Moebius and Me
The banner above is my tribute to an artist who was such a huge inspiration to me, a creator whose style totally blew my mind and influences me even to this day — Jean “Moebius” Giraud (1938-2012).
He has been described as the most influential bandes dessinées artist after Hergé, but to me he was like an explosion coming out of Europe with a style that resonated enormously with me.
My first exposure to his work was in the pages of Metal Hurlant magazine, the precursor to Heavy Metal, where his character Arzach rode his pteradactyl high over rocky terrains into clouds only Moebius could conceive. His exquisite line filled many creations — The Airtight Garage of Jerry Cornelius, Blueberry, the Incal, his works were many, his talent colossal.
Moebius contributed storyboards and concept designs to Alien, Willow, Tron, and The Fifth Element. A founding member of the comics art group “Les Humanoides Associes,” he was chosen among 11 others of the prestigious Grand Prix of the Angoulême Festival to illustrate a postage stamp set issued on the theme of communication.
Zombie Boy by Moebius
I met Moebius at a convention in Dallas many years ago, where I tentatively handed him one of my comic books and cheekily asked if he would draw me a sketch of Zombie Boy. I still remember to this day the look he shot at me over his glasses, probably a bit astonished that I would ask, considering the line behind me. He put a marker onto a small piece of paper and “voila!” I got my sketch. I still have it, and every time I see it, my mind goes full circle to what got me drawing comics in the first place. Thank you, Moebius for the wonder, the joy of line, the imagining beyond human eyes, and the thrill that you bestowed upon us mere mortals. Vive Moebius!
Great piece, Mark. Moebius was a one-of-a-kind artist, and I too can recall seeing his work for the first time (for me, it was in Heavy Metal #1); t’was certainly a mindblowing experience. It’s great to see his sketch of ZB! Lucky!!
If I’m not mistaken, you were at that same show that I met Moebius? What a great honor it was meeting him! I’m glad to know his work had the same effect on you.
I thought your new banner reminded me of Moebius for some reason. I was gonna ask you about it. Great tribute and homage, Mark! 😀
I really thought Moebius was gonna be one of those artists who lived well into his 90s. The good thing is he left a lot of himself behind and we can always visit with him through his work.
That is awesome! Moebius is considered a legend by so many of us artists. Just to know that you met him, wow! And have a skecth by him!!!
It helps to be young and a bit naive. I’m glad I had the nerve to do it, though. It’s nice to know you like his work as much as I do, Miguel. His art really charges me up.
Moebius was one of the true greats. I can’t even put into words how much his art has meant to me. Luckily he leaves us a great legacy.
Your banner by the way is just fantastic. I love the hatching style.
Christian, I’m with you 100%. That’s the beauty of it, that we can still admire great artists after they’ve left the mortal plain. Thanks for the nice words about the banner.
Well this proves it. My life was a total tragedy. I’d never heard of Monsieur Moebius until the day he died far too young. :`(
Thank you for a very moving account of your meeting with him and his influence on your art. And for having the hutzpah to ask directly for what you want and making me entirely jealous! ;`D
Ah, the hubris of youth! The best part about it is that Moebius left behind so many ways for us to see and enjoy his work. I highly recommend getting some Arzach or Blueberry, your eyes will feast!
That’s a great banner Mark. I am not familiar with Mobius or many other cartoonists but I like the style
Thanks, Tony. I think you would really appreciate Moebius. You should do a little research and see if you can find some printed versions of his work. You certainly won’t be disappointed!
I lived in France for a while so I’ve known of Moebius for quite some time. His biggest contribution to pop culture I feel was the look of the original tron movie where he designed all the costumes and much of the sets. However he did not do Alien, that was Swiss artist Giger, who designed the monsters and ‘hatchery’. Moebius does fall into that category of great European comic artists that includes Herge, Peyo and Franquin, who is still my favorite. Its great you got to meet Moebius!
I thought it was interesting that when Moebius died, the French Minister of Culture Frédéric Mitterrand said France had lost “two great artists,” referring to Jean Giraud and his alias, Moebius. He is considered a national treasure in France, with great reason. I’m sure living in France and being exposed to the brilliant artists in bandes dessinées brought you a lot of great inspiration!
Wow…That sketch is a treasure! I’ve always enjoyed Moebius’ style!
I’m happy I got it, Jerry. I guess it never hurts to ask!
I never got to meet Moebius, but I did meet several others. I mentioned Franquin who is not known over here but was insanely talented. He was my mentor of sorts and gave me some good tips for someone starting out like myself back then. Its interesting how in Europe they emphasize the art while I feel in America the writing is emphasized. Somewhere in the middle is a happy spot 😉
It’s funny you should mention Franquin, because one of the only graphic novels I brought back with me from my trip to Paris was a Franquin book about Gaston LaGaffe. I thought his line work was tremendous still have that book around here somewhere. I’d love to hear more about your adventures as a student of this great artist!