A Visual Tour of Viktor Kubal

Charting the look of a Slovak master.

Brigand Jurko (1976)

Happy Thursday! In this issue of the Animation Obsessive newsletter, we’re looking at the art of Viktor Kubal (1923–1997), the “father” of Slovak animation.

Kubal made Slovakia’s first animated feature, among other landmarks. But his films haven’t gotten much notice in the English-speaking world. He isn’t well known outside his homeland — even by the standards of other Eastern European animators. His best work is ripe for discovery. That’s what we want to help you with today.

We’re handling this issue a bit differently. First and foremost, it’s a visual exploration of a very visual filmmaker. We want to immerse you in Kubal’s art, with a little context along the way. This idea was made possible by Toadette, the pseudonymous historian, whose research assistance here was vital.

Enjoy!