Graphic novel publisher aims for French invasion of English-language market

PARIS - A top French graphic novels publisher is translating its entire catalogue into English and making it available digitally, it said Tuesday, in a bid to break the US market.

Only a few big names—such as Asterix and Tintin—have ever been translated from French, meaning that francophone graphic novels have never made a big impact in the English-speaking world.

France's largest independent publisher, Delcourt/Soleil, hopes to change that by releasing some 150 of its titles in English over the next 12 months, and making them available in digital form through a tie-up with the ComiXology retail website.

It marks the first time a francophone publisher has signed a deal to translate its entire catalogue into English and digital formats.

Delcourt/Soleil's hits include "Breath of the Wendigo", a fantasy set during the First World War and illustrated by British artist Charlie Adlard, known for "The Walking Dead" series.

It also published "Come Prima" by illustrator Alfred, which won the top prize at last year's Angouleme festival, Europe's leading comics event.

ComiXology has built a dominant position among online retailers, with nearly 75,000 titles including big names such as Marvel and DC Comics.

"Today marks the beginning of the 'French Invasion' of comics in the English language market," said co-founder and CEO of ComiXology, David Steinberger.

"The English language audience is more diverse than ever and Delcourt's compelling titles will speak to ComiXology fans. It's high time that French comics take their rightful place as a major comics category," he added. — Agence France-Presse