Christmas Issues in French Weekly Comics Le Journal de Mickey, Spirou, Tintin, Pilote and Pif Gadget (1934-2021)

The difference between Scout-related and non-denominational weeklies is particularly noticeable in the “Christmas Special” issues. When Le Journal de Spirou or Tintin give pride of place to the Nativity or St. Nicolas, and go, on the cover, to the point of inscribing the comic book heroes in real pious images, Le Journal de Mickey gives the spotlight to Santa Claus. Pilote puts more emphasis on presents and agapes. The Goscinny team approaches Christmas stories as a set of writing constraints whose stereotypes are soon treated by derision and parody. At the end of the 70’s, Santa Claus is the emblem of artifice. Today, even in Spirou, the Nativity leaves room for ecologist and feminist causes. Christmas has become a suspicious holiday. For Le Journal de Mickey, it’s also the big screen pop party.