BDFugue Nice

Twenty years ago, two comic book enthusiasts still believed in the power of paper. In the heart of Nice, Xavier Ollivrin and Paul Di Battista took over a comic book store that was on the verge of bankruptcy. Two decades later, BDFugue is a cult favorite for anyone who loves to read between the panels. From the beginning, they envisioned a place where you could browse, chat, and have a coffee. A place to spend time, not just to buy. "We're not elitist; we want to introduce people. If we start to be elitist about comics, we've got it all wrong." A warm welcome has remained their driving force, as has the desire to offer comics for all ages and all styles.

The choice is demanding: "There are 5,200 new releases per year. It's a challenge." You have to read, sort, organize, and guide. The bookstore has grown with the times. The graphic novel has taken off, the readership has become more feminine, and manga has exploded. "A real roller coaster! It was through cartoons that many discovered paper manga." A valuable bridge that BDFugue continues to nurture by guiding younger readers toward other stories.

If Asterix remains the undisputed bestseller, all generations combined, Xavier has his classics: Faraway neighborhood from Taniguchi, The endless world of Blain and Jancovici, The Arab of the futurer by Riad Sattouf. Three powerful stories, at the crossroads of the personal and the political, which demonstrate how comics have developed a true language of reality. BDFugue is also a playground for collectors: posters, mugs, plush toys, keychains, resin or metal figurines (Tintin, Blacksad, Naruto, etc.), and even gashapons and pop culture CDs. Despite tight margins and a large inventory to manage, the bookstore is holding its own. "What we sell here, we don't sell online. We share it."

Activities, author meetings, thematic showcases: the team is constantly renewing its ideas to maintain a strong connection with the public. On September 13, BDFugue celebrated its 20th anniversary with a drawing competition, a quiz, and a few surprises. In October, it will welcome Franck Biancarelli for the release of Green Witch Village (The Lombard).

31 rue d'Angleterre, Nice