Patricia Lyfoung, the Queen of Comics, Leaves Us at 47

Cover of The Scarlet Rose in front of a sunset

The world of comics mourns an iconic figure. Patricia Lyfoung, author of the famous series The Scarlet Rose, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the age of 47. Her publisher, Delcourt, confirmed the sad news in a moving statement. "Patricia was an exceptional artist. Her work touched millions of readers and will continue to do so for generations to come," it declared. The causes of her death have not been made public.

From Villeneuve-la-Garenne to Gobelins: an extraordinary journey

Patricia Lyfoung was born in 1977 in Villeneuve-la-Garenne, in the Hauts-de-Seine, into a modest and large family. The second of eight siblings, she grew up with a consuming passion for visual stories. Her first inspirations came from Japanese cartoons broadcast in the 1980s. Lady Oscar, with its strong heroines and flamboyant costumes, became a major influence.

She then joined the Gobelins school, a prestigious institution dedicated to visual arts. Graduating with distinction, she began her career in the animation industry. Her talents as a character designer shone in popular series like Totally Spies! and Martin Mystère, where she refined her unique style, blending European and manga influences.

Maud, the daring heroine of The Scarlet Rose, ready to defend the oppressed under her iconic mask
Maud, the daring heroine of The Scarlet Rose, ready to defend the oppressed under her iconic mask

Buy now The Scarlet Rose – Volume 2 – Mission Venice

The Scarlet Rose: a timeless saga

In 2005, Patricia Lyfoung made a sensational entry into the world of comics with The Scarlet Rose. The series, combining romance, adventure, and heroism, features Maud, an 18th-century young woman leading a double life. A romantic orphan by day, she becomes a masked vigilante by night to defend the most vulnerable.

The success was immediate. In ten years, more than 1.2 million copies were sold in France and abroad. This saga, both universal and deeply rooted in youth imagination, became an essential reference. Readers praised the perfect blend of endearing characters, captivating plots, and visuals imbued with delicacy.

In November 2024, the 21st volume of The Scarlet Rose was released in bookstores, testifying to the series’ longevity. This final chapter, now posthumous, is a vibrant legacy.

A committed and prolific artist

Beyond The Scarlet Rose, Patricia Lyfoung marked her era with a prolific artistic production. She co-created The Mythics with Philippe Ogaki and Patrick Sobral, a successful series mixing mythology and adventure. With nearly 60 titles to her credit, her influence extends beyond the borders of youth comics.

Cover of the 21st volume of The Scarlet Rose, the latest work by Patricia Lyfoung, published in November 2024
Cover of the 21st volume of The Scarlet Rose, the latest work by Patricia Lyfoung, published in November 2024

Buy now The Scarlet Rose – Volume 21 – We Have Known Each Other for So Long"

Her passion for visual stories was accompanied by a sincere commitment to values such as justice, empowerment, and equality. Her works, often driven by strong heroines, resonate particularly with young female readers. "Patricia had a rare ability to instill messages of hope through her stories," confides a close collaborator.

She was also a recognized figure in the artistic community, collaborating with specialized magazines like Coyote Mag. Her peers praised her "enchanting and inimitable drawing style."

A poignant absence at the Angoulême Festival

Patricia Lyfoung was scheduled to participate in the Angoulême International Comics Festival, a flagship event of comic culture, planned for the end of January 2025. Her presence was highly anticipated by fans and industry professionals. On social media, tributes have multiplied since the announcement of her passing. "She made an entire generation dream. Her work will live on forever," wrote a loyal reader.

An example of Patricia Lyfoung's unique style, blending manga influences and European comics, with expressive characters and detailed settings that enhance the immersion in the story
An example of Patricia Lyfoung’s unique style, blending manga influences and European comics, with expressive characters and detailed settings that enhance the immersion in the story

An indelible memory

With Patricia Lyfoung, the comic world loses a star, but her work remains immortal. The Scarlet Rose and her other creations continue to inspire and move. Her stories, blending depth and lightness, are living testimonies of her creative genius.

Her passing at only 47 years old leaves an immense void. But her legacy, anchored in the imagination of millions of readers, will remain etched forever. Thank you, Patricia, for these dreams inked in our visual memories.

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