Renowned French cartoonist André Juillard, known for his historical and realistic comic books, including 'The Seven Lives of the Sparrowhawk' and 'The Blue Notebook', died on Wednesday, his publisher informed AFP on Thursday.
The multiple award-winning cartoonist had been working on the next volume of Belgian comic series 'Blake and Mortimer', titled 'Signed Olrik', set to be released later this year. The storyline unfolds in Cornwall (UK), adding to numerous successful series that Juillard had previously illustrated, such as 'The Voronov Plot' (2000), and 'The Testament of William S.' (2016).
From 'Bohémond of Saint-Gilles' in 1979 to 'The Secret of the Cathedral' in 1981, via 'The Cathars' in 1980 and '2,000 Years of History of Calvados' in 1981, Juillard's skilful reenactment of both micro and macro history is noteworthy.
His received widespread acclaim for his historical adventure saga set in the era of Henry IV, 'The Seven Lives of the Sparrowhawk', comprised seven volumes written by Patrick Cothias and published by Glénat from 1983 to 1991.
While Juillard was adept at storytelling through others' words, he also ventured into solo projects, attempting contemporary storytelling with 'The Blue Notebook' in 1994. This tale of crossed love and misunderstandings earned him the award for the best French album at the International Comics Festival of Angoulême in 1995.
In recognition of his overall contributions, Juillard was awarded the Grand Prix de la Ville d'Angoulême, the highest honour bestowed upon a comic author, the following year.
Among his other striking works are the three volumes of 'Léna', published by Dargaud between 2006 and 2020, and the 'Feather in the Winds' series, by the same publisher between 1995 and 2002, revisiting the heroine from 'The Seven Lives of the Sparrowhawk'.
