MAURICE TILLIEUX (1921-1978)

Gil Jourdan - Les Cargos du Crépuscule Indian ink on paper for plate 40 of the album. 39 x 28 cm. Dupuis, 1961. In order to join the Dupuis publishing house, the contract was clear: Tillieux had to smooth out the content of his stories, so as not to offend the young people who, according to Charles Dupuis, made up the heart of the Journal de Spirou's audience. Especially since it was precisely the murders, the violence and the dark atmospheres that had, it seems, condemned the magazine Héroïc-Albums not to pass the stage of the French censorship. If Tillieux can't help but make fun of Inspector Crouton, the first adventures of Gil Jourdan respect this polished framework. The brawler Félix gives way to Gil Jourdan, a well-dressed lawyer, and Libellule, the ex-burglar, is noticed above all for his thunderous laughter. And despite the popaine trafficking that is revealed, the setting of the story remains quite dignified, even going so far as to be set in a social gathering. Once his position is confirmed, Tillieux brings back more disturbing atmospheres, which take place at night, where a mysterious sponsor can appear from the shadows. This plate translates perfectly this change of atmosphere; in a dark night, our heroes try to stop Jo the syringe. This is one of the most famous chases of the series, drawn by a Tillieux at the top of his art, mixing boats and cars to emphasize the action and suspense.