the last panel: dick matena dies at 83
Amsterdam, maandag, 27 april 2026.
Dick Matena, the acclaimed Dutch comic artist who brought literary classics to life in graphic form, has died at 83 in Amsterdam. His groundbreaking work included faithful visual adaptations of novels like Turks Fruit and De Avonden, preserving every word of the originals. Matena began drawing professionally at just 17 with Marten Toonder’s studio before redefining adult comics in the Netherlands. He earned acclaim abroad, publishing in France, Spain and the US. One of his most controversial projects, De Prediker, sparked backlash over its imagery. Rob van Bavel of Uitgeverij L called him a foundational figure in modern Dutch comics. Matena’s final years saw renewed attention through collected editions of his work. An integral release of his sci-fi series Virl was planned shortly after his death.
a lifetime in panels
Dick Matena passed away on April 26, 2026, in Amsterdam at the age of 83 [1]. Born on April 24, 1943, in The Hague, Matena began his career at 17 with the Toonder Studios, where he worked on iconic characters such as Tom Poes and Panda [2][3]. His early exposure to professional storytelling laid the foundation for a prolific career spanning decades. He became known for blending literature and visuals without altering the original texts, earning widespread recognition both domestically and internationally [3][4].
bridging literature and art
Matena gained prominence through his graphic adaptations of major Dutch literary works. He meticulously preserved the full text of novels like Gerard Reve’s De Avonden and Jan Wolkers’ Turks Fruit, transforming them into visually rich narratives [1][4]. Other notable adaptations included Willem Elsschot’s Kaas, Theo Thijssen’s Kees de Jongen, and Multatuli’s Saïdjah en Adinda [3][4]. These works were published in over thirteen languages, underscoring their global appeal [3][5]. Critics initially questioned the artistic merit of directly translating prose into strips, yet these projects reached broad audiences [4].
shaping adult comics
Rob van Bavel, editor-in-chief of Eppo magazine and publisher at Uitgeverij L, described Matena as the pioneer of modern adult-oriented Dutch comics [1][2]. According to Van Bavel, Matena’s work introduced complex themes including violence and sexuality, presented through layered narratives and expressive linework [1][2]. Series like Het Web and Lazarus Stone exemplified this shift toward mature content during the 1980s [3]. Despite controversy—particularly surrounding his creation De Prediker—the industry acknowledged his influence by awarding him the Dutch Stripschap Prize in 1986 [3][5].
controversy and legacy
One of Matena’s most debated works was De Prediker, released in 1986, which featured nude depictions that some labeled as child pornography—a claim that led to international distribution problems [3]. Nevertheless, critical appreciation grew over time. In 2003, he received the Bronzen Adhemar prize worth €12,500, though some Flemish journalists expressed disapproval [3]. By 2021, Casterman and Lombard published an integral collection of his Icons series, cementing his place in European comics history [3]. At the time of his death, plans were underway for a complete edition of his science fiction series Virl under Uitgeverij L [3][5].
final days and tributes
Matena reportedly entered a terminal phase immediately following his 83rd birthday on April 24, 2026 [3]. He died two days later, on April 26, according to Belgian-Dutch cultural outlet Stripspeciaalzaak [3]. News outlets confirmed the date shortly thereafter [1][2]. Tributes quickly emerged across social media platforms. Instagram channel Stripjournaal honored him as an icon of the comics world, extending condolences to his family and colleagues [5]. Colleague Rob van Bavel reaffirmed Matena’s pivotal role in shaping contemporary Dutch comics, emphasizing emotional depth in visual storytelling [1][2].