I think my translation needs upgrading, but–

Godammit!
Maurice, stop torturing
our ears with
that funeral march!
Why can’t you be more positive?

In fact the trip was an actual thing, and this album Gringos Locos (2012) by writer Yann & artist Olivier Schwartz is a rare case of a comic about the lives of comic book artists.


(here they are in silhouette, contemplating their departing ocean liner)

Evidently these three Belgians, Joseph Gillain (“Jijé”), André Franquin and Maurice de Bevere (“Morris”), took this trip to America specifically to join Walt Disney Studios and make their fortunes there.


(Jijé’s the big one, Morris’ the blond,
and Franquin’s the tall slim bloke)

As it happened the expedition was a failure across most fronts, and the trio returned to Bruxelles, their hopes of making it, dashed. Little did they know at the time that they’d go on to become some of the biggest superstars of BD.


(while Franquin’s down in the dumps and Jijé’s
fussing with his family, Morris has his fun!)

  • @Horrible_Goblin
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    32 months ago

    Cursing in Dutch and going on in French is the most Belge thing ever :‘) And very specific as French is generally considered as a preferred cursing language. (even the matrix’ Merrovingian agrees)

    Anyway, I’m rather curious about this one… might try to pick it up. If I do, I’ll write a review

    • @[email protected]OPM
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      12 months ago

      Cursing in Dutch and going on in French is the most Belge thing ever :‘)

      Hahaha
      I only spent a year in Bruxelles as a toddler, and only have faint echoes in my mind from that French / Flemish mix.

      But maybe one day I’ll be able to barge in like Depardieu and shout: “baiser le cheval de Lucky Luke!” XD