Jijé
Early Life
Joseph Gillain, better known by his pen name Jijé, was born on January 13, 1914, in Gedinne, Belgium. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in drawing and painting, which led him to attend the Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels. However, his studies were interrupted by the onset of World War II.
Career
Jijé started his career in the comic book industry in 1940, when he took over the artwork for the series "Spirou" after the original artist, Rob-Vel, was unable to continue due to the war. Jijé's work on "Spirou" was characterized by a more realistic style compared to the original, and he introduced several new characters that became popular with readers.
In 1943, Jijé created his own comic strip, "Jean Valhardi", which was published in the magazine "Le Moustique". This series was notable for its mature themes and complex plotlines, which were unusual for comic strips at the time.
Jijé is also known for his work on the series "Jerry Spring", which he created in 1954. This Western-themed comic strip was highly successful and is considered one of the classics of the Franco-Belgian comic book tradition.
In addition to his work on comic strips, Jijé also illustrated several books and created numerous paintings and sculptures throughout his career.
Influence and Legacy
Jijé is considered one of the pioneers of the Franco-Belgian comic book tradition, also known as the "Marcinelle school". His realistic style and mature storytelling had a significant influence on the development of the medium in Europe.
Jijé also played a crucial role in training a new generation of comic book artists. He mentored several young artists who would go on to become major figures in the industry, including André Franquin, Morris, and Will. This group of artists, known as "La bande des quatre" (The Gang of Four), were instrumental in the development of the Marcinelle school.
Jijé's work continues to be highly regarded today, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary comic book artists.
Personal Life
Jijé was married and had four children. His son, Philippe Gillain, also became a comic book artist and worked with his father on several projects.
Jijé was a deeply religious man, and his faith often influenced his work. He created several religious-themed comic strips, including a biography of the life of Jesus Christ.
Jijé passed away on June 19, 1980, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France.