Graphic Novel Retaces Life and Thought of Michel Foucault
Marking the centenary of the birth of one of the 20th century’s most influential French thinkers, a new graphic narrative titled Foucault disparaît hits bookshelves on October 7, 2026, published by Éditions Morgen at a price of 24.90 euros, toutenbd.com reported. Co-authored by writer Paul Auer and illustrator-photographer Benoît Schupp, the work marks Schupp’s debut in comic book creation, bringing a fresh and unconventional visual tone to the exploration of the French theorist’s life and philosophy.
Michel Foucault was born on October 15, 1926, and died on June 25, 1984. Known worldwide for his incisive critiques of social institutions—most notably psychiatry, medicine, and the penal system—alongside foundational writings on the history of sexuality and power dynamics, the philosopher remains a towering figure in modern intellectual history. Rather than offering a traditional biography or a dense summary of his theories, Foucault disparaît approaches the thinker through the lens of a body in continuous motion. The publisher describes the work as tracking a silhouette, an unmistakable laugh, and a thinker appearing and disappearing across improbable locations, from the Collège de France and American university campuses to Tunisia, Iran, television studios, and minority rights demonstrations.
Three Intersecting Perspectives Shape the Narrative
The graphic novel weaves together three distinct viewpoints to capture both the intimate reality and the public controversies of the philosopher’s existence. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of Daniel Defert (1937–2023), Foucault’s partner, reflecting from the empty apartment on rue de Vaugirard; through the voice of the French Theory pioneer himself as he examines his intellectual battles surrounding madness, incarceration, and political authority; and through a young contemporary inspired by Gilbert Burlet, an Antillean auditor at the Collège de France.
This multi-layered approach allows the book to address complex historical episodes, including Foucault’s controversial reporting trips to Iran, energetic lectures in Berkeley, California, and a May 1975 journey through Death Valley. Schupp’s illustrations maintain the philosopher’s iconic visual signature—his bald head, glasses, and turtleneck—in a constant state of fluid movement. The text itself is drawn almost entirely from real historical statements, balancing Foucault’s grueling work ethic, personal anxieties, and sexuality with his public activism and written legacy.
Exhibition at the Collège de France Expands Centenary Events
Parallel to the release of the graphic novel, the centenary commemorations include a dedicated exhibition at the Collège de France titled Foucault. Une aventure intellectuelle au Collège de France. Organized in partnership with the National Library of France, the exhibition explores Foucault’s teaching tenure at the prestigious institution from 1970 to 1984.
Curated by Didier Fassin alongside Philippe Chevallier and Aurèle Méthivier, the showcase features previously unseen manuscripts, archival documents, and audio-visual recordings. The exhibition is hosted at 11 place Marcelin-Berthelot in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, running Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and remains open to the public free of charge until January 15, 2027.
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