The Kovadrin Chronicles: The Mourning Tower is a dark epic fantasy graphic novel series spanning ten volumes. It is a story about faith, sacrifice, and the price of redemption. Written and illustrated by the Cantrell brothers, the graphic novel will launch in 2026 as part of a kickstarter campaign. Sign up for the newsletter to learn more, and keep up to date with announcements.
What is written in starlight cannot be unwrit.
What is written in starlight cannot be unwrit.
What is written in starlight cannot be unwrit. What is written in starlight cannot be unwrit.
MEET THE CANTRELL BROTHERS
Kevin Cantrell
WORLD BUILDER | ILLUSTRATOR
Kevin is a creative director, illustrator, and world-builder who has been developing the world of Kovadrah for over twenty-five years. He is the creator of the world and language of Kovadrah and serves as the illustrator for The Mourning Tower and the broader graphic novel series.
He earned a BFA in Graphic Design from Brigham Young University in 2008 and went on to establish his eponymous studio, where he functions as creative director and design lead. His work is defined by a deep love of lettering and typographic form, blending precision, ornament, and narrative intent.
Kevin’s illustration and design work spans global brands and cultural institutions, including Dragonsteel Books, Nike, Harvard University, Princeton University, Phillips Exeter Academy, Neenah Paper, Fetcham Park (UK), and Cottonhouse Hotel in Barcelona. He has also illustrated several playing card decks for Theory11, including the official Lord of the Rings deck and the Academy Awards (Oscars) deck.
His work has been recognized by Communication Arts, Graphis, the Type Directors Club, Print Regional Design Annual, and the One Show. He was named one of Print Magazine’s 20 Under 30 New Visual Artists and an Art Directors Club Young Gun.
Tyson Cantrell
WORLD BUILDER | WRITER
Tyson is a writer and Creative Director with over a decade of experience shaping brands, narratives, and worlds. He graduated magna cum laude from Brigham Young University with a BFA in Graphic Design before spending ten years in New York City working with clients including Cole Haan, Harvard University, Johnson & Johnson, and W. W. Norton & Co.
Storytelling has always been the through-line. As a child, he drew maps and staged treasure hunts; as an adult, he designs narrative systems—whether for global brands or fictional worlds. In 2015, he began pursuing writing in earnest, completing multiple novels before shifting his focus to graphic storytelling.
That shift led to The Mourning Tower, a graphic novel written by Tyson and illustrated by his brother. Together, they work as the Cantrell Brothers, blending cinematic writing, intentional world-building, and visual storytelling.
Tyson currently serves as Creative Director at KNS, overseeing Taft, Birdies, Journee, and Vance, while developing an original graphic novel series and a forthcoming trilogy. His work lives at the intersection of design and story—where worlds feel intentional, immersive, and alive.