"Jakob Neyder narrative": An account of the nonconformist individual
Franz Suess, a renowned Austrian cartoonist and author, is set to present his latest graphic novel, "Jakob Neyder," at the Literaturhaus Wien on October 14, 7 p.m. This dark and gritty tale of a teenage outcast has been published by avant-verlag and has already garnered significant attention. The graphic novel, which spans 184 pages, delves into the life of a young man who finds himself lost in a whirlwind of aimlessness after a crime. Jakob, the main character, is defined by the three people closest to him: his mother, his girlfriend, and his friend. His mother sends him to a remote summer house for the holidays, describing him as "lovely, a bit self-centered or something..." His girlfriend, on the other hand, sees him as "cool, sexy, up for anything, nice..." and even accompanies him to the countryside. His only unconditional love comes from Bruno, his sick dog. The book is not portrayed as being bright and cheerful. Instead, it is depicted as being dark, blurred, and depressing, with a rough and dirty aesthetic that reflects the troubled life of its protagonist. This gritty style is a testament to Suess's unique visual language, which he has developed since his first book "1160, Ottakring" in 2011. In an interview with APA, Suess stated that he works thematically, often drawing inspiration from nature, people, transfer, and fantasy. This thematic approach is evident in "Jakob Neyder," as the story explores themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of one's actions. The presentation of "Jakob Neyder" will feature a conversation between Franz Suess and Katharina Serles, chairwoman of the Austrian Society for Comics. Serles, a researcher and editor involved in comics studies and gender studies, brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the discussion. Her academic engagement in literary and cultural studies, notably as a co-editor of the interdisciplinary volume "Comics Studies x Gender Studies" published in August 2025, makes her an ideal companion for Suess in exploring the depths of "Jakob Neyder." The book is available for purchase at a price of 29.80 euros. For those interested in attending the presentation, tickets can be purchased via the Literaturhaus Wien's website. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the world of Franz Suess and his latest graphic novel, "Jakob Neyder." You can learn more about Franz Suess and his work on his official website, http://www.franzsuess.com/.
