Partners Keith J. Murphey and Hector E. Rodriguez announced today the launch of their new creative venture, Guild Works Publications.  To accompany the announcement, the duo also launched the creative studio’s new website, http://www.gwpbooks.com.
In a statement released by the studio, Murphey, a freelance illustrator and current president of the Comicbook Artists Guild shared, “We have a new vision! Our direction will be geared toward a more mature audience, featuring more horror, suspense, and other darker edged materials. Several new titles will be announced in the months ahead.†Formerly known as Guild Works Productions, solely owned and operated by Murphey, the new GWP will now also operate with a brand new editorial and management team.
Hector Rodriguez, creator of Hell’s Blood, is now primary partner in this revived venture. On the horizon fans will see Issue #2 of Hell’s Blood hit the stands before the end of 2009. In addition Rodriguez will be playing the dual role of Art Director of GWP.
Commenting on the newly formed partnership, Rodriguez said “It was only natural that I join Keith in this venture; we’ve been working together since I joined CAG, always producing high quality stories and art. This is simply the next logical step for us and we’re more than just excited over what’s to come.”
Talented writer and editor Chris Buchner will be taking on editorial matters on all future GWP books. As Buchner continues to write Hell’s Blood, he also will spearhead several new projects that will soon be announced. Buchner currently works on the Marvel Index, spiderfan.org, and is the NYC Chapter Coordinator for the Comicbook Artists Guild.
Heading up efforts in the studio’s promotions and graphic design are Susan Soares and Matt Mundorf respectively. Soares, a freelance promotions consultant, comes to the studio with experience from Jolly Rogue Studios and the Comicbook Artists Guild, where she currently serves as Membership Coordinator. Mundorf brings years of graphic design to the GWP table and will be responsible for logo design and other design tasks that spotlight the studio’s amazing talent.
On the launch of the new website, Murphey commented “GWP has shed its old skin and is going in a bright new direction. We are sharper, sleeker and have a new focus. The new website is just the first step as we have many more wonderful plans in the days ahead.”
To witness the first steps of this new venture, fans and members of the comic book media are invited to visit both the studio’s new website at http://www.gwpbooks.com and the studio’s fan community at http://guildworkspublications.ning.com. Murphey and Rodriguez are scheduled to appear at this weekend’s Big Apple Con, at Artist Alley Table 3073.
