Diversité und bande dessinée. "Magasin général" (Loisel & Tripp) im Spannungsfeld zwischen frankophoner Tradition und postkolonialer Anerkennung in Québec

Abstract

The comic series Magasin général (2006–2014) is one of Québec’s most successful bandes dessinées. At first glance, this seems surprising; as the work celebrates the image of a pre-industrial, idyllic rural Québec populated by eccentric characters, at a time when the French-speaking Canadian province has long seen itself as an open society characterised by transculturalism and diversity. The analysis of the albums explores this (apparent) contradiction and highlights how this rather traditional image offers points of connection for a contemporary understanding of diversity and intercultural openness. Finally, in a postcolonial reading of the work, the proposed avenues for cultural identification are critically examined and connections to current social challenges in Quebec are highlighted, particularly with regard to the recognition of Indigenous perspectives.