Jonathan Djob Nkondo, a French artist and animator whose distinctive visual language has captivated audiences in animated projects such as the critically acclaimed surreal sci-fi series Scavengers Reign and the recent Gorillaz short film The Mountain, The Moon Cave and The Sad God, is now bringing a lesser-known facet of his artistic journey to the forefront. Before his rise to prominence in animation, Nkondo cultivated a rich body of work in self-published comics, crafting intricate narratives set in strange alien worlds and future societies. This foundational work, previously available primarily in French, is now being revisited and introduced to a global audience through a lush English release of two graphic novels, offering a profound glimpse into his unique vision of contemplative science fiction.
“I think most of the people who follow my work don’t necessarily know that I published comics,” Nkondo shared with The Verge, highlighting the disparity between his animation renown and his comic artistry. “I am mainly known for my work in animations, so revisiting those books and promoting them again was a good way to spread the word.” This endeavor is not merely a re-release; it’s an unveiling of the deeply personal and experimental roots of an artist whose aesthetic has become synonymous with evocative, dreamlike, and often unsettling speculative fiction.
The launch of Nkondo’s Kickstarter campaign earlier this month for the English versions of these two graphic novels has been nothing short of a phenomenon. The campaign, which initially set a modest funding goal of $7,500, rapidly blew past expectations, accumulating over $100,000 to date. This staggering success caught even Nkondo himself by surprise. “I wasn’t expecting much,” he admitted, reflecting on the overwhelming response. “I might be living too much in my bubble. I’m not really aware about the things that would interest people.” This humble acknowledgment underscores the genuine demand for his unique brand of visual storytelling and the enthusiasm of a growing fanbase eager to explore the breadth of his creative output beyond the screen. The campaign’s triumph is a testament not only to Nkondo’s talent but also to the vibrant and supportive independent comics community.
The two graphic novels at the heart of this campaign are titled Peaceful Remission and Wandering. Both were originally published in French, offering a tantalizing precursor to the themes and styles that would later define his animated works. Through the Kickstarter, these captivating black-and-white comics are being made available in both digital and hardcover formats, catering to various reader preferences, with a special limited-edition version, complete with an exclusive artbook, offered at the $99 tier for dedicated collectors and enthusiasts.
Peaceful Remission delves into the intimate lives of an elderly couple residing in a peculiar space-age suburb where homes are ingeniously built directly into asteroids. This unique, almost claustrophobic, setting amplifies the complexities of their already intricate relationship, exploring themes of aging, companionship, and the quiet struggles of human connection against an expansive, otherworldly backdrop. The narrative is a masterclass in using speculative environments to magnify universal human experiences, creating a sense of isolation and wonder that permeates their daily lives.
In stark contrast, Wandering embarks on a dialogue-free trek through a far-future vision of society, experienced from two distinct perspectives. One follows a wealthy man navigating the opulent, technologically advanced confines of a futuristic city, a bastion of privilege and comfort. The other tracks a younger man striving for survival in the desolate wasteland that stretches beyond the city’s gleaming walls. This wordless narrative forces the reader to engage deeply with the visuals, interpreting emotions, intentions, and the stark social commentary embedded within each meticulously drawn panel. The absence of text transforms the reading experience into a meditative journey, allowing the stunning artwork to convey the story’s profound messages about inequality, endurance, and the human spirit.
A striking similarity between Nkondo’s new comic releases and his celebrated animation work, particularly Scavengers Reign, lies in their shared commitment to a measured, contemplative pace. Both eschew rapid-fire exposition in favor of a slow burn, relying heavily on visual storytelling to build atmosphere, character, and narrative depth. The books also boast “stunningly original designs” for architecture, technology, and various elements of their respective worlds. Nkondo’s design philosophy is refreshingly unique: he prioritizes aesthetics before delving into practicality or realism. “I think about shapes in the first place and then I try to apply them to fashion, architecture, or vehicles,” he explains. “My designs could look cool but usually they aren’t the most pragmatic.” This approach results in worlds that feel truly alien and imaginative, unbound by conventional logic, allowing for an unparalleled sense of wonder and distinctiveness that has become his artistic hallmark.
The sense of quiet pervading Nkondo’s solo projects is another powerful through-line connecting them to Scavengers Reign. Both rely more on visual narrative than explicit dialogue, a characteristic taken to its extreme in Wandering, which contains no text whatsoever. This deliberate choice compels the reader to slow down, to absorb and scrutinize each image, piecing together the narrative and emotional beats. Nkondo views this form as an organic byproduct of the stories he is driven to tell. “I feel like in comics, like in my short films, the stories that I tell aren’t necessarily dialogue-driven so I don’t feel the pressure to add too many words,” he elucidates. “I’m fine with depicting actions or moods with visuals.” This emphasis on visual poetry fosters a universal understanding that transcends language barriers, inviting readers into an immersive experience where every line and shadow contributes to the overarching mood and meaning.
With time still remaining in the Kickstarter campaign, enthusiasts have a continued opportunity to support this significant project. The books are slated to begin shipping this summer, promising a timely arrival for those eager to delve into Nkondo’s comic universe. This venture serves as an invaluable chance for those who discovered Nkondo’s brilliance through his larger collaborations to explore a new, more intimate side of his artistry—one that shares the same powerful energy and distinctive aesthetic but with deeply personal stakes.
Looking ahead, Nkondo also teased upcoming projects that represent a fascinating departure from his established style. He revealed that two future works—a new comic and a short film—will explore a more dialogue-heavy style of storytelling. This shift presents a fresh creative challenge for the artist, one he embraces with characteristic enthusiasm. “It is a challenge as interesting as the more silent stories I worked on,” he affirms, signaling a continuous evolution in his narrative approach. Jonathan Djob Nkondo stands as a testament to the power of unique vision, effortlessly bridging the worlds of animation and comics, and consistently pushing the boundaries of contemplative science fiction. His foray into English-language comics is not just a publication; it’s an invitation to experience the profound, quiet beauty of his meticulously crafted worlds.
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