Legendary French actor Alain Delon has passed away at the age of 88. Renowned for his captivating presence in French cinema’s golden era, Delon was celebrated for his roles in classic films such as The Samurai and Borsalino.

Delon’s career spanned nearly six decades, during which he appeared in almost 90 films. His striking performances in the 1960s, including The Leopard and Rocco and His Brothers, earned him acclaim as one of cinema’s most compelling figures. Often described as the most beautiful man in film, Delon enchanted audiences with his diverse roles, from enigmatic antiheroes to charismatic criminals.

In recent years, Delon’s health had declined significantly, and he had largely retreated from the public eye. Additionally, his personal life, including the contentious breakdown of his family, had made headlines in France.

French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Delon on Sunday, calling him a “French monument” and praising his ability to make “the world dream.” Macron’s statement on X, formerly Twitter, noted that Delon was not just a star but an emblem of French cinema.

Brigitte Bardot, a close friend and fellow film legend, expressed her sorrow over Delon’s passing. She described him as representing “the best of France’s ‘prestige cinema’” and lamented the loss of “a friend, an alter ego, a partner.”

Delon’s family announced his death in a statement, revealing that he passed away peacefully at his home in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his beloved dog, Loubo. The statement described the family’s deep sadness at the loss of their father.

Delon’s last major public appearance was at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2019, where he received an honorary Palme d’Or. During the event, he delivered an emotional farewell to cinema, expressing his gratitude in what he described as a “posthumous tribute.”

The actor’s personal life, marked by high-profile romances and controversies, often drew media attention. He had three children by two different women and faced public scrutiny over his political views and contentious relationships. Recent family disputes, including legal battles over his medical care and conflicts with former associates, further highlighted the turbulent aspects of his later years.

Despite these controversies, Delon’s legacy as a cinematic icon endures. Tributes from figures such as Gilles Jacob and Alberto Barbera celebrated his enduring impact on the film industry, with Jacob calling him “a lion” and Barbera hailing him as an “icon” who reached “the Olympus of the immortals.”

Fans and critics alike mourn the loss of a true cinematic legend whose contributions to French and global cinema remain profound.

In a testament to the enduring appeal of superhero lore, a collection of vintage Marvel comics has fetched an impressive £12,000 at auction. The sale, which took place at Bonhams in London, drew significant interest from collectors and fans, highlighting the cultural and financial value of these iconic publications.

The auction featured a range of rare and early issues from Marvel’s storied history, including first appearances of beloved characters and landmark issues that have become touchstones in the comic book world. Among the highlights was a pristine copy of “The Amazing Spider-Man” #1, published in 1963, which alone sold for £5,000. This issue marked the debut of Spider-Man, one of Marvel’s most enduring and popular superheroes.

Other notable sales included “The Fantastic Four” #1, which introduced the superhero team of the same name and laid the groundwork for the expansive Marvel Universe. This issue garnered a final bid of £3,500, reflecting its significance in the comic book canon. Additionally, “X-Men” #1, featuring the first appearance of the mutant team led by Professor X, sold for £2,500.

“The response to this auction has been extraordinary,” said Matthew Haley, Director of Books and Manuscripts at Bonhams. “These comics are more than just stories on paper; they are pieces of cultural history that have shaped popular culture for decades.”

The popularity of these vintage comics can be attributed to several factors, including their rarity, condition, and the enduring popularity of the characters they introduced. Many of these early issues are considered holy grails for collectors, often fetching high prices due to their scarcity and historical importance.

Comic book expert and historian Paul Gambaccini noted, “These early Marvel comics represent a golden age of storytelling and creativity. They introduced characters and narratives that have transcended generations and become integral parts of our cultural fabric.”

The resurgence in interest for vintage comics has been fueled in part by the success of Marvel’s cinematic universe, which has brought characters like Spider-Man, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four to global audiences. These films have not only expanded the fanbase but also heightened the desirability of original comic books as collectible items.

In recent years, the market for rare comics has seen significant growth, with record-breaking sales becoming more common. Earlier this year, a copy of “Action Comics” #1, featuring the first appearance of Superman, sold for $3.25 million, underscoring the immense value placed on these cultural artifacts.

For collectors, owning a piece of comic book history is about more than just investment. It is about connecting with the stories and characters that have inspired and entertained for generations. As one collector at the auction remarked, “These comics are a link to our past, to the childhoods spent dreaming of adventure and heroism. They are priceless in the memories they evoke.”

The successful sale of these vintage Marvel comics at Bonhams not only highlights their enduring appeal but also cements their status as valuable collectibles. As interest in superhero narratives continues to grow, so too does the market for these treasured pieces of comic book history.

Stargazers across Ireland and Great Britain are in for a celestial spectacle this weekend as the annual Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak. Known for its stunning display, the Perseids are expected to deliver one of the year’s most impressive meteor shows.

The meteor shower, which typically occurs between July 27 and August 23, offers viewers the chance to witness up to 100 meteors per hour at its peak, according to Astronomy Ireland. This year, skywatchers are in for a particularly spectacular event, as there will be minimal interference from the moon.

David Moore, chairman of Astronomy Ireland, highlighted the favorable conditions for viewing. “This year’s Perseids promise to be especially remarkable, as there will be no interference from the moon,” Moore told BBC News NI. “This will ensure optimal viewing conditions for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the shooting stars.”

The Perseids are fragments from Comet Swift-Tuttle, which takes about 130 years to complete an orbit around the Sun. As Earth passes through the debris trail left by the comet, tiny particles burn up upon entering the atmosphere, creating bright streaks of light that can be seen across the night sky.

For the best experience, observers should seek out dark, open areas away from city lights. According to Terry Moseley from the Irish Astronomical Association, “Most meteors burn away at a height of about 80-100 kilometers in the upper atmosphere, but larger ones can penetrate a bit lower before finally burning up.” Moseley noted that even the brightest meteors are relatively small, with the brightest ones being about the size of a pea.

Although this year’s meteor shower will be visible throughout the night, ideal viewing conditions are contingent on the weather. The moon, currently at a quarter phase, will set later in the night, providing clearer skies for optimal viewing. However, the weather forecast for August 11 and 12 suggests unsettled conditions, with cloud and rain potentially obscuring the view.

To maximize viewing opportunities, experts recommend dressing warmly, using a reclining chair to avoid neck strain, and allowing about 10 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. While capturing the perfect photo may be challenging due to the meteors’ fast and sporadic nature, simply enjoying the display can be a memorable experience.

The best viewing times are expected to be during the first half of the night on both Sunday and Monday, with clearer skies anticipated before cloud cover and rain move in from the west. Observers may also find opportunities in the early hours of Tuesday as conditions improve.