Enki Bilal, born Enes Bilal on October 7, 1951, in Belgrade, Serbia (formerly Yugoslavia), is a visionary artist and storyteller known for merging the aesthetic of graphic novels with profound social, political, and philosophical commentary. Of Bosnian and Czech descent, Bilal moved to Paris with his family at a young age, shaping his unique perspective.
At 14, Bilal was encouraged by legendary comic creator René Goscinny, launching his career in the Franco-Belgian comic scene. He is best known for The Nikopol Trilogy, a dystopian series that explores themes of power, identity, and alienation in a chaotic, technology-driven world. Bilal’s work transcends traditional comics, blending Eastern European sensibilities with the darker, philosophical undertones of science fiction and cyberpunk.
Throughout his career, Bilal has also contributed to film, collaborating with director Alain Resnais, and expanded his artistic vision through multimedia storytelling. His influence stretches across genres, establishing him as a master of dystopian narratives in both visual and cinematic arts.