Penn Fawn Confronts the Afterlife Through Dark Fantasy and Visual Art

PHOTO: Award-Winning Author Penn Fawn, creator of Necropolis and The Underworld series

Exploring Death, Hope, And Horror Across Realms

Penn Fawn’s dark fantasy worlds in Necropolis and The Underworld reimagine the afterlife as a vivid, harrowing continuation where storytelling, philosophy, and visual art converge.

Penn Fawn brings readers face-to-face with a shadowy and compelling vision of the afterlife through his dark fantasy series, Necropolis, and its eerie offshoot, The Underworld. Drawing on a rich background in journalism, graphic arts, and digital production, Fawn’s career has been interwoven with the printed word in every form. His journey from early fiction experiments stashed away on floppy disks to the publication of acclaimed stories like The Burglar reveals an author who allowed time, experience, and a rekindled creative spirit to shape his voice. What sets Fawn apart is not only the haunting imagination he breathes into his storytelling but the visual dimension he brings through original art, design, and multimedia. With mythic inspiration from sources as disparate as the Bible and Tolkien, his work invites readers to consider the darker terrains of existence, where death does not mean peace, and hope glows dimly in the form of enchanted gems or lone heroes. Through his publishing imprint and artistic ventures, Penn Fawn continues to challenge the borders of genre and media, crafting a uniquely immersive experience in the world of dark fantasy.

Fawn masterfully merges horror and fantasy with striking visuals, crafting immersive narratives that explore life beyond death with haunting depth.

What inspired you to create the dark fantasy series, Necropolis, and how did you develop its unique world-building elements?


I wasn’t initially thinking about writing a series when I began Necropolis. What led me to develop it into a series was feedback from a book reviewer who had questions about the background and origins of the source material. She mentioned that she hoped I would expand on these elements in future books. I found her points compelling, so I decided to build upon the first book, Necropolis, and that’s exactly what I did.

“What led me to develop it into a series was feedback from a book reviewer who had questions about the background.” – Penn Fawn

In your spin-off series, The Underworld, you explore a terrifying afterlife. Could you share how you approached blending horror and fantasy in this series?


This might sound like a cliché, but it came very naturally. At no point did blending horror and dark fantasy feel planned, charted, or methodical. The Underworld, as I envisioned it, is a place in the afterlife—a version of hell or purgatory. However, I wanted my Underworld to be more expansive and vividly descriptive than traditional depictions of these realms, such as those in the Bible. While I’m not devout, the Bible—alongside J.R.R. Tolkien’s work—was one of my biggest sources of inspiration for this series.

Your short story, “The Burglar,” won the Literary Titan Book Award. How did this recognition influence your writing journey?


It didn’t influence my journey significantly. Winning awards is great, but the level of prestige determines how much it helps spread the word about your work. While I’m thrilled to have received the Literary Titan Book Award, it’s not a widely recognized accolade, so it didn’t do much to increase my visibility.

As the owner of Darkstar Tees, how do your experiences in graphic arts and clothing design influence the visual aspects of your books?

My background in graphic arts significantly influences the visual elements of my books. Like most authors, I envision the landscapes and creatures in my stories as I write, but sometimes I design these visuals even before finishing the books. If anyone is interested, they can view my artwork on my Pinterest page: Penn Fawn Books.

“Solo” is a short story that delves into the life of a book after its author’s death. What inspired you to explore this unique perspective?


The name of the short story is, “The Books,” of which Solo is the name of the main character. Although the story is unique—and even comedic—it carries a serious message. It’s not just a fun tale about flying books. A bibliophile will likely catch on to its deeper themes quickly. The story is also autobiographical to a degree. I was able to write about the setting in detail because I live in New York, where the story takes place. The Brooklyn Public Library, where Solo finds a home, is a beloved place for me. The story also touches on the tension between traditional and independent publishing.

The Golden Mirage chronicles the journey of men who discover life after death. How do you balance character development with the exploration of philosophical themes in this narrative?


While Lilith, the antagonist, is a central figure, The Golden Mirage also focuses heavily on Hespatia, the “good witch,” and her journey. After the many years it took for her to realize her full potential, Hespatia creates the Necropolis within the mountains of Sanctuary, a refuge for men in the Underworld. So, the Necropolis isn’t just a burial ground; it’s also the name of a magical jewel she crafts to offer hope in the face of seemingly certain or impending doom. The underlying theme is the significance of hope, even in the darkest of times.

Your website mentions a compilation of graphic art meant to introduce readers to your dark fantasy world. How do you see the role of visual art in enhancing the storytelling experience?


Visuals have a more immediate and compelling impact on audiences than the written word. It’s no surprise that the film industry reaches broader audiences than books alone. Speaking of visuals, I have a YouTube channel that features music and videos inspired by the settings and characters from Necropolis and The Underworld, including the chief villain, the Necromancer. You can explore them here: Penn Fawn YouTube Channel.

What advice would you offer to aspiring authors looking to blend elements of dark fantasy and horror in their writing?


Study the great works of those who came before you. For me, the Bible is the greatest example of all, but I also recommend devouring everything you can in the genre.