David in Black Manor is an illustrated children's storybook I created in collaboration with Warren Clements; former columnist from The Globe and Mail, and friend and fellow poet at The Arts and Letters Club of Toronto.
The story continues from the narrative of Clue - La Morte, as a prequel about the victim from the game, Dr. David Arturo Black, here as a child exploring his ancestral estate, inherited by David's creepy Uncle Eduardo, after the deaths of his parents. Trapped in the manor too is David's friend, John Boddy, held captive by the uncle for mysterious purposes. David travels from room to room, each space depicted in dark, gothic detail - despite Black Manor being David's family home, it feels unfamiliar, alien even under possession of his uncle.
This story is inspired by my own travels in Mexico, and the intimate connections experienced, and lost, in a country expressive in the gothic mood and aesthetic. I was creating this book since 2017 during my travels to Mexico, this story is a way of retaining the feeling and adventure.