BRUSSELS, Belgium – The birthplace of TinTin, the Smurfs and many other famous comic book characters, Belgium, particularly Brussels, has a long tradition of celebrating the art form. The city honors the strips not only with a museum dedicated to exploring the artistic expression, but also with a series of murals that the city began installing in 1993.

Totaling 31 walls today, with more added every year, the murals pay homage to TinTin, to the Adventures of Nero, to Lucky Luke, on various buildings throughout the city. Among the classic gothic architecture that dominates Brussels, the paintings pop.

They remind both tourists and natives of Brussels’ right to be called the capital of the comic strip, but many also tease the city about its heritage. For instance, in the Cubitus mural, the strip by Dupa’s mischievous bear character replaces Mannekan Piss, the infamous fountain of a little peeing boy, who is left to look on, scowling.

Following the Comic Book Route is a unique way to explore the city and learn a little more about its icons. While the strips and characters brighten the streets and exude a vibrant cheerfulness at first look, many of the strips use deceptively child-friendly imagery to reflect upon political and cultural issues within a socially acceptable forum. Brussels’ public embrace of the art signifies an open mind to an often counter-culture message.

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