Arild Midthun (born 6 May 1964) is a Norwegian illustrator, cartoonist, and comics artist, widely recognized for his contributions to Disney comics and his earlier works in Norwegian comic magazines. A native of Bergen, Norway, he has had a prolific career spanning various genres and styles.
Early Career
Midthun began his career as a teenager, producing the comic strip Patrick & Co for the newspaper Bergens Tidende in 1977. This spy series, written by Tormod Løkling, marked his entry into the comics industry. His artistic breakthrough came with the strip series Sirkus, which ran from 1980 to 1982. Written by Terje Nordberg, Eirik Ildahl, and Dag Kolstad, Sirkus established Midthun as a prominent figure in Norwegian comics.
Work with Humorous Magazines
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Midthun contributed to several Norwegian humor magazines. He became a key illustrator for Norsk MAD starting in 1981 and later for Pyton, where he worked from 1986 to 1995. His collaboration with writer Terje Nordberg led to the creation of the comic album Troll: Sølvskatten, for which they received the prestigious Sproing Award in 1988.
Disney Comics and Later Work
In 1995, Midthun began working as an illustrator for the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten. His career took a significant turn in 2004 when he started drawing for the Disney comics magazine Donald Duck & Co. Since then, he has become one of the most prominent Scandinavian artists of Disney comics, particularly known for his depictions of Donald Duck and his adventures. His Disney work is published by Egmont and enjoyed by audiences across Scandinavia.
Other Notable Works
Midthun has also illustrated a wide range of comics and graphic novels, including action, thrillers, literary adaptations, and children's comics. Some of his notable works include:
- Truls & Trine
- Troll
- Reodor & Teodor
- Ivar Aasen (with Erna Osland)
Together with Terje Nordberg and Eirik Ildahl, he created the daily comic strip Dad and Dorothy, which debuted in May 1997.
Personal Life
Arild Midthun currently resides in Oslo, Norway, with his wife and daughter. He continues to work as a freelance illustrator and editorial cartoonist while contributing to Scandinavian comic books and magazines, including Fantomen, Pyton, Anders And, and Mad Magazine.
Awards
- Sproing Award (1988) – For Troll: Sølvskatten
Legacy
Midthun's work, especially his contributions to Disney comics, has cemented his reputation as one of Scandinavia's leading comic artists. His storytelling and artistic style continue to captivate readers of all ages.