Hugo Pratt

Hugo Pratt was an iconic cartoonist, known internationally for his beloved character, Corto Maltese. Born on June 15th, 1927 in Rimini, Italy to an Italian mother and British father, Pratt's family soon relocated to Venice where he spent his childhood. Growing up in a progressive, cosmopolitan family, Pratt was encouraged to pursue the arts from a young age.

After studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice, Pratt began his career as a comic book artist, working briefly for Argentine publisher Editorial Abril in Buenos Aires. In the mid-1950s, he relocated to London where he worked for the agency of artist Lynton Lamb. It was during this time that Pratt began to establish his unique style, drawing inspiration from American realists Norman Rockwell and Edward Hopper, as well as the Belgian comic strip Tintin.

In the 1960s, Pratt's career began to take off as he began working with publishers in Italy, France, and the UK. It was during this time that he created his most famous character, Corto Maltese, a swashbuckling sailor and adventurer. The character was an instant success, and Pratt continued to write and illustrate stories featuring Corto Maltese for several decades. Pratt's influence on the world of comics was recognized in 2005 when he was inducted into the Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame.

Pratt's personality traits were often reflected in his artwork. He had a strong sense of wanderlust and adventure, which was embodied by his love for the sea and exploration. He was also a deeply philosophical person, exploring themes of existentialism and the human condition in his work.

Before becoming famous, Pratt faced many challenges and difficulties. He lived through World War II as a teenager, and the experience deeply affected him, inspiring his interest in the world and its people. Pratt moved frequently throughout his life and often struggled to make ends meet, working odd jobs to support himself between comic book gigs. However, he remained dedicated to his craft, and his perseverance paid off when his comics gained widespread popularity.

Pratt was married three times and had two children. He remained close with his third wife, Sonia, until his death in 1995. Pratt had a wide circle of friends and colleagues in the industry, including fellow cartoonist Stan Lee, whom he shared the honor of receiving the Eisner Award with. His impact on the world of comics continues to be felt today, with his legacy living on through his iconic character, Corto Maltese.