July 10, 2003
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Yves Chaland
I first came across Yves Chaland’s work by chance in 1983. Like his Belgian compatriot, Herge, his drawings had that distinct look and feel that you only find in Europe. While I always loved the Tintin books as a kid, Chaland’s artwork was something else. The first book I bought of his – Bob Fish - was a noir-ish detective story. Although I was unable to read French, seeing it for the first time made me get back into drawing again, and was to influence my drawing style for the next ten or so years.
Illustration circa 1990. See LARGER pic
I collected his subsequent books – the ‘Freddy Lombard’ series – until they stopped appearing around 1990. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago, that I discovered (with the help of Lili’s internet/translation skills) that Chaland had actually died in a car accident in 1990 at age 33.
Today I discovered at Kinokuniya Books, a two part anthology of his Freddy Lombard series. All five books are included, and translated into English.
One of the most gifted artists in every sense – graphically and stylistically – Chaland has to be the most underrated, under-appreciated cartoonist ever. Hopefully that now his work is being published in English, it will lead to some belated recognition. Enjoy these images. - Eddie
