Serialized graphic novel NFT
I have released the first-ever serialized graphic novel NFT, where winning bidders can change the plot of subsequent episodes.
​
Hearts in Darkness is an adult fairytale of New York and tells how the buildings come to life when the city is asleep and have their own lives, fights, and love affairs.
The graphite illustrations are drawn in an ageless vintage style, similar to the bestselling book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret.
I release a new scene from the story every month, and whoever wins the auction of each NFT can have their favorite New York building drawn in to a future episode of the story.
While a small number of NFTs have been released as serialized stories before – this is the first time that the winner of an auction can affect the illustration of further artworks in the series.
Bidders have never before had the chance to be part of the creation process.
Each illustration includes hand-lettered text, describing each particular scene.
The tale centers round an unrequited love affair between the Chrysler and the American Radiator buildings, but other well-known structures, such as Grand Central, 70 Pine, the Woolworth, and the subway system, all feature prominently.
​
Although I'm an illustrator, I love the architecture of
​
​
New York and I fantasized that the buildings have secret lives when we’re not looking.
If you're tossing and turning in bed at night, maybe it’s not the cheese you ate – it might be because your apartment block is out dancing with the McGraw-Hill Building in the Lower East Side.
​
The first episode of Hearts in Darkness was minted on Foundation on May 21st, 2022.
​
I imagine collectors will buy images featuring their favorite building – or maybe one collector will try to buy the whole story, especially if they had a hand in creating it.
