# Morris

> Belgian comics artist (1923-2001)

**Wikidata**: [Q312835](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q312835)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morris_(cartoonist))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/morris

## Summary
Morris (Maurice De Bevere), a Belgian comics artist (1923-2001), is most notable for creating the Lucky Luke comic series, which began in 1946 and became one of the most influential Belgian comic franchises.

## Biography
- Born: December 1, 1923
- Nationality: Belgian
- Education: St Joseph College, Aalst
- Known for: Creating the Lucky Luke comics series
- Employer(s): Dupuis (Belgian publisher)
- Field(s): Comics art, illustration

## Contributions
Morris created the Lucky Luke comic series, which began in 1946. He developed characters including The Daltons, a group of outlaws featured in the series. His work received recognition through awards such as the Grand prix de la ville d'Angoulême and the Prix Saint-Michel.

## FAQs
- **Where did Morris work?** Morris was affiliated with Dupuis, a Belgian publisher of comic albums and magazines, which was established in 1922.
- **What was Morris's most famous creation?** Morris is best known for creating the Lucky Luke comic series, which began in 1946.
- **What awards did Morris receive?** Morris received the Grand prix de la ville d'Angoulême and the Prix Saint-Michel, both Belgian comics awards.

## Why They Matter
Morris's creation of the Lucky Luke series had a profound impact on Belgian comics and European comic culture. The series became a cultural icon, influencing generations of artists and establishing the Western comic tradition. His work helped popularize the comic medium in Belgium and internationally, demonstrating the artistic potential of sequential storytelling. Without Morris, the Lucky Luke franchise and its distinctive Western comic style might not have emerged, and the comic industry in Belgium would have lacked one of its most iconic figures.

## Notable For
- Created the Lucky Luke comic series (inception: 1946)
- Received the Grand prix de la ville d'Angoulême (comics award)
- Received the Prix Saint-Michel (Belgian comics award)
- Developed The Daltons characters as part of the Lucky Luke series
- Worked for Dupuis, a major Belgian comic publisher
- Was a pioneer in Western comic storytelling

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Morris was born on December 1, 1923, in Belgium. He received his education at St Joseph College in Aalst, a secondary school in Belgium. This early education likely influenced his artistic development and provided the foundation for his career in illustration and comics.

### Career Beginnings
Morris began his career as a comics artist in the mid-20th century. His work was initially published by Dupuis, a prominent Belgian publisher established in 1922 that specialized in comic albums and magazines. This affiliation with Dupuis positioned Morris within the established Belgian comics industry.

### The Lucky Luke Series
Morris's most significant contribution was the creation of the Lucky Luke comic series. The series debuted in 1946 and became one of the most successful and influential Belgian comic franchises. The series features the titular character, a cowboy who travels through the American West, often encountering outlaws and engaging in humorous adventures.

The Lucky Luke series became a cultural phenomenon in Belgium and throughout Europe. Morris developed the distinctive visual style and narrative approach that defined the series, establishing it as a benchmark for Western comics. The series has been translated into multiple languages and remains popular to this day.

### Character Development and Innovation
Within the Lucky Luke series, Morris created several notable characters, including The Daltons, a group of four identical outlaws who frequently appear as antagonists. These characters became iconic figures in the comic world and contributed to the series's enduring appeal.

### Awards and Recognition
Morris's work received significant recognition through prestigious awards. He was awarded the Grand prix de la ville d'Angoulême, a major international comics award. Additionally, he received the Prix Saint-Michel, a Belgian comics award established in 1971. These honors acknowledged his contributions to the comic art form and solidified his position as a leading figure in the industry.

### Legacy and Influence
Morris's impact on the comics industry extended beyond his own work. His creation of Lucky Luke helped establish the Western comic genre in Belgium and influenced countless other artists. The series demonstrated the artistic potential of sequential storytelling and paved the way for future generations of comic creators.

Morris's work also contributed to the broader cultural landscape of Belgium. The Lucky Luke series became an integral part of Belgian popular culture, representing the country's artistic achievements and international influence. His legacy continues to be celebrated through the ongoing publication and adaptation of the series.

### Professional Affiliations
Throughout his career, Morris remained affiliated with Dupuis, the Belgian publisher that had supported his early work. This relationship with Dupuis provided Morris with the platform to develop and publish his most significant creations, including the Lucky Luke series.

### Technical and Professional Identifiers
Morris's professional identity was documented through various technical identifiers. His Wikidata identifiers include P213 (0000000121458262), P214 (102051571), P227 (119509334), and P244 (n85112666), among others. These identifiers helped establish his professional profile within the digital and academic communities.

### Career Timeline
Morris's career spanned several decades, from his early work in the 1940s through his final contributions in the late 20th century. His work with Lucky Luke became increasingly prominent over time, with the series evolving to maintain its relevance while preserving its core themes and characters.

### Death and Posthumous Recognition
Morris passed away on July 17, 2001. His contributions to comics continued to be recognized after his death, with the Lucky Luke series remaining popular and the awards he received continuing to be celebrated by the comics community. His legacy as a pioneer in Western comic storytelling endured through the continued success of the Lucky Luke franchise.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Digital Library for Dutch Literature
3. RKDartists
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. [Source](https://www.dbnl.org/onzekinderboeken/jeugdlit_illustrator.php)
6. The Fine Art Archive
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. BnF authorities
10. CiNii Research
11. [Source](https://www.dhnet.be/medias/livresbd/2001/07/23/la-mort-de-morris-le-geant-POOAJ4FEANEDPLLQPQG7FY4G3A/)
12. Morris. RKDartists
13. Benezit Dictionary of Artists
14. Babelio
15. Comiclopedia
16. filmportal.de
17. Discogs
18. BD Gest'
19. Le Delarge
20. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
21. [Morris | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL862023A/Morris)
22. Morris (b. 1923). Grand Comics Database
23. [Source](https://www.dbnl.org/tekst/coil001lexi01_01/lvdj00716.php#m045)
24. CONOR.SI
25. LIBRIS. 2012
26. ADAGP directory
27. DACS register
28. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
29. The Movie Database