Contact: Dr. Donna M. Simon (304) 766-3363 dsimon@wvstateu.edu

INSTITUTE, W.Va. – A West Virginia State University (WVSU) professor, with the help of some his students, has created the latest installment in the popular “Chillers” horror franchise.
First conceived as a full-length feature film by WVSU media studies assistant professor Daniel Boyd in 1988, “Chillers” was re-introduced to a new generation last year with the publication of a horror anthology graphic novel.
April 17, “Chillers Book Two” will introduce 14 new spine-tingling tales of terror to a national audience. Many of the stories were written by Boyd, or one of his students at WVSU.
“I have always used the formula of learn by doing, mixing students with industry professionals on our real-world projects for them to learn their craft,” said Boyd, who has produced more than 30 films through the years. “They have had the opportunity to learn a great deal while at the same time gaining practical experience.”
Boyd made his first feature length film, “Chillers,” with the aid of WVSU students, so when it came time to re-invent the franchise as a graphic novel he made sure to include those around him in Institute.
“We have a lot of amazingly talented students,” Boyd said. “And this gives them a chance to showcase that on a national stage.”
In all, three students, Frank Larnerd, Katarina Dedicova and Betsy Allen contributed stories to “Chillers Book Two,” and two WVSU students, Balsa Gobovic and Leslie Bragg contributed artwork.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to be a part of ‘Chillers,'” said Larnerd, a WVSU senior studying professional writing. “I grew up watching the movie and now to be a part of it is really a dream come true. Horror fans are going to love this.”
“Chillers Book Two” is being published by Transfuzion Publishing in conjunction with Troma Entertainment Inc. and Big Pictures Inc.
The graphic novel will retail for $12.99 and will be available at comic book stores, as well as some local bookstores, including Charleston’s Taylor Books.
A local party to celebrate the national release of “Chillers Book Two” will take place at Lost Legion Comics in South Charleston on April 17 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Boyd, his students, and others who contributed to the new graphic novel will be in attendance.
For more information, contact Boyd at (304) 766-3379 or .
– WVSU –