Les Affreux #1

The opening volume of Les Affreux sets a delightfully scheming tone right from its cover, where two sharply contrasting men — one stocky and red-faced, the other lean and cool — squabble over what appears to be a small object, with an elegant French château spreading out grandly behind them. The subtitle "Dumont Père & Fils" hints at a father-and-son duo whose relationship looks anything but harmonious, and the exaggerated expressions give the whole scene a sharp comedic edge. From 12 Bis in 2012, this first album by Chanoinat, Marniquet, Grand, and Vergne looks like a sharp, funny ride through family rivalry set against a backdrop of old money and big ambitions.