The following is an interview with Magnetic Press Publisher Mike Kennedy regarding the launch of a Kickstarter campaign for World Between Worlds – two original graphic novels from internationally acclaimed animator and artist Jonathan Djob Nkondo – in collaboration with Oni Press. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Kennedy about the incredible backer response to Nkondo’s graphic novel work, what he is most excited for readers to enjoy with these new editions, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Magnetic Press recently partnered with Oni Press to launch a Kickstarter campaign for World Between Worlds: two original graphic novels from internationally acclaimed animator and artist Jonathan Djob Nkondo. As the campaign comes to a close, what has been your experience in seeing the incredible backer response to Nkondo’s graphic novel work?
Mike Kennedy: I’m incredibly thrilled that Jonathan’s works have resonated with the audience so well. I mean, I loved it when I first saw it, so I shouldn’t be surprised, but it really is a fabulous discovery that we’re glad so many people are making. Jonathan’s work is so distinct and memorable, it’s amazing that he has flown so comfortably under the public radar up to now. Working on more and more high-profile projects, like Scavengers Reign and with Gorillaz on their new animated music video has really made his name one to watch for.
BD: Many will be familiar with Nkondo’s work from animation, especially from the celebrated animated series, Scavengers Reign. What can you share with us about how his work has translated to the sequential art medium, and what are you most excited for readers to experience with these two hardcovers?
MK: Honestly, in comparing some of the storyboards from Scavengers Reign with the art in these books, there is so much similarity to his approach that the only difference seems to be motion. The camera work, shot composition, and editing all feel less like a “comic” and more like still frames pulled from something animated. I believe he started drawing sequential art before evolving into making those images move, so the transition is very natural.
BD: In light of the Kickstarter campaign, are there any particular backer rewards that you feel would be most appealing to readers?
MK: While we’ve unlocked a number of cool stretch goals that either celebrate the gallery quality of his work (unlocked as a linen cardstock portfolio) or an artifact of the worlds portrayed in these stories (unlocked as golden metal “currency token”), we’re mostly just excited to put Jonathan’s work in people’s hands so they can appreciate his solo talent. Working on those popular IP projects means collaborating with a lot of people with their own ideas and imaginations. These books are pure Jonathan.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – from Magnetic Press that you would like to highlight for our readers?
MK: These two graphic novels are fantastic sci-fi stories, which is a genre we’ve really explored a lot recently. Readers might also be very interested in past offerings like Guillaume Singelin’s Frontier or Runberg & Grun’s On Mars, both of which take a grounded approach to speculative sci-fi. Coming up soon, we’re preparing Mathieu Bablet’s latest masterpiece Silenty Jenny, which is a beautiful dystopic epic that really packs a punch. We’ll have more information about that campaign in the coming weeks.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for readers to lend their support to the World Between Worlds Kickstarter campaign and to learn more about Magnetic Press?
MK: The campaign ends at 11:59 p.m./EST on Thursday night. We’d love to welcome as many people to the party as can make it! Joining the campaign before it closes is the only way to get in on the seven free stretch goal bonus items we’ve unlocked so far.
