Yvon Deschamps Revisits Childhood in New Graphic Novel

Quebec comedy legend Yvon Deschamps is stepping away from social media while a new graphic novel explores his childhood in Montreal's Saint-Henri neighborhood during the 1940s. Published by VLB, Yvon avant Deschamps was created by his daughter, Annie Deschamps, with illustrations by Sampar, whose real name is Samuel Parent.

The book brings Deschamps' early memories to life through an illustrated account of his childhood before he became one of Quebec's most influential comedians. According to reporting by Noovo Moi and La Nouvelle, Annie collected her father's recollections, while Sampar developed the illustrations with guidance from comic book creator Tristan Demers.

The launch brought together several figures from Quebec's entertainment industry at the Centre Yvon Deschamps in Montreal. Attendees included Laurent Paquin, François Morency, Michel Laperrière, Daniel Lemire, François Avard and Tristan Demers. Deschamps attended with his partner, Judi Richards, and their daughters, Sarah-Émilie and Annie.

In a separate development reported by HollywoodPQ on October 20, Deschamps announced that he intended to leave social media, sharing a farewell message that reflected the humor associated with his career.

"It is already time for me to say goodbye. When good people retire, they retreat to their land, water their flowers and write their memoirs. I will retreat to Juli's land, watch her water her flowers, but I will not write memoirs because I have none," Deschamps wrote.

The announcement prompted responses from followers who expressed their affection for the comedian and reacted to his planned departure from the platform. His daughter Annie subsequently clarified that the request involved permanently closing his official account.

Annie also addressed concerns about her father's well-being, explaining that he was doing well and asking followers to respect his wishes.

"This is Annie: Dad asked for this official account to be permanently closed, even though it is the only one. Sorry, everyone. He is doing very well, but we have to respect his wishes. He does not make requests like this very often, this wonderful dad," Annie wrote.

According to La Nouvelle, Sampar had worked on the graphic novel for several years before its release. He was selected after presenting sketches, and the project gave him the opportunity to illustrate a real person for the first time.

Sampar consulted Deschamps directly to capture details of everyday life in Saint-Henri during the 1940s. Their discussions covered childhood surroundings and ordinary objects that could help make the historical setting more authentic.

The illustrator also explained that he drew inspiration from Mafalda when developing the young version of Deschamps, adjusting the character's eyebrows to reflect the comedian's distinctive, lively expression. Further discussions with Annie Deschamps and Tristan Demers helped shape the finished illustrations.

Showbizz.net reported on October 15 that the graphic novel was available in bookstores. The project offers younger readers an illustrated introduction to Deschamps' early life while preserving memories of the Montreal neighborhood where he grew up.