The Neverland Wars Collection
This collection is inspired by “The Neverland Wars,” a novel that is in progress: a dark fantasy story featuring characters from Peter and Wendy by J. M. Barrie, told from the perspective of Tinker Bell.
Medium
Ink Illustrations on Bristol Vellum
Years
2023-2024
Their eyes lock for one heartbeat. Two.
“I don’t remember inviting you into my private quarters,” she says, scowling at the pirate leaning against the doorframe. His gaze is taunting. Hungry. “What is it that you want, Hook?”
“You.”
“Don’t complicate this.”
He pushes off the wall, prowling toward her as he purrs, “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 eyes and taking a step toward him.
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 says, 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.
It was his oath and the magic that bound him to youth that would be his 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 and her people lived on the edge of the Neverwood, on the cliffs overlooking the sea.
On clear days, one might catch a glimpse of Hook’s ship, likely on his way to take what was not his.
Tiger Lily hated Hook, yet secretly envied him. His life held a freedom she could never hope to have.
“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