Marsupilami and the piranha. Statue made of resin and hand painted by Plastoy. Height: 18cm. Marsupilami is a fictional comic book species created by André Franquin. It first appeared in the Franco-Belgian comics magazine Spirou in 1952. The character has since been featured in various comic book series and spin-offs, as well as animated shows, video games, and merchandise. The asteroid 98494 Marsupilami is named in its honor.