In the prestigious setting of the Brussels town hall, the exhibition will present the most "clear line" period of the creator of "Bob and Bobette", which saw Vandersteen join the Editions du Lombard. It will entail casting a modern look at an exceptional artist.
In 1948, Vandersteen was a star in Flanders. But when he examined the French-speaking market, he noted that "Spirou" and "Tintin" were carving an enviable place for themselves in France. For his part, Raymond Leblanc, the creator of the Journal Tintin, was experiencing some difficulties in boosting sales of the weekly "Kuifje" [Tintin] in Flanders. The two men met and Vandersteen started to work at the Editions du Lombard. Someone forgot that Hergé wanted to retain his influence in a periodical where he is artistic director. The creator of Tintin accepts the arrival of Vandersteen, provided that the latter applies the credit of a quality "clear line" for "Bob and Bobette" destined to appear in his publication. This poses no problem for Vandersteen who will prove that when he takes the time, his drawings and stories have no reason to be envious of those of Hergé or Jacobs.
