Prix Saint-Michel

First phase (1971–1986) The Prix Saint-Michel was established in 1971 by (1928–2012), a Belgian comics critic and promoter who had been active in comics fandom since the mid-1960s. Sponsored by the City of Brussels, the Prix Saint-Michel was first presented at the Brussels Book Fair, with the inaugural Grand Prix Saint-Michel awarded to Edgar P. Jacobs. It was the first major distinction specifically devoted to Franco-Belgian comics. During this first period, the prize quickly gained prestige within the Belgian bande dessinée community, honoring major creators such as Hergé, Morris, Jijé, Cosey, Didier Comès, and Bernard Hislaire, and encompassing multiple categories that celebrated both lifetime achievement and notable works from the year, including artistic style, writing, illustration, and efforts to promote comics as a cultural form. The prize went dormant after 1986, a pause attributed to the growing prominence of newer, more publicized comics awards in France, Switzerland, and Québec, many of which benefited from greater media attention and public funding. Second phase (2002–2019) In an attempt to restoring its historical prestige, the Prix Saint-Michel was revived in 2002 under the auspices of the Brussels-Capital Region Comics Festival, organized by the ASBL 9e Art - BD. The new organizers streamlined the number of categories to better highlight artistic merit and the year’s most notable works, while maintaining the Grand Prix Saint-Michel for an author’s entire career. Later laureates included Hermann, Grzegorz Rosiński, Gotlib, Jean Van Hamme, Philippe Geluck, Milo Manara, and Philippe Berthet. == Jury and organization ==

Throughout its existence, the Prix Saint-Michel was adjudicated by a jury of professionals from across the comics industry, including publishers, artists, editors, and booksellers. The committee met several times each year to assess trends in the bande dessinée field and to select laureates. The award’s guiding goals were to honor the body of work of established creators and to encourage emerging talent within the Franco-Belgian comics tradition.{{cite web|trans-title=Do you know the Saint-Michel Comic Book Awards? == Categories and structure ==

The structure and categories of the Prix Saint-Michel evolved significantly since the award’s creation. The prize’s history can be divided into two broad phases: the early period of the 1970s–1980s, marked by a large number of specialized distinctions, and the post-2002 revival, when the award was reorganized and standardized under the Brussels-Capital Region Comics Festival. 1970s–1980s During its first decade, the Prix Saint-Michel featured a wide range of categories recognizing both artistic and writing achievements across different genres. The 1971 edition, for example, included distinctions for Best Realistic Artwork, Best Comical Artwork, Best Science-Fiction Artwork, Best European Artist, Best Non-European Artist, Best Realistic Writing, Best Comical Writing, Best Science-Fiction Writing, and Promotion of Comics, in addition to the Grand Prix Saint-Michel for lifetime achievement and two “Future Prizes” for emerging artists (one realistic, one comical). By the mid-1970s, the list of categories had become more focused. The 1977 edition awarded a Grand Prix Saint-Michel alongside prizes for Best Realistic Artwork, Best Comical Artwork, Best Foreign Artist, Best Realistic Writing, Best Comical Writing, and a Revelation prize for new talent. In the 1980s, the awards appear to have been scaled back, whether due to limited records or reduced activity. By 1981, only a few categories were reported, including Grand Prix Saint-Michel, Best Comic, Best Foreign Artist, and Best Comical Artwork. 2002 revival–2019 After a long hiatus, the Prix Saint-Michel was revived in 2002 under the auspices of the Brussels-Capital Region Comics Festival. The structure was simplified to emphasize artistic excellence and major achievements. Core categories typically included the Grand Prix Saint-Michel for an author’s career, Best Comic (French-language), Best Comic (Dutch-language), Best Artwork, Best Story, a Press Prize, Future (for emerging talent), Youth, and Prestige awards [citation]. Occasional distinctions such as the Prix Saint-Michel Prestige and Grand Prix de l’Illustration were also presented in later years. == Awards ==

First phase 1971 • Grand Prix Saint-Michel: Edgar Pierre Jacobs • Best realistic artwork: Victor Hubinon • Best comical artwork: prize shared by Willy Vandersteen and Jean Roba • Best science-fiction artwork: Eddy Paape • Best European artist: Jean Giraud • Best non-European artist: Al Capp • Best realistic writing: Jean-Michel Charlier • Best comical writing: Maurice Tillieux • Best science-fiction writing: Greg • Comics promotion: CSP Imagine (organizers of the Lucca Comics & Games festival) • Future prize: realistic: Juan Manuel Cicuéndez • Future prize: comical: Dany 1972 • Grand Prix Saint-Michel: Morris • Best graphical research: Les Conquérants du Mexique by Jean Torton • Best realistic artwork: William Vance • Best comical artwork: André Franquin • Best science-fiction artwork: Edgar P. Jacobs • Best European artist: Sydney Jordan • Best non-European artist: Richard Corben • Best realistic writing: Greg • Best comical writing: Raoul Cauvin • Best science-fiction writing: Greg • Comics promotion: Vasco Granja (for promoting comics in Portugal) 1973 • Grand Prix Saint-Michel: Hergé • Best comical artwork: Berck • Best research and documentation: Jacques Devos • Best realistic artwork: Comanche by Hermann, Le Lombard • Best comical artwork: Sammy by Berck, Dupuis • Best science-fiction artwork: Les Petits hommes by Pierre Seron, Dupuis • Best European artist: Bonvi (Franco Bonvicini), for Sturmtruppen • Best non-European artist: Jim Steranko • Best realistic writing: François Craenhals, for Chevalier Ardent, Casterman • Best comical writing: Peyo and Yvan Delporte, for The Smurfs • Best science-fiction writing: Vicq, for Sophie, Dupuis • Comics promotion: Claude Moliterni, for his work with the French Society of Bandes Dessinées • Special mention (humour): Louis Salvérius (posthumous) • Special mention (science-fiction): Philippe Druillet for Lone Sloane 1974 • Grand Prix Saint-Michel: Jacques Laudy • Best comic: Yoko Tsuno: La Forge de Vulcain by Roger Leloup, Dupuis • Best comic (joint winner): Buddy Longway: Chinook by Derib, Le Lombard • Best realistic story: Hugo Pratt • Best comical artwork: Le sergeant Laterreur by Touis • Research: Rock Dreams by Guy Peellaert • Best comical artwork: Sammy: Les gorilles font les fous by Berck (artist) and Raoul Cauvin (author), Dupuis • Best foreign artist: F'Murr • Best comical story: Raoul Cauvin • Best realistic story: Claude Auclair • Best fantasy story: Sirius • Best foreign artist: Alex Barbier • Best realistic story: Claude Auclair • Best animated movie: Tarzoon by Boris Szulzinger • Revelation (joint winners): René Deynis and Cosey 1977 • Grand Prix Saint-Michel: Jacques Tardi • Best realistic artwork: Claude Auclair • Best comical artwork: Marc Wasterlain • Best foreign artist: Bonvi and Michel Blanc-Dumont • Best realistic writing: Hugo Pratt • Best comical writing: Raoul Cauvin • Revelation: Serge Ernst 1978 • Grand Prix Saint-Michel: Yvan Delporte • Best comical story: Christian Godard • Prix: Le goulag part 1 by Dimitri, Le Square 1979 • Grand Prix Saint-Michel: Cosey • Best realistic artwork: ''Thorgal: L'île des mers gelées'' by Rosiński, Le Lombard • Best comical story: Bidouille et Violette by Bernard Hislaire, Dupuis • Best comical story (joint winner): ''Docteur Poche: L'île des hommes-papillons'' by Marc Wasterlain, Dupuis 1980 • Grand Prix Saint-Michel: Didier Comès • Best story: Jean Van Hamme • Prix: Jeremiah by Hermann, Le Lombard 1981 • 'Grand Prix Saint-Michel: Pastiches by Roger Brunel' • Best comic: Le Bal du Rat mort FR by Jean-François Charles and Jan Bucquoy • Best foreign artist: Joost Swarte • Best comical artwork: Robin Dubois: Dites-le avec des gags! by Turk, Le Lombard 1982 • Grand Prix Saint-Michel: Franz Drappier • Best comic: Bob Fish by Yves Chaland 1983 • Best comic (joint winners): • La Belette by Didier Comès, Casterman • Thorgal: Au-delà des ombres by Rosiński (artist) and Jean Van Hamme (author), Le Lombard • Best comical artist: Serge Ernst 1984 • 'Grand Prix Saint-Michel: Jeannette Pointu: Le dragon vert by Marc Wasterlain', Dupuis • Best author (French language): Jacamon • Best author (Dutch language): Luc Cromheecke • Best artwork: Jean-François Charles • Best story: Richelle • Press prize: Miralles by Jean Dufaux • Iris award: ''Le marquis D'Anaon: L'île de Brac'' by M. Bonhomme and Fabien Vehlmann, Dargaud 2003 • Grand Prix Saint-Michel: Jacques Martin • Best author (French language): Juanjo Guarnido • Best author (Dutch language): Jan Bosschaert • Best artwork: Jean-Mouis Mourier • Best story: André-Paul Duchâteau • Press prize: Yves Swolfs • Future: Le voyageur by Etienne Jung • Youth (French language): Jojo by André Geerts • Youth (Dutch language): Roboboy by Luc Cromheecke 2004 • Grand Prix Saint-Michel: Grzegorz Rosiński • Best comic (French language): Ou le regard ne porte pas by Olivier Pont and George Abolin • Best comic (Dutch language): De bewaker van de lans (part 3) by Ersel and Ferry • Best artwork: Muchacho by Emmanuel Lepage • Best story: Du plomb dans la tête by Matz • Best international series: Donjon by Sfar and Trondheim • Nominated series: Betelgeuse by Léo, Capricorne by Andreas, Le Choucas, Les Coulisses du pouvoir, Le Cri du peuple, Djinn, Fog, Jerôme K. Jerome Bloche by Dodier and Makyo, Ludo, Les Olives Noires, Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, Sambre by Yslaire, Tramp, Le Tueur, and Bouncer by François Boucq and Alejandro Jodorowsky. • Press prize: ''Peyo l'enchanteur'' by Hugues Dayez • Future: ''Dido: Le trophée d'effroi'' by Fahar • Youth: ''L'élève Ducobu: Miss 10 sur 10'' by and Zidrou • Public: ''Armelle et l'oiseau'' by Antoine Dode • Illustration: Martine by Marcel Marlier, Casterman 2005 • Grand Prix Saint-Michel: Jean Graton • Prestige: Albert Uderzo • Best comic (French language): ''A l'ombre des bougainvillées'' by Jean-François Charles and Maryse Charles • Best comic (Dutch language): Bye, bye, Kluit by Vincent • Best artwork: Terra Incognita by Floc'h • Best story: Le tour de valse by Lapière • Press prize: Les éditeurs de Bande Dessinée by Thierry Bellefroid, Niffle • Future: Fishermen story: En attendant Hemingway by Konior, Caravelle • Youth: Game Over: Blork raider by Midam and Adam • Best series: Lincoln by Jouvray 2006 • Grand Prix Saint-Michel: Lambil :: - Jean Van Hamme :: - François Walthéry :: - Jacques Tardi :: - André Juillard • Best comic (French language):' Shandy 2: Le dragon d'Austerlitz, Bertail and Matz', Delcourt :: - Seuls 1: Disparition, Bruno Gazzotti and Fabien Vehlmann, Dupuis :: - Vengeance du comte Skarbek 2: Un coeur de bronze, Grzegorz Rosiński and Yves Sente, Dargaud :: - ''Alim le tanneur 2: Le vent de l'exil'', Virginie Augustin and Wilfrid Lupano, Delcourt :: - Combat ordinaire 3: Ce qui est précieux, Emmanuel Larcenet, Dargaud :: - ''Sur les traces de Dracula 1: Vlad l'empaleur'', Hermann and Yves H., Casterman :: - ''Lune d'argent sur providence 1: L'enfants de l'abime'', Éric Hérenguel, Glénat • Best comic (Dutch language):' Het belang van Ernst, Tom Bouden' :: - Vlad 7: 15 novembre, Griffo and Yves Swolfs, Le Lombard :: - ''XIII 17: L'or de Maximilien'', William Vance and Jean Van Hamme, Dargaud :: - Suske en Wiske, Willy Vandersteen, Standaard Uitgeverij • Best artwork:' Révélations 2, Ramos and Jenkins', Soleil :: - ''Shandy 2: Le dragon d'Austerlitz'', Bertail and Matz, Delcourt :: - Murena 5: La déesse noire, Philippe Delaby and Jean Dufaux, Dargaud :: - Le ciel au-dessus de Bruxelles 1: Avant, Yslaire, Futuropolis :: - Messire Guillaume 1: Contrées lointaines, Bonhomme and Bonneval, Dupuis :: - Shelena 1, René Follet and Jéromine Pasteur, Casterman • Best story:' Le ciel au-dessus de Bruxelles 1: Avant, Yslaire', Futuropolis :: - Protecto 1: La fabrique des mères éplorées, Matteo and Zidrou, Dupuis :: - ''Quintett 3: Histoire d'Elias Cohen'', Cuzor and Giroud, Dupuis :: - ''Lune d'argent sur providence 1: L'enfants de l'abime'', Éric Hérenguel, Glénat :: - Combat ordinaire 3: Ce qui est précieux, Emmanuel Larcenet, Dargaud :: - Mr. Mardi Gras descendres 4: Le vaccin de la resurrection, Eric Libergé, Dupuis :: - Les petits ruisseaux 1, Pascal Rabaté, Futuropolis • Press prize:' Morris, Franquin, Peyo et le dessin animé, Philippe Capart and Dejasse', L'an 2 :: - Dino Attanasio, 60 ans de BD, Dino Attanasio, Coulon and De Kuyssche, Dargaud :: - Sir Arthur Benton, Wannsee 1942, Perger and Tarek, Proust :: - ''René Goscinny, première vue d'un scénariste de génie'', Chatenet and Marmonnier, De La Martinie :: - Periode glacière, Nicolas de Crécy, Futuropolis :: - ''Jack Palmer, l'affaire du voile'', René Pétillon, Albin Michel • Future:' Alim le tanneur 2: Le vent de l'exil, Virginie Augustin and Wilfrid Lupano', Delcourt :: - Sir Arthur Benton, Wannsee 1942, Perger and Tarek, Proust :: - Achtung Zelig 1, Krzysztof Gawronkiewicz and Rosenberg, Casterman :: - Codex angélique 1: Izael, Mikaël Bourguion and Thierry Gloris, Delcourt :: - Cross fire 2: Au service secret de sa sainteté, Pierre-Mony Chan and Sala, Soleil • Youth:' Blagues de Toto 4: Tueur à gags, Thierry Coppée', Delcourt :: - ''Kid Paddle 10: Dark j'adore'', Midam, Dupuis :: - ''Démons d'Alexia 3: Yorthopia'', Ers and Dugomier, Dupuis :: - ''Spirou et Fantasio 48: L'homme qui ne voulait pas mourir'', José-Luis Munuera and Jean-David Morvan, Dupuis :: - ''Voyage d'Esteban 1: Baleinier'', Bonhomme, Milan :: - Ratafia 2: Un zèle imbecile, Frédéric Salsédo and Nicolas Pothier, Treize étrange 2007 • Grand Prix Saint-Michel: Marcel Gotlieb :: - André Juillard :: - Régis Loisel :: - Jacques Tardi :: - Jean Van Hamme • Prestige: Willy Vandersteen :: - Christophe Arleston :: - Moebius :: - Jean Van Hamme :: - François Walthéry • Best comic (French language):' Spirou hors série 4: Journal d'un ingénu, Emile Bravo', Dupuis :: - Bois des vierges 1, Béatrice Tillier, Robert Laffont :: - Bouncer 8: La veuve noire, François Boucq, Humano :: - La femme accident 1, Olivier Grenson, Dupuis :: - Les aigles de Rome 1, Enrico Marini, Dargaud :: - Pêches mignons 2: ''Chasse à l'homme'', Arthur De Pins, Fluide Glacial :: - Sang des porphyre 2: Konan, Joel Parnotte, Dargaud :: - Spirou hors série 3: Tombeau des Champignac, Fabrice Tarrin, Dupuis • Best story:' Il était une fois en France 1: L'empire de monsieur Joseph, ', Glénat • Best comic (French language):' Il était une fois en France, and Sylvain Vallée', Glénat • Best artwork (joint winner):' XIII Mystery 1: La mangouste, Ralph Meyer', Dargaud • Best comic (French language):' Quai d'Orsay 1, Christophe Blain and Abel Lanzac', Dargaud :: - Il était une fois en France 3, Sylvain Vallée and , Glénat :: - Long John Silver 3, Matthieu Lauffray and Xavier Dorison, Dargaud :: - Rebetiko 1, David Prudhomme, Futuropolis • Best comic (Dutch language):' Boerke 6, Pieter de Poortere', Oog en Blik :: - Bois Maury 14, Hermann, Glénat :: - Murena 7, Philippe Delaby, Dargaud :: - Siegfried 2, Alex Alice, Dargaud :: - Chat qui courait sur les toits, René Hausman, Lombard • Best story:' Lefranc 28, Michel Jacquemart', Casterman • Best comic (French language):'''Sambre 6, Yslaire''', Glénat :: - Matteo 2, Jean-Pierre Gibrat, Futuropolis :: - Page Noire, Ralph Meyer, Frank Giroud and Denis Lapière, Futuropolis :: - Zombillenium 1, Arthur de Pins, Dupuis • Best comic (Dutch language):' Ondergronds, Wauter Mannaert and Pierre De Jaeger', Oog & Blik • Best comic (French language):'''Le Mort de Staline, and ''' • Best comic (Dutch language): '''Afspraak in Nieuwpoort, Ivan Adriaenssens''' • Best artwork:' XIII Mystery: Colonel Amos, François Boucq' • Best comic (French language):'''Il était une fois en France 6, and Sylvain Vallée''' • Grand Prix Saint-Michel: François Boucq • Best comic (French language): Kivu by Christophe Simon and Jean Van Hamme • Best artwork: Laurent Astier for La Venin • Best story: Vincent Perriot for Negalyod • Future: Le Dernier Refuge by Alex-Imé • Youth: Raowl by • Humour: Les Méchants de l’Histoire - Hitler by Ptiluc and Wilfrid Lupano == Notes ==