(click links for samples)
Monsieur Jean (Dupuy & Berberian, 1989-) is a light-hearted yet pointed series of episodes revolving around a one-hit-wonder book author. He good-naturedly suffers through various difficulties, such as his dating life, publishing deadlines, social situations, a gossipy landlady, and most of all, a chronic pain in the arse in the form of his best friend. Jean's anxieties are the featured player here, playfully being exposed in various ways, such as through flashbacks or Walter Mitty fantasy moments. All in all, this series falls somewhere between a 'palette cleanser' and a rather point-blank look at human neurosis. Indeed, I feel it quite exemplifies the spirit of BD, ligne claire, and even French cinema. Don't let the starting date throw you; this series is primarily set in the 90's and 2000's, and looks & feels modern-enough.
Through Lya's Eyes (Carbone & Cunha, 2019) - A young wheelchair-bound woman discovers a lead that may reveal the hit-and-run driver who wrecked her life only a couple years before. She decides to do the unthinkable-- interning at the very same law firm involved in paying her parents hush money. There, she attempts to unravel the case from within, taking serious risks, helped by a friend or two. This three-book series features pleasant, poster-like art and a young-adult, 'Nancy Drew' storytelling style that works well for the most part. There's a happy, altho abrupt ending that I feel could have been more complete.
Biotope (Appollo & Brüno, ~2018) - Lovely, economical, two-volume sci-fi story, a bit out of the Orson Scott Card / LEO playbook, perhaps. Three detectives travel to a research station on a world under scientific observation in order to solve a murder. Little do they know the whole situation's a powder keg about to erupt. In a way that directly belies the simple 'ligne claire,' the reader is challenged to notice a subtle, steady buildup of clues and ominous portents before the story really takes off. This is not just a murder mystery, but a breakdown and post-apoc kind of work. I can certainly recommend it.
Rose (Alibert, Lapière & Vernay, 2019) - A young woman's father has been murdered, and now it's up to her to sort out his affairs, including one last case from his detective agency. There's a compelling blend of themes & premises here, combining murder-mystery, the 'out-of-body' effect, personable ghosts, family tragedy, psychosis, and historical witchcraft, all portrayed in an art style of lush colors, skillful shading and enjoyable oil pastels. I'm always amazed when a wild mashup like this comes off so believably, so major credit to the creators, here. The biggest critique I have is that this one felt kind of rushed once it really got going, despite being three volumes in length. Definitely a quality, satisfying work, though. Style-wise the target audience might be argued as 'young adult,' but I'd call this a really nice, all-ages read.
Alpha (Renard & Jigounov, 1996-2019) - Right in the mold of Lady S., Largo Winch and I.R.$., here's an espionage / mob / political thriller series centered around fallout from the collapse of the Soviet Union, during the Yeltsin years. "Alpha" is the code name for a talented young agent recruited to the CIA, tasked with investigating shady international money laundering. The more intriguing figure actually is a beautiful young Russian gallery-owner whose husband is a significant post-KGB official and whose childhood friend is the son of a powerful Russian mobster. She's caught in a web between these three men in her life who all love her, yet are each willing to use her for their own ends. Alpha is a little heavy on the dialogue, but it makes up for it with ongoing tension and bursts of action. If you like the three series mentioned above, you should enjoy this one.
