Cartoonist Michel Rabagliati was surprised to be named Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters of France. An honor in the form of a diploma received without warning and in the mail by the father of Paulhero of the popular Quebec series.
It was by opening an envelope that Michel Rabagliati learned that he had been named Chevalier des arts et des lettres de France. If a medal should also be sent to him soon to accompany the letter received from the French Embassy, there is a bit of mystery – which the author admits to liking – around his appointment.
“I’m happy, it sure looks good on a CV, it’s personal encouragement that makes you happy for a few hours, then we continue, he explains, laughing. In fact, I’m especially happy for comics, because it’s an art that is rarely highlighted. It’s always interesting when comics are put forward and we lift the veil on this art which is often hidden behind other forms of art. »
The 60-year-old illustrator, who is working on his series Paul for 23 years, says he is happy that “the 9th art” obtains its letters of nobility and that it is no longer considered as minor literature or even inferior to the novel.
This nomination is in addition to numerous prizes and distinctions already offered to the Quebec author, including two prizes received abroad, at the Festival de la Bande Dessinée d’Angoulême (Prix du public in 2010 and Prix pour l’ensemble of his work in 2021).
The Golden Age of Adult Comics
The artist attributes his success to the accessible, plausible and identifying aspects of his series set in Quebec and featuring “an ordinary guy, a sort of Mr. Everyman”. He also believes that such an award given to a cartoonist was made possible thanks to a certain openness and the great success of comics for adults over the past 10 years.
“We’re in a golden age of adult comics right now; they are more read, more discussed in the media and more seen in bookstores, explains the man who is currently working on a new format, the illustrated novel for adults. »
The one who was also named companion of the Order of Arts and Letters of Quebec in 2017 also praises the work of the publishing house La Pastèque which, almost a quarter of a century ago when the band comic lived through a dark period, gave hope to many artists. Him first.