Collection à 8 Francs
(La) Collection à 8 Francs (The "Franc" was the French currency before euro) was a French comic books series, released - without any numbering – from 1944 to 1946 by Editions S.A.G.E, better known for its "Aventures et Mystère" series.
In a total of 66 comic-books, only a few were devoted to Mandrake the Magician. Others issues featured comics such as The Phantom, Jungle Jim, Tim Tyler's Luck, The Lone Ranger, Secret Agent X-9 as well as some French comics.
The issues were presented in an oblong format of 26,5 × 17 cm . Their selling price was “8 Francs”, a inexpensive cost (The "Franc" was the French currency at the time), but in return the pagination was rather poor (8 pages in black & white). The covers have a distinctive look, being illustrated with colored strips directly taken from the comics. Only the title of the episode appears on the covers, not the name of the main character. It is also noteworthy that the words "Collection à 8 Francs" are not necessary indicated on the front page but the short abbreviation "Prix: 8 F" (Price: 8 F) is always mentionned.
At least, one album was made in 1945 with ten previous issues being put together. It contains the two following Mandrake stories: "Le loup-garou" and "Nuit d'épouvante".
Issue overview (Mandrake issues only)
1945 | Le loup-garou |
1945 | Nuit d'épouvante |
1946 | Mandrake et l'enfant prodige |
1946 | Mandrake à Hollywood |