'Charlie Hebdo' Cartoonist Responds To Attacks

After Friday night's terror attacks in Paris left the city in shock, Charlie Hebdo Cartoonist Joann Sfar penned a series of cartoons in response to the tragedy. In one, he addresses the hashtag #prayforparis. "Friends from the whole world," he wrote in English, "thank you for #prayforparis, but we don't need more religion! Our faith goes to music! Kisses! Life! Champaign and joy! #parisisaboutlife." Considering Charlie Hebdo's "anti-religious stance," Sfar's response to the hashtag is in keeping with the magazine's tradition.

Sfar further addressed the crisis in a series of panels, all of which are in French. Independent published a translation of the comics, which speak of Parisian love of life and resilience in the face of death. "Terrorism is not the enemy," he writes in one panel. "Terrorism is a mode of operation. Repeating 'we are at war' without finding the courage to name our enemies leads nowhere. Our enemies are those that love death. In various guises, they have always existed. History forgets quickly." He continues, "The people who died tonight were out living, drinking, singing. They didn't know they had declared war," and finishes with "Instead of dividing, we should remember what is precious: our way of life."

Although the series encompasses thirteen panels, three in particular encapsulate Sfar's message. The first, panel 6 reads, "The motto of Paris is beautiful," followed by panel 7, "Fluctuat Nec Mergitur," (It is beaten by the waves but does not sink). The final panel in the series is an illustration of the motto, accompanied by a memorable addition. It reads: "Fluctuat Nec Mergitur," followed by, "It means f**k death."