Historical Comics Series “Les Dates chocs de l’Histoire” Launches with Focus on Decisive Moments
The French publishing house Grand Angle is launching a new historical comic book collection titled “Les Dates chocs de l’Histoire” in September 2025. The series prioritizes specific, high-stakes events over extended historical periods, with the first two volumes covering the 1918 Armistice and the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, according to publisher announcements.
The Concept Behind “Les Dates chocs”
The collection originated from an idea by historian and comic book writer Jean-Yves Le Naour, who specializes in the First World War. Unlike previous Grand Angle projects, such as Les Compagnons de la Libération or Les Justes, which focused on the lives and actions of individual figures, this series centers on singular, definitive moments in time.
Le Naour emphasizes that the narrative focus shifts from the character to the event itself. While the books maintain historical rigor, they are written as graphic novels rather than textbooks. Le Naour notes that his goal is to provide a “vraisemblable” (plausible) account that captures the dramatic tension of the event, aiming to bring the history to life for readers ranging from middle school students to adults.
The Initial Releases
The first two volumes of the series are:
* 11 novembre 1918. Au cœur de l’armistice: This volume explores the behind-the-scenes negotiations of the armistice, specifically detailing the perspective of the German delegation. The artwork for this volume is provided by Cédrick Le Bihan.
* 28 octobre 1962. Au cœur de la crise de Cuba: This title examines the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis, connecting the historical standoff to modern-day nuclear tensions. The illustrations are by Brice Goepfert.
Each album consists of approximately 60 pages. Le Naour describes the production process as a collaborative effort, allowing the illustrators significant creative freedom.
Future Outlook and Publishing Goals
Grand Angle plans to release two titles per year for the collection. The long-term viability of the series depends on public reception and sales performance. While the publisher has not set a specific sales figure, Le Naour has expressed a personal target of 10,000 copies per volume.
The editorial team is already considering future subjects for the collection. Potential topics include the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, and the 1938 Munich Crisis. By selecting events that remain relevant to contemporary geopolitical discussions, the publisher aims to maintain a consistent interest in the series.
Key Takeaways
- Publisher: Grand Angle
- Primary Writer: Jean-Yves Le Naour
- Format: 60-page graphic novels
- Target Audience: Middle school students to adults
- Release Schedule: Two titles per year
- Upcoming Potential Subjects: 1938 Munich Crisis and 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall