Aisha Franz (born 1984) is a German illustrator and comic book artist known for her internationally published graphic novels and zines. Based in Berlin, she has gained recognition for her storytelling, which blends everyday life with existential themes, often highlighting the absurdities of human reality.
Early Life and Education
Franz was born in Fürth, Germany, to Colombian-Chilean immigrant parents. Initially, she aspired to become a figure skater and work as an animator for Walt Disney. However, she later pursued a career in illustration, studying at the School of Art and Design in Kassel.
She is now based in Berlin, where she is an active member of The Treasure Fleet, a German comic publishing collective. In addition to her artistic work, Franz has also taught illustration and comics at Kunsthochschule Kassel alongside Hendrik Dorgathen.
Career
Graphic Novels and Comics
Franz's debut graphic novel, Alien (2011), received international recognition and was published in multiple languages:
- French: Petite Terrienne (Éditions çà et là)
- English: Earthling (Drawn & Quarterly)
Her work has been widely published in Germany by Reprodukt and other publishers and has appeared in various comic anthologies.
In 2013, Alien won an award for Best Foreign Work at the Lucerne International Comics Festival.
Her storytelling often merges mundane daily life with deeper existential reflections, a hallmark of her artistic style.
Published Works
- Alien (2011) (Earthling in English, Petite Terrienne in French)
- Brigitte und der Perlenhort (2013) (Brigitte et la perle cachée in French)
- Shit is Real (2016)
- Work-Life-Balance (Reprodukt, 2022)
Themes and Style
Franz’s work is recognized for its minimalist yet expressive art style, which complements her explorations of identity, routine, and the surreal aspects of daily life. She frequently tackles themes of urban alienation, interpersonal relationships, and self-discovery, using a darkly humorous and introspective approach.