PARIS — Jonathan Djob Nkondo, the French artist and animator renowned for his contributions to the surreal sci-fi series Scavengers Reign and the recent Gorillaz short film The Mountain, The Moon Cave and The Sad God, is bringing his earlier self-published comics to a wider English-speaking audience through a highly successful crowdfunding campaign.
Earlier this month, Nkondo launched a Kickstarter project to fund English translations and releases of two graphic novels he originally published in French: Peaceful Remission and Wandering. The campaign, which sought an initial goal of $7,500, has surpassed expectations by raising more than $100,000 as of late October, according to details from the platform. Nkondo told The Verge in a recent interview that he "wasn’t expecting much" from the effort, adding, “I might be living too much in my bubble. I’m not really aware about the things that would interest people.”
The surge in support highlights Nkondo's growing international profile, particularly among fans of contemplative science fiction. Before gaining acclaim in animation, Nkondo created these black-and-white comics that delve into strange alien worlds and futuristic societies. “I think most of the people who follow my work don’t necessarily know that I published comics,” he explained to The Verge. “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.”
Peaceful Remission centers on an elderly couple navigating their strained relationship in a space-age suburb where homes are integrated into asteroids. The story explores intimate personal dynamics against an otherworldly backdrop, blending domestic tension with speculative elements. In contrast, Wandering is a dialogue-free narrative that shifts between two perspectives: a wealthy man within a gleaming futuristic city and a younger survivor scraping by in the surrounding wasteland. Both works emphasize visual storytelling, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the imagery without relying on text.
Backers of the Kickstarter can choose from digital downloads or hardcover editions, with pledges starting at various tiers. A premium option at $99 includes a limited-edition version bundled with an exclusive artbook, offering deeper insights into Nkondo's design process. The books are slated to begin shipping this summer, providing an accessible entry point for English readers into Nkondo's pre-animation oeuvre.
Nkondo's approach to world-building prioritizes aesthetics over functionality, a hallmark that resonates with his animation work. He described his method to The Verge, saying, “I think about shapes in the first place and then I try to apply them to fashion, architecture, or vehicles. My designs could look cool but usually they aren’t the most pragmatic.” This philosophy results in visually striking elements, from asteroid-embedded residences to sprawling urban dystopias, that prioritize artistic impact.
For those familiar with Scavengers Reign, a Max Original animated series that premiered in 2023 and earned critical praise for its ecological themes and alien landscapes, Nkondo's comics offer a similar contemplative pace. The series, which follows human survivors on a hostile exoplanet, shares the graphic novels' focus on quiet introspection and environmental immersion. Nkondo's involvement in the show, where he contributed to character design and backgrounds, underscores the continuity in his thematic interests.
His collaboration with Gorillaz on the 2024 short film The Mountain, The Moon Cave and The Sad God further cements his reputation in multimedia storytelling. That project, part of the band's ongoing narrative universe, featured Nkondo's distinctive surreal visuals, blending music, animation, and lore. Yet, as he revisits his solo comics, Nkondo emphasizes the personal scale of these earlier works. The stories in Peaceful Remission and Wandering tackle relationships and isolation on an individual level, contrasting with the ensemble dynamics of his animated projects.
The absence of dialogue in Wandering exemplifies Nkondo's preference for visual 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,” he told The Verge. “I’m fine with depicting actions or moods with visuals.” This technique compels readers to engage slowly, absorbing each panel to piece together the emotional and societal layers.
The Kickstarter's success, which wrapped up its funding phase ahead of schedule, reflects broader trends in creator-driven publishing. Platforms like Kickstarter have enabled artists to bypass traditional gatekeepers, especially in niche genres like speculative fiction. Nkondo's campaign, promoted through his existing fanbase from Scavengers Reign, demonstrates how animation audiences can cross over to graphic novels, expanding the reach of independent creators.
While the current project revives past material, Nkondo hinted at evolving directions in his career. He mentioned two upcoming endeavors—a comic and a short film—that will incorporate more dialogue-heavy narratives. “It is a challenge as interesting as the more silent stories I worked on,” he said, suggesting a willingness to experiment beyond his established visual-first style.
Industry observers note that the crowdfunding boom for Peaceful Remission and Wandering could signal renewed interest in translated European comics. France has a rich tradition of bandes dessinées, or graphic novels, with artists like Nkondo pushing boundaries in sci-fi. According to The Verge's reporting, the books' English debut aligns with a post-pandemic surge in introspective, escapist media, where audiences seek stories that mirror personal quietude amid global noise.
As the campaign enters its final stretch, with shipping expected in the summer of 2025, fans have an opportunity to support Nkondo's vision directly. The overfunding—more than 13 times the original goal—indicates strong demand, potentially paving the way for future English releases of his catalog. For newcomers, these comics serve as an introduction to an artist whose work bridges animation and print, offering a glimpse into futuristic worlds both beautiful and unforgiving.
Nkondo's journey from self-publishing in France to international crowdfunding underscores the democratization of art distribution. Based in Paris, where he continues to develop projects, he remains grounded in his creative process despite the unexpected windfall. The graphic novels not only revisit his roots but also invite a global readership to explore the contemplative sci-fi that defines his portfolio.
Looking ahead, the release of Peaceful Remission and Wandering could influence emerging creators in the genre, blending personal storytelling with innovative design. As Nkondo balances animation collaborations and solo ventures, his work continues to captivate those drawn to the intersections of humanity and the cosmos.