Simon Alexander
Maurice De Bevere (Dutch: [moːˈriz də ˈbeːvərə]; French: [mɔʁis də bəvɛʁ, moʁ-]; 1 December 1923 – 16 July 2001), better known as Morris, was a legendary Belgian comics artist and illustrator, best known for creating Lucky Luke, the iconic comic series about a sharp-shooting cowboy in the American Wild West. Over the span of more than five decades, Lucky Luke became one of the most popular European comic series, translated into over 30 languages and selling more than 300 million copies worldwide. Morris collaborated for two decades with renowned French writer René Goscinny, whose scripts helped elevate the series to new heights.
Maurice De Bevere (Morris)
- Full Name: Maurice De Bevere
- Pen Name: Morris
- Born: 1 December 1923, Kortrijk, Belgium
- Died: 16 July 2001 (aged 77), Belgium
- Occupation: Comics artist, illustrator
- Nationality: Belgian
- Notable Works: Lucky Luke, Rantanplan
- Collaborators: René Goscinny
- Awards: Grand Prix Saint-Michel (1972), Grand Prix de la ville d’Angoulême (1992)
Early Life and Education
Morris was born in Kortrijk, Belgium, on 1 December 1923, into a modest, middle-class family. He grew up in a bilingual environment, fluent in both Dutch and French, a duality that would later benefit his career in Belgium’s linguistically diverse comics industry. As a child, he displayed a keen interest in art and storytelling, often sketching caricatures of friends, teachers, and local figures.
He attended the Jesuit College in Aalst, a strict and prestigious institution known for its rigorous academic discipline. While his academic performance was average, Morris excelled in creative subjects and was often caught doodling in the margins of his notebooks. His penchant for caricature and visual humor was already evident, though not always appreciated by his instructors. Ironically, the school’s formal student uniforms would later serve as inspiration for the somber and stiff-looking undertakers in Lucky Luke.
Encouraged by his early interest in illustration, Morris explored various drawing techniques and artistic styles, teaching himself through observation and experimentation. This autodidactic approach helped him develop a unique visual flair that blended humor with clarity—an ideal combination for the comic arts.
Career Beginnings
After completing his studies, Morris joined the Compagnie Belge d’Actualités (CBA), a short-lived Belgian animation studio where he met future comic legends such as André Franquin, Peyo, and Eddy Paape. After World War II, Morris began working as an illustrator for the Flemish newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws and the French-language weekly Le Moustique, producing over 250 covers and countless caricatures of film stars.
Creation of Lucky Luke
In 1946, Morris created Lucky Luke for Spirou magazine, published by Dupuis. The character debuted in the Almanach Spirou 1947 with the story “Arizona 1880.” Luke, a lonesome cowboy aided by his clever horse Jolly Jumper, became an instant hit. Morris quickly rose as one of the magazine’s central artists and formed part of “La bande des quatre” (Gang of Four), along with Jijé, Franquin, and Will.
In 1948, Morris, Jijé, and Franquin traveled to the United States to explore the land that inspired their work. Morris stayed for six years, immersing himself in American pop culture and comic artistry. During this time, he met René Goscinny, leading to a prolific partnership that began in 1955. Goscinny would script all Lucky Luke adventures until his death in 1977.
Morris’ American stay profoundly influenced his style and storytelling. He incorporated cinematic elements like freeze-frames and close-ups, and his characters often bore resemblance to famous movie stars. Disney’s animation style also left its mark on his early albums, which featured smooth, rounded linework.
Publishing and Multimedia Expansion
Initially, the first 31 Lucky Luke albums were published by Dupuis. In the late 1960s, Morris moved to Dargaud and began contributing to Pilote magazine, co-founded by Goscinny. The move allowed greater creative freedom and helped the series evolve further.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Lucky Luke gained a new audience through adaptations: a 52-episode animated series by Hanna-Barbera, more animated shows, live-action films, and even video games. These adaptations solidified Lucky Luke‘s place as a cultural icon in Europe and beyond.
Other Works and Legacy
Unlike many contemporaries, Morris focused almost exclusively on Lucky Luke, though he did create Rantanplan, a spin-off featuring the dim-witted prison dog. His sharp wit, visual storytelling, and dedication to craft made him one of Belgium’s greatest cartoonists.
Morris passed away in 2001 at the age of 77 due to an embolism following an accidental fall. In 2005, he was posthumously ranked 79th in a poll of the greatest Belgians (French-speaking community).
Awards and Honors
- 1972: Grand Prix Saint-Michel, Brussels, Belgium
- 1992: 20th Anniversary Grand Prix de la ville d’Angoulême, France
Legacy
Maurice De Bevere, through the pen name Morris, left an indelible mark on the Franco-Belgian comics tradition. His cowboy hero, Lucky Luke, remains one of the most beloved characters in European comics. Thanks to his dynamic artwork, cinematic pacing, and collaborations with Goscinny, Morris helped shape the visual language of post-war European comics. His influence continues to resonate in comics, animation, and popular culture to this day.
