In the new comics the focus is on Fanny.
‘Uranium-235’ was presented in Dessel, the first comic album in the popular Kiekeboes series, which was not created by creator Merho, but by his successors Nix and Charel Cambré.
The new screenwriter and artist say they consciously chose to change course to avoid comparisons with the original story and drawing style as much as possible.
Perhaps the most striking substantive change is that from now on the focus is on daughter Fanny, and not on father Marcel Kiekeboe. In the ‘new’ series, Fanny is 21 years old, lives alone and, as a graduated journalist, has her own vlog. Best friends Tomboy and Alanis become important side characters, just like brother Nopel and grandma Moemoe.
READ ALSO. Merho puts an end to it, but his ‘Kiekeboes’ live on
“There is a whole new universe in which anything can happen,” says screenwriter Nix. “Three young women are at the beginning of their lives, full of the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead of them, which is recognizable to many young adults.”
The drawing style also goes in a completely different direction. “I’m not a chameleon,” laughs Cambré. “I like to work in my own style. Of course, you just have to keep certain characteristics or it won’t work. With others it is easier to deviate more from the original.”
In the first new Kiekeboes, “Uranium-235”, the story revolves around the smuggling of radioactive waste. “Fanny’s vlog is a way to address social issues, comparable to Tintin’s roles as a reporter and Carrie as a columnist in ‘Sex and the City’,” says Nix. “It provides a framework for themes, but not every album has to start with Fanny exploring a new social theme.”
“Uranium-235” will be available in stores from Wednesday. The second album of the renewed series will be released on June 19.