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Robert Luedke Brings Passion to New Graphic Novel, I Witness

Posted: Saturday, August 23
By: Markisan Naso

Head Press Publishing has announced that Robert Luedke, creator of the Template comic book series, (published 1995-1997), is re-entering the world of visual storytelling with the Graphic Novel, I Witness. The book will be available July 2004.

According to Luedke, "I Witness is a fictional tale, based upon Absolute truths." The story is about a Forensic Archeologist, who is called in to decipher an ancient scroll unearthed in Israel amid the turmoil and violence of the Middle East. The scroll is determined to be from the first century A.D. What he finds in his translation is not only revealing, but also potentially earthshaking!

"This story has been 4 years in research and development," says Luedke, "So I was very discouraged when I heard about Mel Gibson's production of Passion, that would be out prior to the release of my book. But after getting over the initial shock, and learning more about how Passion is being presented, I looked at it as more of a positive than a negative -- especially in light of the criticism and negative publicity it has received." Luedke has even integrated the reaction to Passion in the worldwide media, into the very fabric of his storyline.

"Even though on the surface our subject matter will overlap, with I Witness, people will see a very different kind of story unfold. Where Mel's story, (according to the sources I have seen), looks like it has the potential to be very exclusive of those who might not share his particular theology, (or speak Latin), I Witness, was created to accomplish just the opposite. It will very approachable to those of all theologies, religions and races -- in other words, this is a very exciting mystery story, that happens to have the last 24 hours in the life of Jesus, as the center piece of it."

For the creator, this is a very personal story. "Looking at the completed story, this book is basically a metaphor for my own journey of discover and spiritual awakening, after living my first 42 years as basically a skeptic and agnostic," says Luedke. "I delve into the issue of embracing, what many would consider the old fashioned concept, of Fait -- in a time where all of us are being more jaded and educated because of the resources we have at our disposal, (I.E. -- the internet, and cable TV, etc.)." This book is written for those who have always wanted to know more of the facts about WHAT REALLY HAPPENED, around the final 24 hours.

This Graphic Novel, (minimum 72 pages), will make it's worldwide premier at next years Comic Con International, in San Diego in July of 2004. It will be made available through Diamond Comic distributors, both bookstore and online distribution channels, (will provide more specifics as they become available).