Classic machinery adds colour to the dynamic artistry of this leading comic-book illustrator
France and Belgium have a long tradition of graphic art, so much so that itʼs commonly regarded as the ninth art form. From Spirou to Michel Vaillant, automobiles and motorsport have regularly inspired some famous comic-book characters, but less familiar are the adventures of Mauro Caldi.
Written by Denis Lapière, this eight-part series is drawn by Belgian Michel Constant and coloured by his partner ʻBéaʼ. Set in Italy during the post-war years, it mixes racing with the criminal underworld, all vividly brought to life by the marvellous penwork and atmospheric tones of this artistic husband-and-wife team.
Born in 1963, Michel grew up in Bellaire, Liège. From an early age he developed a talent for drawing inspired by his love of comics, and at school he became close friends with Marc Morgan. Both went on to study comic art at the École Supérieure des Arts Saint-Luc, but Morgan later focused on a music career.
While at art college, Michel met future wife and collaborator Béatrice. His artistic career had to be put on hold during military service, but on his return he began writing and illustrating short stories, which were published in Le journal de Tintin. Inspired by the legendary Georges Remi, better known as Hergé, the young talent developed the classic ʻclear lineʼ comic drawing style.
In the mid-ʼ80s, Michel teamed up with screenwriter Lapière to create the Mauro Caldi character. This young, red-haired driver, mechanic and amateur detective became the star of a classic book series set in Italy during the ʼ50s.
The first title, Mille Miglia, was published by Les Éditions de Miroir in 1987. The launch story involves the Mafia and hero Caldi being disguised as wealthy Ferrari 250 Tour de France driver Ricardo don Rossellini on the 1956 Mille. The second book, Cine citta, is set around Rome in the famous movie studios, but racing continued to feature throughout t
