Juston Gordon-Montgomery’s journey to becoming a showrunner may not have followed a traditional path, but it was definitely intentional. Hailing from Baldwin Hills, Gordon-Montgomery has now made a name for himself as the creator of Adult Swim’s “Invincible Fight Girl,” where he is carving out a unique space in the world of animation. Not only is he known for his original storytelling, but he is also committed to representation and mentorship within the industry.
One of Gordon-Montgomery’s most notable works include “DC Super Hero Girls,” “My Dad the Bounty Hunter,” and the animated series “Adam Ruins Everything.” However, his latest project, “Invincible Fight Girl,” stands out for featuring a Black female protagonist pursuing her dreams in the wrestling ring – a storyline rarely seen in Western animation.
In an interview with Variety, Gordon-Montgomery shared his inspiration for the series, stating, “I kind of wanted to tell a story about someone who had that lightbulb moment. I hadn’t really seen that in Western animation — someone who’s brand new to a dream and just trying to figure it out.”
His own lightbulb moment came years ago while watching behind-the-scenes footage on the “Monsters, Inc.” DVD. Seeing Pixar CCO Pete Docter pitching a sequence sparked a realization for Gordon-Montgomery that animation was a tangible career path that he could pursue with dedication and hard work.
After teaching himself animation at Otis College of Art and Design and securing a spot in Pixar’s story internship, Gordon-Montgomery went on to work at esteemed studios like DreamWorks, Sony, and Blue Sky. He attributes his success not only to talent, but also to persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to push through self-doubt.
His creative philosophy is centered around fostering a supportive environment where others can thrive. Representation is a core component of Gordon-Montgomery’s work, both on screen and behind the scenes. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, particularly for individuals from marginalized communities, urging young animators to continue honing their craft independently.
With “Invincible Fight Girl,” Gordon-Montgomery is not only telling a captivating story but also giving young audiences, especially Black girls, the courage to pursue their dreams boldly. As one of Variety’s 10 Animators to Watch in 2022, Gordon-Montgomery is shaping the future of animation with each frame and fearless narrative he creates. He is undoubtedly a creator to keep an eye on as he continues to make waves in the industry.
