Jean-David Morvan, born in Reims, is today one of the most prolific French-language comic book writers.
He began his studies at the Saint-Luc Institute in Brussels, which he did not complete, and started his career in the 1990s as an illustrator before dedicating himself entirely to writing. What is most impressive about him is the sheer volume of his work; he has contributed to the creation of over 300 graphic novels.
But what makes him particularly interesting is his variety: science fiction, historical narratives, biographies, humor, children’s books, literary adaptations… he explores a vast range of genres, often with the same central idea: to tell compelling stories that draw the reader into meticulously crafted worlds.
Morvan first made his mark in the world of comics with his science fiction works, a genre in which he excels thanks to the richness of his universes and the precision of his storytelling.
With Sillage (or Wake), created with Philippe Buchet, Jean-David Morvan delivered a grand space opera. The series follows Navis within a gigantic intergalactic convoy populated by multiple species.
He then continued with Nomad, in collaboration with Buchet and Savoia. This dystopian tale unfolds in a globalized future where espionage, surveillance technologies, and geopolitical stakes intertwine. Finally, with Ashes, Ashes, created with Rey Macutay, Morvan plunges the reader into a post-apocalyptic universe marked by ruin, tension, and survival.
Today, Morvan’s work extends beyond science fiction.
He also writes works rooted in real lives, drawing on firsthand accounts and meticulous research into historical memory.
In Madeleine, Résistante, written with Dominique Bertail, Jean-David Morvan recounts the extraordinary life of Madeleine Riffaud, a leading figure in the French Resistance.
He also co-wrote Irena with Séverine Tréfouël and David Evrard, a series of graphic novels that sheds light on the life of Irena Sendler. In Adieu Birkenau, created with journalist Victor Matet, he tells the story of Ginette Kolinka, a survivor of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Morvan’s repertoire extends far beyond science fiction.
He has explored a wide variety of genres, ranging from historical fiction to adventure. He notably adapted Roland Dorgelès’ novel about the First World War, *Les Croix de Bois*, and created a biography of Louis XIV, exploring the complexities of power and court intrigue. He also created *Sherlock Fox*, a detective story featuring an anthropomorphic character.
In the realm of humor and children’s literature, Morvan has distinguished himself with *Spirou et Fantasio*, two albums co-written with José Luis Munuera, as well as *Sir Pyle*, a series of quirky medieval adventures, and *Merlin*, a humorous reimagining of the famous magician.
These projects demonstrate the breadth of his talent, his ability to move seamlessly from literary classics to children’s books, always with mastery and a sense of wonder.
An award-winning author
Jean-David Morvan has received numerous awards throughout his career, attesting to the diversity and quality of his work.
He was notably recognized at the Angoulême International Comics Festival, receiving the 9-12 year-old Youth Prize for Sillage volume 8 in 2006, followed by the Essential Youth Prize for volume 10 of the series in 2008.
In 2021, he won the René Goscinny Prize for Madeleine, Résistante, and in 2023, he was awarded the France Info Prize for Current Affairs Comics for Magnum Génération(s).
Several of his works have also been nominated for the Saint-Michel Prize in the youth category.
These examples barely illustrate the extent of the recognition Morvan enjoys in the world of comics.
Why does it matter today?
Morvan’s strength lies in his versatility.
He moves seamlessly from one genre to another without losing his identity: a highly immersive, accessible, and dynamic narrative that works equally well for adventure and historical fiction.
His graphic novels are published by major publishers (Glénat, Dupuis, Delcourt, Europe Comics, SelfMadeHero), allowing him to reach a diverse audience.
Morvan is an author who takes readers on journeys, whether through science fiction or pivotal moments in history. It is this ability to blend entertainment, depth, and grand storytelling that makes him an essential figure in contemporary comics.
