With the growing popularity of graphic novels over the last two decades it is hardly surprising that some of Christie's best novels have been converted to this format. The project was conceived by Emmanuel Proust Editions, and during the period from 2002 to 2012 several dozens books were converted to the graphic format, but in French. Overlapping this time frame, Euro Comics India translated a total of 21 books into English between 2007 and 2013. They partnered with HarperCollins, London, UK, to bring these translated versions to market. As part of the conversion, covers were redesigned by Nina Tara. While Tara's designs may appeal to some, the French covers are much more interesting and visually appropriate for a graphic novel. Some collectors may prefer to locate the French versions for the visual appeal. Regardless, to have a complete collection of the 24 books, three of them will need to be the French versions. They are listed below with their original French title.
All stories are modified and edited to fit the graphic novel format and shorter page count. All items were within copyright and approved by Agatha Christie Limited. Also of note is the introduction to Dead Man's Folly which was written by Mathew Prichard, and thus is of additional appeal to fans of Christie.
Below are the other two French titles not translated into English, and the French cover for Evil under the Sun, for comparison purposes (slide to view). All other English language covers can be found at the bottom of this article.
The 24 Titles: Below are the titles of all of the graphic novels listed in the order they were original printed in French. The English language publication date is also provided.
And Then There Were None. French: 2002 (using the original title); English: 30-Apr-2009. Adapted by Francois Riviere. Illustrated by Frank LeClercq.
The Secret of Chimneys. French: 2002; English: 20-Aug-2007. Adapted by Francois Riviere. Illustrated by Laurence Suhner.
Death on the Nile. French: 2002; English: 16-Jul-2007. Adapted by Francois Riviere. Illustrated by Solidor.
Murder on the Orient Express. French: 2003; English: 16-Jul-2007. Adapted by Francois Riviere. Illustrated by Solidor.
The Secret Adversary. French: 2003; English: 2008. Adapted by Francois Riviere. Illustrated by Frank LeClercq.
Endless Night. French: 2003; English: 1-Sep-2008. Adapted by Francois Riviere. Illustrated by Frank LeClercq.
The Murder on the Links. French: 2004; English: 16-Jul-2007. Adapted by Francois Riviere. Illustrated by Marc Piskic.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. French: 2004; English 2007. Adapted and illustrated by Bruno Lachard.
The Man in the Brown Suit. French: 2005; English 3-Dec-2007. Adapted by Hughot. Illustrated by Bairi.
Murder in Mesopotamia. French: 2005; English: 2008. Adapted by Francois Riviere. Illustrated by Chandre.
The Murder at the Vicarage. French: 2005; English: 20-May-2008. Adapted and illustrated by Norma.
Ordeal by Innocence. French: 2006; English 1-Jul-2008. Adapted and illustrated by Chandre.
The Mystery of the Blue Train. French: 2006; English: 2007. Adapted and illustrated by Marc Piskic.
The Big Four. French: 2006; English: 3-Dec-2007. Adapted and illustrated by Alain Paillou.
Halloween Party. French: 2007; English: 3-Nov-2008. Adapted and illustrated by Chandre.
Dumb Witness. French: 2009; English: 2009. Adapted and illustrated by Marek.
Cards on the Table. French: 2009; English: 27-May-2010. Adapted and illustrated by Frank LeClercq.
Peril at End House. French: 2009; English: 16-Sep-2010. Adapted by Didier Quella-Guyot. Illustrated by Thierry Jollet.
Five Little Pigs. French: 2009; English: 2010. Adapted by Miceal O' Griafa. Illustrated by David Charrier.
Les Oiseaux du lac Stymphale (The Stymphalian Birds, from The Labours of Hercules). French: 2010. Adapted and illustrated by Marek. Note: No English language version.
Dead Man’s Folly. French: 2011; English: 1-Mar-2012. Adapted and illustrated by Marek. Introduction by Mathew Prichard.
Le Couteau sur le Nuque (Lord Edgware Dies). French: 2012. Adapted and illustrated by Marek. Note: No English language version.
Rendez-vous avec la mort (Appointment with Death). French: 2013. Adapted by Didier Quella-Guyot, and illustrated by Marek. Note: No English language version.
Evil Under the Sun. French: 2012; English 2013. Adapted by Didier Quella-Guyot. Illustrated by Thierry Jollet.
As referenced above, there are three other graphic novels that have not yet converted to English. They are listed with there French titles.
Values: These books are all out of print but can be found on typical resale sites. Popular titles appear harder to locate. Books are often sold in sets but generally one can generally expect to pay £10 UK / $12 US for copies in fine condition. It is unlikely they offer significant long-term appreciation potential, but are fun Christie items to collect and read - or introduce an age-appropriate youngster to.
All the remaining English covers can be seen below. Slide or swipe to view.
