García Ferré Dies: Argentine Cartoonist Lived To Be 83

Manuel García Ferré has died. The 83-year-old Argentine died Thursday in Buenos Aires, Argentina. García Ferré was undergoing heart surgery at the time of his death. He created over 20 memorable cartoon characters, most notably "Hijitus." García Ferré's comic strip "Hijitus" premiered in the 1960s and was later turned into an animated television series. Hijitus follows a schoolboy who turns himself into a superhero on command, similar to a juvenile Superman. It was the first Argentine animated series.

García Ferré was born on Oct. 8, 1929 in Spain, and later emigrated to Argentina in 1947. After getting his start in advertising, García Ferré turned to animation. In addition to "Hijitus," García Ferré is best known for creating characters such as Manuelita, Pi Pio, Calculin and Larguirucho.

García Ferré's family said they would be interring him in the Garden of Peace Cemetery in Pilar, Argentina. García Ferré's final film, "Soledad & Lanky" premiered in 2012. García Ferré was named an Illustrious Citizen of Buenos Aires in 2009.