''La mauvaise tête'', written and drawn by Franquin, is the eighth album in the ''

Spirou et Fantasio ''Spirou & Fantasio'' (), commonly shortened to ''Spirou'', is one of the most popular classic Franco-Belgian comics. The series, which has been running since 1938, shares many characteristics with other European comics, European humorous adventu ...

'' series. After serial publication in '' Spirou'' magazine the complete story was published, along with the

Marsupilami ''Marsupilami'' is a comic book character and fictional animal species created by André Franquin. Its first appearance was in the 31 January 1952 issue of the Franco-Belgian comics magazine '' Spirou''. Since then it appeared regularly in th ...

short story ''Touchez pas aux rouges-gorges'', in a hardcover album in 1957.

Story

In ''A Head for Crime'', due to a few missing passport photos, Fantasio finds himself a victim of a conspiracy to frame him as the thief of an invaluable Egyptian gold mask. Appearing completely guilty, he is forced to flee from the law, attempting escape from the city disguised as a competing bicyclist in the 6 day mountain endurance race ''Tour de Midiville'', leaving Spirou alone with the tough task of exposing the real villains, and clearing Fantasio's name. The accompanying short story, ''Don't Touch the Robins'', describes the

's close relationship with little birds, while vacationing in The Count of Champignac's castle park (presumably during the events of the Marsupilami-free story ''La mauvaise tête'').

Background

This classic tale of an innocent wrongly condemned, is presented in the tight-paced and "cinematic" storytelling that is typical of Franquin's strongest work. The combination of energetic line style and ''noir'' tension sets a tone that, to some followers, marks the peak of the ''Spirou'' adventures.

References

Franquin publications in ''Spirou''
BDoubliées

External links

Official site Spirou albums

Franquin site Spirou albums
Comics by André Franquin Spirou et Fantasio albums 1957 graphic novels 1957 in comics Works originally published in Spirou (magazine) Literature first published in serial form {{FrancoBelgian-comics-stub