Jijé (Joseph Gillain)

Joseph Gillain (Known as "Jijé")

Comic Book Master, Mentor of the Marcinelle School, Creator of Jerry Spring

Born Jan 13, 1914

Gedinne (Namur Province), Belgium

Passed Away Jun 19, 1980 Versailles, France

Lifespan 66 years old

0 views

Notice / Correction

"Draw from life, feel the rhythm of the horse, and never let the line become stagnant."

Archival Overview

Founding master and mentor of the Marcinelle School of comics who sustained Spirou magazine single-handedly during World War II and taught André Franquin, Morris, and Will at his Waterloo studio.

Biographical Record

Studying fine arts at the Maredsous Abbey crafts school, Gillain entered Dupuis publishing in 1939. During the German occupation, he kept Spirou alive by writing and illustrating virtually the entire magazine himself, drawing Spirou, Jean Valhardi, and a revered biography of Don Bosco.

In 1954, Jijé launched Jerry Spring, the first realistic Western series in European comics, introducing cinematic dust-blown landscapes and heroic pacing that influenced Jean Giraud (Mœbius), whom he personally trained. He was awarded the Grand Prix at Angoulême in 1977.

Memorial Guestbook & Tributes

0 messages recorded

Leave a Respectful Tribute

Select a sentiment or reaction (optional):

Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

Your Name / Title *

Your Email (Private, for anti-abuse)

Tribute Message *

No tributes recorded yet. Be the first to leave a message in honor of Jijé (Joseph Gillain).

Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Champrosay Cemetery (Draveil)
Essonne, France

                         GPS: 48.6833, 2.4167                    

View on Memory Atlas

Archival Standards PastLegacies adheres to strict neutral biographical guidelines and legal standards of remembrance. Next-of-kin may request modifications or removal at any time via our expedited process.

Read Governance Policy →