PRESS RELEASE — StoneGate Cinematic Universe Enters Development on Debut Graphic Novel “District Files — Issue #1: BleakStone Point”
Originally released via the StoneGate Cinematic Universe Press Room. This version is archived as part of the official Adam Dudley Works record. View original.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Charlottesville, VA — StoneGate Cinematic Universe (SGCU), an independent transmedia studio founded by creator Adam Dudley, has officially entered development on its debut graphic novel, District Files — Issue #1: BleakStone Point.
The project represents the first published chapter of the larger Becoming Hank Luciano story world and introduces audiences to the early foundations of StoneGate City.
District Files — Issue #1: BleakStone Point explores the origins of Sincere Cross before he becomes the figure known as Hank Luciano. Set in BleakStone Point, a working-class district shaped by survival, loyalty, and ambition, the story follows a young strategist navigating the tension between legitimate opportunity and the pull of underground power.
Script development for Issue #1 is currently underway, with Adam Dudley working alongside co-writer Aderinto Ebunoluwa to translate the story into a production-ready graphic novel script. This format breaks the story down panel by panel, allowing illustrators to clearly visualize scenes, environments, and dialogue that will bring the world of StoneGate City to life.
District Files — Issue #1: BleakStone Point serves as the first step in a broader creative roadmap designed to expand the StoneGate Cinematic Universe across multiple mediums, including graphic novels, animation, film, and interactive media.
To support early-stage development, SGCU has quietly launched a community-supported fundraising initiative through GateFund, located on the official StoneGate Cinematic Universe website. GateFund allows early supporters of independent storytelling to contribute directly to foundational development, including script work, concept art, visual world-building, and collaboration with artists shaping the story.
Contributions during this phase will also support the development of an official cinematic teaser trailer for Becoming Hank Luciano, designed to introduce the world of StoneGate City and the larger universe as the project progresses.
While the official Kickstarter campaign for Becoming Hank Luciano has not yet launched, this early phase allows supporters to participate in development and help move the universe toward its next stage of production.
Following successful fundraising milestones, StoneGate Cinematic Universe plans to move forward with:
• Full illustration and production of District Files — Issue #1: BleakStone Point
• Development of an official teaser trailer for the Becoming Hank Luciano film
• Expanded world-building initiatives leading into future cinematic development using Unreal Engine and MetaHuman technology
About StoneGate Cinematic Universe
StoneGate Cinematic Universe (SGCU) is an independent transmedia studio founded by creator Adam Dudley. The studio develops original story worlds across graphic novels, animation, film, and interactive media.
Its debut narrative universe, Becoming Hank Luciano: StoneGate City, explores themes of loyalty, power, reinvention, and the hidden architecture of ambition within a fictional modern metropolis.
Official Website
https://www.stonegateuniverse.com
Media Contact
Adam Dudley
Founder & Creative Architect
StoneGate Cinematic Universe L.L.C.
https://www.stonegateuniverse.com/contact