Few media bring history to life like comic art, and French illustrator Romain Hugault is a master.
Be it the saga of the Russian ‘Night Witches’ squadron or the fearless speed of pre-war race-plane aces, Romain’s drawings capture each era with remarkable attention to the location, architecture, period vehicles and characters for his popular stories and poster art.
As a boy, Romain loved comics but as soon as he started creating his own, he stopped reading them.
Richard Shuttleworth’s 1903 De Dietrich stars in this Romain Hugault poster
“It helps me keep a fresh eye,” he explains, “and my mind remains uninfluenced by others.
“I have always admired the aviation work of French artist Francis Bergèse, particularly his incredible detail and accuracy.
“Japanese model-kit box-art illustrator Shigeo Koike is another favourite.
“His illustrations are beautiful: he manages to make aircraft poetic, while maintaining a real technical precision. Shigeo is a true master of light.”
Both his parents flew, and by the age of 17 Romain had gained his pilot’s licence.
His career could have gone either way, but in the end he focused on art, with flying kept as a hobby.
Hot rods’ military roots make them the perfect partner for Romain Hugault’s aviation illustrations
