René Goscinny was a renowned French comic editor and writer, most famous for creating the Astérix comic book series with illustrator Albert Uderzo. He was born on 14 August 1926 and died on 5 November 1977. Raised primarily in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Goscinny attended French schools and spent a short period of time in the United States, where he met Belgian cartoonist Morris. This meeting led to a successful collaboration lasting over 20 years on the comic series Lucky Luke, during its celebrated golden age.

Goscinny was also the writer of Iznogoud with Jean Tabary and the beloved children's book series Le Petit Nicolas (Little Nicolas), illustrated by Jean-Jacques Sempé. His works have achieved global success, selling over 500 million copies worldwide and being translated into more than thirty languages. He was also the co-founder and director of the weekly magazine Pilote, gaining fame as a scriptwriter for various comics while working with distinguished Belgian and French illustrators.