Zeljko Pahek

Željko Pahek, born in 1954 in Županja, then part of Yugoslavia (now Croatia), is a versatile comic-book creator, painter, illustrator, and caricaturist based in Belgrade, Serbia. He emerged in the 1980s with a series of black-humored comic strips, and his work soon gained international attention for its sharp, satirical edge. Pahek is best known for his cover illustrations for science fiction and fantasy literature, as well as his contributions to European graphic novels. His signature style blends detailed, often surreal linework with a darkly comic sensibility, frequently collaborating with writers on series like *Jeremiah*, *Es war einmal in der Zukunft*, and *Les Tours de Bois-Maury*. He also created the original series *Luxereeks* and *Once Upon a Time in the Future*, the latter a post-apocalyptic satire. Active in the industry from 1989 to 2016, Pahek is credited as artist, colorist, inker, and writer on 13 issues. His later career continued to focus on illustration and painting, cementing his legacy as a distinctive voice in European comics. While specific major awards are not documented in available sources, his work remains admired for its wit and visual storytelling.