Belgian comic heroes like Lucky Luke and the Smurfs enjoy worldwide recognition. But what makes Belgium the No.1 producer of European comics? Can Dickie and Co. make it on the international stage?

The Belgian creator of one of France's greatest cartoon heroes, cowboy Lucky Luke, has died aged 77. Maurice de Bevere - pen name Morris - created the "poor lonesome cowboy" in 1946 with the 20-page ...