Cambodian comics began to first emerge in the 1960s. The artists, including Em Satya, took stylistic inspiration from French comics of that era, whereas characters and colors hinted at Cambodia’s Indian origins. The stories, however, define the comics as distinctly Cambodian.
Em Satya was born 1952 in Takeo, Cambodia. Em Satya studied at the Royal University of Fine Arts during the Lon Nol government (1973-1974). After the Khmer Rouge era Em developed his style working as an illustrator. His name appears on many comic books from the late 1980s, but he is perhaps better known as "Nono," the pseudonym under which he drew caricatures and political cartoons for newspapers in the 1990s.
Since he lost the use of his right arm in 2003 due to illness, he has re-learned to draw in the same style with his left hand. Em’s style is distinguished by a simple “clear-line” sensibility with strong life-drawing skills. The bright color palette resembles that of Buddhist temple paintings today.