
A star is born —
The first edition of Eric Castel was published in 1979 and focused on the Barcelona player meeting a group of young fans known as the "Pablitos". The second edition, entitled "Retur-Match" or "Second-Leg" was released later the same year.

Au revoir —
The eighth edition was arguably the series' most controversial when Castel left Barcelona to join French team Paris Saint-Germain in a release entitled "La Grande Decision" ("The Big Decision").

Before... —
A initial sketch signed by Castel illustrator Raymond Reding appeared on the 10th issue's cover. According to the Lambiek Comiclopedia, Reding joined the editorial team of Tintin in 1950.

After —
Castel was not the first footballing hero that Reding, who had always had a keen interest in sports, created. In 1963 he came up with the idea for Vincent Larcher, a centre forward, who played for AC Milan.

Black and white... —
After leaving Tintin in 1979, Reding and Francoise Hugues created Castel.

Color —
Reding's 1986 cover "Le Plan de l'Argentin" ("The Argentine's plan"). Frenchman Reding was born in 1920, but grew up in Belgium. He had a number of different jobs -- including one as a jazz pianist -- before he began drawing and writing.

Barca brilliance —
Although this picture is black and white, Barcelona's iconic striped kit is still clearly visible on Castel's shirt.

Allez Castel —
During his spell at PSG, Castel led the club to European glory, with the French club beating Barca in the CEVA Cup final.