While I absolutely love the art, I found it impossible to keep up with the story. Lots of double-crossing happens, and people like to wear masks and disguises, so I couldn't keep track of who was against who and why. ( )

A graphic novel from France set in 1911 Paris. Strange goings on abound, and Adele Blanc-Sec gets caught up in them (usually in conjunction with some slightly unsavory business of her own). Nifty artwork which nicely evokes early twentieth century Paris, but I found the stories not entirely gripping and just a tiny bit hard to follow. ( )

I'm so glad that this was finally translated from the French and made available for sale in the US. I found this at Quimby's in Chicago, which I go to for all my comic needs and it includes Pterror Over Paris and The Eiffel Tower Demon. It's set in Paris 1911 when a Pterodactyl in a museum comes to life and it's full of alot of classic devices that make this niche topic quirky and lovable. In some ways, it's a classic detective story with all of these bizarre elements thrown in...who is controlling the monsters, mistaken identity, framing of the wrong person, etc. all are at play but it's still creative and enchanting. I would really like to see the film done based on the graphic novel but sadly it's unavailable in the US right now. Sad face. ( )

I was a fan of Adele Blanc-Sec in the original French from back in the 1980's. Tardi's style can get gruesome, but rollicking adventure is the key. I recently acquired this English translation after seeing the movie that was loosely based on the Pterodactyl story. The movie was a total delight, using many of the charming Tardi-isms (such beginning with the bourgeoise gentleman on his way home) although seeing Adele smile was a bit of a shock.
These stories are part of an unfolding text and Adele is kept a blank so that her character has room to develop. She is mysterious! She is brave! If she is on your side, how can you lose?
The drawings are simply fabulous.

The intrigue of the Blanc-Sec graphic novels starts in media res in this first volume, made up of translated reprints of the first two numbers of the French series. "Pterror over Paris" is pretty bewildering--a complicated plot is only further confused by a passage of three pages or more where it seems like everyone in 1911 Paris is running around in dark glasses and false moustaches! Despite numerous murders and maimings, it seems that little has been resolved by the end of this episode.

The second number "The Eiffel Tower Demon" offers a more conclusive ending, and also provides a brief reprise of the previous one that gave me some needed reassurance that I had understood the story to that point. Throughout these yarns, there are no especially noble or heroic characters, although protagonist Adele is gradually coming into better focus. There are competing criminal elements, dangerously idealistic scientists, and cops who are alternately incompetent or corrupt.

Tardi's art is great fun, and reminds me somewhat of the virtues of Ted McKeever. The Thompson translation of the text seems quite able.