Spirou figurines: a guide to official collectable statuettes for collectors
Spirou figurines: a guide to official collectable statuettes for collectors
TL;DR – Spirou has been around since 1938 and his universe (Fantasio, Marsupilami, Count of Champignac, Seccotine, Little Spirou) boasts one of the most extensive ranges of figurines in Franco-Belgian comics. The major official manufacturers are Fariboles, Aroutcheff, Pixi and Leblon Delienne. Each manufacturer has its own market positioning, materials and production runs. This guide will help you choose, authenticate and preserve your pieces.
Spirou, a character made for collecting
Spirou first appeared in 1938 with the launch of *Le Journal de Spirou* by Dupuis. Originally created by Roba, the character took on his definitive form under the pencil of André Franquin, who took over the series from 1946 onwards. It was Franquin who built the modern universe: he introduced Fantasio, the journalist companion, then Spip the squirrel, the Count of Champignac, the scientist-inventor, Seccotine, the rival journalist, and finally the Marsupilami, the iconic creature that first appeared in *Spirou and the Heirs*.
With nearly 90 years of publication, dozens of successive authors, and a licence managed by Dupuis, this exceptional legacy makes Spirou a particularly rich field for collectors. Every supporting character has its own fanbase, and every artistic era has its enthusiasts.
Added to this is the *Little Spirou* series, launched in 1987 by Tome & Janry – a parallel universe, humorous and offbeat, which has developed its own community of collectors.
The range of Spirou figurines and related collectables is therefore one of the widest in Franco-Belgian comics, comparable to Tintin or Asterix in terms of the breadth of the catalogue. Discover our selection of figurines and statuettes with a limited print run and certification.
The major companies that produce official Spirou figurines
Four publishers dominate the market for official Spirou collector’s figurines. They do not share the same market positioning nor the same approach to sculpture.
Fariboles – high-end resin, numbered editions
Fariboles is the go-to name for Spirou resin figurines. The company operates under licence from Dupuis and produces hand-painted, numbered statuettes, each accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Limited print runs – often between 290 and 2,000 pieces depending on the piece – and each sculpture is signed by its creator. The Fariboles Spirou range features Spirou, Fantasio, Seccotine, the Count of Champignac, Spip, the Marsupilami and several supporting characters. It is the natural choice for collectors seeking a large (often between 18 and 33 cm) display piece with comprehensive documentation.
Aroutcheff – collector’s resin figures, scenes and dioramas
Spirou Aroutcheff stands out for its more sculptural approach and scenes featuring multiple characters. The company is renowned for pieces with a strong visual impact, produced in limited editions. Aroutcheff editions are often linked to specific moments in the comic books, making them particularly meaningful for readers familiar with the classics.
Pixi – metal and bronze, precious small formats
Spirou Pixi occupies a different niche: hand-painted metal (sometimes bronze) figurines in more compact sizes. Pixi editions are amongst the most limited on the market – some pieces are limited to 120 or 360 pieces, numbered and supplied with a certificate. This is the ideal range for a collector who prefers density over size, and who is looking for pieces with high potential for rarity.
Leblon Delienne – affordable resin, extensive catalogue
Leblon Delienne offers a wider range of resin pieces, in various formats (busts, statuettes, lamps, bookends). Leblon Delienne’s Spirou/Fantasio catalogue is particularly extensive and covers not only Spirou on his own but also duos or trios featuring Spirou and Fantasio and Spip. This is often the starting point for a new collector, with a more accessible range in terms of availability.
The must-have Spirou figurines for any collector
Without claiming to be exhaustive – the catalogue is vast – here are the pieces and themes that consistently feature in serious collections.
Spirou & Spip: the founding duo. Fariboles has produced several variations, including an inaugural 20.5 cm piece sculpted by Pascal Rodier (run of 2,000, released in 2002) and a three-figure composition featuring the Marsupilami (run of 350, released in 2014). Two milestones in the range.
Spirou and Fantasio figurine: the most sought-after pair. Fariboles, Leblon Delienne and Pixi each offer their own interpretation. Fariboles’ ‘Spirou holding Fantasio’ scene is one of the most photographed compositions in the range.
Marsupilami figurine: Franquin’s creature has its own range of pieces, often depicted alongside Spirou. The ‘The Chase for the Marsupilami’ composition (Fariboles) is iconic. Pixi also offers pieces dedicated solely to the Marsupilami.
Count of Champignac: a central figure of the Franquin era, he has his own Fariboles statuette (33 cm, edition 290, 2026) and an older ‘Bulles en Boîte’ piece. A must-have for any collector with a passion for the classic era.
Seccotine: the rival journalist remains a less common piece than Spirou or Fantasio, making her an interesting acquisition to complete a cohesive collection.
Spip the Squirrel: Fariboles produced a piece dedicated solely to Spip (announced print run of 350, only 190 produced – an exclusive ‘Bulles en Boîte’ edition), making it one of the best-documented rarities in the range.
Little Spirou: a collection in its own right
The Little Spirou series by Tome & Janry, launched by Dupuis in 1987, is not merely a spin-off: it is a complete universe in its own right, with its own recurring characters – Mr Mégot the PE teacher, the schoolmistress, the neighbourhood friends – and its distinctly different tone, somewhere between nostalgia and schoolboy humour.
The Little Spirou figurines: items dedicated to this universe do exist and form a distinct collection, complementing the main range. Monsieur Mégot is one of the series’ most recognisable supporting characters – his comic book *Mon prof de gym* is the first volume in the ‘Little Spirou présente’ collection. Collectors specifically seeking a Monsieur Mégot figurine demonstrate a strong attachment to this universe.
For a collector passionate about the Tome & Janry era, building a ‘Little Spirou’ collection alongside the classic range is a logical approach and one that is still relatively untapped – there are fewer dedicated items, making them easier to complete. Discover, for example, this ‘Little Spirou’ statuette by Fariboles.
How to choose your first Spirou figurine?
A few simple criteria to ensure you get it right from the start:
- The character above all else. Start with the character that appeals to you most – Spirou on his own, the Spirou & Fantasio duo, the Marsupilami, or the Count of Champignac. The thematic coherence of a collection is built from there.
- The publisher. Fariboles for high-end resin figurines and large-scale compositions; Pixi for small-scale metal figurines with a limited print run; Leblon Delienne for an affordable first purchase with a wide choice of sizes.
- Limited print run vs open series. A numbered Spirou limited edition has greater collectable value than an open series. Always check the print run before buying.
- Mint vs pre-owned. A mint item in its original box with a certificate is the benchmark. For pre-owned items, the condition of the paintwork and the presence of the box and certificate are decisive factors.
- Budget. Prices vary considerably. Leblon Delienne offers an accessible entry point into the Spirou collection; Fariboles and Pixi, produced in very limited runs, fall into higher price brackets, particularly on the secondary market.
Authenticating and preserving your Spirou statuettes
An official Spirou collector’s item can be recognised by several features:
- The certificate of authenticity: included with Fariboles, Pixi and Aroutcheff figurines, it states the item’s number within the edition, the sculptor and the date of production.
- The numbering: inscribed directly on the piece (base or plinth), it must match the certificate.
- The original box: essential for resale and for preservation. A piece without its box loses some of its documentary value.
- The Dupuis licence: every official piece bears the licence mark. Its absence is a warning sign.
For the care of resin pieces:
- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight: the pigments in painted resin fade when exposed to UV light.
- Stable temperature: significant fluctuations weaken the resin and can cause micro-cracks.
- Dust: use a soft brush; do not use any chemicals. Fariboles publishes its own care advice on its official website.
- Storage: if you are storing a piece, keep it in its original box with its packing material, away from damp.
FAQ
Which Spirou figurine is best for starting a collection?
For a first purchase, a Leblon Delienne piece (Spirou on his own or Spirou & Fantasio) offers good value for money. If your budget allows, a numbered Fariboles resin figurine – Spirou, Fantasio or Seccotine – is a stronger starting point in terms of collectable value. The key is to choose the character that suits you best and to check that it comes with a certificate.
What is the difference between Fariboles, Aroutcheff and Pixi?
Fariboles: resin, large statuettes (18–33 cm), editions ranging from 290 to 2,000 pieces, signed sculptures, certificate included. Aroutcheff: resin, focused on scenes and dioramas, limited editions, high visual impact. Pixi: metal/bronze, small formats, very limited print runs (sometimes 120 pieces), hand-painted, certificate included. Three different approaches to collecting, three distinct levels of rarity.
Is there an official Spirou and Fantasio figurine?
Yes, several. Fariboles has produced ‘Spirou holding Fantasio’ and Wild West scenes featuring both characters. Leblon Delienne also offers duo and trio pieces (featuring Spip). Pixi has its own interpretations. All these pieces are officially licensed by Dupuis.
Where can I find a ‘Little Spirou’ figurine?
Specialists in Franco-Belgian comic-related merchandise (Bulles en Boîte in Paris, specialist online shops) stock Little Spirou figurines. The secondary market (comic conventions, sales between collectors) is also a source, particularly for older items or those that are out of print. Characters such as Monsieur Mégot are niche items that are well worth keeping an eye on.
How do you authenticate a Spirou statuette?
Three essential checks: 1) the presence of a certificate of authenticity with a number matching that of the figurine; 2) the mention of the Dupuis licence on the figurine or its box; 3) consistency between the stated edition number and the number engraved on the base. If you have any doubts about a pre-owned item, compare it with the publisher’s official photos and do not hesitate to contact the publishing house directly. More broadly, these authentication principles apply to all our collectable comic book figurines.
A twist of publishing history has brought Spirou together with another of Franquin’s iconic characters: the Marsupilami. To explore this complementary universe, head to our guide to Marsupilami figurines.
