bourgeois family, established many conventions of BD: recurring characters, serialized storytelling, and the use of sequential panels to create comic timing.

Christophe's work demonstrated sophisticated understanding of visual narrative. He experimented with panel layouts to create rhythm and emphasis. His use of body language and facial expressions to convey character psychology influenced generations of BD artists. Perhaps most importantly, he showed that comic strips could sustain extended narratives while maintaining reader interest through humor and character development.

The success of "La Famille Fenouillard" inspired numerous imitators and innovators. Publications began dedicating more space to comic strips, recognizing their popularity with readers. This period saw experimentation with different genres and styles, from adventure stories to fairy tale adaptations, establishing BD's versatility as a narrative medium.