European Comics Michel Vaillant – Johnny Bullet’s Predecessor? By Hervé St-Louis November 29, 2014 - 00:00 I had this comic book on my mind for a while. It was called Ric Hochet. I read a few episodes as a kid. For some reasons, I associated it with Johnny Bullet. So when I searched for it, all I could think about was Michel Vaillant, another European comic book series. Ric Hochet was about an investigative reporter who got in trouble, much like Tintin. But Michel Vaillant was a Formula One race car driver, much like Johnny Bullet! I inverted the roles, so looking for Ric Hochet,  I found Michel Vaillant. It was an amazing surprise. I’ve probably encountered him somewhere although I know I never read any of his stories. But his background story was similar to what I’m doing right now with Johnny Bullet. I’m not sure if I’ll ask for a Michel Vaillant collection for Christmas. I’m tempted. But I don’t want this comic book to influence me anymore on Johnny Bullet! We’ll see. In any case, I call it pure coincidence! Michel Vaillant was created in 1957 by Frenchman Jean Graton. His Son Philippe Graton continues the comic book series along with a dedicated production team today. Rick Hochet, first appearing in 1955. He was created by French cartoonist Tibet and Belgian writer André-Paul Duchâteau. © Copyright 2002-2019 by Toon Doctor Inc. - All rights Reserved. All other texts, images, characters and trademarks are copyright their respective owners. Use of material in this document (including reproduction, modification, distribution, electronic transmission or republication) without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.