In Memoriam: Comic Creator Thierry Cailleteau

By John Freeman on February 27, 2023

We’re sorry to report the passing of French comic writer Thierry Cailleteau, aged just 63.

Paying tribute, fellow comic creator Fred Duval, who worked with him on the album, 500 fusils (“500 Rifles”), published by Delcourt, described him as a major influence on his life, an opinion echoed in a tribute from artist Denis Bajram.

Thierry Cailleteau took his first steps into comics with his accomplice, Olivier Vatine, aged just 16. Their first work, Les aventures de Fred et Bob – Galères Balnéaires was published in 1986, followed by L’Enfer de la drague in 1987.

Their greatest work, the eco-SF series Aquablue, launched in 1988. The first volume, “Nao “ won the coveted Alph-Art prize at the Angoulême Comics Festival in 1989.

Aquablue T01: Nao — Aquablue Volume One: Nao

*Thierry Cailleteau at the Angoulême Comic Festival in 1989. Image: Zewan via Wikimedia Commons*

Cailleteau created four volumes with Olivier Vatine, who was then replaced by Ciro Tota. From Volume 11, scripting passed to Régis Hautière, with art by Reno. Cailleteau’s return to the series with Volume 18, working with artist Stéphane Louis, was recently announced, but this album will now appear posthumously.

Cailleteau also wrote two albums of Cryozone with Denis Bajram in the 1990s, Bajram’s first professionally-published work, followed by six albums of Anachron with Jurion; and 500 fusils (500 Rifles) with Fred Duval.

More recently, he created Habana 2150 with Héloret in drawing, and Julie Doohan with Brahy.

Our sympathies to family and friends at this time.

Thierry Cailleteau, scénariste de bande dessinée (6th September 1959 – 22nd September 2023) –

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.