Gene Iossa was born in Morristown New Jersey. Growing up in Madison New Jersey, Gene started drawing at a very young age. While studying art at the Vocational Technical school in Denville, he received the Dupont award for best artist in Morris County New Jersey. Gene then went on to learn and develop his skills as a cartoonist at the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic art, in Dover, New Jersey.

At the age of 23, Gene published Lil' Grusome and the Nutshell Gang, in 1988. After that book, United Way published the Lil' Grusome comic book, which received the Gold Award for best "new" cartoon character. Gene co authored the children's book Lil' Grusome Faces Feeling with the New York Times best selling author Dr. Janet Woitiz Ed.d.

Gene is excited to share with you Lil' Grusome and the Nutshell Gang, as they make their nationwide debut in their very own book and activity series.

Gene has other properties in various stages of development. Watch as they continue to make appearances on this website.