Henri Vernes, Belgian author of popular novels, dies aged 102 Tue, Jul 27, 2021 BRUSSELS: Henri Vernes, the prolific Belgian author of popular French-language adventure and science fiction novels, has died at the age of 102, his publisher announced Monday. The creator of the French adventurer Bob Morane who featured in 200 novels that sold 40 million copies worldwide died on Sunday, his publisher Lombard said. "I would love to write a hundred more books, woo a few women and leave the rest to chance," Vernes told Belgium´s French-language broadcaster RTBF for his 100th birthday. Jacky Legge, curator at the Folklore Museum in Tournai which set up a permanent exhibition after his 100th birthday, said he was amazed at Verne´s powerful memory, grasp of detail and passion for telling stories.