“Reconnect with a popular connection to comic fiction”: this is how Anaïs Aubert, publisher of Éditions Dargaud and responsible for the new label, defines the objective of the latest addition to the house. To make a young generation of aspiring authors shine, to shed light on the plurality of their talents and the singularity of their pens.
This is also the primary meaning of the name of this new label. Combinedit’s the amalgam of hybrid influences, the perfect combination of genres. From thrillers to love stories, through fantasy and science fictionCombo will touch every member of this young generation through relatable characters, heartfelt and unique stories, and social issues that often cross fiction into reality.
With this new bet, the publishing house adds an arrow to its bow to reach a new audience: it understands the young generations, both behind the book and in front, and wants to delight them with stories, one more exciting than the other. . Focus, on the first three comics launched under the Combo label on January 19, 2024.
Distant shores: clandestine trafficking, mafia and toxic love stories
“One of the first three works to be discovered for the launch of Combo tells the story of Jules: a young 17-year-old Italian immigrant trying to survive in Chicago. When he meets Adam Czar, a big name in the local mafia, he joins the criminal world by extorting so-called “protection” from traders. This is how he begins a secret and dangerous romantic relationship, which will lead Jules on an adventure as dark as it is exciting.
This original mafia story comes directly from the creative mind of Anaïs Flogny. For her first comic, this young Parisian artist offers a majestic tour de force. Fresh out of graduation, and after a few months of freelancing for publishing houses, this talented author presents us with a raw story, touching characters, through magnificent drawings and sincere writing. A very successful first book that certainly marks the beginning of a long career.
Hana and Taru: a political-fantastic reflection in a rural and dreamlike universe
“Taru lives in a hunter-warrior village that is attacked every year by the once-peaceful forest gods. After his mother decides to rush into the forest to attack these so-called gods, Taru wants to take action. With the help of Hana, a young human prisoner of the village, they manage to overcome the rest of the tribe and venture towards this new enemy, with the desire to understand the reason for these attacks. “
This epic encourages reflection on many social issues, it is a two-sided masterpiece, a successful co-creation. On the one hand Léo Schilling, who writes, whose inspiration draws from the children he works with on a daily basis. On the other, Motteux, illustrator, graduate of comics school and passionate about natural and aquatic settings.
This work perfectly represents the explosive cocktail of their universes and gives us an unforgettable journey full of action and emotion in an incredibly colorful universe, worthy of the greatest heroic fantasy stories. To be devoured urgently!
Il Pozzo: the timeless fairy tale that questions memory and identity
“When Lizzy is a child, her family disappears into the fog during a battle with Leviathan. She has since led a modest life selling cheese with her grandfather. One day she steals three coins from a well and accidentally wakes up the fog monsters. To make up for her mistake, Lizzy undertakes a quest in which trials follow trials and which explores the themes of family, nature and the wonderful. “
It is to the talent of the two great creative souls of this comic that we owe The Well. The story comes directly from the brain of Jake Wyatt, writer, screenwriter, designer and artistic director, who has worked at the largest animation studios. In terms of drawings, it is to the author and illustrator Choo that we owe this unique style. They are very involved in gender issues and his work immediately convinced Jake Wyatt that they should be the ones to illustrate and bring his story to life.
These first three gems from Combo reveal a true narrative and artistic diversity, representative of the spirit of this new label. And this is only the beginning. This June, Combo will launch two exciting new comics: No love lost by Luca Oliveri e Majo No Michi by Tony Concrete to bring this young reader new touching stories with breathtaking drawings.
Source: Madmoizelle
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
