Creator of the iconic characters of “Tom-Tom and Nana” who have left their mark on more than three generations of young readers of J'aime lire, Bernadette Després has passed away at the age of 83, Bayard editions announced via Le Monde and on social networks. From his lively and mischievous traits were born unforgettable heroes who sold more than 15 million albums. Portrait of an artist who revolutionized French children's comics.
Tom-Tom and Nana, a cult series born in I love reading
It was in 1977 that Bernadette Després brought the characters of Tom-Tom and Nana to life in the pages of the first issue of J'aime lire. This series features the adventures of a 9-year-old brother and his 6-year-old sister, children of restaurateurs. The saga will quickly become a phenomenon with more than 15 million albums sold. A unique case in the world of comics, the designer had been employed by the Bayard Presse group, owner of the magazine.
A work inspired by Bernadette Després’ own family
“Children run and play: we have to show the rough and tumble side of childhood! With Tom-Tom and Nana, I drew my dream childhood”confided the one who was inspired by her own children to create her characters.
Nana thus had the face of her daughter while Tom-Tom wore the more pointed face of his son Étienne. Based in Givraines in Loiret since 1974, the artist made the restaurant “À la bonne quatre” an unforgettable playground for her heroes.
A successful career until the end for Bernadette Després
The series ended in 2009 when screenwriter Jacqueline Cohen stopped writing the stories. “I would have liked to continue. Drawing Tom-Tom and Nana was such a joy. I never got tired of it,” regretted Bernadette Després in 2019. Her talent was rewarded with the Fauve d'Honneur at the Angoulême International Comics Festival the same year, before being elevated to the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honor in 2021.
In total, she will have illustrated 371 stories of the Dubouchon siblings, in addition to around thirty other children's albums!
