Bande dessinée, often abbreviated as BD, is a French term that refers to comic strips and graphic novels. This art form combines illustrations and text to tell a story, typically presented in a sequence of panels. It is popular in France and Belgium, where it has a rich history and cultural significance. The style of bande dessinée can vary widely, ranging from humor and adventure to more serious themes. Notable examples include Tintin by Hergé and Asterix by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. These works have contributed to the global appreciation of comics as a legitimate form of literature and art.