Henryk Jerzy Chmielewski, known by the pseudonym Papcio Chmiel (born June 7, 1923 in Warsaw – died January 22, 2021 in Warsaw), was a Polish graphic artist, cartoonist, illustrator, and publicist. Widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of Polish comic art, he is best known as the creator of the beloved comic series Tytus, Romek, and A’Tomek.
Chmielewski’s career in graphic arts began during his military service, where he was responsible for editing a unit newsletter. After leaving the army in August 1947, he started working as a cartoonist, first for Świat Przygód (“World of Adventures”) and later for the popular youth weekly Świat Młodych (“World of Youth”). Between 1950 and 1956, he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, in the Faculty of Graphic Arts.
He was the author of the continuation of the comic series Sergeant King of the Royal Mounted (1947), as well as original comics such as Sadełko i Szczudełko (1948), Witek Sprytek (1955–1957), and Cyrk Bum Tarara (1957).
Chmielewski also wrote an autobiography titled I Was Born in the Barbican (1999, later reissued as Drumming in the Barbican), and its follow-ups Tytus Under Surveillance (2007, later reissued as The Life of a Monkeyed Man). He illustrated General Ciupinek, a book by Barbara Tylicka, and in 2005, a computer game titled Tytus, Romek, and A’Tomek – The Army of Rebellious Robots was released.
Chmielewski drew his first comics in 1947. A few years later, he created his most famous characters: the short, chubby, know-it-all A’Tomek; the tall, skinny, slightly eccentric Romek; and the chimpanzee Tytus, whom the two friends attempted to humanize. The trio, all boy scouts, were frequently joined by the brilliant inventor Professor T. Alent, known for his outlandish vehicles and gadgets.
The first comic featuring Tytus, Romek, and A’Tomek appeared in Świat Młodych in 1957 (Into Space). Chmielewski continued their adventures for the magazine, and some stories were released as standalone comic books. The first album-format volume appeared in 1966: Tytus, Romek, and A’Tomek, Book One: Tytus Becomes a Scout. The most iconic issues were published during the 1970s, including titles like Tytus Fixes His F in Geography, Tytus in the Wild West, and The Protection of Historic Monuments.
As of 2025, original 1970s/1980s issues fetch between €250 and €400 on the collectors’ market, while original comic panels often exceed €12,000 at auction. The most expensive panel to date sold for €60,000.
In total, 31 main volumes were published, alongside five historical albums and two compilations of earlier comics. Chmielewski’s drawing style was imaginative and expressive, with dynamic lines and richly visual storytelling. He often broke the fourth wall, inserting himself into the story, with characters sometimes asking him directly to “draw them a new adventure.” According to one version of the origin story, Tytus himself was born from a spilled ink blot on a blank sheet of paper.
In 1989–1990, two animated short films were produced: The Birth of Tytus and Education. In 2002, a feature-length animated film was released: Tytus, Romek, and A’Tomek Among the Thieves of Dreams. In 2009, the Polish Post issued commemorative stamps and collectible envelopes featuring the trio.
Chmielewski was honored across Poland—streets, schools, and even monuments were named in his honor.
Silver Cross of Merit (1957)
Cross of the Home Army
Order of the Smile (1973)
Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta (1978)
Warsaw Uprising Cross (1983)
Gold Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis (2007)
Veteran of the Fight for Freedom and Independence of the Homeland Badge
Commemorative Badge of Operation “Burza”
Silver Cross of Merit for the Polish Scouting Association
Commander’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta (2009)
Golden Łuków Bear Award (2011)
Meritorious for Warsaw Badge (2013)
Centenary of Regained Independence Medal (2019)
Award for Distinguished Contribution to Polish Comics (2019)
Order of the White Eagle (posthumously, 2021)
