The Black Rook:

My name is Rachel Stone, and I am an author with a story I believe the world needs to hear. But a story is just a whisper until it’s given a voice. This campaign is about giving a powerful, crucial voice to that story by supporting the brilliant young artist who is bringing it to life against incredible odds.

We are creating "The Black Rook," a dark fantasy graphic novel. But it is so much more than that. It’s a story about what it means to be an outsider, to fight for your place in a world that wasn’t built for you. Our hero, Marcus, navigates a brutal world while struggling with undiagnosed high-functioning autism—a feeling of isolation I know personally.

This project is a mission, and I can't do it alone. I found the perfect partner in Priyam, a passionate illustrator from India. When I told him about the story, I had no idea how deeply it was woven into the fabric of his own life.

Why This Story Is So Important

"The Black Rook" is set in a world inspired by the real-life struggles of New Delhi's Sanjay Colony, a place grappling with resource scarcity and extreme poverty. It’s a story about survival, dignity, and the human cost of being forgotten.

When I shared this with Priyam, the project transformed. He told me his own family’s story.

His grandfather, a man from a Scheduled Caste, moved his entire family to Delhi in search of a better life. They began in a slum, living in plastic tents. Through sheer will, they carved out a life, eventually being allotted housing where Priyam was born. The daily struggle for clean water, the fight for a foothold in society—these weren't research points for Priyam. This was his grandfather's legacy. It is his heritage.

This is why "The Black Rook" is no longer just my story. It has become our shared mission to tell a tale that honors that struggle, that gives a face to the forgotten, and that bridges the gap between worlds through the power of art.

The Challenge We Face: A Dedicated Artist Fighting His Tools

Priyam is one of the most dedicated people I have ever met. He is currently a full-time medical student, yet he pours every spare moment he has into this project, drawing late into the night. His passion is the engine of this entire endeavor.

But passion can only go so far when the tools you rely on fail you.

Priyam is working on outdated equipment that is constantly crashing and overheating. Hours of detailed, painstaking work can be lost in an instant. The frustration is immense, and the technical failures are becoming a significant barrier to progress. He is an artist trying to create a masterpiece with a broken brush.

How Your Support Will Change Everything

This is where you come in. We are launching this GoFundMe to raise funds to properly equip Priyam and value his incredible talent. Your support will directly fund the two most critical needs of this project:

A New Laptop & Professional Software ($2,500): This is our most urgent need. A reliable, professional-grade laptop and up-to-date creative software will eliminate the technical roadblocks and unleash Priyam’s full artistic potential. It means no more lost work, no more fighting with technology, and the ability to create the stunning, high-quality art this story deserves.

Artist Compensation & Support ($2,500): We want to ensure Priyam is compensated for his time and immense skill. As a medical student, his time is precious. This funding will allow him to dedicate focused hours to the project without the added financial stress, recognizing him as the professional partner he is. It is a direct investment in his future, both as an artist and a student.

Our total goal is $5,000. Every single dollar will go directly toward these two goals, empowering an artist and giving a voice to a story that must be told.

Join Our Mission

By supporting this campaign, you aren't just helping create a graphic novel. You are:

Empowering a talented young artist from India to pursue his passion.

Giving a voice to an authentic story about neurodiversity.

Honoring a family's legacy of struggle and perseverance.

Helping to build a bridge of understanding between different cultures and experiences.

Everyone who donates will receive a special "Thank You" credit on the official website and in the digital edition of the first volume. You will forever be a part of the team that brought "The Black Rook" to life.

Thank you for reading our story. We believe in the power of art to change the world, one story at a time. With your help, we can make sure this is one of them.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Rachel Stone & Priyam