I think it just comes from a different culture. Same as with food, American culture is one of rapid growth and excess, whereas Europeans, especially in the south, tend to go a bit slower, with a bit more respect for tradition.

If you ever want a good read, Alessandro Barrico(IT) wrote a series of essays bundled in "the barbarians" where he explains about the clash between these two cultures way better then I ever could. In short, not doing him justice; he claims its a difference between going in depth (deep, specialized knowledge) or going wide (big networks, knowing a little bit about a lot of things).

I started out with the european stuff being eally lucky my dad is such a collector (and it's only in hindsight i realise how good his taste was; from Gaston to storm/trigie/ to moebius to Asterix) Then I grew up and started developping my own taste with the likes of Hellboy, Sandman, Watchman, scott pilgrim... only to eventually return to the european stuff because it's just so... sensible. TBF this blog is playing a big part in that return.

edit: before the american stuff, there was also a manga period btw. not really important to this comparison, but I guess its relevant to understand its not just a binary comparison... the world of mangaka's is so different again in its own right.

Ah, yes, I recall seeing that term before when deep diving on Will Eisner back in the day. 🤘🏽