La Folle Du Sacré-Cœur (1992-1998) / Madwoman of the Sacred Heart (2012) Les Humanoïdes Associés/Humanoids 19.7 x 26.7cm, 192 pages
Madwoman of the Sacred Heart follows the life of Alan Mangel, an highly esteemed professor of philosophy at the prestigious La Sorbonne university, who has all the trappings of success: money, a marriage, academic merit. However on Alan’s 60th birthday his world is turned upside down, as something challenges his long held preconceptions and inhibitions.
Although Moebius is indeed credited as the illustrator for Madwoman of the Sacred Heart alongside longterm creative partner Alejandro Jodorowsky on regular writing duties, the traditional look of some of the illustrations feel more in keeping with Jean Giraud’s earlier “Gir” incarnation (better known for Blueberry).
This comic book is mature both in it’s erotic art style and also in it’s storytelling as we explore a protagonist in the latter Autumn season of their life where most of their beliefs have already been well rooted, only for (as the reader shall see) the proverbial rug to be pulled from under their feet.
The Diffusion section showcases poster illustrations of comic book superheroes including Marvel’s Elektra, The Thing, Iron Man, Daredevil, Wolverine, Spider-Man, The Silver Surfer, The Punisher and also DC’s Batman and Sandman’s Death. Also inside are production designs made for movies such as Little Nemo in Slumberland (1989) and Willow (1988).
Perfusion contains illustrations and poster work for French publication and another for a comics festival. Of particular note in Perfusion is a short 15 page comic entitled Oracle told in mostly 2-panel structure about the story of Zon who is on a path of self-discovery and who meets the eponymous Oracle.
Confusion features illustrations for various French publications, some watercolour pieces that Moebius had completed whilst in Los Angeles and a handful of immersive double-page spreads. Inside are also a series of portraits by Moebius of friends and loved ones including of longterm creative collaborator Alejandro Jodorowsky.
Effusion includes a Moebius homage to Katsuhiro Otomo’s manga masterpiece Akira, production designs for the movie The Abyss (1989) and various poster and t-shirt designs.
Transfusion consists of a series of abstract pieces with accompanying poetry by Moebius.
Jean Giraud concludes Fusion with a dedication to his mother, Pauline Vinchon.