BD Enamel Plaques: A Collector’s Guide (Émaillerie Belge, Coustoon and the major series)
Comic-themed enamel plaques: a collector’s guide (Émaillerie Belge, Coustoon and the major series)
**TL;DR – ** Comic-themed enamel plaques are a comic-related collectable in their own right: enamel fired onto metal, colourfast, with a limited print run and numbered editions. The two leading manufacturers are Émaillerie Belge (in operation since 1923, producing comic-themed pieces since the 1980s) and Coustoon (specialising in domed plaques for the 9th art). The most frequently featured franchises – Tintin, Asterix, Lucky Luke, Spirou, The Smurfs, Gomer Goof, Blake & Mortimer – cover the bulk of the Franco-Belgian comic heritage. Pieces from the 1980s and 1990s are among the most sought-after on the pre-owned market.
What is an enamel comic book plaque?
Enamelling on metal is an ancient technique: coloured glass powder is applied to a steel plate, then fired at a high temperature (around 800 °C). The resulting vitrified fusion is hard, waterproof and UV-resistant. Unlike offset printing or screen printing on metal, enamel does not peel, yellow or flake over time or due to humidity – unless subjected to physical impact.
This process gives the colours a distinctive, almost luminous sheen that is impossible to reproduce through printing. It is precisely this effect that distinguishes a vintage enamel plaque from a simple decorative panel.
For the comic book collector, the appeal is twofold:
- Durability: a well-preserved plaque retains its colours intact for decades after it was made.
- Rarity: there is a limited print run and the piece is numbered, which firmly establishes the piece as a comic book collector’s item in its own right.
The enamel plaque falls into the ‘comic-related merchandise’ category – those official spin-off items that extend the universe of a series without being the comic book itself, in the same way as collectable comic book figurines.
L’Émaillerie Belge – the historic benchmark
L’Émaillerie Belge has been in operation since 1923, based in Forest (Brussels). Its long tradition in advertising and signage panels has enabled it to master a rare artisanal craft. The production of comic book plaques began in the 1980s, with the first Tintin series produced as limited editions with the permission of the rights holders.
Since then, Émaillerie Belge has extended its licences to cover most of the Franco-Belgian comic heritage: Tintin, Lucky Luke, Blake and Mortimer, Spirou, Gomer Goof, Asterix and The Smurfs. Each piece is produced in a limited, numbered print run – certain recent Lucky Luke series, for example, are limited to 33 colour pieces and 25 black-and-white pieces, each accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Plates from the 1980s and 1990s – notably the Tintin series illustrating *Tintin in America* or *We Walked on the Moon* – are among the most sought-after items on the pre-owned market. Their limited print runs and age make them essential items for any serious collector.
Coustoon – the contemporary publisher of comic strip plaques
Coustoon has established itself as a publisher specialising in collectable comic strip plaques dedicated to the 9th art. Its signature feature? The domed format: the steel plaque is shaped in relief before enamelling, giving it an immediately recognisable three-dimensional appearance.
The licences covered by Coustoon include Gomer Goof, Spirou, Blake and Mortimer, Lucky Luke, Billy and Buddy and the Smurfs. Print runs vary depending on the series: some Gomer Goof items reach 700 pieces, whilst others have a limited print run of 275 pieces. The Spirou plate ‘Le repaire de la murène’ (2013), for example, was produced in a standard edition of 60 pieces and a prestige edition of just 15 pieces.
Coustoon’s domed format is not merely a matter of aesthetics: it enhances the plaque’s rigidity and accentuates the relief of the visuals, lending extra depth to the comic book illustrations.
Major comic book series on enamel plaques
Tintin
The Tintin enamel plaque is one of the most iconic of its kind. Discover our selection of Tintin figurines and collectables to complete a collection dedicated to Hergé. L’Émaillerie Belge has reproduced key scenes from Hergé’s adventures – escapades in America, lunar adventures – with a colour accuracy that only enamel can guarantee. These pieces from the 1980s and 1990s are now absolute benchmarks on the collectors’ market, prized as much for their heritage value as for the quality of their craftsmanship.
Asterix
The Asterix enamel plaque features Uderzo’s characteristic graphic style: solid blocks of colour, crisp outlines and saturated primary colours. These qualities blend perfectly with the fired enamel. The chosen designs generally depict Asterix and Obelix in iconic scenarios – an ideal setting for large formats. See also our selection of Asterix and Obelix figurines.
Lucky Luke
The Lucky Luke enamel plaque draws on the visual conventions of the Western genre: simplified silhouettes, orange-hued skies and retro typefaces. Both L’Émaillerie Belge and Coustoon have produced series for this franchise. Recent editions from L’Émaillerie Belge – with a limited print run and certificates – reflect a renewed interest in this character in enamel format.
Spirou
The Spirou enamel plaque showcases the character’s evolving visual styles: from Franquin to contemporary artists. Coustoon has notably produced pieces in very small runs (15 ‘prestige’ copies), making them absolute rarities. L’Émaillerie Belge has also worked on this licence, featuring artwork from the classic comic albums. To find out more, see our guide to Spirou figurines.
The Smurfs
The Smurfs enamel plaque makes the most of Peyo’s blue – a colour that stands out with particular intensity on enamel. Both manufacturers have produced items based on this franchise. The Coustoon items in a domed 30 × 20 cm format and the Émaillerie Belge series (such as The Smurfs) are among the most sought-after items in the catalogue. Fans of the franchise will also find our collection of Smurfs figurines and our guide dedicated to Cracoucass.
Gomer Goof
The Gomer Goof enamel plaque is a favourite subject for Coustoon, which has produced a wide range of items featuring this character: Gomer Goof and the Fiat 509 (2012, 700 copies), Gaston and the Turtle (2015, 275 copies), as well as 80 × 80 cm versions from other publishers. Franquin’s chaotic and colourful world lends itself particularly well to the enamel finish.
Blake & Mortimer
The Blake and Mortimer enamel plaque adopts a more austere style, faithful to Edgar P. Jacobs’s ‘clear line’ aesthetic. L’Émaillerie Belge has produced pieces for this franchise, including *The Enigma of Atlantis* and *The Septimus Wave*. The series’ precise graphic style – architecture, costumes, facial expressions – proves particularly well suited to the enamelling process. Browse our selection of Blake and Mortimer figurines.
How do you assess and authenticate an enamel comic strip plaque?
Before making any purchase, particularly on the pre-owned market, here are the criteria you should always check.
Condition of the enamel:
- No chips or cracks (even minor ones around the edges)
- Vibrant colours, with no dull or faded areas
- Flat surface, with no warping of the metal backing
Markings and documentation:
- Visible edition number (e.g. ‘47/300’) – essential for limited print runs
- Certificate of authenticity attached to the item, signed or stamped by the manufacturer
- Original box: its absence does not disqualify a piece, but it does reduce its market value
Warning signs on the pre-owned market:
- Complete absence of numbering on a piece purported to be part of a limited edition
- Colours that are too uniform or too glossy (may indicate printing on metal, rather than genuine enamel)
- Seller unable to specify the manufacturer or the print run
- An abnormally low price for a known rare item
An authentic enamel plaque has a characteristic weight and thickness: enamelled steel is noticeably heavier than a cold-stamped plaque.
Storing and displaying your collection of enamel plaques
Enamel is robust, but a few precautions are necessary to keep the pieces in optimal condition.
Light: Unlike paper prints or resin figurines, enamel is not affected by UV light. Exposure to natural light poses no risk to the colours. However, avoid areas subject to significant temperature fluctuations (near a radiator, under a skylight).
Humidity: Enamel itself is waterproof, but the metal backing may rust if the enamel layer is damaged. Avoid damp rooms or unheated spaces.
Wall mounting: Use hooks or fixing systems suitable for the weight of the plaque. A poorly secured plaque that falls may suffer impact damage that is potentially irreparable – the enamel will shatter at the point of impact.
Handling: Always hold the plate by the edges, never by the enamelled surface. Fingerprints do not stain the enamel, but repeated micro-scratches may dull the shine over time.
Storage: If you are storing pieces, place bubble wrap or non-abrasive fabric between each plate. Never stack them metal-to-metal.
FAQ
What is an enamel plaque? It is an official comic-inspired item produced by firing enamel (coloured glass powder) onto a steel plate. The result is a hard, glossy and durable surface that faithfully reproduces the visuals of a comic franchise. The plates are usually produced in limited, numbered editions.
What is the difference between an enamel plaque and a printed metal plate? The enamel plaque is fired in a kiln: the enamel is fused to the metal, and the colours are permanent and UV-resistant. A printed metal plate (offset or cold screen-printing) is lighter, cheaper, and its colours may fade over time. To the touch, an enamel plaque is heavier and its surface has a characteristic glass-like texture.
How can you authenticate an antique enamel plaque? Check for an edition number engraved or printed on the edge or the back, verify that the print run matches the manufacturer’s known records, and assess the general condition of the enamel. Émaillerie Belge plaques from the 1980s–1990s are listed in specialist databases (BDGest, BDAddik). A certificate of origin or an original box further confirms authenticity.
Which comic book series on enamel plaques is the most sought-after? The Tintin plaques produced by Émaillerie Belge in the 1980s and 1990s are regularly cited as the most sought-after, due to their age, their limited print run and the character’s global fame. The Gomer Goof and Blake and Mortimer series, produced in very limited runs (Coustoon Prestige), are also in high demand amongst specialist collectors.
Where can you find official comic-themed enamel plaques? New or in-stock plaques are available from specialist comic merchandise retailers (BDAddik, 9e Store, Jeu de Bulles). On the pre-owned market, BDGest (forum and price guide) and peer-to-peer sales platforms allow you to find vintage pieces – whilst taking the necessary care to ensure authenticity. For new, officially licensed items, always choose a retailer authorised by the manufacturer, and explore our full selection of collectable comic-themed enamel plaques.
