Creator of the beloved comic book series "Boule et Bill", which has been entertaining readers of all ages with its humorous and relatable stories of a young boy and his fox terrier since 1959.
Jean Roba, a Belgian comics author, is renowned for his iconic series Boule et Bill, a beloved comic strip that has captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide. With a career spanning over four decades, Roba's work has been translated into fourteen languages, selling over 25 million copies globally.
Born on July 28, 1930, in Schaerbeek, Belgium, Roba's fascination with comics began at a young age. He drew inspiration from French magazines like Robinson and Mickey, which featured American comics. The Katzenjammer Kids, a popular American comic strip, played a significant role in shaping his artistic style.
In 1957, Roba joined the esteemed Spirou magazine as an illustrator, where he created small cartoons for the front page. He also worked on Bonnes Soirées, another magazine from the same publisher Dupuis, continuing the series Sa majesté mon mari after Albert Uderzo stopped. This marked the beginning of his collaborative journey with Yvan Delporte and Andrés Franquin, who taught him the fundamentals of making comics.
In 1959, Roba launched his flagship series Boule et Bill, a humorous and heartwarming comic strip that revolved around the adventures of a young boy and his cocker spaniel. Initially created with stories by Maurice Rosy, Roba soon took over as both the artist and writer, crafting most of the gags himself. The series' immense popularity led to the creation of over 1000 pages, before he handed over the drawing duties to Laurent Verron.
In 1962, Roba introduced La Ribambelle, a series that brought together a diverse group of kids from various countries and racial backgrounds. This groundbreaking work showcased his ability to tackle complex social issues through humor and satire. While others contributed stories for La Ribambelle, Roba wrote most of his own gags, solidifying his position as a master storyteller.
Jean Roba's work has left an indelible mark on the world of comics. In 2005, he ranked No. 100 in the election for Le plus grand Belge (The Greatest Belgian). His contributions to the comic industry continue to inspire generations of artists and writers. Roba's legacy serves as a testament to the power of humor and storytelling, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers.
Jean Roba passed away on June 14, 2006, at the age of 75, leaving behind a treasure trove of comedic masterpieces. His work continues to delight readers of all ages, ensuring that his unique brand of humor and wit remains timeless.
Born in 1907
Creator of the iconic comic book series "The Adventures of Tintin", which has been translated into over 100 languages and has sold over 350 million copies worldwide.
99 Years Old
Creator of beloved comics like Asterix and Lucky Luke, bringing humor and wit to generations of readers.
