The following is an interview with artist David Palumbo regarding the recent release of the first-ever edition of Nnedi Okorafor’s interstellar space opera, The Binti Trilogy, through The Folio Society. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Palumbo about his creative experience in bringing the expansive story to life visually, what he is most excited for readers to experience with the omnibus edition, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: The Folio Society recently released the first-ever illustrated edition of Nnedi Okorafor’s interstellar space opera, The Binti Trilogy, featuring your stunning artwork. What first intrigued you about bringing this expansive story to life visually, especially with its imaginative blend of sci-fi and Africanfuturism?
David Palumbo: The first time that I was involved with these books was in their original release from Tor when I was brought on to paint the covers. I was very much taken with the world building and genre blending and had always felt very fortunate to have been involved. When Folio Society offered me an opportunity to revisit this series and go more in-depth with scene specific interiors, I couldn’t pass that up.
BD: Your artistic style naturally exudes deep ambience, tone, and mood. When tackling a project like The Binti Trilogy, is there anything that guides or propels your approach to the artwork?
DP: I approach any illustrated novel first by reading or re-reading the story and just enjoying the experience of it. From there, I think back on moments that struck me as particularly impactful or important and see how those tie together. I want to follow my own interest with the hope being that if I go after what I find most intriguing, it will be interesting to other people, as well. I have to trust that the publisher chose me for my voice and want that to come through in the final work, so I just try to be guided by my own curiosity.
BD: What are you most excited for readers to discover with this new illustrated edition?
DP: I hope that the readers who know these books will feel my art honors and fits the story. Maybe more than that, I hope that this new edition brings in readers who had missed these books the first time around and can deliver a fully new and rewarding experience to them. I’ve loved illustrated novels ever since I first discovered N.C. Wyeth’s 1911 edition of Treasure Island, but, of course, all the extra art and design is simply in service of celebrating the underlying story. I’m excited for people to receive a new elevated experience of Nnedi’s incredible vision.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that Binti’s story may connect with and impact readers, and what, if any conversations do you hope that it may invite?
DP: There are a number of strong themes in the book, but what stands out to me most personally are those that center on communication and working to better understand and be understood by those around us. For me, the message of how empathy and trust are what conquer fear and lead to meaningful connection really resonated, and I hope others can have a similar experience.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
DP: I’m always excited about what I’m currently painting but generally not able to talk about it. For past projects, I’ve done a bunch of other illustrated novels that fans of Folio Society editions might enjoy and I keep a listing of those on my website.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for readers to learn more about The Binti Trilogy and your other work?
DP: I believe this Folio edition is my personal recommendation for anyone interested in these books! And Nnedi Okorafor has written many other novels and novellas so anyone who is a fan of Binti should explore her other work. As for my work, you can find me at dvpalumbo.com or search me on socials (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook) as @dvpalumbo.
