Kofi's Fire: A Spark of Resistance

Kofi’s Fire is a digital graphic novel that traces the roots of a nearly forgotten moment in American history, the 1741 Conspiracy in colonial lower Manhattan. Readers follow Kofi, an enslaved dock worker, through a richly illustrated story grounded in historical research that draws viewers into a vivid, immediate immersive experience.


Historic Hudson Valley commissioned Blue Telescope to create Kofi’s Fire as a way to bring a hidden chapter of history to light. The result is an emotionally resonant digital experience designed to engage broad audiences, specifically young, curious minds. Visitors engage with the experience via the weblink, navigating a scroll-driven narrative enhanced by comic-book style animation and interactive moments that reinforce key themes and support learning objectives.


Visually, Kofi’s fire draws on African folklore traditions and Afrofuturism to situate Kofi’s story within a broader cultural heritage. We use the vernacular and visual style of graphic novels to connect with savvy, media-consuming kids. Vibrantly colored and lushly textured illustrations defy the usual faded portraits of the past and reinforce the current-day relevance of history. These, along with depictions of Black joy, provide poetic release from the struggles depicted. The project’s development process was guided by a predominantly Black creative team, including historians, writers, visual artists, designers, and graphic novel experts. This representation shaped the content, tone, visual language, and emotional framing of the story.


The result of our team’s effort is work that treats history with care, avoiding simplification or sensationalism. The experience invites viewers to confront uncomfortable truths, recognize moments of beauty, and wrestle with the contradictions of the past.