Through his often monochromatic drawings,Vranken affords us a glimpse into a sinister world. A world that clearly has seen better days and where the scent of rotting fish, peat and burnt sugarbeet attacks the olfactory sense of the reader. His taciturn characters move through the muddy landscapes to form part of their own universe. The stories often take place along the coastal regions of a fictitious northern sea and are executed in his very distinctive style.

An ever increasing group of connoisseurs know Vranken’s work from publications such as Zone 5300 and Comix2000 (a French speaking standard work!). In 2001 a number of his stories have been bundled into the title ‘Kustbewoners’ (Coastal dwellers) which was awarded the prestigious VPRO Debut Prize. Other work can be found in the highly regarded SPX-Anthology, published in the US by the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund in 2004.

The latest fruit of his vivid imagination is called ‘De Suikeroorlog’ ('The Sweet War') and appeared in 2005. With his unique illustrations Vranken is a regular contributor to various national newspapers and magazines.

You can contact him at info@happybeet.com