Thomas von Kummant's "Gung Ho": A Revolutionary Illustration in French Comic Market

Award-winning design that marries narrative and aesthetics to create a unique comic series

The inspiration for "Gung Ho" came from the question - What if nature struck back and created a new aggressive species? The story unfolds in a post-apocalyptic South Europe, where survival is only possible in fortified cities and settlements. The theme of "Gung Ho" is about the destructive side of youth, but also its power for renewal.

The design of the comic series is an exceptional style for the French comic market. Without the drawn line, a kind of cut-out collage still tries to preserve the graphic legibility. Silhouettes are treated with colour to create an expressionistic impression, which serves the tone of the story. The synergy of narrative and aesthetics serves only the dramaturgy and the development of the comic. This Cover image captures the moment of released teenage adrenaline.

The artwork for the cover of the French edition of "Gung Ho - Court-circuit - Edition DELUXE 2.2", was created with Photoshop and a Wacom Tablet. The book was used in the Amiens region of France for classroom discussion and analysis. The aim is to adapt the book into film - animation or life action - or game media.

The project began in Munich in 2012. The first book was published in France in 2013. The project was completed in January 2021 in Munich with a publication in France in June 2021. The challenge was to find a style that supports the tone of the story and gives the project uniqueness. When you see an image from the story, it has to be recognisable - that can only be an image from "Gung Ho".

"Gung Ho" is an Americanism derived from Chinese and means "motivated, committed and working together in harmony". Over the years it took on different meanings, e.g. in World War 2 it was used by the Marines in the Pacific as a battle cry. In this story "Gung Ho" is a slang term for "hot" heated and overzealous, without regard of losses. The synergy of aesthetics and narration supports the tone of the scenario and the perspective on the events from the point of view of teenagers. The image captures the moment of menacing danger, youthful courage and pure released teenage adrenalin.

Thomas von Kummant's "Gung Ho" has been awarded Silver in A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award in 2022. This Design was rewarded to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.