Henryk Jerzy Chmielewski, known under the alias Papcio Chmiel, was famous for his “Tytus, Romek i A'Tomek” comic book series.
The series debuted in 1966 and told the story of an anthropomorphic chimpanzee by the name of Tytus, who struggles to become human. Chmielewski created 31 books in the series, with the last one published in 2008.
Papcio Chmiel’s graphic novels are characteristic for their puns, word play and absurdist humour. His work, aimed mainly at young people, often explores Polish history, art and science.
“An era is ending for people of my generation, who grew up on his comics,” Polish President Andrzej Duda tweeted on Friday.
During World War II, Chmielewski served in Poland’s Home Army. He also took part in the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. After the war, he started working as a comic artist for a Polish magazine for young people.
Chmielewski received many state honours, such as the Commander's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta. In 2007 he was awarded the Gloria Artis Gold Medal for Merit to Culture.
(jh/pk)
Source: PAP