I know that we have been silent on this issue for some time, but it was because we wanted to be certain before we made any formal announcements. I’m sure many of you have seen this coming, but despite our best efforts and amazing support from our fans, Shadowgirls the webcomic has come to an end.

This is not an easy thing for us and it was not an easy decision to come to. We have spent the past few months trying to find a way to make it work; trying to find a formula that would make it possible to deliver a quality product on time and without any future interruptions, but nothing really worked. And I am sorry for that.

This doesn’t mean that Shadowgirls is going away entirely, Season 2 will still be completed and collected. There will likely be other projects that involve the world and characters, but the webcomic itself has come to an end.

I want to thank everyone who has supported us over the years and I hope you know that it is not easy to say goodbye to friends and a community as strong as this one. I also hope that some of you will want to stay apprised of any future developments with the property or our other projects. But nothing will ever quite be like Shadowgirls in my heart.

Thank you for taking this journey with us.

D-Rod

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D.Rey chiming in here.

Okay, I know a few are you aren’t really all that shocked by this, but for those still around, I feel you’re owed an explanation to what’s going on. The simple truth is, we have a crappy economy. I am 36 years old, and currently unemployed, and I just used up the last of my student loan deferments. My field of study was Graphic Design, but that’s an industry that’s drying up the world over. Graphic design jobs are quite honestly rare, and sure as hell doesn’t pay more than I could get paid working at Wal-Mart. (And the ones that DO pay really well, I’m not qualified for.) Michigan’s unemployment is at 11%, and I’ve gone to several interviews these last few months, and I haven’t had a whole hell of a lot of luck. My future is, to put it bluntly, uncertain. (And of course that 11% just counts unemployment claims made, and doesn’t take into account people like me who are ineligible to claim unemployment or the depressed and nihilistic folks who just gave up… So it’s probably like around 20%.)

Honestly, I was probably in denial here about the comic coming to an end, and I was hoping we’d find a way around it, but the sad simple fact is… My time is going to be a lot less productive. I just simply will not be able to produce the comic on a regular set schedule without running into the same problems again. Right now, I got to get my life in order and I don’t want to be making any more promises I cannot deliver on. I’m frustrated, angry and scared. The only upside is that I know I’m not alone in this boat.

Hope Prevails

Yeah, this sucks folks, and I’m sorry. I feel like I let you down… But I hope you understand. Like David said, this current story arc will be completed and eventually collected. And there will be other comic projects taking place in this universe and characters. I mean… This is in my goddamned blood. I don’t really know what’s going to happen to the Shadowgirls blog here, but for those still interested in my occasional rants and discussions I’d like to direct you to my other site, Thoughtcrime Inc. where I’ll be continuing to do so.

So this is it for now. But for me personally… (And you Transformers fans know exactly what this phrase means and the legacy that it entails.)

“It never ends.”

-Dave Reynolds

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We were asked below about our future projects, so I thought I’d post them up here for everyone to read, so you don’t have to scroll through the responses to find it.

D.Rod, he’s got his project ‘Finding Gossamyr’ coming up soon. I got to read the first issue script in March and it’s really, REALLY good. And not to mention, the artist is Sarah Ellerton, who is extremely freakin’ skilled. So that’s probably a winner right there in the making. So you can keep an eye out for it on the Facebook page here. Also the Please Don’t Wake Dagon card game is still going strong, and I believe that receptions to it have been very good.

As for me, I just plan to finish up work on this current story arc and trying to find work. Hopefully that’ll all stabilize out sooner than later. I have a side project or two I’ve been thinking about, but nothing concrete. (They’re both in this respective universe, so don’t be surprised if a McKay girl or a green haired cyborg shows up.) I’ll probably be making announcements on future projects on my above mentioned blog. But until that’s all straightened out, I will probably do little short stories and artwork stuff, which I’ll post there. (Google Bloggers… Gotta love ‘em!)

Plans for the return of Shadowgirls are close to being finalized so thank you for staying with us. But here is something you might find interesting that was finalized this weekend!

FINDING GOSSAMYR IS COMING IN 2012!

An autistic boy and his caretaker sister are transported to Gossamyr, a world where math is the language of magic and the boy’s savant abilities make him incredibly powerful.

From Th3rd World Studios, which brought you the award-winning Stuff of Legend series, comes a brand-new graphic novel. Finding Gossamyr features the combined talents of David A. Rodriguez (Starkweather: Immortal, Shadowgirls) and Sarah Ellerton (Inverloch, Phoenix Requiem).

For news, updates, release information, and concept art, follow the Page here!

We will have extremely limited quantities of the Season One Hardcover on hand at C2E2 and we will start shipping out your orders as soon as the main shipment arrives later this month.

Thank you to all who supported us in making this happen and I hope to see some of you in Chicago!!

It’s been a little while but I thought I’d fill you in on what has been going on the past few weeks.

1. First of all, the Kickstarter campaign has been wildly successful. We have exceeded our goal and are closing in on 2k total. There is still a little more than a week remaining, so if you think can help us out and put us WAY over the top, please do. And remember every little bit helps.

2. We will be at C2E2! Both D-Rey and I will be attending the Chicago convention and will have some cool stuff for you if you if you happen to stop by. We will be in Artist Alley at table B10! Annnd that brings us to the final announcement.

3. We have revealed the image for the C2E2/Kickstarter exclusive Shadowbabies card featuring artwork by the fabulous Sarah Ellerton of Phoenix Requiem fame. The card is limited to 200 and will be on sale at our table! (Sarah happens to have a huge collection on pre-order right now herself, so do yourself a favor and check it out.)

4. The card is more than just a pretty picture though…you’ll have to get your copy to find out exactly what that means. But so far…it is prettttty damn awesome.

5. The Shadowgirls Hardcover has gone to press!! I did the final proofs last night. I have no idea when it will ship yet but its off to the presses thanks to the pre-orders, Kickstarter and support from some amazing people. The dream is real and we can’t wait to share it with you.

Thank you again for your patience and we’ll keep you updated as more happens.

1. The publisher is committed to bringing out the full sized 240 pg Hardcover and the pre-orders continue to come in. We’ll keep taking the orders until we hit the goal. So far this book is the best way to monetize the webcomic.

2. We have launched a Kickstarter program to offset the costs of the Hardcover. Please forward this link to anyone you think might be interested in some of the cool offerings we’ve got going on over there.

3. The current version of the Shadowgirls webcomic is going on hiatus while we get these other things worked out. We need to determine a business model that works better for us and for the amount of time and energy we invest in it. We are discussing possibilities with our publisher and we will let you know as soon as we have hard dates and times for the relaunch.

4. Yes. There is going to be a relaunch. (re-relaunch?) I know we talked about moving away from it altogether but the past few weeks have shown us (me specifically) the value in what we do and we are more determined than ever to continue producing this series.

Updates will be posted on this blog and on Facebook. So please sign up for our RSS or join our Facebook group to keep yourself informed.

And again, thank you all for your outpouring of support. It means the world to us.

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D.Rey speaking now. I’m sure some of you have some questions. I’ll be in the Chat room (which is under “Extras” up top there) tonight, 12/31/11 at about 9PM EST. I’ll be there if you got any questions about the situation or what not. If I can answer them, I will. If I can’t… Then I guess I won’t.

Nothing Earthshattering. Just a sit down and face to face (or such as the internet will allow us) fill you in on what I can, talk to y’all an what not, y’know? Thanks.

Due to an outpouring of support from fans the publisher is CURRENTLY not moving forward with the reduced version and are instead going to continue taking pre-orders on the full version through February. That DOES mean Hardcovers won’t be available in March but that was true either way but there are a few more things we want to try before surrendering. Sorry for any confusion and thank you to those who sent in your emails.

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We have reached the last week of our pre-order incentive and there is both good and bad. The good news is that we DID manage to sell some more books and raise a little money via the Tip Jar. So thank you everyone. The other good news is that the publisher is still dedicated to putting out a Shadowgirls book because they believe in the property. So round of applause for that.

And now for the other big ass shoe.

First, the book is being reformatted to bring the price down and will now be the first 4 issues rather than the entire 7 + bonuses. 100 + pages though still in hardcover.

The books will be priced ten dollars cheaper ($19.99 for regular and 29.99 for Artist Edition. The lower lower price we were offering was pre-order incentive only, base prices were 29.99 and 39.99)

The pre-orders will stay in effect until we reach a printing goal total of 150 books and will not be ready for the March convention. We stretched it out as long as possible but it doesn’t appear that its going to happen. We will still be appearing and plan to have a convention special though.

I understand that this is a change from what was originally offered so if anyone would like to cancel their order entirely, please send an email to info@th3rdworld.com with your order number and we will happily refund any order.

I want to thank those that have supported us and we will have information on the future of the site soon. All of that is being finalized this week.

Our book total has increased to 51 copies sold and our Tip Jar total has increased to 165.19 total.  Thank you again for your continued support and we hope to have more news soon!.

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As of today our total book count has reached 40 sold. A definite improvement over the week. But we’ve received multiple suggestions as to other ways to contribute toward ensuring some sort of future for Shadowgirls and so we’re implementing a few systems to try and get the book the print and to also promote the title to the greater public.

1. Library Editions- You can purchase a copy of the collected hardcover at 60% off the retail price for your favorite library! We will send a copy to the library of your choice or we will select one that has a strong graphic novel section. It’s a great way to get Shadowgirls into the public at a bargain price!

2. Commissions- Mr. Reynolds is now open for commissions! There is an entire page with the full info HERE.  We’ll be locking the list at the first 10 orders. Get your name in now to get on the list first.

3. Tip Jar- There is new button over there on the right. If you are pleased with our service and production please feel free to use it. Some folks already have. (Thank you!!) These funds will go toward the printing cost of the book and other expenses involved in running the site.  Anyone who tips 10 bucks or more will be sent an exclusive wallpaper. Current Tip Jar total is 122.19

Thank you everyone for your ideas and for your want to keep the book alive. We are evaluating all sorts of possible futures but your help ensures that there will at least BE one in some form. We still have books available and  19 days to go. So let’s see what sort of damage we can do.

All domestic Artist’s Edition Hardcovers will include an original sketch card AND a PAGE OF ORIGINAL ART!!

That’s right. We have hand selected the best pages from Season One to give to our readers as thanks for your support in ordering the book. The pages are sorted from Most Awesome to Awesome and the early adopters will be getting the best pages we have to offer. I hope you take this chance to not only get your hands on our first collected edition but also a piece of Shadowgirls history.

And now for some sobering news. To date, we have 26 pre-orders total. Which is a tiny bit more than 10% of the number we need to reach by February 1st. Unfortunately, if we are unable to reach our order goal, not only will all orders be refunded and the publication of the book canceled, we will also NOT be able to afford to continue producing the Shadowgirls Webcomic.

This wasn’t an easy decision to come to after everything we’ve put into this series, but that is the reality of the situation we are faced with.  If we can’t capitalize to even a small degree on the content we’ve created it makes it incredibly difficult and expensive to continue working.  There is no final end date set and the hope is that we’ll at least resolve the current storyline before shutting down but it’s still unknown at this time. I know this isn’t great news for our supporters but I thought it only fair that you know now and aren’t surprised come February.

But let’s all hope we sell a ton of books this month and it doesn’t come to that!

Thank you to all who have ordered so far and Happy New Year to all of our readers!

But wait! There’s more. We are also offering a unique Artist’s Edition of the Hardcover that comes with an exclusive hand-drawn sketch card by Dave Reynolds himself! This version will sell for $39.95 but is available for pre-order at $34.95!

This is your chance to own and hold in your hand what you’ve only ever had on your screen and is the culmination of five years work and five years of support of our incredible fanbase. BUT, we need to reach 250 pre-orders by Feb 1st in order to pull this off. If we can’t, it won’t be financially possible to send to press. So please order one for you or for someone you love…hell even someone you hate. It’s heavy enough to kill a man! Send it out on all your blogs, tweets and carrier pigeons. The Shadowgirls hardcover edition has finally arrived and it’s your chance to own one!!

PRE-ORDER NOW!

PRE-ORDER ARTIST EDITION WITH SKETCH CARD NOW!!