We’re sorry to report the passing of influential French comic creator André Juillard, who died on 31st July, aged 76.

The winner of the Grand prix de la ville d’Angoulême in 1996 for his work, he is best known as the creator of Les 7 vies de l’épervier and Le Cahier bleu, a marvellous tale of story of crossed loves and misunderstandings.

A singular talent, he also drew several “Blake et Mortimer”, albums, his final work in the series, set in Cornwall, Signé Olrik, is due for release in October.

Other work includes Arno, Double 7, La Machination Voronov, and Mezek.

“A designer with a realistic, even academic style, André Juillard knew how to breathe a real personality into his art, a form of elegance combined with an exemplary clarity: great art,” his publisher, Dargaud, note in their heartfelt tribute. “Demanding with himself, a hard worker, he always sought to introduce more spontaneity into his style, particularly in inking. This remarkable mastery of drawing via comics truly had an influence on many designers, becoming in spite of himself the leader of a ‘school’.

André was not necessarily talkative at first glance. Deeply humble, modest, loyal, cultured, sharing, André was a person we loved to love.

“We will miss his elegance, his simplicity, his generosity,mand his disarming smile, sorely.”

Or condolences to family, his wife Anne and his children and grandchildren, and friends.

• An exhibition of original art by André Juillard continues at Chapelle des Paulines, Rue Poul Raoul, 22220 Treguier, France until 22nd September 2024 | Web: ville-treguier.fr

• André Juillard biography on Lambiek

• André Juillard biography on BD d’Amiens (in French)

John Freeman

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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