Fantômas

Fantômas, first published in 1911, is the first novel in a long-running French crime series that introduced the mysterious and remorseless master criminal Fantômas. Created by Pierre Souvestre and Marcel Allain, the character became a symbol of terror and fascination in early 20th-century popular culture. With his cunning disguises, elaborate crimes, and unrelenting pursuit by Inspector Juve, Fantômas challenged the line between villainy and genius. The novel’s lurid atmosphere, sensational twists, and macabre tone helped define the modern thriller and influenced surrealists and noir fiction alike.