More than 20 years ago, when Sláine and ABC Warriors was first published in colour (horned god, Kronicles of Khaos) there were an atempt to published 2000AD material in hardcover deluxe format (which is simply the standard in France or Belgium where softcover are reserved for news stands). Sláine lasted 11 books and the ABC 5 books, both over a decade. Previously, in short news stand format we had the chance from time to time to stumble upon a Dredd series, Robohunter or Charley's War (its was more a translation of eagles comics colour reprint for Dredd and Robohunter). Also the firts book of Halo Jones and Dr & Quinch were published at that time in single oversized volume.
Recently, Nickel Edition, which is the home of Requiem Vampire Knight, has resumed the publication of Sláine (since the book of invasions + reprints of the past album following the Rebellion reprints). It's not chauvinism to say that these editions are even nicer than the excellent Rebellion HC (oversized book and Clint Langley himself has dealt with the art direction including a bit of extra material). Soleil Editions for their part have resumed the publication of the ABC warriors with the volgan war (same Rebellion material except the oversize format and the covers).
Last month, the firts volume of Charley's War was published in a Deluxe edition (following the Titan reprints whith more material source) with an excellent media reception.
Also following the recent "complete" Rebellion reprints, Alan Moore material (Future Shocks, Halo Jones, Dr & Quinch) and the Dredd complete case files (the 2 firts volume) has reached the French comics shops. For Dredd it is too soon to say if the publisher (Soleil) will continue.
But you are right to say that the European market is massive. For example, when a Marvel or DC comic sells 100000 copies at 2 or 3$, it is nowadays sees as a success. In France some hits (Asterix, XIII) sells ten times more at 10€.
