Denis Zhbankov Blends Russian Folklore With Dark Fantasy, Summoning Comedy‑Horror Creatures That Feel Like They Moved Into Your Village And Never Left

Denis Zhbankov is a Russian freelance digital artist and concept artist known for mixing comedy and horror, often drawing dark fantasy creatures rooted in Russian folklore and “backwoods” atmospheres.

He was born and raised in Russia’s Altai region, studied art/graphics in Biysk and graduated in 2010, then shifted into digital painting—working as a 2D artist in the game industry before going fully freelance. His credits include mobile games at Skytec Games (e.g., Horrorfield, Godlands, Card Heroes), tabletop/IP work for Paizo (Pathfinder, Starfinder), and collaborations via RocketBrush Studio on major titles like Crusader Kings III and Empire of Sin.

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