Kees Kousemaker

Kees Kousemaker is one of Holland's most renowned comics experts, who made his mark in the field of comics in 1968 when he opened Lambiek, the first comics store in Europe. Kousemaker published various books on comics, including 'Strip voor Strip' (1970), published by his own company De Morsige Roerganger, and 'Wordt Vervolgd' (1980), published by Het Spectrum. Kees also contributed many articles about comics to international publications and major references like 'Historia de los Comics'.

His legendary comic shop and art gallery has won several prizes, including 'De Zilveren Dolfijn' (Silver Dolphin) award from the Belgian comic-strip club, the 'P. H. Frankfurter Prize' from the dutch club Het Stripschap, and the famous Will Eisner Retailers Award, for Lambiek's unique contribution to the international comics world. There have been a number of special exhibitions held over the years in tribute to the store.

Kees is also the driving force behind the Lambiek.Net comics website, and the Comiclopedia which you are reading now. In 2005, he wrote 'De Wereld van de Nederlandse Strip' with Margreet de Heer. In 2006, a comic was made by Aart Clerkx from his scenario, 'Andries Bicker gaat uit de Politiek'.

In August of 2000, the special 2500th issue of the Dutch edition of Donald Duck weekly magazine was printed, featuring a story about Donald Duck searching for a rare first issue at the famous comic shop, Lambiek, where you will recognize 'Cees Sokkenstopper' as our very own Kees Kousemaker.

In April 2006, Kees Kousemaker received a Royal Decoration for his many contributions to the Dutch comics field, and is now a 'Ridder in de Orde van Oranje-Nassau' (a Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau).