Once Upon a Time in France #1–6 (2007–2012)
🗂️ Genre
Historical Fiction • Crime Drama • War • Biographical Thriller
This powerful series blends fact and fiction, diving deep into the murky waters of morality, survival, and ambition during Nazi-occupied France. It’s a masterclass in historical storytelling—layered, dramatic, and uncompromising.
👤 Main Characters
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Joseph Joanovici – A Romanian-born Jewish scrap metal dealer who rises to power in Nazi-occupied France, navigating both Resistance and Nazi circles for survival and profit.
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Lucie Joanovici – Joseph’s supportive yet morally conflicted wife, torn between love and fear.
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Commissaire Sébas – A lawman obsessed with bringing Joanovici to justice.
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Honorat – A loyal bodyguard and enforcer who aids Joseph throughout his rise.
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Judge Legentil – A symbol of post-war justice and the conscience of a wounded nation.
✍️ Writer
Fabien Nury – Known for his sharp political narratives, Nury delivers a densely woven script that interrogates the gray zones of morality in wartime. His narrative balance between fact and dramatization makes this work hauntingly unforgettable.
🎨 Artist
Sylvain Vallée – Vallée’s art is atmospheric, grounded, and expressive. With a realistic style that brings 1940s France vividly to life, he captures both emotional subtleties and brutal realism.
🧑💼 Editor Details
The editorial team ensured historical accuracy while pushing narrative boundaries. While not widely publicized individually, the editing is tight, focused, and impactful—ensuring a seamless flow across timelines and story arcs.
🏢 Publisher and Brand
Publisher: Glénat Editions
Branding: While not under an American imprint, the series gained international acclaim and was later translated into English by Europa Comics. Its presentation rivals mature-branded content such as Vertigo or DC Black Label, though from a European publishing perspective.
📅 Release Year
2007–2012
The six-volume series was published over five years, solidifying its legacy as a modern European graphic novel masterpiece.
📖 Brief Plot Summary
Set against the backdrop of WWII France, Once Upon a Time in France follows the unbelievable yet historically inspired life of Joseph Joanovici. A Jewish immigrant who amasses a fortune in the scrap metal business, he rises to unexpected power by navigating treacherous alliances—supplying both the Nazis and the Resistance. The series explores his duality: hero to some, collaborator to others. Was he a survivor, a traitor, or both?
The story unfolds non-linearly, tracing Joanovici’s life from poverty to influence and from admiration to infamy, culminating in his post-war trial where France must decide whether to punish or pardon.
🔍 Notable Arcs or Storylines
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"The Iron Empire" – Chronicles Joseph’s ascent through the black market during wartime scarcity.
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"The Double Game" – Focuses on his delicate dance between the Gestapo and the Resistance.
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"Judgment Day" – The final volume, where past actions return in the form of a legal and moral reckoning.
Each arc deepens the central theme: survival comes at a cost—and sometimes, that cost is one’s soul.
🧠 Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Many readers interpret Joseph Joanovici as an antihero whose contradictory choices reflect the moral ambiguity of war.
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Some speculate that Joanovici's alliance with both sides wasn’t solely survival-based, but driven by a complex psychological need for power and recognition after a life of marginalization.
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A compelling fan interpretation links his actions to survivor's guilt, suggesting he overcompensated by "outplaying" the system that sought to destroy him.
🌟 Review Summary
Once Upon a Time in France is a triumph of mature graphic storytelling. The writing is dense yet captivating, pulling readers into ethical gray areas rarely explored so intimately in comics. Fabien Nury’s nuanced script avoids moral preaching, instead presenting layered characters driven by fear, loyalty, and ambition.
Sylvain Vallée’s artwork heightens the tension with cinematic framing, emotionally rich facial expressions, and detailed historical settings. Whether it’s a smoky Paris alley or a tense courtroom, the visual tone amplifies the storytelling impact.
📚 Verdict: A gripping, morally complex read with top-tier art and storytelling. Highly recommended for fans of political drama, historical intrigue, and character-driven narratives.
🕰️ A haunting tale of power, identity, and the shadows cast by war.
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