Spirou (magazine)
History
Spirou is a weekly comic magazine published in Belgium by Dupuis. It was first published in 1938, and its name is derived from the Walloon word for squirrel, which is also the name of one of its most popular characters, Spirou. The magazine has been a significant influence in the development of the Franco-Belgian comic tradition, known as the "Marcinelle school".
The magazine was initially aimed at a young Catholic audience and included a mix of adventure, humor, and morality tales. The first issue, published on April 21, 1938, included the debut of the character Spirou, created by Rob-Vel. Spirou was a bellboy who embarked on various adventures, often accompanied by his pet squirrel, Spip.
During World War II, the magazine was forced to stop publishing due to paper shortages. After the war, it resumed publication and introduced new characters and series, including Lucky Luke and The Smurfs, which would go on to become internationally popular.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Spirou magazine was at the height of its popularity, with a circulation of over 300,000 copies per week. During this period, it introduced several other successful series, including Gaston Lagaffe, Marsupilami, and Boule et Bill.
Content and Format
Spirou magazine features a mix of ongoing serials and short stories, with a focus on adventure and humor. The magazine is known for its high-quality artwork, with many of its artists and writers going on to have successful careers in the comic book industry.
The magazine's format has evolved over the years. Initially, it was published in a large tabloid format, but it switched to a smaller, more standard comic book size in the 1970s. The magazine also began to include more color pages during this period.
Each issue of Spirou magazine typically includes several ongoing series, as well as one-shot stories and gags. The magazine also features editorial content, including news, reviews, and interviews related to the comic book industry.
Influence and Legacy
Spirou magazine has had a significant influence on the Franco-Belgian comic book tradition. Many of the artists and writers who got their start in Spirou went on to have successful careers in the comic book industry, and several of the series that debuted in the magazine have become internationally popular.
The magazine's influence can also be seen in its contribution to the development of the Marcinelle school, a style of comic book art characterized by a dynamic, cartoony style. This style, named after the town where Dupuis is based, has had a significant influence on European comics.
Despite changes in the comic book industry and shifts in reader tastes, Spirou magazine continues to be published weekly and remains a significant presence in the Franco-Belgian comic book scene.