Galep

Aurelio Galleppini, who signed his work as Galep, was born on 28 August 1917 in Italy and died on 10 March 1994. He is best known as the graphic creator of the iconic western hero Tex Willer, first drawing the character in 1948. Galleppini entered the comics field in the early 1940s, working as an artist, colorist, inker, and occasionally a writer. His most celebrated work appears in the long-running *Collana del Tex* and *Tex Willer Classics* series, as well as *Rodeo* and *TuttoTex*. His style combined dynamic, clear storytelling with a gritty, expressive line that defined the look of the Italian western comic for decades. He collaborated closely with writer Gian Luigi Bonelli, co-creating Tex Willer and shaping the series’ visual identity. Later in his career, Galleppini continued to draw Tex stories, leaving an enduring mark on Italian comics. He received several major awards, including the Yellow Kid and the Gran Guinigi, recognizing his influence and craftsmanship. His legacy endures through the continued publication of his work and his role in establishing one of Italy’s most beloved comic characters.