This Day in Comic Book History: June 19
This Day in Comic Book History: June 19
From the Belgian comics renaissance to the birth of an educational comics tradition in Latin America, June 19 marks moments of creative courage that expanded what comics could be.
June 19, 1946: Andre Franquin Takes Over Spirou et Fantasio
Franquin Debuts on Spirou — June 19
Belgian comics legend · Defined Spirou et Fantasio · Creator of Gaston Lagaffe · European comics icon
On June 19, 1946, the 21-year-old Belgian artist Andre Franquin took over as the artist on Spirou et Fantasio. Franquin transformed the series into a masterwork of visual storytelling and physical comedy. He also created the beloved Gaston Lagaffe, making him one of the great pillars of European comics.
June 19, 1934: Birth of Rius, Pioneer of Educational Comics
Rius Born — June 19
Mexican comics artist · Pioneered the educational comics format · 100+ books
Eduardo del Rio (Rius), born June 19, 1934, pioneered the educational comics format with his "...for Beginners" books, proving that comics could explain Marxism, Darwin, and other complex topics to mass audiences. His work influenced publishers and educators worldwide.
June 19, 1950: Birth of John Workman Jr.
John Workman Jr. Born — June 19
Celebrated comic book letterer · Walter Simonson's Thor · Grant Morrison's Doom Patrol
John Workman Jr., born June 19, 1950, is one of comics' most respected letterers, celebrated for his collaborations with Walter Simonson on Thor and his complete lettering run of Grant Morrison's Doom Patrol.
June 19, 1980: Death of Jije, Belgian Comics Pioneer
Jijé — June 19
Founding father of Belgian comics · Mentored Franquin, Morris, Charlier · Spirou · Jerry Spring
On June 19, 1980, the comics world lost Jije (Joseph Gillain), one of the founding fathers of Belgian comics who personally mentored Andre Franquin, Morris (Lucky Luke), and Jean-Michel Charlier.
June 19: The Weather Wizard's DC Birthday
Weather Wizard's DC Birthday
Mark Mardon · First appeared The Flash #110 (1959) · Flash Rogues Gallery
June 19 is the in-universe birthday of Mark Mardon, the Weather Wizard, one of the Flash's most persistent Rogues Gallery enemies. First appearing in The Flash #110 (1959), he has battled both Barry Allen and Wally West with his weather-controlling powers.
🏆 Top 10 Key Comics Tied to June 19 History
- The Flash #110 (January 1960) — First appearance of the Weather Wizard, whose in-universe birthday falls on June 19.
- Spirou et Fantasio #1 (1938) — Launch of the Belgian series Andre Franquin transformed starting June 19, 1946.
- Thor #337 (November 1983) — First Beta Ray Bill; lettered by John Workman Jr. (born this date, 1950).
- The Flash #1 (March 1959) — First solo Silver Age Flash; Weather Wizard is among the Rogues who defined this title.
- Doom Patrol #19 (February 1989) — Start of Grant Morrison's legendary Doom Patrol run, lettered by John Workman Jr.
- Lucky Luke #1 (1946) — First Lucky Luke album by Morris, mentored by Jije who passed away on this date in 1980.
- Pilote #1 (October 1959) — The Franco-Belgian comics magazine in the tradition established by Jije and Franquin.
- Flash #123 (September 1961) — "Flash of Two Worlds" — the landmark Silver Age issue establishing DC's multiverse.
- Weird Science #15 (September 1952) — Classic EC Comics sci-fi; Rius cited EC's blend of entertainment and social commentary as an early influence.
- Crisis on Infinite Earths #1 (April 1985) — DC's multiverse-shattering event; Weather Wizard and the Flash's Rogues played a significant role.
Find Flash back issues and European comics at Epic Panels Comics!