Bessie Turf

In the mid-1990s, Dutch publisher Big Balloon introduced readers to the short-lived, two-issue series Bessie Turf (1995–1996), a lighthearted comic created primarily by artist Gerard Leever. The series follows the titular character, Bessie, a young girl whose everyday life is filled with small adventures and humorous mishaps. Though brief, Bessie Turf is a charming snapshot of Leever’s early work, showcasing his clean, expressive style and knack for relatable, slice-of-life storytelling. It remains a minor but fondly remembered entry in the Dutch comic landscape of the era.