Exclusive Interview: Jonathan Walker, Founder of the Nazca Preservation Project

Nazca, known for its enigmatic geoglyphs in Peru or the anime series that briefly appeared in Malcolm in the Middle? For Jonathan Walker of the Nazca Preservation Project, it’s the latter. Drawn to the anime’s striking visuals and mythological themes, Walker has dedicated years to locating original studio materials, aiming to showcase them in museums across the U.S. and Peru. This piece delves into the objectives, motivations, and journey of a collector passionate about safeguarding the Nazca anime’s legacy.

The project, launched on Facebook in April 2025, focuses on preserving, promoting, and archiving fragmented materials once scattered. It aims to create a public archive for enthusiasts to revisit. Outreach includes collaborations with academia, museums, and art galleries, celebrating the craftsmanship and cultural roots tied to Andean mythology. The anime, released in 1998 on LaserDisc and VHS, remains a niche gem, with a growing community appreciating its artistic and cultural depth.

Jonathan explains that Nazca blends real-life elements with fiction, much like historical films. While not strictly rooted in one culture, it incorporates Andean and Peruvian myths, requiring research to harmonize authenticity with creative storytelling. The project’s core materials include sketches, Genga (key frames), Douga (final drawings), and production cels. Studio envelopes, rare and packed with 100 pieces, are particularly valuable, offering glimpses into the animation process.

Recent acquisitions, like storyboards from Episode 8 and design sheets, highlight the project’s rarity. Jonathan notes that only about 6,000 pieces exist, making the archive unique. He actively seeks donations or sales from collectors, emphasizing continuity in sketches to understand character motion.

For newcomers, Jonathan advises patience. The anime’s slow build-up of characters and mythology rewards viewers who invest time. He also mentions the physical appeal of original media, like LaserDiscs and VHS, which include limited-edition cases and artwork lost in digital streaming.

The project’s future includes a potential documentary, appraisal of the collection, and museum exhibits. Jonathan aims to document the journey from material collection to public display, involving interviews with the original staff and collaborators. While financial constraints limit large-scale efforts, he remains committed to preserving Nazca as a cultural artifact.

Jonathan’s passion extends beyond Nazca. He collects Japanese LPs and other anime memorabilia, driven by a love for physical art. He believes hand-drawn animation holds a special charm, with tangible elements like paper texture and craftsmanship that digital versions lack.

The project’s ultimate goal is to ensure Nazca’s legacy endures. By sharing its story and materials, Jonathan hopes to inspire others to appreciate the intersection of art, culture, and technology. For those interested, updates can be followed on Facebook and Historypin.

Jonathan’s work underscores the value of preserving niche cultural assets. In an era of digital dominance, his efforts highlight how physical archives and human dedication can safeguard fading narratives, offering a bridge between past and present for fans and historians alike.

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