The Democracy of Genres

One of bande dessinée's greatest strengths lies in its refusal to be confined to any single genre. Unlike comics traditions dominated by superheroes or manga's demographic categorizations, BD has embraced virtually every conceivable genre, from historical epics to intimate autobiographies, from surrealist fantasies to journalistic investigations. This generic diversity reflects BD's status as the ninth art – a medium capable of addressing any subject with the same sophistication expected of literature or cinema.

The breadth of genres in BD also demonstrates the medium's democratic nature. By refusing to privilege certain types of stories over others, BD has created space for creators to explore subjects that might seem uncommercial or challenging. This openness has led to remarkable innovations as creators push against genre boundaries, creating hybrid works that defy easy categorization.