After a short study in philosophy, Patrick Cothias turned towards making comics. He published a few strips and illustrations, was awarded the Nicolas Goujon Prize for realistic drawing, but decided eventually to devote himself to writing scripts. In 1975 he created his first series, 'Sandberg', with artist Alfonso Font. Five years later 'Masquerouge' was produced with André Juillard. Cothias then took up the scenario of 'Sylivo le Grillon', with Philippe Luguy. 'Snark Saga' and 'Trafic', with Philippe Sternis, were published in 1982 in Okapi magazine. A year later, he created 'Les 7 Vies de l'Épervier', again with Juillard. 'Orn, Coeur de Chien' was made in collaboration with Olivier Taffin, and 'Coline Maillard' with Serge Carrère. Halfway through the eighties, his production boomed.