Review by Ian Keogh

It’s the French version of the traditional school dunce’s hat seen on the cover, which otherwise portrays a scene often seen during the series of the idle Ducoboo infuriating his unfortunate teacher Mr. Latouche. In the background the skeleton that resides in the corner of the classroom awaits Ducoboo’s inevitable arrival.

For the second English translation of Ducoboo Cinebook jump back to the original French language second volume, the previous King of the Dunces having been the fifth volume as originally released.

It’s apparent from the beginning that the process of refinement over the years seems to have diminished the surreal moments characterising many ideas featured here. Few creators would open a book of comedy strips for children with a funeral service drawn by Zidrou complete with a coffin being buried, leading to a joke about the school holidays ending. Godi, though, does.

In the Corner features a progression through the school year, with Christmas and New Year strips presumably coinciding with the relevant festive issues of Spirou in which Ducoboo is serialised. Whatever time of year, though, Ducoboo’s obsession is copying worksheet answers from the smart Leonie during class. His methods are comically ingenious, and hers in preventing him copying increasingly complex also. Extended runs here are Ducuboo ill, diagnosed with duncitis, Ducoboo’s dreams while in the corner, and a class trip to the swimming pool featuring a highlight strip of Ducoboo racing Leonie. The set-up is slapstick, but Zidrou’s depiction will make many an adult reader wince.

A joke that didn’t quite transmit in King of the Dunces is more apparent here. The skeleton with whom Ducoboo is often seen talking is part of the school equipment, and located in the corner of the classroom where Ducoboo is so often sent. The suspicion is that it’s been a few decades since kids were made to stand in the corner of the classroom, but young readers will pick up on the idea of it being a form of punishment. It could also be seen as humiliation but for Ducoboo’s cheerful acceptance of the corner as his natural home.

This is actually a slightly funnier selection than the previous volume, and Your Answers or Your Life! follows.