Introducing Anton Odhiambo
Afrocomix is a hub for creative content, entertainment and rich literature. As such, it is also home to amazing and talented individuals who create inspiring, captivating and extra-ordinary works of art. Their creativity, insight and stories are an inspiration to us and many others.
As Afrocomix, we are therefore absolute fans of the featured artists on our platform and were over the moon to get the chance to talk with one of the Kenyan featured artists to have a chat about his life, work and the inspiration behind his art.
As an artist his talent, wit and originality has drawn us and many others to love the content he creates, hence we were more than excited to get to know more about him.
So, without ado, lets all get to meet and chat with Anton Odhiambo.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My Name is Anton Odhiambo, my pen name is Deuronius, a proud dad and a big Star Wars fan.
I love to create stuff.
Tell us a little about the work that you do.
I’m a comic book creator, 2D animator, music composer and video game developer.
What kind of artist would you describe yourself as?
I’d say I’m a storyteller. I try put the story first before the art style or medium. I’m not picky with detail. Perfection is ok but I prefer getting the work done.
What inspired you to be an artist and create the content that you do?
I loved drawing from a young age. And I loved movies. From around 4 years old I drew what I saw on TV. It took me into a happy place in my mind.
What can you say was the first artistic content you ever created?
Although I had lots of practice art, my first official creation was a 20-page second world war comic I worked on when I was around 11 years old.
What drew you to digital art in particular?
Its faster. I get to transfer what’s in my mind faster to the page.
How do you create?
Mostly using software. Whether its sound or picture I use the computer. But I don’t mind using traditional pen and paper once in a while.
Is your art geared to a particular kind of audience?
My art/ stories are for anyone who likes a good story.
What does your art mean to you?
Art helps me solve real world challenges. It takes me to other worlds and dimensions.
What projects have you worked on or what artistic content have you created?
I have currently created 15 comics, 300 comic scripts, 5 thousand music compositions, 10 mobile games and 3 animated shorts.
Notably my comics are Neutrona, Astromika and Zona Galactica.
My short animations include – Lethal Dragon Commander and 187 Ultra.
Among all the works you’ve created and projects you’ve worked on, which one are you most proud of/ like the most?
My most notable work is to have published Kenya’s first official 200 page Manga Omnibus, and also launch Kenya’s first African female led superhero mobile game.
As a creative, is there a particular genre that you favor or are drawn to lean more towards?
I love science fiction and the anime style of storytelling and art.
What’s a typical day for you like?
If I’m lucky and I didn’t work through the night the day before, my day starts at 6am. After breakfast I plan what needs to be done for the day. At around 8am I head over to my drawing desk and start to churn out work.
What art equipment/ supply can you not live without?
My go to tool is my computer. Also pen and paper.
What are your thoughts on the digital creative industry in Kenya and Africa as a whole?
It’s slow but it’s picking up pace due to rise in pop culture and IT infrastructure.
Africa is the final frontier in storytelling. We have the stories; all we need to do is bridge the gap between fan and content creator.
If you could collaborate with one artist who would it be and why?
It would be awesome to collaborate with any artist; any would be okay.
Where do you see your work heading towards or evolving to?
I hope to move more into feature films and console gaming.
What do you hope your fans take away from the content you create?
Hope. There’s always hope.
As per your experience thus far, what are your thoughts on ‘traditional art’ vs ‘digital art’?
Both are good in their own way. As long as it makes you happy and you are comfortable.
Is there anything in particular you are currently working on and are there any interesting artworks/ projects that we can be on the lookout for?
I’m currently working on Africa’s first Afro Isekai mobile game (Afrofantasy) which I will release in a few weeks.
Where can one find/ purchase your work or interact with you?
You can get my comics here.
You can read my Manga comics here.
My animations can be found on my YouTube channel.
My games can be found here.
Here’s a link to my music as well.
Also, you can chat with me via twitter.
If you could give a piece of advice to any aspiring artist, what would you tell them?
Don’t give up, the journey of art is not easy but if you hang in there it’s going to be worth it.
It was an absolute pleasure to chat with Anton and we hope you all got to know more about him and his amazing work.
Do check out his comics, animations and games, and definitely look him up on his social media. You can also find his comics and animations up on the Afrocomix app.
Let’s keep the creative industry up and alive in Africa by supporting and cheering on all the incredible and talented individuals who share their journeys and tell their stories through their artistry.
Till next time 😊
From Afrocomix with love.
Author: Maggie Muchiri.
