Jean graton, sacred monster of comics, passionate about motor sports of all kinds and father of Michel Vaillant, left. Although our childhood hero is above all a car driver, motorcycles also play a very important role in the universe created by the French screenwriter and designer.
It’s a part of the Franco-Belgian comic strip that is dying today. Born in Nantes in 1923, Jean graton
had a very difficult childhood before developing a passion for drawing. Following the death of his mother at just 11 years old, he was raised by his father; it was the latter who took little Jean to the 24 Hours of Le Mans car for the first time, at the age of 14.
Two years later, in full Second World War, his father was taken prisoner by German forces. After unsuccessful experiences in the working world, his passion for drawing took over. He joined
Brussels in 1947, the world capital of comics, to try to find a place in the golden age of the ninth art.
Michel Vaillant appears some time later in
Tintin's Journal in 1957. The pencil stroke instantly appealed to young readers, which opened the door to a complete first volume. Two years later, the awaited album, The Great Challenge, appears.
Credits: Graton publisher / Dupuis
The machine is launched. Counting 76 albums at the time these lines are written, as they are still ongoing, the Michel Vaillant saga is one of the richest in the world of French-speaking comics. Everyone, at one time or another, was touched by the hero, his family and his friends, from Steve Warson
to his brother Jean-Pierre via Jonquière, the family landmark. In the meantime, his son Philippe joined the adventure, as did other important scriptwriters and designers such as Benjamin Beneteau,
Marc Bourgne et Denis Lapière
(among others).
The motorcycle had a special place in the Vaillant universe. The character of Julie Wood (which will have its own saga from 1976) is focused on two-wheelers, just like certain adventures of Steve Warson. Thus, the
Dakar Rally, but also trial, motocross, speed racing and road racing (See you in Macau) were honored.
The special “motorcycle special” highlights different disciplines and illustrates Jean Graton's attachment to two-wheelers.
Photo: Graton / Les éditions du Lombard
Jean graton stopped drawing in 2004, granting himself a well-deserved retirement. The latter, who traveled the world to get as close to his stories as possible, leaves us today with an absolutely monumental and timeless work.
The world of motor sports is, therefore, very saddened by this disappearance. Indeed, Graton was close to many pilots like Jacky Ickx, winner of 24 hours of Le Mans on six occasions as well asAlain Prost, four-time Formula 1 world champion (1985, 1986, 1989, 1993).
Courage, determination and self-sacrifice are important values transmitted in Michel Vaillant who will not lack resound forever in the hearts of nostalgic people.
« He who is able to feel passion, he can inspire you »
Marcel Pagnol.
Photo: Cees de Boer, Zandvoort 1983 (with Patrick Tambay).
