Jonathan Djob Nkondo revisits his French comics "Peaceful Remission" and "Wandering," now crowdfunding English versions. Discover surreal sci-fi storytelli
Artist Jonathan Djob Nkondo Revisits His Comic Origins
Jonathan Djob Nkondo, a French artist and animator known for his surreal sci-fi works like "Scavengers Reign" and "The Mountain, The Moon Cave and The Sad God," has recently revisited his earlier graphic novels. Now, Nkondo is crowdfunding the release of two English versions of his previously published French comics, "Peaceful Remission" and "Wandering." This move aims to share his earlier artistic explorations with a wider audience.
The Projects: "Peaceful Remission" and "Wandering"
"Nkondo's comics are a unique blend of contemplative storytelling and striking visuals," notes the artist. "Peaceful Remission" follows the lives of an elderly couple in a space-age suburb, while "Wandering" is a dialogue-free journey through a futuristic world. Both comics are available in black-and-white, digital, and hardcover formats, with a special limited-edition artbook included in the highest pledge tier.
Visual Storytelling and Aesthetic Approach
Nkondo's design process begins with aesthetic considerations, focusing on shapes before applying them to various elements like fashion, architecture, and vehicles. "I think about shapes in the first place and then I try to apply them to fashion, architecture, or vehicles," he explains. This approach results in striking, albeit non-pragmatic, designs that contribute to the visual richness of his work.
Silent Storytelling and Narrative Style
Both "Peaceful Remission" and "Wandering" rely heavily on visual storytelling, making the reader an active participant in understanding the narrative. "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," Nkondo says. "I'm fine with depicting actions or moods with visuals."
Crowdfunding Success and Future Projects
The Kickstarter campaign for the English versions of Nkondo's comics has surpassed its initial funding goal, raising over $100,000. Nkondo was initially surprised by the success, stating, "I was living too much in my bubble and I wasn't really aware about the things that would interest people." The artist is currently working on two upcoming projects: a comic and a short film, both of which will explore more dialogue-heavy storytelling. "It is a challenge as interesting as the more silent stories I worked on," Nkondo reflects, highlighting the continued evolution of his artistic expression.
Source: Read Original Article
Post a Comment