Renowned writer Pierre Christin, known for his work on Valerian & Laureline, passed away on October 3 in Paris at the age of 86. Christin, born in Saint-Mandé on July 27, 1938, was a multifaceted individual with a passion for piano jazz and literature. Throughout his career, he worked as a journalist, novelist, and professor, leaving a lasting impact on the world of literature.
One of Christin’s most notable works is the science fiction graphic novel series Valerian & Laureline, which he debuted in Pilote magazine in 1967 alongside artist Jean-Claude Mézières, who was responsible for the set design of The Fifth Element. The series, which ran until 2010, garnered widespread acclaim and inspired various adaptations, including the 2007 French/Japanese anime coproduction Time Jam: Valerian & Laureline. This anime series, consisting of 40 episodes, was a collaboration between Satelight, Dargaud-Marina, and EuropaCorp, and is available for streaming in English on Crunchyroll.
Christin’s contributions to the world of literature and science fiction have left an indelible mark, with Valerian & Laureline standing as a testament to his creative genius. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of writers and readers alike. We extend our condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time.
We would like to thank Delphine Maurette from ANN’s French team for her assistance in providing information for this article. Sources for this piece include Le Monde and ICv2.
