An Embarrassment of Riches

                I loved Tardi’s comics not because he creates interesting characters with ambiguous moral codes, or storylines with numerous twists and double takes, but because they show a sense of pride for his country and its culture which we have not yet seen elsewhere in our readings for this semester. While many have remarked on Tardi’s use of ligne-claire to display Paris in all of its splendor, or his adherence to architectural panel design to mirror real-life architectural forms, what struck me most was the synthesis of these two with a third element: the loving depiction of material-laden interiors to convey the abundance of cultural riches that France possesses.

                I found myself quite impressed with the insides of the buildings which Tardi depicts in the Blanc-sec adventures, as they’re usually packed full of objects and materials which evoke a strong sense of appreciation for the French and their cultural history. Take for instance the Museum of Natural History in the Jardin des Plantes, which we first see in the opening two splash panels of Pterror Over Paris. While the building on the outside is shown moon-lit at night in the first panel, what really draws the reader’s eyes is the mid-range shot of the museum’s main hall, choc-full as it is with the plunders of the French paleontological tradition. Depicting –in near-perfect detail—the rare and treasured finds held within the building imparts on us a sense of pride from Tardi; that not only are Paris, or Lyon, or Dijon beautiful in their architectural aesthetics, but also in the things that they hold- tangible reminders of Earth (and mankind’s) history. This renaissance appreciation extends into depictions of household interiors as well: Boutardieu’s home is shown teeming with pieces that hint at France’s standing at the forefront of academic pursuits throughout Western history. The insides of the Rabatjoie’s and Adele’s homes show rich, textural walls and throws, ornate clocks, and gilded candles. In them we see that regular people (albeit regular, upper-middle class people) are a part of this cultural powerhouse as well. I couldn’t help but see all this and envy the French for what they have; Tardi makes this so just by drawing what he loves about his place of origin.