The existential threat of nuclear weapons has captured the imagination of filmmakers, songwriters, novelists, and graphic artists for many decades. As a result, a long and rich history of pop culture associated with nuclear weapons has played a critical role in shaping the perspectives of the general public and policymakers alike. Entertainment offers a powerful way to raise awareness about the risks of nuclear weapons, effect positive change, and reduce the chance of a nuclear war in the future.
Exploring the Impact of Different Genres for Nuclear Storytelling
Natasha’s American Doomsday Project examines how the risk of nuclear war may be exacerbated by new technologies in the future—e.g., artificial intelligence, hypersonic missiles, space-based communications, underwater drones, and autonomous warfare–through different genres and mediums of storytelling. By using different genres and mediums, Natasha hopes to reach a broader audience and raise awareness about the risks of nuclear war.
- Rescind Order – A techno-thriller fiction novel that tells the heart-pumping and mind-bending story of U.S. decision-makers navigating a nuclear crisis during a complex era of autonomous systems, social media communication, and deepfakes.
- American Doomsday – A dark comedy stage play that tells the story of what might occur if nuclear weapons are “enhanced” with artificial intelligence.
- Doomsday Diaries – A graphic novel based on Rescind Order that integrates a superhero named WMD Girl to reach a younger audience and is designed to enhance classroom lesson plans about nuclear weapons and emerging technologies. The final version of the graphic novel will include discussion questions and a list of additional resources provided in a resource section at the end of the book.
- Dark Sun – A limited series drama with elements of thriller and political intrigue, exploring the themes of nuclear war, climate change, political maneuvering, race, and gender issues while focusing on the personal and professional journey of Dr. Lauren Fuller, a female, black, climate scientist working at the White House.
American Doomsday
The American Doomsday Project began with a Kickstarter Campaign, set to launch on April 1, 2020, to fund the production of a dark comedy stage play (based on her novel Rescind Order) that would tell the story of what might occur if nuclear weapons are “enhanced” with artificial intelligence.
With the emergence of a real-life doomsday situation (aka the COVID-19 pandemic which lasted a few years), Natasha canceled the campaign, postponed the stage play, and redesigned it a multi-year project that explores different modes of expression including fiction novels, a graphic novel, a TV pilot, and eventually, a stage play.
The Doomsday Diaries
The Doomsday Diaries is a graphic novel based on the novel Rescind Order that integrates a superhero named WMD Girl (Natasha’s alter ego) to reach a younger audience. The content is entertaining and broadly accessible, using dark and humorous tones to forge a powerful emotional connection with a next-generation audience.
It is also designed to enhance classroom lesson plans about nuclear weapons and emerging technologies. The final version of the graphic novel (TBD) will include discussion questions and a list of additional resources provided in a resource section at the end of the book.
Launched in 2020, this project encountered challenges from the global pandemic and a lack of resources needed for completion. You can still get a feel for the story by reading the finished pages below.
Dark Sun: A Limited Series
Logline: As a catastrophic nuclear war unfolds between India and Pakistan, top White House climate advisor Dr. Lauren Fuller must navigate treacherous internal political battles and advise bold actions to avert rapid cooling of the climate and the threat of global famine. However, personal vendettas threaten to derail her career.
Dark Sun is a limited series drama with elements of thriller and political intrigue, exploring the themes of nuclear war, climate change, political maneuvering, race, and gender issues while focusing on the personal and professional journey of Dr. Lauren Fuller, a female, black, climate scientist working at the White House. As powerful forces in the White House politicize the looming climate catastrophe, Lauren must prove the worth of her expertise, navigate the fallout of past mistakes, and find a way to get the President to heed scientific warnings—all while India and Pakistan spiral toward a fateful showdown.
This pulse-pounding thriller seamlessly weaves global crises with personal drama, ratcheting up the tension. It will leave the audience on the edge of their seats, pondering how close we’ve come to the unthinkable and whether cooler heads can prevail again. For more information, click on the image for the pitch deck.
