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Daniel Clarke is a Cape Town-based artist working in animation, film and illustration. He started his career in animation in 2008 at Triggerfish Animation Studios, a collaboration that has lasted up until today and has seen him act as Production Designer and Art director on projects such as the feature filmKhumba, BBC'sStick ManandSnail and the Whale Daniel has worked as an illustrator and art director for international feature films such asChronicle(Josh Trank, 2012);The Giver(Philip Noyce, 2014); andChappie Daniel recently directed Aau's Song, a Star Wars: Visionsfilm from Lucasfilm, available on Disney+ in May 2023. James Clarke was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and educated at the University of Cape Town, where he studied history and literature and completed his Masters in Creative Writing as a Harry Crossley Fellow.In 2016, he was the South Africa finalist in fiction for the PEN International New Young Voices Award.Karibais his first graphic novel collaboration. Daniel Snaddonis an artist, illustrator, and film director of Scottish-South African and Chinese-Australian descent, who grew up in Nelspruit, a short drive away from the Kruger National Park. He has worked in the animation and film industries for fourteen years, best known for his work with Triggerfish Animation Studios and with Magic Light Pictures' animated BBC Christmas specials. Among these, Daniel served as animation supervisor on the Academy Award nominated 'Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes', co-director on the BAFTA nominated 'Stick Man', and as director on both the Annie award winning 'The Snail and the Whale' and the International Emmy winning 'Zog'. Daniel's most recent work, his fourth Magic Light Pictures Christmas special, 'The Smeds and the Smoos', based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (authors ofThe Gruffalo), was awarded the Audience Award at the NewYork International Children's Film Festival in March 2023.Daniel served as the founding director of CTIAF, South Africa's premiere animation festival, for 4 years.
"“This fast-paced work, full of daring acts and highlighting Siku’s powerful voice, has a backdrop inspired by colonial history. The illustrations are reminiscent of an animated feature, with strong facial expressions and vivid hues. The varied style of the panels adds extra vigor, particularly when Siku is having watery visions, as the shapes and edges become fluid. […] A dynamic, mystical coming-of-age story.” — Kirkus Reviews ""This is an African fantasy-adventure graphic novel without comparison. The artworks draw the reader into Africa in a stunning appreciation for nature. The use of language, symbolism and engaging dialogue helps to keep one foot of the reader in African culture, and the other in global myth. The creators – Daniel Clarke, James Clarke and Daniel Snaddon – have made excellent synergy of their talents and experiences, to offer the world a story that cannot be ignored."" — World Kid Lit “Rooted in the richness of ancient Zimbabwean myth, gorgeously produced and brilliantly realised, KARIBA is a work of astonishing imagination from artists and storytellers of exceptional talent. One of the very best graphic novels to come out of Africa, KARIBA will move and delight readers of all ages and backgrounds for years and years to come.” — Petina Gappah, Out of Darkness, Shining Light ""KARIBA is a wonderful story of self-discovery, with stunning visuals fit for animation. Take your time with it, savour every panel of every page. It is indeed a visual feast."" — Setor Fiadzigbey, illustrator, Marvel Legends' Black Panther ""[S]eamlessly blends myth and history with a gorgeously immersive story with equally stunning artwork that almost seems to move about the page. With a focus on protecting family, folklore, and embracing the changes around you and within—KARIBA is sure to entice readers of all ages!"" — Tara O'Connor, Fly By Night ""A rich and lushly inhabited telling of stories about struggle and resistance against environmental and colonial oppression, KARIBA brings a loveable ensemble of characters together with vibrancy to tell a story that jumps off the page. Beautifully illustrated evoking the expansive storytelling found in works such as Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Nausicaa and Princess Mononoke. It is reimaginings of our histories such as this that reminds us of the magic that exists in the struggles for a better world."" — Hugo Martínez, illustrator, Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts “Magic, mayhem, and African folklore sprinkles across this middle reader graphic novel fantasy adventure that brings a young indigenous girl with special powers the one to save her local village from those that wish to do it harm. Inspired by the Kariba Dam conflict and filled with lush illustrations and compelling characters, this comic book will expose readers to different culture and mythical storytelling.” —Gerard Villegas, Auntie's Bookstore “A rich, complex narrative pairs with lush and fantastical artwork to share the life of Siku, a young girl who is tasked with hiding a great power inside her. Strong, capable, and determined to do the right thing, Siku embarks on a perilous quest that will have her tapping into the core of who (or what) she is. Pick up this stunning graphic novel and get lost in a world all its own.” –Katherine Megna-Weber, Books Inc. ""[W]ith its sinuous, fantastic shapes and deep greens and blues, the book recalls Studio Ghibli works such as The Red Turtle or My Neighbor Totoro.” — Susan Harari, Keefe Library, Boston Latin School"
