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.2008 News Archive
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UPDATED 12/22/08
With An All New Year Comes All New Changes!
Even though the New Year has yet to come over the horizon we're pleased to announce that effective immediately there will be some changes behind the scenes here at our studio. We welcome to the fold a new VP of Design Services, John Petrillo, who has been working on taking over the bulk of the design business that for ten years has been the sole responsibilty of CEO/Creative Director Andrew LoVuolo. John will be working on most if not all website design and print design projects moving into 2009.
Andrew LoVuolo will remain in the seat of CEO/Creative Director, but will be stepping aside to let John captain the majority of the production end of things. During this transition and moving forward Andrew will act solely as a Creative Director on the design end and will add the spit and polish to whatever John needs him to. Andrew was recently hired by another local Design Consulting firm, but will also remain in his current role for the foreseeable future.
Also fellow writer and comic book creator, Dion Floyd, will be stepping up and into the VP of Comic Book Services. For several years Dion has worked hard on getting interviewed and getting us al interviewed. He's joined Andrew at several shows as well as plenty of events that he carried all by himself. He's a master on the sales end of the business and a man who makes quick strong connections wherever he goes. Dion's more official new role brings to him the responsibilty of selling more books, getting newer comic series projects off the ground, keeping current titles active, expanding our audience reach, and most importantly building up franchises as we expand our universe(s) into other forms of media (i.e. TV, movies, animation, etc.).
Before handing over the reigns fully to Dion, Andrew recently procured a deal with a major mutlimedia publisher to start offering digital downloadable versions of our current comic book titles for the first time ever! As f this writing all we can say is that this is with a well established company, that our digital downloads will be competitively priced against our printed books, and that The Rift, Immortal Kiss, (the long since sold out) Marshal and other titles will be offered for starters! Stay tuned for more info heading into the New Year!
Sincerely,
Andrew J. LoVuolo
CEO/Creative Director
Graphic Illusions Studios
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UPDATED 12/21/08
Happy Holidays, Everyone!
Everyone here at Graphic Illusions Studios would like to wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season. As we get nailed here on the East Coast we send out our warmest wishes to our fans, friends and family that you all stay safe and warm this season and look forward to an even more prosperous New Year.
Cheers to Everyone around the world!
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UPDATED 12/1/08
In Memoriam: Andrew Weirnicki
Andrew Wiernicki, age 48 of Taunton, MA, died Tuesday Nov 25, 2008 at his home in Taunton after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Andrew was a talented, modest, and quiet man who loved coming up with that next cool sculpt. He loved making his favorite comic book characters spring to life in clay by way of his gifted hands.
I am thankful to have met Andrew and although his inital 15" statue prototype was stolen from us (by an unnamed third party) it was a surreal honor when I first saw our character Ja'Laar carved out in the round twice as both the 15" statue as well as a mini-bust.
We will miss you dearly, Andrew. View Andrew's full obituary here.
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UPDATED 11/25/08
Super Mega Fest Was A Blast!
Thanks to everyone who stopped by to check out our books, buy sketches or just to chat! We nearly sold all but two sets of books and were pleased to meet ODB and 'The Beautiful People' from TNA Wrestling, Virgil from the WWF, Kane Hodder and C J Graham (Jason Vorhees), Cathy St. James, Tammy Sytch, Scott Schwartz (The Toy, Christmas Story) and Star Trek's own Commander Riker himself Jonathan Frakes who I gave a set of books to in hopes that he might be interested in one day directing one of our movies!
Thanks to everyone for making this a fun and successful show!
The Rift #5
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UPDATED 11/10/08
New Show Added! New York Comic Con 2009!
Special Guest: Andrew LoVuolo - Writer, The Rift™ and Marshal™
Appearances :: The Rift #5
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UPDATED 11/10/08
New Show Added! Orlando Megacon 2009!
Special Guests Andrew LoVuolo - Writer, The Rift™ and Marshal™, Robert Richardson - Inker The Rift™, creator of Dragon Cross™
Appearances :: The Rift #5
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UPDATED 10/27/08
Get Your Copy of The Rift™ #5!
Stop by the Boston Comic Con this Sunday and get your copy of the latest issue of The Rift™ #5 signed by artist Enrique Savory Jr. (Totem) and the series writer/creator Andrew J. LoVuolo (Marshal)!
Don't forget that this issue's exquisite cover was drawn by comic book legends Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti!
Buy The Rift™ #5 here! :: Character Bios
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UPDATED 10/23/08
Reminder - The Boston Comic Con hits on 11-2-08!
180 Berkeley Street, Boston MA, 10 am - 5 pm
Special Guests
Andrew LoVuolo - Writer, The Rift™ and Marshal™
Enrique Savory Jr. - Artist, The Rift™
Appearances :: The Rift #5
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UPDATED 10/22/08
Don't Miss Out On Some Cool Toys!
We continue to blow out some one-off toys and collectibles from our personal collections! We've just sold a bunch of hard-to-part-with rarities from the 'attic' and we'll be posting a second batch of 'must sells' soon! As much as it hurts to see most of these items go we're glad that they're finding new homes with fans across the globe!
Click to explore Andrew's Attic!
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UPDATED 9/23/08
Thanks for Making this Another Great Show!
Radisson Hotel – 200 Stuart St., 6th Floor
Thanks to everyone who checked out our first stop on our Fall 2008 Boston Tour! Come meet Andrew LoVuolo (The Rift™, Marshal™) and became some of the first in Boston to own The Rift #5! This show marked the first ever debut at a 2008 convention!
Appearances :: The Rift #5
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UPDATED 7/22/08
The Rift™ #5 is here! Own your copy today!
The Rift™ returns with the fifth installment in this 6-book series! We've rasied the bar issue after issue and The Rift™ #5 is no exception. Be one of the first to own The Rift™ #5 featuring artwork from newcomer Enrique Savory Jr. (Totem) and The Rift series colorist Erik Korgaard!
This issue also sports an exquisite cover by comic book legends Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti!
Buy The Rift™ #5 here! :: Character Bios
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UPDATED 7/7/08
Introducing Our ALL NEW Message Boards!
We've just completely renovated our message boards! We were forced to perform clean install to remove some old spambot junk found in the old version, but now it is fully upgraded making it easier to read and to use. There's tons of functionality to tap into and we'll be adding a little bit here and there as times goes by.
Start the Discussion!
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UPDATED 7/6/08
July Offers at Discount Comic Book Service!
Discount Comic Book Service has just listed The Rift™ #2 in their July 2008 catalog as well as in a special 2-book deal! So you can order the second issue by itself or pickup the first two issues together signed by Andrew LoVuolo! DCBS also has us listed under their First Light section where you'll find more info on The Rift™ and Dion Floyd's Immortal Kiss™ comic book series.
DCBS 2-book Special
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UPDATED 6/20/08
Please Vote for The Rift for Indie Spotlight #3!.
Please vote now on Shocker Toys' Indie Spotlight Series #3! The Rift™ is up against other indie titles and here's where you can let your voice be heard and help us make our dream of seeing action figures come true! Just create a free forum account on their site (if you haven't already) and cast your vote today!
Thank you all for your continued support and just wait until next week when issue #5 hits stores and the web!
The Rift Poll :: Turnarounds #1 :: Turnarounds #2
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UPDATED 6/15/08
WW Philly and FCBD Photo Galleries Updated!
"Better late than never" applies to today's photo galleries update. We've added a few new photos to the Wizard World Philly 2007 gallery as well as some new images of The Rift™ creator, Andrew LoVuolo, from this year's Free Comic Book Day appearance.
WW Philadelphia 2008 :: FCBD 2008
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UPDATED 6/9/08
The Rift™ #5 Who Needs Proof? We Do!
Just received the first proof from the new printer and caught a few small typos and one or two pages that needed some color fine-tuning. Also took the extra day of edits to redesign the cover one final time to add more brighter color to it and to frame the incredible art by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Pallmiotti! Look for this new issue to hit stores and this website in 1-2 weeks!
The Rift™ Comic Preview :: Character Bios
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UPDATED 5/28/08
Wizard World Philly Starts This Weekend!
Come see Andrew LoVuolo (The Rift™, Marshal™) and Dion Floyd (Immortal Kiss, Urban Sprawl) this weekend and this huge East Coast comic convention that is Wizard World Philadelphia!. We'll be debuting Urban Sprawl's ashcan and sketching for fans who are seeking that rare occasion to snag a rare personalized sketch while we're out on tour! See you all in Philly!
Appearances :: The Rift™ :: Urban Sprawl™ Ashcan
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UPDATED 5/19/08
The Rift™ #5 Goes To Press This Week!
We're pleased to announce that The Rift™ #5 goes to press this week! This issue features work of Savory, Richardson, Janowsky, Korsgaard, and Connelly. This latest issue also features a cover by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti!
Watch for a special advertisement from our toy licensee Shocker Toys for their upcoming Indie Spotlight series!
The Rift™ Comic Preview :: Character Bios
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UPDATED 5/18/08
East Coast Black Age of Comics – Gallery is Live!
We've just added a bunch of pics from this weekend's show in Philadelphia. Head on over to check out the debut of Urban Sprawl's ashcan and other swag!
ECBACC gallery :: Urban Sprawl™ Ashcan
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UPDATED 5/5/08
Dion Floyd and Mshindo Kummba I. at the ECBACC Show!
Dion Floyd will be signing comics at ECBACC – the East Coast Black Age of Comics show in Philadelphia, PA on May 17th 2008. He'll be debuting the all new Urban Sprawl™ ashcan promotional book along with series concept artist Mshindo Kummba I. Can't make it to the show? Pre-order your copy today at the link below!
Appearances :: Urban Sprawl™ Ashcan
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UPDATED 5/4/08
Free Comic Book Day Thanks!
Thanks to everyone who came out to take part in this year's FCBD event! It was a pleasure meeting you all and getting to introduce you to our characters and artwork! Thanks also to Sarge's Comics and Comic Monstore for letting us appear at your locations! Click here for photos!
UPDATED 4/29/08
Free Comic Book Day 5/3/08 – TWO Locations!
Dion Floyd will be signing comics at: Comic Monstore, 813 S. Jake Alexander Rd, Salisbury,NC. And Andrew LoVuolo will be signing and sketching at: Sarge's Comics, 124 State Street, New London CT
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UPDATED 4/20/08
Discount Comic Book Service to Carry G.I. Studios Books!
As independent comic book publishers we're constantly looking to create and upgrade our retailer relationships and to find new innovative ways to get our fine books into readers' hands and Discount Comic Book Service is definitely one of them! As on online retailer that focuses it's First Light on independent titles DCBS is a perfect vehicle for reaching even more fans than we have to date and we're happy to be doing business with them!
www.dcbservice.com
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UPDATED 4/8/08
Slip Under the Covers with C.C. Cowan!
When author/actor C.C. Cowan chose us as his main design firm we had no idea that we'd be designing covers for some of his hottest titles. So now two of his three websites are 'live' and his main site features the following covers designed by Andrew J. LoVuolo: All Things Amplified, Life: Through My Eyes, Never Say Love, Surprise I'm Home, and When A Man Cries.
Also keep an eye out for his children's book series Amanda's Amazing Adventures for which we designed the logo, website, and the colorful cover art drawn by Abdul Rashid and colored by Erik Korsgaard!
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UPDATED 3/21/08
Wizard World Philly Added!
As of this writing Andrew LoVuolo (The Rift™, Marshal™) will be signing and sketching again this year at our only Wizard World show in 2008. More creators may sign on closer to the show date. We're planning to debut The Rift™ #5 at this show so stay tuned for more news on this big event!
Appearances :: The official show site! :: The Rift™
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REVISED 3/20/08
Boston Comic Con – Conquered!
Thanks for making this our biggest Boston show yet! It was a pleasure sketching for everyone and selling out all sets of The Rift™ that we had with us! We were 10 books shy of selling we did at the 3-day weekend at MegaCon! It was cool to see attendees looking for issue #5 and telling us how much you loved the series! We also introduced Immortal Kiss™ to a few new fans too. Thanks again for your support!
Appearances :: The official show site! :: The Rift™
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UPDATED 3/11/08
Dion Floyd rides 'The Elevator' on Comics2Film!
The Comics2Film Elevator is five simple questions and five quick answers. It's just enough to start the ball rolling as you ride from ground to roof. Dion Floyd boards 'The Elevator' ready to pitch 'Immortal Kiss'.
Comics2Film :: Immortal Kiss™
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UPDATED 3/11/08
MegaCon 2008 – Conquered!
Thanks for everyone who stopped by from last year as well as those of you who met us for the very first time. You made the show a near sellout for our books and left us with one single sketch to bring home! It was a pleasure to meet you all and to have the honor of drawing your favorite characters for you.
We'll be adding new pics soon!
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UPDATED 3/1/08
Urban Sprawl Ashcan is Now Available!
Order your copy of the Limited Edition Urban Sprawl™ "ashcan" comic book today and get in on this extremely rare preview book designed and published as the first promotional piece for our cutting edge futuristic themed property!
Urban Sprawl™ Ashcan Comic Book
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UPDATED 2/21/08
Dion Floyd makes an Appearance at Con Nooga Feb. 22-24th!
Creator Dion Floyd makes his first ever appearance at the Chata nooga, TN Con Nooga convention this week! He'll be speaking on one of their independent comic book panels at the event so if you're in the area be sure to stop by, say hi, and check out our latest offerings!
Appearances :: Immortal Kiss™
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UPDATED 2/11/08
Where are they now? Artist Spotlight on Robert Atkins!
Since 2001 we've had the pleasure of meeting so many talented artists and writers. One such encounter took place in 2003 when we met and soon hired Rob Atkins. Like other G.I. Studios alumni he's skyrocketed to larger fame and success due to his professionalism and of course his artistic skills. So without futher ado we present to you our first Artist Spotlight!
Rob Atkins Spotlight :: The Rift™
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UPDATED 2/10/08
Boston Spectacular Comic Con – Conquered!
Thanks to Dave C. for setting us up at his show this weekend! It was yet another chance to meet up with The Rift™ artist Enrique Savory Jr. as well as other local artists Scott Hamilton and Hannnibal King. We sold several more sets of books and showed off Immortal Kiss™ to the Beantown crowd. Thanks to Allyssa for commissioning a new piece of art from Andrew J. LoVuolo and for letting us know that she framed her first A.J.L. sketch from the previous show!
Appearances :: The official show site!
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UPDATED 1/29/08
Immortal Kiss Creator on Comic Shoppe Radio!
Dion Floyd's interview with Comic Shoppe Radio Interview is now up on Blog Talk Radio! Check out their entire podcast and if you're itching to get to Dion's call-in jump to around 7 minutes into the piece and then hang in for the rest of the program!
Comic Shoppe Radio :: Immortal Kiss™
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UPDATED 1/28/08
Shocker Toys to show at the 2008 Toy Fair!.
We've been given a sneak peek at Rob Schrab's Scud the Disposable Assassin action figure redesigned and Jim Valentino's ShadowHawk, part of the 6" Indie Spotlight line by Shocker Toys. These new images look hot and have come a long way from the very early 2007 sculpts! We can't wait to see these in person in a month or so! For more info on the Indie Spotlight line, Shockinis and more visit their official website for more info!
Scud prototype :: ShadowHawk prototype :: The Rift Turnarounds
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UPDATED 1/28/08
'Journal Du Fan' reviews Immortal Kiss.
Unfortunately we do not have any French-speaking staff members we do have a friend that knows enough to tell us that this scanned magazine review is very detailed and overall positive one of our detectives & vampires themed series.
'Journal Du Fan' Alternative Comix review
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UPDATED 1/7/08
Get Lost – in 'Andrew's Attic'!
We're fans and collectors just like you and that means picking and choosing what collectibles we've got room for and which ones need to find a new home. Rather than mess with auctions we've decided to expand our online store to include rare limited items that we don't have room for and that you might be hunting down for our own collections! We affectionately call this expansion – Andrew's Attic.
Click to explore Andrew's Attic!
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UPDATED 1/4/08
Resolutions and Revelations for 2008!
Happy New Year, Everyone! 2008 starts off with a premiere ashcan for Urban Sprawl™ as well as two new properties from creator Dion Floyd. Andrew LoVuolo's The Rift #5 will hopefully be in your hands for MegaCon 2008! We're working to offer downloadable alternate versions of our books, new statues, new toys, and so much more to talk about! We've got 12 months to slowly roll out the comic book goodness so please stay tuned!
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