Before he was killed by criminals, one month ago, Charb, the Charlie-Hebdo editor had contributed to a book on Crime Fiction.  His illustrations for Polars, philosophie et critique sociale, by sociologist Philippe Corcuff (Textuel, 2013) are a testimony to his wit and talent.

Charb’s illustrations highlight how Crime Fiction matters, and why it can be used both as a tool of social analysis, and as a shield against the pervasive influence of dominant ideologies. His take on crime authors Jean-Patrick Manchette (above) and  (below) Subcomandante Marcos (author of Muertos incómodos, together with Paco Ignacio Taibo II) is both irreverent and sympathetic.