Why is comic-strip art important in Belgium?

In Belgium, the comic strip is considered a serious and well-respected art form that serves as a vital component of the country's modern cultural heritage.1

Its importance is underscored by several key factors:

• Global Cultural Impact: Belgian creators have produced iconic characters that achieved worldwide fame. Most notably, Hergé created the boy hero Tintin, whose adventures have been translated into more than 80 languages. Additionally, Peyo (Pierre Culliford) created The Smurfs, which became a globally recognized television cartoon series.12
• Institutional Recognition: The medium is formally celebrated through dedicated infrastructure, such as the Belgian Centre for Comic Strip Art in Brussels, which attracts visitors from across Europe. Furthermore, a museum dedicated to the work of Hergé was established in Louvain-la-Neuve to preserve and honor his artistic legacy.1342

By elevating the comic strip from simple entertainment to a recognized cultural asset, Belgium has solidified its status as a significant center for this narrative art form.1