L'ombre du Z
Encyclopedia
L'ombre du Z, written and drawn by Franquin
, is the sixteenth album of the Spirou et Fantasio
series, and the second part of Franquin's Zorglub diptych. The story was initially serialised in Spirou
, before its release as a hardcover album in 1962.
, Fantasio
and the Count of Champignac return from Zorgland, to find the population of Champignac
have been paralyzed by a "zorglman" they left behind sedated, the abducted policeman Jérôme, who awoke and went on a stunning spree. After the ordeal of pacifying the rogue zorglman and restoring the people of Champignac to normal, time passes until Zorglub's sinister schemes again become evident. Without remorse (despite the conscience-burdened act during the conclusion of Z comme Zorglub
) Zorglub continues to work for world domination from Palombia
, with increased ambition, and allied with Fantasio's evil nemesis cousin Zantafio
.
There is a stylistic change can be seen over the course of these two albums. Over the years of the production of this essentially, one very long story, the dynamic, "realistic" style undergoes a metamorphosis towards the flexible, comic style Franquin was to develop over his final period.
André Franquin
André Franquin was an influential Belgian comics artist, whose best known comic strip creations are Gaston and Marsupilami, created while he worked on the Spirou et Fantasio comic strip from 1947 to 1969, during a period seen by many as the series' golden age.-Franquin's beginnings:Franquin was...
, is the sixteenth album of the Spirou et Fantasio
Spirou et Fantasio
Spirou et Fantasio is one of the most popular classic Franco-Belgian comic strips. The series, which has been running since 1938, shares many characteristics with other European humorous adventure comics like Tintin and Asterix...
series, and the second part of Franquin's Zorglub diptych. The story was initially serialised in Spirou
Spirou (magazine)
Spirou magazine is a weekly Belgian comics magazine published by the Dupuis company...
, before its release as a hardcover album in 1962.
Story
As The Shadow of Z, begins, SpirouSpirou (character)
Spirou is the main character of the Spirou et Fantasio and Le Petit Spirou comic strips. The character was originally created by Robert Velter for the launch of Le Journal de Spirou in 1938....
, Fantasio
Fantasio
Fantasio is a fictional character from the Spirou et Fantasio comic strip. He was introduced in 1944 by Jijé, who was then drawing Spirou's adventures. Fantasio is Spirou's best friend and co-adventurer, a graphic reporter with an uncontrolled imagination and a mop of blond hair...
and the Count of Champignac return from Zorgland, to find the population of Champignac
Champignac
Champignac, or specifically Champignac-en-Cambrousse, is a fictional village frequently featured in the adventures of Spirou et Fantasio by André Franquin and the successive authors. The initial idea of Champignac is attributed to Henri Gillain...
have been paralyzed by a "zorglman" they left behind sedated, the abducted policeman Jérôme, who awoke and went on a stunning spree. After the ordeal of pacifying the rogue zorglman and restoring the people of Champignac to normal, time passes until Zorglub's sinister schemes again become evident. Without remorse (despite the conscience-burdened act during the conclusion of Z comme Zorglub
Z comme Zorglub
Z comme Zorglub, written and drawn by Franquin, is the fifteenth album of the Spirou et Fantasio series, and the first part of Franquin's Zorglub diptych...
) Zorglub continues to work for world domination from Palombia
Palombia
Palombia is a fictitious South American country from the Belgian Spirou et Fantasio and Marsupilami comic book stories. The name is a portmanteau of Paraguay and Colombia. In French, Palombie is especially a word game between Colombie, Colombe and Palombe.-Overview:Palombia is a small country in...
, with increased ambition, and allied with Fantasio's evil nemesis cousin Zantafio
Zantafio
Zantafio is a recurring fictional antagonist in the Spirou et Fantasio comic book series. He was created by André Franquin and first appeared in Spirou et les héritiers . Zantafio bears a strong resemblance to Fantasio, because they are cousins...
.
Background
In no small part, this album joins Franquin's body of work that comments on the advertising industry.There is a stylistic change can be seen over the course of these two albums. Over the years of the production of this essentially, one very long story, the dynamic, "realistic" style undergoes a metamorphosis towards the flexible, comic style Franquin was to develop over his final period.