After a dispute between the daughter – and sole beneficiary – of the cartoonist Franquin, Isabelle Franquin, and the publisher Dupuis, a private arbitrator chosen by both parties has decided: the comic adventures of the most blundering of comic book heroes can be pursue.
Thus, a new album, designed and scripted by Quebecer Delaf, should be released shortly, announced Dupuis. Its publication, scheduled for 2022, had been suspended. The new release date is yet to be determined.
“We regret the misunderstandings and misunderstandings that may have led to this dispute,” said Julie Durot, general manager of the publishing house, in a press release. “Dupuis has indeed always had the greatest consideration for Franquin’s work and moral rights, as for that of all authors. The arbitration decision confirms our respect for the contract signed by André Franquin. »
“I am delighted with this decision and look forward to sharing the fruits of my labor with the public. I hope that by closing the album, readers will feel all the love and respect I have for Gaston and his incomparable creator André Franquin, “said Delaf, co-creator of the series Les Nombrils.
However, all may not be over in this conflict, if we rely on the comments of Isabelle Franquin’s lawyers.
The latter made this comment on Tuesday evening, when announcing the decision: “The principle of a resurrection of Gaston is legal, but Dupuis and Dargaud-Lombard did not respect the contractual process of approval and Isabelle Franquin always have the right to submit observations”.
According to the arbitration process, which cannot be challenged on appeal, the resurrection of Gaston can be done “provided that Isabelle Franquin’s prior approval is sought in the forms provided for in a contract concluded between the parties in 2016”.
“Gaston’s project by Delaf was not approved by Isabelle Franquin” and “the moral right” exercised by the latter “spring intact”, stipulated the arbitrator. “His agreement is essential for any new creation, including the choice of the author”, can we read in the press release of the decision, which specifies that “any refusal on his part must be justified on ethical grounds or artistic”.
Delaf declined our interview requests.
