Messaline

In the late 1960s, the French publisher Les editions de poche launched Messaline, a six-issue series that blends historical drama with the sensationalism of the bande dessinée tradition. Set in ancient Rome, it follows the infamous empress Messalina, exploring themes of power, intrigue, and decadence through bold, expressive artwork. Though brief, the series stands as a distinctive artifact of its era, showcasing the European appetite for mature, visually striking historical comics.