251 - FOLLET, René (1931–2020)

FOLLET, René (1931–2020) Bob Morane, “La Piste de l’Ivoire,” special insert No. 2, plate 46 Pencil, gouache, ink, and acrylic on paper Signed “RF” and dated “91” On the reverse, a color study Some traces of glue (the plate was glued to another sheet) With a tracing sheet containing printing instructions Author’s stamp on the back Height: 43 cm - Width: 30 cm A multi-talented adventurer whose adventures began in 1953, created by Henri Vernes, Bob Morane has been depicted by numerous artists (Vance, Attanasio, Forton, etc.), whether on novel covers or in comic book adaptations. Pierre Joubert (1910–2002), the first to illustrate him for Marabout Publishing, collaborated with René Follet on the book "The Life of Jean Mermoz," and later on several Bob Morane comic book adventures in the 1970s, during which Follet produced numerous sketches of characters and backgrounds. Twenty years later, René Follet was commissioned by publisher Claude Lefrancq to create several covers for the Bob Morane novels, proving himself a worthy successor to his predecessor. Of note are the words of author Henri Vernes about him: “Follet is a master! Probably the only one worthy of succeeding artists like Joubert or Vance. He is truly one of the great masters of illustration! ” (Source: René Follet, un rêveur sédentaire, Editions l’Age d’or, 2007) Bob Morane, “La Piste de l’Ivoire,” special edition no. 2, plate 46 Pencil, gouache, ink, and acrylic on paper Signed RF and dated 91 On the reverse, a color study. A few traces of glue (the plate was glued onto another sheet) With a tracing sheet containing printing instructions; the author’s stamp on the reverse Height: 43 cm – Width: 30 cm A multi-talented adventurer whose adventures began in 1953, created by Henri Vernes, Bob Morane has been depicted by numerous artists (Vance, Attanasio, Forton…) both on novel covers and in comic book adaptations. Pierre Joubert (1910–2002), the first to illustrate him for Marabout, collaborated with René Follet on the book *La vie de Jean Mermoz*, and subsequently on several Bob Morane comic-strip adventures in the 1970s, during which time Follet produced numerous sketches of characters and backgrounds. Twenty years later, René Follet was commissioned by publisher Claude Lefrancq to create several covers for the Bob Morane novels, proving himself a worthy successor to his predecessor. It is worth noting the comments made about him by author Henri Vernes: “Follet is in a league of his own! Probably the only one worthy of succeeding artists such as Joubert or Vance. He is truly one of the great masters of illustration!” (Source: René Follet, un rêveur sédentaire, Editions l’Age d’or, 2007)