AJ Dungo

Interview by Glenn Sakamoto

AJ Dungo’s “In Waves” is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that is both an ode to surfing and the grief that comes with the personal loss of a loved one. It deftly combines two separate storylines that contrast each other both in form and content – Tom Blake and the colorful history of surfing – and his loving relationship with his late partner, Kristen. We spoke with AJ to learn more.

How did the concept for In Waves come about?

In Waves was born out of a request from my publisher, Nobrow. To back up a bit and give you some history, I met Nobrow in London during my graduating term of art school. I went on a study abroad trip that introduced young creatives to working professionals through a three month class and a week long trip. On this trip we were introduced to ad agencies, designers, animation studios, and publishing houses. 

What we presented to these contacts was a project that we developed throughout the term on one subject; a figure or event that was related to Los Angeles in some way. I created a box of zines, buttons, silkscreen prints, and risograph prints around a famous surf figure named Tom Blake. 

After the trip, Sam Arthur, co-founder of Nobrow, reached out and asked me to make a book with him about surf pioneers throughout history. But then he changed his mind and wanted a more personal narrative, so he asked why surfing was important to me. And I told him that my partner of 8 years introduced me to the sport and that she had just passed away 2 months prior to us meeting. He was intrigued and later asked if I would be willing to write about that in relation to the history of surf. It was an odd and daunting request. To summarize the history of surfing and the life of my late partner in one book when her death was so recent. After wrestling with some serious self-doubt, I agreed.

I would imagine creating a book that is so personal must have been a real challenge. What was that experience like?

 It was very challenging. I had just lost Kristen to cancer, I had just graduated from art school with a ton of debt, I had just taken a full-time job as a footwear designer, I was beginning to receive freelance illustration work and I had this book to write. I was being pulled in many different directions and that took a toll on my physical health but was actually kind of alleviating my grief in a strange way. Being so burnt out from work and having my mind occupied at all times kept me from spiraling into a depressive episode. 

For two and a half years, I juggled this job, freelance work and the book. I used my office as my studio after work and on weekends. I lived in this cubicle. Eventually I crawled out of my dank hole and had a book to show for all my time in isolation.

What were some of the conscious story and design decisions that you had to make in order for it to work?

Everything was made simpler than it appeared in real life. In order to fit all these disparate narratives together, I had to edit everything down to the essentials. To the detriment of my book, I had to make a choice that oversimplified a rich and complicated history of surfing and a multi-faceted human life of my partner. I tried my best to get everyone’s story right and I hope my sincere effort to do justice to all parties involved came across.

Design-wise, I had to be ok with imperfection. My deadline was tight and I couldn’t obsess with every panel the way I normally would for an illustration assignment. If anatomy was wonky, if my lines weren’t quite right, if a face looked strange I had to roll with it and fix it later if I had the time. 

A very conscious design decision was the limited palette. A traditional comic artist in the industry would have separate parties executing separate aspects of a comic. You would have a penciller, an inker, a colorist and a letterer. I had to do it all myself, so just like the writing, everything was pared down. I’m sorry if this comes off as someone making a ton of excuses but I was quite strapped for time and did the best I could in the time allotted. If I had my way, this book would probably still be unfinished and would remain in that state. 

How has the experience of writing and illustrating “In Waves” affected you? Was it cathartic and/or therapeutic?

It was absolutely cathartic and therapeutic. Anyone who has faced loss in some form knows how lonely and isolating that experience can be. To have spent that time sealing her memory on a printed page was all I could have hoped to accomplish. My main objective after Kristen passed away was to not forget her and to have her live on. Now that the book is out, she lives on through everyone who reads her story.

What has been the response to the book from your circle of family and friends? From readers and the media?

Overwhelming. Overwhelmingly positive. Overwhelmingly personal. People connect to this work for so many reasons; surfing, illness, love, loss. It’s humbling and unbelievable. My friends and family have been the greatest support system as well as an efficient pro bono PR firm. Everyone who has read the book wants to share it. It’s incredible. 

The readers of this book have been exceptional. Truly remarkable and also international! Nobrow is a British publishing house and has far reach across the globe. They’ve sold the publishing rights to Casterman (France), Wydawnictwo Margenisy (Poland), and Bao (Italy). They also have distribution in North America through Penguin Random House. I’ve travelled more this year than I have in my entire life. I’ve attended comics festivals, international book festivals, librarian conferences, countless signings, and panels. I’ve made friends with my heroes as well as fans of the book. This book is all the Kristen could have hoped for me. It’s been a dream.

What are you hoping the reader of “In Waves” will ultimately take away from experiencing it?

The value of your time on earth and to be encouraged to spend it wisely.

What’s next for AJ Dungo?

 More books, more comics, more art, and hopefully a lot more surfing.

To learn more about AJ Dungo and his work, click here or follow him on Instagram @agedungs
Find In Waves at your local book seller or at Amazon.