Guido Crepax (1933-2003) was a Milanese architect who worked in advertising as a graphic artist. He is the creator of numerous graphic novel series invluding over 18 volumes starring Valentina which have sold millions of copies and have been shown in over 100 exhibitions across the world. Crepax created over 3,000 pages of Valentina in all, published over 18 volumes and n 40 languages. Since Crepax's death, Valentina has continued to live and flourish in books, merchandising and art.