Jean Graton, father of the comic book hero Michel Vaillant, has passed away
Jean Graton, comic book author and notably of the Michel Vaillant series, passed away peacefully today in Brussels surrounded by his loved ones, at the age of 97.
Under his fantastic pencil stroke, Jean Graton made both young and old dream through the fabulous stories of the racing driver Michel Vaillant. A true enthusiast and ambassador of French motor racing, the Nantes native created a work, a brand that will remain iconic. Indeed, the Vaillante brand and its drivers like Steve Warson, Julie Wood, and the rival team Leader have taken readers on journeys through the most legendary circuits and rallies.
His drawings have sparked many passions and vocations, close to several F1 drivers like Alain Prost and Jacky Ickx, he was the first to draw inspiration from reality and the actors of this sport to make his stories even more immersive. Reading a Jean Graton comic book was like stepping into the paddock or getting behind the wheel of a Vaillante. His work was also adapted for the small screen, as well as for the cinema in 2003 with French screenwriter Luc Besson.
The Vaillante brand managed to transition from paper to the metal of a car body; in fact, the Courage Vaillante team in 1997 or more recently the Vaillante Rebellion participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans by taking the name of this team born from the imagination of Jean Graton.
Jean Graton’s work is not limited to Michel Vaillant; at his beginnings, he was also an illustrator for the sports journal, the Beautiful Stories of Uncle Paul in Spirou. He is one of the last great gentlemen of Franco-Belgian comics who is bowing out today. Throughout his career, he rubbed shoulders with, and also formed friendships with, Goscinny, Uderzo, Charlier, Peyo, Roba, and Franquin.
If Jean Graton managed to make many people dream in the past, Michel Vaillant will continue to fuel the imagination and passions of many more in his upcoming adventures.
Thank you, Mr. Graton
