List of Belgian comic artists

Overview

Belgium has a rich tradition in the art of comics, known locally as bandes dessinées or stripverhalen. This tradition has produced a significant number of influential comic artists who have contributed to the global comic scene. This article provides a comprehensive list of notable Belgian comic artists, detailing their contributions, styles, and notable works.

Early Pioneers

Hergé

Georges Prosper Remi, known by the pen name Hergé, is one of the most famous Belgian comic artists. He is best known for creating The Adventures of Tintin, a series that has been translated into over 70 languages and has sold more than 200 million copies worldwide. Hergé's clear line style, known as ligne claire, has influenced many artists and is characterized by its clean, precise lines and attention to detail.

Jijé

Joseph Gillain, better known as Jijé, was a pioneer in the Belgian comic scene. He worked on several series, including Blondin et Cirage, Jean Valhardi, and Jerry Spring. Jijé was instrumental in developing the Franco-Belgian comic style and was a mentor to many younger artists, including André Franquin and Morris.

Golden Age Artists

André Franquin

André Franquin is celebrated for his work on Spirou et Fantasio and for creating Gaston Lagaffe. His dynamic and expressive style, combined with his innovative storytelling, has left a lasting impact on the comic industry. Franquin's work is characterized by its humor, detailed backgrounds, and lively characters.

Peyo

Pierre Culliford, known as Peyo, created the globally beloved The Smurfs. Initially appearing in the series Johan and Peewit, the Smurfs gained immense popularity and became a standalone series. Peyo's work is known for its charming characters and engaging stories, appealing to both children and adults.

Morris

Maurice De Bevere, known as Morris, is the creator of Lucky Luke, a series about a cowboy in the American Old West. Morris's work is distinguished by its humor, satirical elements, and distinctive art style. Lucky Luke has become one of the best-selling comic series in Europe.

Illustration of Belgian comic art style, featuring characters from various Belgian comics in a dynamic and colorful scene.

Illustration of Belgian comic art style, featuring characters from various Belgian comics in a dynamic and colorful scene.

Contemporary Artists

François Schuiten

François Schuiten is renowned for his work on Les Cités Obscures (The Obscure Cities), a series created in collaboration with writer Benoît Peeters. Schuiten's art is characterized by its intricate architectural designs and surreal landscapes. His work often explores themes of urbanism, architecture, and the relationship between humans and their environments.

Philippe Geluck

Philippe Geluck is best known for his comic strip Le Chat (The Cat), which features a philosophical and often absurdist humor. Le Chat has been widely popular in Belgium and France, and Geluck's distinctive style and wit have made the strip a cultural icon.

Midam

Midam, whose real name is Michel Ledent, is the creator of Kid Paddle, a series that follows the adventures of a young boy obsessed with video games. Midam's work is known for its humor and its appeal to a younger audience. The series has been adapted into an animated television show and has a significant following.

Female Artists

Dominique Goblet

Dominique Goblet is a prominent figure in the Belgian comic scene, known for her autobiographical and experimental works. Her graphic novel Faire semblant c'est mentir (Pretending is Lying) has received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and innovative use of the comic medium.

Judith Vanistendael

Judith Vanistendael is known for her poignant and beautifully illustrated graphic novels. Her works, such as When David Lost His Voice and The Dance of the Angel, often explore complex themes such as illness, family, and personal growth. Vanistendael's art is characterized by its delicate lines and expressive characters.

Influential Styles and Movements

Ligne Claire

The ligne claire (clear line) style, popularized by Hergé, is a hallmark of Belgian comics. This style is characterized by clean, uniform lines, flat colors, and a lack of hatching or shading. It emphasizes clarity and readability, making it accessible to a wide audience. Artists like Edgar P. Jacobs and Bob de Moor have also adopted this style.

Marcinelle School

The Marcinelle School refers to a group of artists associated with the magazine Spirou and the publishing house Dupuis. This style is known for its dynamic characters, expressive lines, and humorous storytelling. Key figures include André Franquin, Peyo, and Morris.

Notable Series and Publications

Spirou et Fantasio

Spirou et Fantasio is one of the longest-running and most influential Belgian comic series. Created by Rob-Vel and later developed by artists like André Franquin, Jean-Claude Fournier, and Tome & Janry, the series follows the adventures of the titular characters as they travel the world and encounter various challenges.

Blake and Mortimer

Blake and Mortimer, created by Edgar P. Jacobs, is a classic Belgian comic series that combines elements of science fiction, mystery, and adventure. The series follows the exploits of Captain Francis Blake and Professor Philip Mortimer as they solve complex cases and thwart the plans of their nemesis, Colonel Olrik.

XIII

XIII, created by Jean Van Hamme and William Vance, is a popular Belgian comic series that follows the story of an amnesiac protagonist trying to uncover his true identity. The series is known for its intricate plot, political intrigue, and detailed artwork.

See Also

• Franco-Belgian Comics
• The Adventures of Tintin
• Ligne Claire
• Spirou et Fantasio
• Blake and Mortimer