Marcel Uderzo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marcel Uderzo
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Uderzo in 2010
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| Born | 20 December 1933 |
| Died | 24 January 2021 (aged 87) Évreux, France
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| Nationality | French |
| Occupation | Comic book artist |
Marcel Uderzo (born December 20, 1933 – died January 24, 2021) was a French artist who drew comic books. He was the younger brother of Albert Uderzo, who was also a famous comic book artist.
About Marcel Uderzo
Marcel Uderzo was born in Clichy-sous-Bois, France, on December 20, 1933. His family had moved there from Italy. In 1938, they moved to a part of Paris where many skilled craftspeople lived. After school, Marcel's father taught him how to be a luthier. A luthier is someone who makes or fixes string instruments like guitars. In 1964, Marcel decided to start working on comic books.
Starting in Comics
From 1964 to 1965, Marcel taught himself how to draw comics. He still made guitars in his father's shop. At the same time, he learned to draw and prepare pages for comics like Tanguy et Laverdure. He also helped with the famous Asterix comic series. In an interview from 2014, Marcel said he looked a lot like the Asterix character Cacofonix.
Working on Asterix
In 1966, Marcel Uderzo started working part-time for Dargaud, a publishing company. He helped create visual products for Asterix. Later, his brother Albert hired him full-time. Marcel worked on Tanguy et Laverdure until 1968. After that, he took over the inking and coloring for Asterix. He worked on Asterix until February 1972.
After a short break, he went back to Dargaud in September 1974. He continued to work on Asterix. His last Asterix book was Asterix in Belgium. This book included a funny version of a painting by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Marcel drew this part in just one day. In 1979, his brother Albert started a new company, Éditions Albert René. Marcel was not invited to join. Because of this, Marcel stopped working with his brother.
Later Career and Retirement
In January 1980, Marcel Uderzo started his own comic book project called Les Mémoires de Mathias. He worked as an independent artist for 33 years. During this time, he created about 40 "one-shots," which are comic books that tell a complete story in a single volume. He often worked with an artist named Moloch. Marcel spent his retirement in Upper Normandy with Monique-Hélène Ott, who helped him illustrate 20 of his books.
Marcel Uderzo passed away in the Hospital of Évreux, France, on January 24, 2021. He was 87 years old. He died from COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic in France.
