zep

Zep (born December 15, 1967) is the pseudonym of Philippe Chappuis, a comics creator from Switzerland, known for his series Titeuf, a popular character in French-speaking countries, and Tchô!, the associated comics magazine.

Biography

Chappuis' pseudonym derives from the first BD magazine he created at age twelve, named "Zep" in honour of Led Zeppelin (a fan of Bob Dylan, references to his musical tastes are often found in his comics). His career began with gags published in the magazine Spirou in 1987, and the character Victor which started appearing in 1988.^[1]

At first struggling to find publication, the series Titeuf was initially published in the fanzine Sauve qui peut ("Escape those who can") before it was noticed by Glénat executive Jean-Claude Camano.^[2] Zep joined Glénat in 1992, and first Titeuf book Dieu, le sexe et les bretelles (God, Sex And Suspenders) appeared in 1993 and sold only a few thousand copies, but the following books have gradually won over a huge readership, outselling traditional French favorites such as Astérix and Lucky Luke.^[3] Today 11 million copies of the series have been sold, and the series is considered the greatest moneymaker in the French comics market.^[4] Titeuf books have been translated into 15 languages, including Chinese, Italian and German. In the UK, Titeuf appeared under the name Tootuff in The Dandy.

The name "Titeuf" ostensibly derives from French tête d'oeuf (egg-head), but it could also be the familiar, contracted and inverted (verlan) form of petite fête (little party).

While adolescent fans of Titeuf are enamoured with the adventures, some parents have raised concerns about his unexpurgated curiosity with all things related to bodily functions.^{[citation needed]}

Bibliography

Cover of Le guide du zizi sexuel (2001)

• Victor n’en rate pas une, 1988
• Léon Coquillard, scenario by Gilli, 1990
• Kradok : Amanite Bunker, scenario by Leglode, 1991
• Les amours contrariées de Calin et Labelle, 1995
• Les filles électriques, 1997
• L’enfer des concerts, 1999
• Mes héros de la Bande Dessinée, 2001
• Le Guide du zizi sexuel, scenario by Hélène Bruller, 2001
• Les mini-justiciers, scenario by Hélène Bruller, 2003

• Petite poésie des saisons, 2005
• Découpé en tranches, 2006
• Portraits de famille, scenario by Benoît Mouchart, 2006

• Titeuf

1. Dieu, le sexe et les bretelles, 1993
2. L’amour c’est pô propre, 1993
3. Ça épate les filles, 1994
4. C’est pô juste, 1995
5. Titeuf et le derrière des choses, 1996
6. Tchô, monde cruel, 1997
7. Le miracle de la vie, 1998
8. Lâchez-moi le slip, 2000
9. La loi du préau, 2002
10. Nadia se marie, 2004
11. Mes meilleurs copains, 2006
12. Le sens de la vie, 2008

• Captain Biceps, art by Tébo

1. L'invincible, 2004
2. Le redoutable, 2005
3. L'invulnérable, 2006

Awards

• 1993: Sierre Comics Festival Prix de l'humour ^[5]
• 1995: Livres Hebdo Prix Jeunesse
• 1996: Angoulême Festival, Alph Art jeunesse, for C'est pô juste! ^[6]
• 1996: Sierre Comics Festival Prix du public
• 2003: Angoulême Festival Audience Award
• 2004: Grand Prix de la ville d'Angoulême and Angoulême Festival Best promotional comic
• 2007: Prix Canal J for best youth comic for Titeuf^[7]
• 2009: Prix Canal J for Titeuf^[7]

Sources

Footnotes

External links

• Zep biography on Lambiek Comiclopedia
• Zep official site (French)
• Zep site on Glénat (French)
• Tchô official site (French)