[Discussion] Why isn't Valerian more widely known?

I have always been a comic book enthusiast. Since I was very young I have been interested in a wide variety of styles and provenances. From super-heroes to punk fanzines. From Japanese manga to Argentinean strips, I read a lot of stuff. Or so I thought.

Recently, I was informed that a new movie which hasn't really interested me from the beginning was made after a French comic book, Valerian & Laureline.

It didn't surprise me that I didn't know a B-side European comic book. What REALLY surprised me is that this shouldn't be B-side comics at all. BECAUSE IT'S SO GOOD! Being space-time travelers, Valerian and Laureline could go from space sci-fi to medieval fantasy in the blink of an eye. The art heavily inspired Star Wars. Hell, a hint of The Matrix is there, even though it was published in 1967.

Then I checked a few "best comics" lists around the internet. Valerian & Laureline is never mentioned. Sure, 90% of the stuff is American/British, but you see the eventual Lone Wolf & Cub and Asterix & Obelix here and there.

Of course, it is popular in France. Now that the movie is out people know about it worldwide. But just now.

TL;DR - This comic book is so good. Did you guys know Valerian & Laureline prior to the release of the movie? Why do you think it is so underrated?