Bestselling graphic novels from Flanders

Readers in Flanders have grown up surrounded by comic strips in newspapers, magazines and elsewhere, from traditional family cartoons to absurdist gag-based comics. Since the early 2000s, a culture of artistic comic books has emerged that is targeted primarily at an adult audience and no longer ruled by the limitations imposed by newspapers or magazines. Discover some of the most widely translated and interesting graphic novels from Flanders.

With ‘The Wrong Place’, Brecht Evens introduced a new and daring style with his expressive drawings and powerful choices of colour. A flowing rhythm of short snatches of dialogue and grand set pieces highlight loneliness, superficiality, and how difficult it is to make real contact with other people.

Upon its publication, ‘The Wrong Place’ set off artistic fireworks in the Flemish graphic novel scene. This groundbreaking work, with its bold explosions of colour, established Evens as an international sensation and marked the start of his acclaimed career. Each subsequent book has raised the bar. Full Norwegian and English translations are available.

With his wordless debut ‘Beatrice’, Joris Mertens pulled out all the stops. Beatrice is transported back to the roaring twenties when she finds a photo album in a discarded bag and goes in search of the places in the pictures. Drenched in nostalgia and melancholy, with detailed drawings dominated by shades of red and brown, ‘Beatrice’ is a story full of enchantment and atmosphere.

Mertens was an unknown fifty-something set designer and storyboard artist when he suddenly made his debut with this atmospheric book, quickly gaining international acclaim and winning no fewer than five awards.

This extraordinary graphic novel tells the story of two women at a crossroads in their lives. Rita, a middle-aged woman who has just got divorced, challenges herself by becoming a nude model in drawing classes given by Esther. Vulnerability and courage, looking and being looked at, daring to be naked and closeness are all central themes.

Clement’s debut as a graphic novelist is a deeply moving and visually striking work. Versyp’s script earned the Prix Goscinny du jeune scénariste. A full English translation is available.

Yasmina's father is struggling to make ends meet, but luckily Yasmina knows the right people and places so she can serve him a delicious meal every day. But one day an addictive type of potato appears on the market with rather strange consequences for those who eat them. When her father falls victim to this mystery as well, Yasmina decides that enough is enough.

This delightful adventure comic for children delivers on every front: a gripping story, brisk pacing, laugh-out-loud humour, and extraordinary illustrations. A full English translation is available.

As Aaron’s summer slowly passes, he is forced to confront something he would rather not face: he is attracted to young boys. Ben Gijsemans’ drawings are meticulously detailed, and in their sometimes slow-motion narrative rhythm they perfectly portray Aaron’s struggle with his feelings. A beautiful but painful and subtle portrait of a young man who doesn’t want to know what he already knows, and the despair that results.

Ben Gijsemans’ graphic novel tackles a sensitive subject with a delicate touch, drawing readers into its profound emotional depths. A gem of a book that lingers long after the final page.