What are the key cultural and historical influences on the Franco-Belgian comic tradition, and how do these influences manifest in popular series such as "Tintin" and "Asterix"?
How do manga, as a comic book tradition from Japan, differ in storytelling techniques from Western comic books, both in terms of narrative structure and visual style?
Can you describe the typical process of creating a manga, from concept to publication, and how it compares to the creation of traditional Western comics?
How has the distribution and reception of Franco-Belgian comics evolved over the years, particularly in non-European markets, and what challenges have they faced in gaining international popularity?
In what ways do European comics often incorporate elements of social and political commentary, and can you provide examples of series or graphic novels that do this effectively?