Edited by Holly Black and Joe Cirillo, the magazine had a host of eclectic and regular contributors that included author Steve Berman, GWAR member Hunter Jackson, illustrators Joseph Hasenauer and Theo Black, Yamara creators Barbara Manui and Chris Adams, and former Shadis editor Jolly R. Blackburn.
Articles on LARPs were placed side-by-side with interviews with comic book artists such as Dave McKean, reviews of authentic medieval restaurants, and caffeinated tips on how to game all night.
One of d8’s stand-out regular features was its fashion spread which, coordinated by stylist Deanna Stull and photographed by Director of Photography Michael Amper, showcased shoots that included renaissance garb, neo-gothic vampires in latex, and leather plated armor.
The magazine is credited as introducing Holly Black to artist Tony DiTerlizzi,[1] who would later go on to co-author The Spiderwick Chronicles.
Conversely the design is what attracted the less traditional, more alternative artistic contributors that Creative Director David DeCheser sought, such as: Dave McKean, Eric Dinyer, and John K. Snyder III.