'Arthur le Fantôme (Pif Gadget #7, 7 April 1969).
Jean Cézard was a prolific author in both the realistic and the humorous genres, and is considered on the masters of French post-War comics. Born in 1924 in Membray, Haute-Sâone, in 1946 he made his debut in Francs-Jeux with several illustrations as well as the gag series 'Les Aventures de Monsieur Toudou'.
'M. Toudou', by Jean Cezard (Francs-Jeux, 1951).
Cézard subsequently started to work for various comics peridiocals and comic books. From 1947 on, he drew 'Pillul' for the magazines of the S.A.E.T.L. group, drew 'Monsieur Pipe' in Mon Journal and later Dakota, and contributed to the collection Le Scalp.
'Le Père Passe-Passe'.
Between 1949 and 1954, Cézard created several realistic comics for the publishing house Aventures et Voyages, including 'Brik' and 'Yak', both published in magazines of the same name. He remained associated with this publisher, drawing series like 'Jim Minimum' (in Dakota from 1959) and 'Billy Bonbon' (a series of albums from 1973). Between 1955 and 1968, Cézard was also present at Éditions Lug, where he illustrated the title comic of the Kiwi pocket book.
'Arthur le Fantôme', Dutch-language version from magazine Sjors #1, 1967.
Jean Cézard became one of the key artists of the magazine Vaillant in 1951, starting with 'Les Compagnons de la Section Noire', 'La Quête de l'Aruda', 'Le Chevalier de Lagardère' and 'Terre de Héros'. But the little ghost 'Arthur le Fantôme' became Cézard's most famous creation.
'Surplouf'.
Between 1953 and 1977, the adventures of Arthur, who could fly through walls but also through time, appeared in Vaillant and its successors Pif and Pif Gadget. In addition, Cézard created series like 'Les Tristus et les Rigolus' (1969-73) and 'Surplouf' (1973-77).
Jean Cézard was an influence on Zep.
'Arthur Le Fantôme'.