Albert Uderzo, the illustrator behind popular comic book character, Asterix and Obelix, has died at the age of 92.
The Asterix comics, first released in 1959, follows the adventures of Gaulish warriors as they take on the Roman Empire.
According to reports, Uderzo's son-in-law told AFP that the illustrator died in his sleep at home "after a heart attack that was not linked to the coronavirus".
A post on the official Asterix Twitter page also confirmed the news on Tuesday, reading: "Friends of Asterix, dear comic book readers, it is with great sadness that we learned of the death Albert Uderzo last night. All our thoughts go out to his family and loved ones."
According to The Guardian, Asterix's popularity led to the character selling 350 million albums worldwide, releasing 11 films, and having a theme park in his honour.