François Marcela-Froideval

François Marcela-Froideval, born 10 December 1958 in France, was a versatile creator best known as the writer of the fantasy comic series *Kronieken van de Zwarte Maan* (also published as *Den sorte månes krøniker* and *Chronicles of the Black Moon*). He began his career in role-playing games before moving into comics in the early 1990s, where he became a prolific scenarist. Over 25 years, he wrote 45 issues, with his most credited works including *Lex*, *Atlantis*, *666*, *Nexus*, and the *Kronieken van de Zwarte Maan Specials*. His signature style blended dark fantasy with intricate world-building, often collaborating with artists like Olivier Ledroit. Marcela-Froideval co-created the *Black Moon* universe, a sprawling saga of magic and conflict that became a cornerstone of French fantasy comics. He also worked as a video game producer, reflecting his deep roots in interactive storytelling. Later in life, he continued to write and develop new projects until his death on 17 June 2025. His contributions earned him recognition as a key figure in European fantasy comics, though specific major awards are not recorded in available sources. His legacy endures through the enduring popularity of the *Black Moon* series and its influence on the genre.