Luz (cartoonist)

Luz, born Rénald Luzier (January 7, 1972), is a French cartoonist and comic book artist. He is best known for his work for the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.

Luz joined Charlie Hebdo in 1992 and remained a regular contributor until September 2015. His work for the magazine frequently satirized political and religious figures. He was notable for his distinctive drawing style and often controversial subject matter.

He notably survived the January 7, 2015, attack on Charlie Hebdo because he was late for work that day due to his birthday. This event profoundly impacted his life and career.

Following the attack, Luz initially continued to contribute to Charlie Hebdo, including drawing the cover of the first issue published after the massacre, which featured a cartoon of Muhammad holding a sign reading "Je suis Charlie" ("I am Charlie").

However, he found it increasingly difficult to cope with the trauma and pressure following the attack and ultimately left Charlie Hebdo in September 2015, citing emotional exhaustion and the feeling of being trapped by the association with the event.

Since leaving Charlie Hebdo, Luz has continued to work as a cartoonist and comic book artist, focusing on more personal and less politically charged projects. He has published several graphic novels, including works that explore his experiences surrounding the Charlie Hebdo attack and his subsequent recovery. His work often reflects on themes of trauma, resilience, and the power of art.