BAR2 Lot n° 16

BAR2 JOE BAR TEAM Volume 5, Vents d'Ouest, 2003 Original illustration, pre-published in L'Encyclopédie imbécile de la moto published by Vents d'Ouest in 1998. Signed. India ink and white gouache on paper 27.1 × 19 cm (10.67 × 7.48 in.) "The legend that accompanies this drawing in L'Encyclopédie imbécile de la moto reads: "In the case of the sport biker, it's in the holes in the fabric that you see the hero. And this, of course, alludes to the cult film L'Étoffe des héros (1983). By integrating Volume 5, this superb drawing has lost its legend, but not its funniness. Aside from its technical quality, which has never been so close to that of André Franquin, this drawing is a model of its kind in terms of humor: poor Édouard, with his empty, impassive stare, and his devastated clothes, is downright hilarious. "I really like this drawing. That's why I wanted to include it in Volume 5. In fact, it was this drawing, and one or two others I'd done for the Encyclopedia, that inspired me to get back into comics and tackle Volume 5. Clearly, I was ready to get back in the ring!