Cartoonist’s Autobio Collection Cited by Comics Critics Group

BK Munn in Sequential.

Montreal-based cartoonist Jimmy Beaulieu has won the first ever prize honouring Quebec comics given out by the international group of comics critics, L’Association des critiques et journalistes de bande dessinée (ACBD). 

Beaulieu’s collection of autobiographical comics, Non-aventures (trans. “Non-Adventures”) was cited for its “unparalleled” and “fascinating” ability to convey narrative through art. The book, which chronicles Beaulieu’s amorous and quotidian activities between 1996 and 2013 was originally published by Mécanique Générale in Quebec and by Les Impressions nouvelles (as Les Aventures) in France this year.

The 350-page book collects a number of previously-published short stories, including “Quelques pelures,” “Résine de synthèse,” “Le moral des troupes” and “Le Roi cafard.”

Comics readers may be familiar with the awarding agency, The ACBD, an association of 82 French-language journalists and critics, including several from Quebec, who write about comics. The ACBD publishes an annual report on the comics industry in France, as well as issuing reading lists and prizes for European francophone band dessinee. 

This is the first year they have singled out Quebec comics for a separate award, basing their choice on a long-list of 115 comics. Beaulieu’s won out over a short list that also included Blonk’s 23h72 and La guerre des arts by Francis Desharnais (both published by Pow Pow press).

Beaulieu will be presented with the award, which apparently has no cash prize attached, at the Salon du livre de Montréal on November 20. The award will be presented by Régis Loisel and Jean-Louis Tripp, creators of the bd series Magasin Général.

For his part, Beaulieu acknowledged on social media his gratitude for the recognition, noting it makes him feel “less like a ghost” as a labourer in the comics vineyards.

full press release