10

I need help identifying a graphic novel series about a female adventurer in different parts of Africa, with tribal magic, death threats, severed limbs in the mail, etc.

I read it in French at a relatives house a few years ago, but I don't speak French, so I don't know more about the story. It may originally have been in another language, I don't know.


I remember a particular scene at the end of one book where she had to walk over hot coals, all the way to an old lady sitting there. She had to give her earring away to the old lady, and the old woman then opened her mouth comically wide and almost engulfed the adventurer.

3
  • 2
    Welcome to Science Fiction & Fantasy! Take a look at this guide to help jog your memory and edit any more details. Specifically things like when you read it, or where? Also, take a look at our tour to get a better understanding of our site and earn your first badge!
    – Edlothiad
    Mar 1, 2017 at 20:20
  • Just to rule out possibilities, was the tribal magic shown to work? Just ritual? Maybe Magic Maybe Mundane? Was the artwork cartoony? Realistic?
    – FuzzyBoots
    Mar 1, 2017 at 20:46
  • ritual magic, and it was rather realistically drawn.
    – Unikitten
    Mar 1, 2017 at 21:03

1 Answer 1

1

A long shot, but could it be The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc Sec by Jacques Tardi?

The titular character is like a female Indiana Jones, albeit in the Edwardian era with some weird science, occult leanings and a very Gallic style of art and characterisation. Some of the books have English translations, but some remain in the original French.

It's still in print (Amazon link) and the first book was made into a rather charming French language film in 2011.

I don't remember her being in the jungles of Africa (in what I've read) but she's certainly in Egypt and deeper travels wouldn't be out of character for her or the series - magic, dinosaurs, talking apes, mummies etc.

As for gory and sexy? It's French comic art and there's some light nudity - lots of baths and the occasional bared breast. I don't remember any serious gore, but severed limbs and people being eaten by dinosaurs isn't impossible.

A native French speaker would probably be able to help you more.

My only other thought is that it might have been something published in Heavy Metal magazine - but that allows for very gory and very explicit content. I'm not sure how you'd find that, but it might ring a bell for someone.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.