Modeste et Pompon

[1] In 1955 comic-book artist André Franquin got into a dispute with Dupuis, the publishers of Spirou magazine, over financial arrangements concerning his characters.

Since Franquin was unable to find the written confirmation of their agreement, he left to join the staff of the rival Tintin magazine, where he introduced the series Modeste et Pompon.

Franquin's period on the strip is seen as a good reflection of the fashions of the 1950s, from Pompon's dress to Modeste's modern furniture (which, along with his temper, rather belies his name).

The items Felix tries to sell to Modeste include a TV remote control and a battery-powered drill which, though common enough today, were rather new at the time.

This set of stories coincided with the early months of the life of Franquin's daughter Isabelle (who was to lend her name to another popular comic series in which her father was involved).

Modeste and Pompon
Félix hurries off after a sale has gone wrong, Modeste is in a typical mood, Pompon appeals for calm and the boys look on.
After a short stay with his pet rooster, Modeste's uncle is about to leave for home and Modeste serves up a goodbye meal, the main course of which is coq au vin ("rooster with wine"). Uncle Symphorien suddenly has a horrid suspicion.
"JULES!?!"
"Ah! Ah! Ah! Er... a... a silly thought... Tee, hee, hee!... Yes! Silly!... Er... Pay no attention... Er, by the way, my train leaves at 6 tomorrow morning, nephew... Tee, hee!"
Drawn by Franquin, written by Greg