The series, based on facts derived from more than 35 years of intensive research and interviews, will feature the life and death of Elizabeth Short, also known in life as the "Black Dahlia."

Bernie Wrightson {Swamp Thing, The Punisher, The Stand (illustrations, special edition), various film credits} will provide one cover for the three-issue miniseries, as will Ken Meyer Jr. {Kilroy, Negative Burn, Lacunae, NightCry}.

Mark Bloodworth {Deadworld, Hellraiser, Abel} will illustrate the series. Author Wayne Allen Sallee {Pain Grin, The Holy Terror, Bram Stoker Award nominee} is editor, and Randy Zimmerman {Arrow Comics} is artistic director.

The murder of the beautiful Beth Short hit post-war Los Angeles like a bombshell. Her body, discovered in a vacant lot January 15, 1947, was severed in two and drained of blood. She was 22.

According to police, the killer was never found - but behind-the-scenes intrigue and cover-ups cloud the issue. Is it possible that the killer could have been brought to justice? How did he "slip through the cracks?" Hence, the crime has stumped writers and investigators for years. And it attracts thousands to The Black Dahlia Web Site, created by Ms. Hazelton in February 1997.

Many years of research brought Gilmore to the point of handing LAPD officials "a very likely" suspect, but that suspect burned to death in a seedy hotel room days before the police were to question him in connection with the murder.

The Severed comic book series will tell the story of murder, misfortune, shattered dreams and the aftermath of a crime now more than 50 years old. So notable, the crime has been the focus of various cable television specials, TV shows and a TV movie. In 1998, E! presented the case on its show, Mystery & Scandals.

Gilmore is a veteran true crime writer, and an award-winning journalist. He has written books on notorious killers Charles Schmid and Charles Manson. His latest title, Laid Bare, deals with famous names {Janis Joplin, Hank Williams, James Dean} and their marriage with the Hollywood Death Trip.

"It is an exciting challenge to see the shadows of the Black Dahlia story step into the light and take form as visual images," Gilmore says. "The characters here will breathe life into those odd and strange people that moved through the life of beautiful Elizabeth Short - a dark star of the war-time Hollywood night world."

Ms. Hazelton has studied the Black Dahlia case for nine years. She has been editor for Chanting Monks Studios (and the former CFD Productions) since 1995. Ms. Hazelton also writes for various magazines and publications, including on-line sites.

"Many people are fascinated with the murder of Beth Short," Ms. Hazelton says. "Whether because of her beauty or the severity of the crime itself, it is a case that will draw much attention for many more years to come."

For more information, register with Chanting Monks Studios.