In the heart of Medan during the 1950s, a young illustrator named Zainal Abidin Mohammad, known by his pen name Zam Nuldyn, began crafting stories that would leave an indelible mark on Indonesian comics. His journey, shaped by his roots in the rich folklore of Malay culture, established him as a pioneer in the comic book world, particularly for his unique blending of local myths and captivating storytelling.
Zam Nuldyn was born in Labuhan Deli on December 31, 1922,
the eldest of four children of Muhammad Chaniago and Hanna. At the age of 10,
he and his family moved to Medan, where Zam’s artistic talent began to
flourish. His early education in drawing was guided by his secondary school art
teacher, Zainuddin, who recognized Zam’s potential and encouraged him to pursue
a career in the arts.
Zam’s ability to capture the essence of Malay culture
through his illustrations earned him a spot in various local publications, such
as Pandji Poestaka, Taman Kanak-kanak, and Terang Boelan.
His works, though initially simple, showed his innate ability to connect deeply
with the traditions and folklore of Sumatra.
Zam’s entry into the comic scene was born out of necessity
during the tumultuous years following Indonesia’s independence. Amid the chaos
of war and societal upheaval, he began drawing comics as a way to make a
living, and it was then that his unique style began to emerge. In 1954, his
comic Detective Bahtar was published in Waktu magazine, marking
his formal entry into the world of comics. The young detective, whose name was
inspired by a revolutionary friend, became a character synonymous with justice
and bravery.
However, it wasn’t long before Zam shifted his focus to
something more deeply rooted in his heritage—Malay folklore. Inspired by
stories passed down from his youth, he began weaving these ancient tales into
his comics, making them accessible to a wider audience. His work was not just
an artistic endeavor, but a way of preserving and celebrating the cultural
identity of the Malay people.
Zam Nuldyn’s greatest contribution to Indonesian comics was
his ability to bring to life the vibrant and mystical world of Malay folklore.
His comics, such as Merak Jingga (1961), Panglima Denai (1961), Ratu
Karimata (1961), and Dewi Krakatau (1961), were filled with
larger-than-life characters, gods, demons, and supernatural forces. His stories
were set against the backdrop of Sumatra’s natural beauty—rivers, mountains,
and jungles that were teeming with legends and mysteries.
Each comic was more than just a visual representation of
folklore. Zam meticulously researched his stories, ensuring that the depictions
of characters, landscapes, and settings were historically accurate and
culturally authentic. His attention to detail was remarkable, even including
the origins of place names in his comics. For example, in Panglima Denai,
the character of Silinda was linked to the name of a region in Deli Serdang,
while Merak Jingga tied the story to the origin of Bagan Siapi-api.
This deep commitment to cultural accuracy set Zam apart from
other comic artists and earned him a place as one of the most respected
illustrators in Medan. His work resonated not only because of its visual appeal
but because it connected readers to the stories and traditions that shaped
their identity.
Despite his success, Zam eventually decided to retire from
the comic world in 1972. At the height of his career, when his work was widely
recognized throughout the country, he chose to step away from the industry. But
this did not mean the end of his creative endeavors. Instead of drawing, Zam
shifted his focus to writing books on Malay culture and history, continuing to
share his knowledge and love for his heritage.
Though he no longer created comics, his influence on the
industry remained undeniable. Zam’s retirement from comics marked the closing
of one era, but his legacy as a master of the comic art form continued to
inspire future generations.
Zam Nuldyn passed away in 1999, but his work lives on. His
comics, particularly those that incorporated the rich lore of Malay folklore,
are celebrated not only for their artistic merit but for their cultural
significance. Zam was not merely an illustrator; he was a cultural ambassador,
preserving and sharing the stories of his people for future generations.
His contributions to the world of Indonesian comics are
immeasurable. Through his work, Zam Nuldyn ensured that the legends of Sumatra
and the broader Malay world would not fade into obscurity but would continue to
inspire and captivate readers for years to come. His comics remain a testament
to the power of storytelling, the importance of cultural preservation, and the
enduring relevance of folklore in modern art.
Zam Nuldyn’s life and work remind us that comics are more
than just entertainment—they are a bridge to the past, a medium through which
we can connect with our heritage and understand the complexities of the world
around us. And for those who knew him or experienced his art, Zam Nuldyn
remains a beloved figure—a true maestro of the Malay folklore comic genre.
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