Yvan Delporte

Considered a legend in the comics world, Yvan Delporte was a writer often credited with helping to usher in the "Golden Age" of Franco-Belgian comics. Best known for his work on "Smurfs," Delporte also served as Editor-In-Chief for the comics magazine "Spirou," helping to create the memorable comics character "Gaston Lagaffe."

PIERRE CULLIFORD, born in Belgium in 1928, was the cartoonist known as Peyo. Peyo began his career working with some of Belgium's most talented cartoonists, including his lifelong writing partner Yvan Delporte. In 1958, The Smurfs made their first appearance and went on to become the world-famous characters we know and love today.