L'Encyclopédie des prénoms #31

Part of Vents d'Ouest's charming Encyclopédie des prénoms en BD series, this 2008 volume turns its spotlight on Michel — and the cover leaves no doubt about his personality. A cheerful, wide-grinned cartoon fellow in a teal shirt points confidently skyward, surrounded by a cloud of descriptive words: intelligent, solide, fidèle, épicurien, sûr de lui, and yes, râleur too. It's a delightfully playful way to explore the character traits, history, and cultural weight packed into one very French first name.