From Imbroglio to The Bloody Olive:
the Characters' Look

Richard Raskin

The Bloody Olive is based on Lewis Trondheim's comic strip, Imbroglio, published in Paris by L'Association in 1994. In Imbroglio, the three main characters are named Charles, Mylène and Peter, corresponding respectively to Werner, Mylène and Sam in The Bloody Olive. Since Vincent Bal also drew the characters in a detailed story board, each character exists in three versions: 1) the original Imbroglio version, in which the characters are drawn by Lewis Trondheim as animals (Charles as a dog, Mylène a mouse and Peter a cat); 2) the story board version, drawn by Vincent Bal; and 3) the film version, in which the characters are brought to life by actors. The following table will help the reader to keep track of these details: Imbroglio The Bloody Olive comic strip story board film drawn by Lewis Trondheim drawn by Vincent Bal characters played by live actors Charles = dog Werner Werner = Frank Focketyn Mylène = mouse Mylène Mylène = Veerle Van Overloop Peter = cat Sam Sam = Gene Bervoets Without discussing the characters' transformations, I would simply like to give the reader a chance to compare the three versions of each of the characters in the pages that follow, in which four moments in the story are given in all three versions. 1. Peter/Sam holds the knife Imbroglio Peter: It is, in effect, a very beautiful weapon. © L'Association Storyboard Film Sam: How interesting. But that's not why I came. I want your letter of resignation... and the money. Otherwise I'll notify the police. 2. Mylène's heart attack Imbroglio Mylène: No, I beg of you. I didn't know. I never wanted to hurt you. © L'Association Storyboard Film Mylène: ...Run away, Sam. I won't say anything. Please Sam, I don't feel well. 3. Werner passes out Imbroglio © L'Association Storyboard Film 4. The hidden observer Imbroglio Werner: Sergeant Garell, did you get all that on tape? Sergeant: No problem... He'll get the death penalty at his trial. © L'Association Storyboard Film Werner: Have you got what you wanted, Superintendent?.