Z comme Zorglub

Summary

Z comme Zorglub, written and drawn by Franquin, is the fifteenth album of the Spirou et Fantasio series, and the first part of Franquin's Zorglub diptych. The story was initially serialised in Spirou magazine before its release as a hardcover album in 1961.

Spirou et Fantasio #15
Z comme Zorglub
Z is for Zorglub
Cover of the Belgian edition
Date1961
SeriesSpirou et Fantasio
PublisherDupuis
Creative team
WritersFranquin
with Greg
ArtistsFranquin
with Jidéhem
Original publication
Published inSpirou magazine
Issues
  1. 1096 - #1136
Date of publication1959-1960
LanguageFrench
ISBN2-8001-0017-6
Translation
PublisherFantasy Flight Publishing
Date1995
ISBN0-3163-5852-5
TranslatorKim Thompson
Chronology
Preceded byLe prisonnier du Bouddha, 1960
Followed byL'ombre du Z, 1962

Story edit

In Z is for Zorglub, Fantasio receives a hair dryer as a gift from a secret admirer, but its unexpected hypnotic abilities announce a new ominous presence in the Spirou universe. Zorglub, an old acquaintance of the Count of Champignac, appears from the past and offers the Count the chance to join him in seizing world domination, but it is firmly rejected. In response, Zorglub proceeds to demonstrate his powers by manipulating the township of Champignac to storm the Count's mansion, which nearly leads to the destruction of his laboratory. As this just barely fails, Zorglub decides to kidnap Fantasio, to "zorglhomize" him into a zorglhomme (zorglman), forcing Spirou and the Count to travel to the village of Zorgland, and attempt to outwit the criminal mastermind.

Background edit

 
Spirou published in English

Along with the introduction of the new arch-enemy Zorglub, a few inventions and vehicles associated with him are seen for the first time, most impressively the Zorglumobile and the Zorglécoptère. Another first is the stunning weapon of the zorglhomme, the Zorglonde (Zorglwave or perhaps Z-ray).

Champignac town gendarme (policeman) Jérôme is seen for the first time, and is given the distinction of becoming the first zorglhomme of Champignac-en-Cambrousse.

The album was translated into English by Kim Thompson and released in 1995[1]: 75 

References edit

  • Franquin publications in Spirou BDoubliées (in French)
  1. ^ Scott, Randall William (2002). European comics in English translation: a descriptive sourcebook. Jefferson (N. C.) London: McFarland. ISBN 978-0-7864-1205-1.

External links edit

  • Spirou official site album index (in French)
  • Franquin site album index (in French)