The Neverland Wars Collection
This collection is inspired by “The Neverland Wars,” a novel that is in progress: a dark fantasy twist on the classic Peter and Wendy by J. M. Barrie. The novel is an exploration of Jungian psychology principles, such as the unconscious mind and the shadow self, expressed through the metaphor of Peter Pan’s severed shadow, the Lost Boys, and the wild, ever-changing landscape of Neverland itself.
Medium
Ink Illustrations on Bristol Vellum
Years
2023-2024
Their eyes locked for one heartbeat. Two.
“I don’t remember inviting you into my private quarters,” she said, scowling at the pirate leaning against the doorframe. His gaze was taunting. Hungry. “What is it that you want, Hook?”
“You.”
“Don’t complicate this.”
He pushed off the wall, prowling toward her as he purred, “Was there ever a time it wasn’t complicated between us, Miss Bell?”
There wasn’t. The right thing to do would be to walk away. But the bad thing? The bad thing to do brought heat to her cheeks and she took that first step toward him. Then the next.
I’ll be all bad for you.
“All Bad”
Fine Art Ink Illustration
India ink, Bristol Vellum
9”x12”
Watch the full inking process on YouTube
“You and I both know I’ve never had any restraint when it comes to you, darling,” Hook said, his lips quirking up into that smirk Tinker Bell wanted to punch off his face.
But he was right, and Tinker Bell never had any restraint when it came to James Hook, either. Not really. And in this moment, with her resolve dissipating, she couldn’t remember why she had tried to control herself in the first place.
“Hooked on You”
Fine Art Ink Illustration
India ink, Bristol Vellum
9”x12”
A shadow descends over Neverland, and its name is Peter Pan.
Peter Pan was a boy unlike other boys his age, and very much like some men, in that he would never grow up.
It was his vehement oath that kept him young. That, and the magic of Neverland. This same oath allowed other lost souls, souls he named “The Lost Boys,” to remain the age at which they entered the land.
That was the promise with which he enticed these children to leave their world and come with him to Neverland.
It was his foolish ideals and the magic that bound him to youth that would be his downfall. The would be our downfall.
- Recovered records of the Neverland Wars
“The Shadow of Neverland”
Fine Art Ink Illustration
India ink, Bristol Vellum
9”x12”
Watch the full inking process on YouTube
Tiger Lily straightened up as Tinker Bell approached, looking every bit the leader she was training to be. Tiger Lily was the Princess of her people, a matriarchal society that was resolutely pacifist. Blessed as they were to give life to those on the brink of death and heal the wounded and ill, the village had become a haven for refuges, particularly children, who were displaced by the conflicts that had sprung up over the ages.
“Fearless”
Fine Art Ink Illustration
India ink, Bristol Vellum
9”x12”
Watch the full inking process on YouTube
Mr. Smee was the right hand of Captain Hook, long before that gods damned crocodile made Hook live up to his name.
The quartermaster of the Jolly Roger ran a tight ship, under the command of his captain. The two led the pirates of Neverland, and whether the day called for pillaging, plundering, or sailing into battle - Mr. Smee could be counted on to relay his captain's orders, as Hook dealt with other matters.
Other matters had taken over Hook's mind these days, and Mr. Smee wondered if the return of Tinker Bell would change Hook's demeanor. Only time would tell.
“The Right Hand”
Fine Art Ink Illustration
India ink, Bristol Vellum
9”x12”
Watch the full inking process on YouTube
There is great power in stories.
Stories have the power to change minds, to persuade, to uplift, to warn of danger. To remind us of who we are.
It was the stories that brought Peter Pan to the upper window of an unassuming London dwelling, acting like a beacon, drawing Peter through the starry night to land outside a nursery.
The stories told within were the beginning of the end of Peter Pan.
All due to a young girl, on the cusp of womanhood, telling stories to her two younger brothers. Stories that fueled their imaginations and were the backdrop of all their games.
Wendy Darling.
“Never Grow Up”
Fine Art Ink Illustration
India ink, Bristol Vellum
9”x12”
Watch the full inking process on YouTube
In all their daytime games, it was not Peter Pan that John Darling played.
No, he was fascinated not with the hero of his sister’s tales, but that of the villain.
Captain Hook captivated the middle Darling child, and he often thought of what it would be like to sail beneath the black.
“Your name?”
“John, sir,” said John, puffing out his chest. “John Darling.”
Captain Hook’s lip curled as he surveyed the boy before him. Tinker Bell knew that look, and an unease crept up her spine while she watched Hook appraise the middle Darling child.
“Yes, you’ll do. You’ll do just fine,” said Hook, a glint of mischief sparking in his eye.
“Pirate's Protégé”
Fine Art Ink Illustration
India ink, Bristol Vellum
9”x12”
Watch the full inking process on YouTube