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La mosca
Buffo, innovativo, muto, movimentato. Un piccolo capolavoro fuori dalle convenzioni, geniale nella sua incredibile semplicità. Vi era mai saltato in mente che la giornata-tipo di una mosca potesse essere molto più variopinta e movimentata di quanto chiunque possa mai immaginare? Non dormirete più sonni tranquilli dopo aver letto come loro vedono noi e il mondo che le circonda. Non potrete più fare a meno di Trondheim dopo aver scoperto la sua ironia senza frontiere.
112 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 1995
2 people are currently reading
1838 people want to read
About the author
Lewis Trondheim
525 books240 followersThe phenomenal Lewis Trondheim is never where you next expect him. As an artist and writer, Trondheim has earned an international following as one of the most inventive, versatile, and prolific graphic authors. From autobiography to adventure, from bestselling fantasy and children's books to visual essays, Trondheim's unique, seminal imagination consistently dazzles. His work has won numerous awards, including the Angoulême prize for best series with McConey and he also co-created the titanic fantasy epic Dungeon with Joann Sfar.
He is one of the founding members of the alternative publishing house L'Association, a proving ground for many of the greatest talents in European comics working today. He is also the editorial director of a new imprint called Shampooing, dedicated to comics for all ages.
Lewis lives in the South of France with his wife, Brigitte Findakly, and two children.
He is one of the founding members of the alternative publishing house L'Association, a proving ground for many of the greatest talents in European comics working today. He is also the editorial director of a new imprint called Shampooing, dedicated to comics for all ages.
Lewis lives in the South of France with his wife, Brigitte Findakly, and two children.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 30, 2022
After looking at this wordless tale of a fly in the kitchen you may find it harder to reach for that handy swatter! Clever 'flys eye' view of the trial and tribulations the little guys have to go through. Great read that will make you smile - will look up more works by Lewis Trondheim.
August 9, 2024
We follow the journey of a fly from its very first moments of life, exploring the world around it with curiosity and wonder.
A simple and engaging read that brings the tiny details of a fly's life.
A simple and engaging read that brings the tiny details of a fly's life.
February 15, 2022
A wordless comic about a fly's life from its birth in a trash can up until its death. I know this is supposed to be goofy and fun, but I just found it tedious.
February 26, 2021
I remember reading Lewis Trondheim's The Fly cartoons years ago, and it was such a pleasure to see them pop up again.
Here's a comic that's all about the art. Well, it's all about a fly, but the drawings are so cartoonish and funny, bordering on the cutesy.
The fly has big eyes, an impressive row of goofy looking teeth and is wearing an even more impressive pair of men's shoes. He seems new to the world, and through experimentation tries to find his way.
He soon encounters a little beetle (also impeccably shoed), who becomes his partner in crime. Crime here being trying to find stuff to eat.
There's also a very angry and quite scary spider, and there's a cat who is hellbent on catching anything that flies.
Towards the end, the book descends (or ascends) into pure bizarreness, which functions as a nice crescendo. It's all wordless, and it's a lot of fun.
(Kindly received an ARC from Papercutz through Edelweiss)
Here's a comic that's all about the art. Well, it's all about a fly, but the drawings are so cartoonish and funny, bordering on the cutesy.
The fly has big eyes, an impressive row of goofy looking teeth and is wearing an even more impressive pair of men's shoes. He seems new to the world, and through experimentation tries to find his way.
He soon encounters a little beetle (also impeccably shoed), who becomes his partner in crime. Crime here being trying to find stuff to eat.
There's also a very angry and quite scary spider, and there's a cat who is hellbent on catching anything that flies.
Towards the end, the book descends (or ascends) into pure bizarreness, which functions as a nice crescendo. It's all wordless, and it's a lot of fun.
(Kindly received an ARC from Papercutz through Edelweiss)
December 2, 2021
First of all, it's all about the hazards of being a fly!
And then just go for the artstyle.
If you are someone who loves reading comics in the form of art sequences without much dialogues, you will like this one.
The highlight of the book is obviously the fun artwork. It's a quick, entertaining read.
Thank you, author/artist and the publisher, for the advance reading copy.
And then just go for the artstyle.
If you are someone who loves reading comics in the form of art sequences without much dialogues, you will like this one.
The highlight of the book is obviously the fun artwork. It's a quick, entertaining read.
Thank you, author/artist and the publisher, for the advance reading copy.
April 13, 2023
Curioso ejercicio de estilo que, en páginas divididas en viñetas según el patrón 3x3 y sin bocadillos, cuenta el descubrimiento de una mosca recién nacida del mundo que le rodea; entre las tiras de animales graciosos, el slapstick y la comedia de costumbres (si eso es posible con una mosca XD), con un giro final hacia el absurdo. En la línea de Trondheim de cultivar una historieta alejada de las convenciones del mercado.
August 20, 2021
Really nice and short comic book about a fly. There is no text, no dialogue so you can fly through this in like 10 minutes. Haha... see what I did there? (I'll show myself out)
The art itself is really simple but fun. The story got me giggle a bit too. So - I'd say this is a win.
Review copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The art itself is really simple but fun. The story got me giggle a bit too. So - I'd say this is a win.
Review copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2018
You can read this one even if you don't know French because it is all drawings. Trondheim is one of the quirkiest of all French graphic artists and this short piece is loads of fun. For more Trondheim, his masterpiece in this reader's opinion was Lapinot and the Carrots of Patagonia!
July 10, 2025
I wish there was words
December 26, 2019
Lewis Trondheim was een van de belangrijkste en productiefste striptekenaars die opkwam in de jaren negentig. 'De vlieg' behoort niet tot zijn belangrijkste werk, maar laat wel goed zien dat Trondheim heel goed in staat is om geheel zonder woorden een verhaal te vertellen. Dit is een portugese uitgave, maar dat maakt dus niets uit. Hoofdpersoon is een vlieg (een zwarte bol met grote schoenen en tanden) die in een keuken uit het ei kruipt (Trondheim slaat het madestadium voor het gemak even over) en de wereld (=diezelfde keuken) ontdekt. Naast de vlieg komen er nog vier andere ongewervelden in de strip voor: een worm, twee kevers en een spin. Elke bladzijde bestaat uit exact negen rechthoekige plaatjes. De beste zijn die waarin de vlieg de keuken rondvliegt - dit levert fantastische perspectieven op. Aan het einde neemt het verhaal een absurde wending, maar dan hebben we sowieso al veel kolder gehad.
January 25, 2022
I had fun reading The Fly ! It resurfaced some really old childhood memories of watching the cartoon.
It had a very simple art style and story, which I appreciated. It's funny and not taking itself seriously at all. It does hold some original ideas even though the concept is so simple. It even has multiple tongue in cheek moments.
For sure, knowing the cartoon I knew what to expect so the comic was directly what I expected and created a little nostalgic moment for me.
I don't know why but I always got super invested about the shoes, like, don't you dare lose your shoe you little fly !
I recommend this book to those like me that will feel nostalgia for this, not so little, fly !
It had a very simple art style and story, which I appreciated. It's funny and not taking itself seriously at all. It does hold some original ideas even though the concept is so simple. It even has multiple tongue in cheek moments.
For sure, knowing the cartoon I knew what to expect so the comic was directly what I expected and created a little nostalgic moment for me.
I don't know why but I always got super invested about the shoes, like, don't you dare lose your shoe you little fly !
I recommend this book to those like me that will feel nostalgia for this, not so little, fly !
July 29, 2023
This should honestly be 1 star but there is nothing offensive about it so I gave it too. I actually DNFed this trying to read it with my daughter because it was so freaking boring and nothing happened. The fly is born from an egg, which ok, not exactly right, no maggot stage, and the kitchen looks like a bathroom because of the sink. But the “story” is so circular and there are so many freaking panels and NOTHING HAPPENS. I’d rather watch an actual fly than read this. I did like his weird shoes he was born with but that’s it.
June 29, 2021
I have followed the author on Instagram for an extended period of time. You will be this book even if you do not know the page. So much hard work in this piece of work. Exquisite story as well.
I received this arc from publisher in exchange of my honest review. So glad I could read this before it officially comes out.
I received this arc from publisher in exchange of my honest review. So glad I could read this before it officially comes out.
June 25, 2021
Starting with a mahoosive zoom in from way beyond the moon, right into the dregs in the waste bin of a small kitchen, this wordless comic is actually quite charming in presenting a toothy little fly to us. Born on the end of a bit of carrot, he has to get out the bin in the first place, then cope with windows, reflections, eating competitions, and That Thing In The Apple. There's a lot of character in his look, which you might not have expected, and a heck of a lot of drama – not only is there the strange peril of, er, a pepper-pot and dust, but something else there too... Don't expect a great realism to the design all the time, and don't expect a lot of logic from some of the more surreal twists towards the end, but the fact they're there in the first place is one more thing of merit for this book. A welcome reprint.
May 9, 2021
La Mouche is a short and fast-paced silent comic which follows a fly as it engages with random household items (and other critters) on a seemingly mundane day in its life.
The creative use of odd perspectives was refreshing... If sometimes a little dizzying.
The cartoonist's quirky sense of humour is apparent in some of the random scenarios that arise as the story unfolds.
All this quickly escalates from everyday to absurdly outlandish... which then culminates in a unexpected Möbius strip of a narrative.
The creative use of odd perspectives was refreshing... If sometimes a little dizzying.
The cartoonist's quirky sense of humour is apparent in some of the random scenarios that arise as the story unfolds.
All this quickly escalates from everyday to absurdly outlandish... which then culminates in a unexpected Möbius strip of a narrative.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2018
A book that does not require reading is always a fresh and curious experience. The drawings and the tale are clean and simple. I found the display slightly confusing at times and a bit repetitive and for a book that says so little in words this is a definitive turn off.
About the story itself, well, that escalated quickly. The ending is pretty brilliant and funny, by far my favorite part.
About the story itself, well, that escalated quickly. The ending is pretty brilliant and funny, by far my favorite part.
July 30, 2021
Book Title: Lewis Trondheim's The Fly
Author: Lewis Trondheim
Genre: Comic, graphic novel, children's fiction
Publish Date & Publisher: October 5th 2021, Papercuts
*Note: I received an advance copy of Lewis Trondheim's The Fly from NetGalley in return for an honest review. I also watched the cartoon as a child and suffer from nostalgia bias*
Lewis Trondheim's The Fly is a wordless comic following a little fly with shoes and his life. Simply adorable.
I grew up watching 'The fly' cartoon when I was very young (I had Episodes recorded on VCR) and this book brought a lot of nostalgia to me. Now with nieces and nephews my own age when I first watched the cartoon I'm thrilled to be able to introduce them to the series in October.
My only criticism is that the black and white format makes certain plot items hard to distinguish to my adult self, I can't imagine young children being able to distinguish between the black and white easily either. Perhaps more various shading or a colour comic in the future
9/10
Author: Lewis Trondheim
Genre: Comic, graphic novel, children's fiction
Publish Date & Publisher: October 5th 2021, Papercuts
*Note: I received an advance copy of Lewis Trondheim's The Fly from NetGalley in return for an honest review. I also watched the cartoon as a child and suffer from nostalgia bias*
Lewis Trondheim's The Fly is a wordless comic following a little fly with shoes and his life. Simply adorable.
I grew up watching 'The fly' cartoon when I was very young (I had Episodes recorded on VCR) and this book brought a lot of nostalgia to me. Now with nieces and nephews my own age when I first watched the cartoon I'm thrilled to be able to introduce them to the series in October.
My only criticism is that the black and white format makes certain plot items hard to distinguish to my adult self, I can't imagine young children being able to distinguish between the black and white easily either. Perhaps more various shading or a colour comic in the future
9/10
July 7, 2021
A pretty simple, yet detailed enough to 'elaborate' on the whole scene, comic.... without any words! All done in a monochromatic/grayscale color scheme throughout. It's short enough, so you can pass through it quickly & kind of get the idea of life seen from a fly's perspective. The ending kind of surprised me, I didn't see that coming......& not sure that I really thought it fit with the rest of the book.......but considering the odd beginning, maybe it did fit?! This is the 1st I've read of L. Trondheim.....an accomplished cartoonist, who has a few other books too. It looks like he has his own 'characteristic' drawings. I'd check him out again if the opportunity arises. It was different.... I'd be curious to hear how children receive this artwork/comic, as it's billed as 'children's/middle grade' fiction .....
I received an e-ARC of the book from the publisher Papercutz via NetGalley, after offering to read it & post my own fair & honest review.
I received an e-ARC of the book from the publisher Papercutz via NetGalley, after offering to read it & post my own fair & honest review.
December 28, 2021
This graphic novel is hard to explain without spoilers. So here are some words: the fly, spider, other bugs, humans, planet Earth, adventure. That is more then enough!
As some of you might know, Lewis Trondheim is one creative mother£µ¢₭€®, and this book is just his train of creative thoughts from the beginning 'till the end. It has no words whatsoever, so it's internationally friendly, and the characters are also universally recognizable. (Ya know - the fly, spider, other bugs...) And it is a modern day fable, and it works so well. It has everything from everyday things you would do, like eat an apple for example, to unbelievably grandiose fantasy elements.
The drawing is simple, on purpose. And sometimes the whole page will be basically a camera zoom. That gives this book a wonderful dynamic and a feeling that it could be an animated film (which also exists, unsurprisingly).
So, this one is for your kids to spend time alone looking at pictures stitching them and playing a story in their heads, but don't kid yourself - it's a great fun for adults too.
Once again, thanks to NetGalley and this time Papercutz too. You made my time fly with this one.
As some of you might know, Lewis Trondheim is one creative mother£µ¢₭€®, and this book is just his train of creative thoughts from the beginning 'till the end. It has no words whatsoever, so it's internationally friendly, and the characters are also universally recognizable. (Ya know - the fly, spider, other bugs...) And it is a modern day fable, and it works so well. It has everything from everyday things you would do, like eat an apple for example, to unbelievably grandiose fantasy elements.
The drawing is simple, on purpose. And sometimes the whole page will be basically a camera zoom. That gives this book a wonderful dynamic and a feeling that it could be an animated film (which also exists, unsurprisingly).
So, this one is for your kids to spend time alone looking at pictures stitching them and playing a story in their heads, but don't kid yourself - it's a great fun for adults too.
Once again, thanks to NetGalley and this time Papercutz too. You made my time fly with this one.
February 1, 2022
A fly is born with funny looking shoes on his feet. The reader will get to see the fly’s eyes. He struggles in the beginning to get out of the wastebasket he is in. He gets out and explores his immediate area. He becomes friends with another bug. They eat together. He also meets a spider which really scares him.
The author is also the illustrator. He is a famous French cartoonist. There are no words in this book but none are needed. I have never look at a fly and think how dangerous his everyday life is. I loved watching the fly make his decisions on what he wanted to do. It’s an amazing book.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The author is also the illustrator. He is a famous French cartoonist. There are no words in this book but none are needed. I have never look at a fly and think how dangerous his everyday life is. I loved watching the fly make his decisions on what he wanted to do. It’s an amazing book.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
March 5, 2021
The Fly describes the adventures of a fly, right from its birth. It describes its struggles in life from finding food to escaping predators along with a friend (a beetle). The book comes to an outlandish end which is up to the reader to comprehend.
"Pictures speak louder than words."
This graphic novel is an epitome of this phrase. Unlike any other graphic novel, it doesn't have speech bubbles to maintain the flow of the plot. It is up to the reader and his creativity to guess what is happening throughout. Loved the unique style of this book and its unique plot.
"Pictures speak louder than words."
This graphic novel is an epitome of this phrase. Unlike any other graphic novel, it doesn't have speech bubbles to maintain the flow of the plot. It is up to the reader and his creativity to guess what is happening throughout. Loved the unique style of this book and its unique plot.
April 15, 2021
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Papercutz.
Love the beginning as we start in the galaxy and then zoom down to the trash can that holds an egg. Then the fly appears and readers see the adventures.
This wordless graphic novel contains enough humor and adventure for middle grade readers. They will read the expressions and background details and follow exactly what is happening as the Fly grows to a humongous size and then returns to normal to be with his friend. Love the ending surprise.
I received an electronic ARC from Papercutz.
Love the beginning as we start in the galaxy and then zoom down to the trash can that holds an egg. Then the fly appears and readers see the adventures.
This wordless graphic novel contains enough humor and adventure for middle grade readers. They will read the expressions and background details and follow exactly what is happening as the Fly grows to a humongous size and then returns to normal to be with his friend. Love the ending surprise.
June 24, 2021
A fly is born! After breaking out of his shell, literally, The Fly explores his environment. He finds both friends and foes. He also finds adventure. Basically, that’s all a fly can ask for out of life, right?
The Fly is a cute look at life from a fly’s (and a flying beetle, worm, spider and cat’s) point-of-view. There is a surprising twist toward the end too. Since the comic is wordless, it is perfect for the reluctant middle school or younger readers in your life. 4 stars!
Thanks to Papercutz and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
The Fly is a cute look at life from a fly’s (and a flying beetle, worm, spider and cat’s) point-of-view. There is a surprising twist toward the end too. Since the comic is wordless, it is perfect for the reluctant middle school or younger readers in your life. 4 stars!
Thanks to Papercutz and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 25, 2021
I loved the illustrations in this book!
It is a really fun way at following the life of a fly from birth – and it did make me smile, especially the part when it kept going back to the same place – argh!! Why do they always do that!!
Plenty to smile about as you read the book and it did make me giggle in placed too!
It is 3.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 4 stars for Goodreads and Amazon.
It is a really fun way at following the life of a fly from birth – and it did make me smile, especially the part when it kept going back to the same place – argh!! Why do they always do that!!
Plenty to smile about as you read the book and it did make me giggle in placed too!
It is 3.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 4 stars for Goodreads and Amazon.
November 25, 2021
I always liked The Fly when I was a child and I was finally able to read a graphic novel about this character.
It was super fast that I finished it but I enjoyed it very much and obviously also laughed with the story.
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Siempre me gusto The Fly cuando era niña t por fin pude leer una novela grafica de este personaje.
Fue super rápido que lo termine pero lo disfrute muchísimo y obvio también reí con la historia.
It was super fast that I finished it but I enjoyed it very much and obviously also laughed with the story.
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Siempre me gusto The Fly cuando era niña t por fin pude leer una novela grafica de este personaje.
Fue super rápido que lo termine pero lo disfrute muchísimo y obvio también reí con la historia.
June 28, 2021
This is definitely one of the more unique cartoon collections I have read. I really enjoyed the cute artwork and wordless storytelling. The only problem is now I am going to feel guilty for trying to get any errant flies out of my house.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
July 19, 2021
I had such a fun time reading through this graphic novel! It definitely took a turn that I was not expecting at the end. I wasn't sure how it would work without any words but the details of the art are so good that it really speaks the story to you.
Thank-you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC to post an honest review.
Thank-you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC to post an honest review.
December 26, 2021
I really enjoyed this wordless graphic novel. As a teacher and librarian, I can see using it to teach how to read a graphic novel as well as have students create their own panels, captions, etc. It's a fun quick read that will be great for readers of all languages and ability levels to access - provided they know how to read a graphic novel.
January 9, 2026
Le banger, j'aime tt autant que le dessin animé *o* Envie de lire d'autres BD de lauteur, quand jt petit j'avais lu une BD de lui (les 3 chemins) et j'avais trop aimé ct mon obsession et c seulement aujourd'hui que je me rend compte que c le mm auteur... jai besoin de retrouver la BD et de la relire
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews