Pilote, the weekly magazine that revolutionised Franco-Belgian comics from October 1959 until October 1989, has got its own history book.
Published in French by La Déviation, the work of Christian Kastelnik, Clément Lemoine and Patrick Gaumer, Pilote – La Naissance d’un Journal (“Pilote – The Birth of a Magazine”) has been well received already by fans of the long-running title.
Launched in 1959, Pilote, a weekly aimed at the interests of young people of the day, wasn’t initially recognised for its comic strips their now famous creators, but it rapidly came to be known for them and was a huge success, particularly in the 1960s and 70s.
Over 320 pages, this new reference book not only offers insights into creators such as Goscinny, Uderzo, Charlier, but those behind the enterprise, too: the regional press bosses, the Édifrance press agency, and advertisers such as Loréal, Radio Luxembourg and more.
Pilote – La Naissance d’un Journal tells the story behind the creation of one of the best European anthology magazines, a story full of twists and turns, which gave birth to a magazine that gradually became a flagship comic title, still fondly remembered by its fans to this day. But to find out more, you must learn French.
• Pilote – La Naissance d’un Journal is available to buy direct from the publisher here | ISBN 979-1096373581
With thanks to Søren Kjellberg
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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