Marsupilami returns to cinema as Franco-Belgian comic icon

The Marsupilami, a unique creature described as half-monkey and half-leopard, is returning to the cinema. The character first appeared in 1951 within the Spirou et Fantasio comic series, a cornerstone of the Franco-Belgian comic school.

While the series was originally created by Rob-Vel in 1938, it was André Franquin who significantly shaped the work starting in 1946, defining its humorous style and long-form adventure structure. The Marsupilami became so popular that it eventually received its own collection of albums, written by Greg and Yann and illustrated by Batem.

The history of the Spirou et Fantasio series includes various creators and shifts, including work by Jijé and the eventual sale to the publisher Dupuis during the occupation of Belgium.