Darkness Deity - Lore Expansion & Worldbuilding
Justin Capili
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Posted Jan 21, 2026
Narrative-driven worldbuilding for Ghostn, introducing the Darkness Deity and expanding lore through mythology, comics, and 3D motion for an upcoming jacket.
Project Overview
Client: Ghostn
Year: 2025
My Role: Creative Direction, Narrative Concept, Illustration, Worldbuilding, 3D Motion Design
The Darkness Deity project introduces a new classified mythological figure within the Ghostn universe to expand the lore of Solace City and introduce deeper narrative themes around control, protection, and unseen forces.
The goal was to expand the Ghostn world through narrative-driven content that deepens audience investment, contextualizes Solace City's history, and subtly sets the stage for a forthcoming in-production jacket release.
Key Deliverables
Short-form comic written and illustrated by me, presenting the story of the first encounter with the deity and the forming of an organization called the Urbex Rescue Unit. That organization's jacket would be the apparel connected to this lore.
The Darkness Deity functions as both a mythological figure and a narrative device - an entity believed to grant the power to protect Solace City through means only known by the Ghostn Organization. Rather than presenting clear answers, the lore frames the deity through fragmented records, classified notes, and visual mythmaking, allowing the audience to question whether the figure is a guardian, manipulator, or something else entirely.
3D teasers and reveal videos serving to tease the comic and the reveal of the Darkness Deity through the eyes of the rescuers who thought they fell to their deaths.
Creative Direction
I led creative direction and concept development for the Darkness Deity, defining its narrative role, visual language, and thematic purpose.
The final deity artwork was produced by a commissioned artist @vexed.vulpes, working from my narrative framework, direction, moodboard, and design intent. This collaborative approach allowed the project to scale visually while maintaining narrative cohesion.
Moodboard for the Darkness Deity pulling from a lot of my personal favorite inspirations. Thank you Tatsuki Fujimoto.
Narrative-to-Product Connection
This lore arc was intentionally developed as a lead-up to a permanent, in-production jacket release, positioning the product as an artifact from the Ghostn world rather than a standalone drop.
(see linked project below)
Closing Note
This project demonstrates how worldbuilding, narrative design, and visual storytelling can function as a foundation for long-term brand systems - creating mythology that supports both audience engagement and future physical products.