Philippe Labaune Gallery is thrilled to showcase the works of Paul Pope in a special exhibition running in conjunction with the release of the American artist’s new art book, Pulp hope 2: the art of Paul Pope, Archaia.

Created in collaboration with Felix Comic Art , the show will present original pieces from various publications including: Batman: year 100, Battling boy, THB, Heavy liquid, as well as homages to European artists such as Hugo Pratt and Moebius, alongside Pope’s personal works.

Paul Pope is a singular force in contemporary comics—a “comics destroyer”, he pushes the boundaries of traditional comic art. His distinctive style brings together the dynamism of Japanese manga with the narrative depth of European Bande Dessinee, and the spirit of American pulp.

Pope has consistently oscillated between high and low culture, East and West, traditional draftsmanship and a punk-rock sensibility. Trained in printmaking and painting, and possessing adept technical skills as well as a breadth of knowledge that would rival any classically trained art historian, Pope’s stories, often set in dystopian or mythic worlds, are deeply personal explorations of identity, rebellion, and survival. “There’s a longing in the characters for connection, for understanding,” he says. “Even if they’re in some dystopian world or dealing with cosmic forces, it always comes back to something human.”

Pope blends a manga awareness with a European attention to mood and form. Moebius, Hugo Pratt, and Enki Bilal are clear touchstones. Like them, Pope is more interested in evoking a feeling than hitting plot points. “When I do something, I want it to be timeless,”. “I don’t want to chase the zeitgeist—I want to create something that will feel relevant in 10 or 20 years.”

The exhibition coincides with the release of Pulp hope 2: the art of Paul Pope, a comprehensive 300+ page art book. This volume offers an expansive look into Pope's artistic journey, featuring previously unpublished works, personal sketches, and insightful commentary that illuminate his creative process and influences. It serves as both a retrospective and a testament to his enduring legacy on comics.