Surprised Posted by Ken Penders June 30, 2000 I thought for sure with all the clamoring for Knuckles to get his own book again that I'd hear more commentary -- pro or con -- regarding SONIC SUPER SPECIAL #14. I put it everything but the kitchen sink just to let everyone know no matter what the format, I'm still able to make the stories a continuation of what has gone on before. --- Posted by Dr. Robotnik The problem with SSS#14 is the same problem with a lot of Super Specials, they seem to be more difficult to find(at least around where I am). I'm surprised when I see a Sonic comic in a store. I usually order Super Specials out of the Sonic Checklist order form, but I might have to wait a little for that one. The order form was probably in the couple of issues I missed because of the Knuckles to Sonic subscription thing. I don't like missing any Knuckles stories(I didn't like the "King of the Hill" storyline, but I didn't want to miss it). --- To be honest Ken... Posted by Ian the Potto I think I was essentially stunned into silence. Lara-Le and Wyn tying the knot, Julie-Su captured by the Dark Legion, every living being zapped into another Zone, the DL ruling the Island, Knuckles out at sea, locusts, pestilence, darkness, frogs, AHHH! Yes, we'd all love to see Knux get his book back. That way, when you surprise the heck out of us like this, it comes more gradually. Now, we must wait impatiently for his further adventures in Sonic's book and the occasional Super Special. Now then, I have a few Q's of my own: 1) Is the "Zone Wars" arch actually going to go somewhere? So far, all we've gotten are some silly stories and art ranging from excellent (SSS#12) to questionable (SSS#14). If the stories are going to remain that shakey, can you at least say that the Zone Wars will end soon? 2) Well...#1 was kinda two questions, but anyway... A post you made not too long ago talked about having to rewrite the comic's direction in concern to the events in Sonic #100. The term "bitter-sweet" also came into play. I resisted throwing up the red flag, and I know I gotta phrase this right, or you won't be able to answer. Can you tell me, with relative assurance, that Sonic will continue past the #100 mark? 3) If the Sonic book were to fall-through (as the British Sonic the Comic recently did), is it remotely possible that the book could continue in a Super Special format? A every-two-months deal, with the 48 pages devided between Sonic and Knux? Hmm? Is it possible? Thank ye for yer time, SYOTFS, Ian the Potto --- Re: To be honest Ken... Posted by BobR : I think I was essentially stunned into silence. :Lara-Le and Wyn tying the knot, Julie-Su captured :by the Dark Legion, every living being zapped into another Zone, :the DL ruling the Island, Knuckles out at sea, :locusts, pestilence, darkness, frogs,AHHH! I agree here, Ken. This is starting out as one of your most powerful tales in the Knucklesverse. You've essentially taken Knuckles back to his beginnings...after giving him a taste of what type of life he could've had if things had been different. He'll be much more determined then ever to get things back to the way they were. : Yes, we'd all love to see Knux get his book back. That way, when you surprise the heck out of us like this, it comes more gradually. I little surprise now and then is good for the soul...at least it keeps us on our toes! :) : Now, we must wait impatiently for his further adventures in Sonic's book and the occasional Super Special. That's a bummer. But they are coming, which is hope. : 1) Is the "Zone Wars" arch actually going to go somewhere? So far, all we've gotten are some silly stories and art ranging from excellent (SSS#12) to questionable (SSS#14). If the stories are going to remain that shakey, can you at least say that the Zone Wars will end soon? I think the Zone Wars will probably be used to bring alternate story universes to the Sonicverse we're familiar with. It's a more practical aspect of the "what-if" scenario then what's usually used for these alternate universe stories (and I'm not just talking Sonic here.) So they'll pop-up from time to time when someone wants to explore the "what-if" story. I think Zonic was effectively used in this instance. And he's not an incontinuity. He just from another zone, also. I would have to add my 2 pennies in that I found the art style in "Law of the Land" ...well...painful. I've always seen Sonic as having an oval shaped torso. He looks like he's been following the Jack LaLanne "Pump Yourself Up" regimen. "You, too, can become a big-chested 98 pound weakling!" And Sally looked more like a lollipop...stick body with a candy head. Both had legs that were quite a bit longer than normal, and those eyes! Since when did Mobius get two suns? That's the only way you'd ever see two reflection spots...unless their eyes in this zone have some type of compound curvature...which would make them look even weirder. As for the story itself...eh, I liked it. There were a number of very sharp barbs in there at RL situations. Example, the girl suing the hot dog vendor because his "Hot" dog burned her tongue...an obvious poke at the idiot broad (woman is too respectful a term for that person) who sued MacDonalds because the coffee was too hot and burned her when she spilled the thing at their drivethru...and won! (Side note I read in a followup story...the family lost every one of their friends over the incident and the neighbors won't even speak to them anymore. Gee, sounds kinda like Litigopolis, doesn't it?) Now the skinny look on Sally McAcorn makes sense here, since Ally McBeal is quite skinny herself (owing to her eating disorder.) Snively as the weasily lawyer (sorry, weasels!) was a great casting call. And again King Acorn gets taken in by someone who was supposedly going to help. My question is what happened to Robotnik after he built the J.U.D.G.E? He just sorta dropped out of the plot at that point, not to mention the Sonic himself who should've been IN that zone. The thought comes to mind that, since the zone portal technology was built into the J.U.D.G.E. itself, that seems to point to the fact that this supercomputer was built by someone who already knew how to transport between zones...IOW, Robo-Robotnik! : Can you tell me, with relative assurance, that Sonic will continue past the #100 mark? Owing to the irrational behaviour that seems to be emanating from the Archie publisher's head office (IMHO), I don't think even Ken would want to hazard a guess whether Sonic will go beyond 100 issues...or even make it that far. I know if Archie were a publicly held corporation, many would be calling for the resignation (or at least retirement) of said individual at this point. However, since it's a privately held company, we're just stuck with the senility. : 3) If the Sonic book were to fall-through (as the British Sonic the Comic recently did), is it remotely possible that the book could continue in a Super Special format? A every-two-months deal, with the 48 pages devided between Sonic and Knux? Hmm? Is it possible? Highly doubtful. Extremely doubtful. Irrevocably doubtful! The major factor affecting comics is distribution being extremely erratic and spotty. The aforementioned SSS #14 in particular as a prime example. And that's 100x worse for a comic that comes out at longer than 1 month intervals. The SSS's themselves are in jeopardy for just such a reason. No one wants to carry a comic that comes out only 4 times a year. : Thank ye for yer time, Thankee for the questions! :) -BobR- --- Heh... Posted by Crazy Chammy : I think the Zone Wars will probably be used to bring alternate story universes to the Sonicverse we're familiar with. It's a more practical aspect of the "what-if" scenario then what's usually used for these alternate universe stories (and I'm not just talking Sonic here.) Kinda like your Mirror Series, Potato... get the next one done!!! NOW!!! I'm suffering from fic withdrawl..! --- What I think... Posted by Dr. Robotnik : I think I was essentially stunned into silence. Lara-Le and Wyn tying the knot, Julie-Su captured by the Dark Legion, every living being zapped into another Zone, the DL ruling the Island, Knuckles out at sea, locusts, pestilence, darkness, frogs, AHHH! Haven't seen it yet, but it sounds powerful. : Yes, we'd all love to see Knux get his book back. Of course. : 1) Is the "Zone Wars" arch actually going to go somewhere? So far, all we've gotten are some silly stories and art ranging from excellent (SSS#12) to questionable (SSS#14). If the stories are going to remain that shakey, can you at least say that the Zone Wars will end soon? I can't stand anything about Zone Wars. Just let it die already. I have always had a problem with Zonic. The idea is slightly flawed(Zonic is a continuity problem), and the stories are just depressing. : 2) Well...#1 was kinda two questions, but anyway... : A post you made not too long ago talked about having to rewrite the comic's direction in concern to the events in Sonic #100. The term "bitter-sweet" also came into play. I resisted throwing up the red flag, and I know I gotta phrase this right, or you won't be able to answer. Can you tell me, with relative assurance, that Sonic will continue past the #100 mark? I was going to keep my guess to myself, but here it is. From Ken's earlier post, the impression I got is that SEGA has made final decisions on the direction of the characters. Decisions such as Sonic and Sally aren't going to be married, and the comic taking a general turn towards SEGA-Sonic instead of Archie's set SonUni are my biggest guesses. --- Well... Posted by Nakkursu : I thought for sure with all the clamoring for Knuckles to get his own book again that I'd hear more commentary -- pro or con -- regarding SONIC SUPER SPECIAL #14. I put it everything but the kitchen sink just to let everyone know no matter what the format, I'm still able to make the stories a continuation of what has gone on before. Zone Wars: (Um I forgot the title) Um, To help show some fans feelings, I will say ever since the first ZW story, people want Zonic dragged into the street and shot. ^_^ and the art was way off for this story. Knuckles: Best of Times, Worst of Times: PWAISE DA LAWD! This was an awsome story. Just awsome, ALL GOOD! One question though, Who's idea was this, Sega's or Archie's? I ask this because one of my friends was upset that Everyone was wiped away on the Floating Island (Julie-Su doesn't count, we won't be seeing her for a while). --- ^-^ Posted by Allytha I usually just silently lurk around here, but since you asked... Zone Wars: ehhe.. well, since you didn't ask specifically about that, no comment.. Best of Times, Worst of Times: I thought it was fantastic.Everything about it was simply on the ball.. forgive me for not being able to explain it better... only thing I hate is that we have to wait four months to see what happens next... --- Re: Surprised Posted by Catrina I thought SSS#14 was realy good! It was the best out in a while... o.o ... I liked the guardians mission thing and the return of some of our old favorites(both the good and bad). I can't wait to see the ending! --- Re: Surprised Posted by Jojo the Dancing Hamster Frankly, I'm tired of Julie-Su being treated like a plot-twist. She's done nothing but get captured lately and that's unoriginal and sexist IMHO. --- what I say... Posted by Sonique Hedgehog Wow, I like never post on this board. Anyway, I don't read the comics too often but keep up with the reviews and this sounds like a really kick ass stroy! Of all the ways to wipe out the continuity, this was a really cool way. I'm glad you jsut didn't kill everyone or have the Island blow up or something (even though it was close to that) I'm looking foward to the next chapter. ------ My thoughts on SSS14 - Zone Wars and BOTWOT Posted by WB Best Of Times, Worst Of Times comes out to BOTWOT??? Eeeeewwww..... Anyways Mr. Penders, I thought I'd input on SSS14. Three words - I LOVED IT. And I daresay, your story is probably one of the best Sonic related stories all year. The only blemish on this issue IMO was Zone Wars. I'm sorry - but unless this series is actually going somewhere, I wish Archie would stop it altogether, as its an excuse to make pablum, or try to turn it into something thats somewhat intelligent. Not to knock Ms. Paddocks art style - but I found Sonic's poses and overall look quite freakish in nature - and though I do understand that "Sally McBeal" was a parody of Callista Flockhearts rather anemic and anorexic look - the furry basketball headed toothpick that was Sally was VERY distracting. As for the whole "anime style of drawing" that Mr. Justin promotes - yes I am all for it as it updates the look and feel of the book, but there should be some limits that you at least get the character models downpat - which Spaz and FRY do very well, but was not done well in this story. This is one case in which I believe there was a high level of overkill. But I'll save that in my letter to Archie... At any rate - BOTWOT: I never expected you to wipe away all of Knuckles continuity with the push of one button (which is basically what you did for the backstroy inclusions). I half expected the entire Floating Isle to be engulfed in a giant fireball at this rate. I gotta commend you - you did good! :O) Wynmacher, Lara Le, Remington, The Chaotix, The Brotherhood, Echidnaopolis, The Dingoes, Archimedes - ALL GONE. Hawking is dead, Julie Su is captured and EVERYBODY BUT KNUCKLES are now totally out of the picture for the time being....I have to ask - I remember you saying that you had set a lot of Knuckles issues up before hand. Was this a planned move all along or forced on you because of the loss of book status? Julie Su is the only one left out - but not really considering she's been captured and confined permanently with her family (mother and caretaker in a Dark legion Cell ages away...) To be honest, I never saw this story coming - I expected a blase story with Knuckles walking around town pondering over "Why Am I a Mutant? Blahdeeblahdeeblah" and Dimitri pouting because he got rusty or something ^___^. Youreally pulled a fast one. It was a quick way to suspend the tons of dangling plotlines, a quick way to give Knuckles a new direction in the backstories, and a quick way to put Dimitri BACK as the number one Knuckles villian. My guess - sooner or later Enerjak's gonna get his powers back and lose the Vending machine shell. He's all alone on the Island with no opposition. All he needs to do is find the Chaos Chamber - and with Mammoth Mogul conveniently out of the emerald due to Sonic Adventure....well... ^___^ But keep in mind - the key reason why I liked this story wasnt just the plotting, but the fact that in ONE ISSUE you've already laid the foundation for a new direction in the book. Something that I and others think was much needed. To be honest - Knuckles has become so "domestic" lately. He's boring and dull - Julie is now mooning over him, he ignores his best friends, his family is mindboggling and nosey - and the story shows ALL those elements. When Remington mentions the dingoes, Knuckles brushes them off and says "Remington will call if he needs me". And we all know that the REAL Knuckles we were introduced to would NEVER do anything like that - this one has become soft, and I hope that with this new direction you'll revive the badass that he once was; the one that made him that super popular character whom people begged to have his own book. Not to say that he shouldnt grow up and learn not to run headfirst or adapt from his mistakes - but the badass attitude is gone and making Knuckles into "a domestic teenager with dating issues" added dimension but really sapped the life out of him character wise. The fact that everyone is gone doesnt bother me AT ALL. For MONTHS people complained (myself included) about how all of sudden there were millions of echidnas. Now there's only one again, who is striving to retrieve the life he once had. He finally has a GOAL again!!!! After he became a softie, it just went into "So what will i do with Julie tonight? Adventure? Nah!!!!" I realise you're limited for space - but DO ALL YOU CAN WITH THIS STORYLINE! It has so much potential. To be honest, this story has restored to the biggest thing that made him tick in the first place - the fact that he was alone. The determination to LEARN more about his heritage was what strove him to do what he did. Now that he KNOWS his heritage - he wants it back. The real thing I want to see is what limits will he go to GET IT? And by that - I can only hope of a return of the badass. :O) The only thing I hate is that you got rid of the Chaotix in the process (I'm a Chaotix fan - so sue me :O) ) - but honestly - when WAS the last time we saw Sega acknowledge them in a game anyway? And though the main guys are trapped - Charmy's still on the Mobian surface somewhere, so theres some hope ^_^ As for Julie Su - while I have nothing agaisnt her, can we leave her out of the picture for the small time being, and when she does come back - try a new take on her as well. Maybe I'm in the minority here, but I sometimes thinks she hinders Knux more than helps him with the luvvy duvvy routine - both of em are softies now and Julie being a softie beside Knux the Softie only makes it worse. :( Suiciding your own characters to make way for a plot that moves along to save them - its a harsh way to put it, but I really like that you did ^__^. Honestly - I cant think of a comic book where this plot device has been done long term. Finally - everyone has been saying how the Knux book had become too complicated and that Knux has become watered down and lost his edge. Thats NOT the same Knuckles in Sonic 3 or SA, or the guy before other issues.....I dont look at this as a step backwards, but another step forward. No Archimedes to nag him ala Luna/Sailor Moon, no having to answer to anyone else, no having to worry about dates uncharacteristically, and relying on himself again - and the only person he CAN talk to is the one whom he doesnt get along with at all - ATHAIR. And isnt it convenient that in the next arc, its ATHAIR who shows up. >:O) As far as my concerns on if Knux continuity will be wiped out ALTOGETHER with this upcoming storyline - it IS a possibility, one out of numerous ways the plot can go. The thing is, when a flip on continuity like this is done - You CANT pinpoint where it will go. Its reinventing the character. And thats the best way to tell a story - when it has you guessing what happens next and wanting to read more. Something I can only hope the Sonic portion of the book will take a cue from - hopefully the rumors of Sonic getting kicked out of Knothole are true... I remember why I liked your early stories so much. Perhaps Archie can get back the base that they lost over time...After all - You cant do an epic story in 8 pages but you can try >;O) --- May I add a few things? Posted by Kat-chan First off...if Mr. Penders is indeed reading this...I have no intention of flaming, only offering praise and constructive criticism. That said, here we go: 1. The Zone Wars stories are getting a little old. I don't know why, but even though I like the Ally McBeal TV show, the whole Litigopolis/Sally McAcorn bit didn't go over with me. Just trying to imagine Sally in Ally's place was... well, it was disturbing, and anyone who's seen a few of the racier episodes might be able to understand why. However, I don't think the younger readers will get that...which is good. ^^; Anyways...I'm rambling. The point is, unless these stories are going to serve a solid purpose in the future storylines....drop them. I mean, they're just silly...o.o; 2. Julie-Su...why has she suddenly lost her edge, and seemingly her backbone? I mean...it's great that she and Knuckles are in love, but must she hang on him like some demented Barbie doll? To be honest...I've had several relationships, and never really hung on my guy like that o.o; Unless we were dancing or something...*shrug* The point is, I just saw Julie-Su as being a bit of a hard-headed, proud girl...and overnight, it seems that she changed into a wuss. I don't know what else to say...except that I really miss the edge she's lost. That was what drew me to her in the first place...and nowadays, I'm beginning to view her as a whiny nuisance. I know there's no possible way you can make everyone happy, so i hope you'll excuse my rambling ^^; 3. YOU BROUGHT LIEN-DA BACK!! *BIG SCREAAAAAAAM!!!!* THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU MISTER P!!!!!!!!! =P 4. Did you get my e-mail, Mister Penders? no rush to reply....just wanted to have an idea of how much money I should bring to San Diego. 5. As for Knuckles...This storyline with Albion seems to be gathering interest from people...would it be possible to see a Knux revival if ENOUGH people got interested? 6. I didn't reply earlier, but with regards to your reply on my "Is Sonic in trouble?" post...I think I understand what you mean. The comic store I frequent the most carries odd comics (they're the only carrier I know of that has 3 geeks...which is an interesting comic.) such as Lenore, Johnny The Homicidal Maniac, and various mangas. I guess Sonic wasn't fitting in with their chosen genre. Take care all ^^ ------ You asked for it KP...... Posted by Conekiller SSS#14 rocked , your part of it any way. I enjoyed the Litigopolis story, but it would have been better served AFTER the Knux story (but we're playing "whose comic is this" after all)it was funny but only about the first time thru. Best/Worst of times was jawdroppingly beautiful! Butler's work has never so impressed me (was the prologue an homage to "Dinosaur"? my bro thinks it is, but I havn't seen the movie so I can't say) MORE KNUCKLES STORIES, NOW, PLEASE!!!! there you can forward that to the Archie execs, every little bit helps! I have a few questions -Remington's girl, is she plum colored or is she just suffering from Specter's heavy shading (sorry, but I still consider him to be BLACK, I liked the red pupils ha had before too) -I heard someone complaining that Moritori was in his old look. I merely assumed that the DL fixed up his eyes by using those implants on the sides his eyes. the same way we are meant to assume that Dimitri was turned from reeeeaaaaalllllllyyyyy old fart into a walking........... .........I don't know what. -Mathias claimed only one being could penerate into the "spirit" realm (for lack of a better term) and we see a pic of pre-enejak Dimitri rallying Dl troops, there's just a few things wrong with that 1)Dimitri was never like that while he was ruling the DL 2)How could Dimitri penetrate the "spirit" world? he has no more Chaos energy in him, it would have to be the newly freed Mammoth Mogul, but Mathias should have known that and had the guardians attack MM instead of the Legion (but then we would have all those Locke bashers wondering why he wasn't sent to the Zone like the rest of the island) -what was sent into the Zone? Echidnaopolis, or the entire Island? -is it the same Zone Steppenwolf banished the Dl to, therefore, they would meet up woth Tobor and Kragok? - during the explosions we see circles showing others that aren't in the immediate vicinity reacting to the phase shift, why do we see Lara and Wyn? aren't they on Albion? - had Julie-Su met her foster mom before the prison? - I know this doesn't apply to this issue but, IN SSS#11 Julie-Su is talknig to the old guy (boy my memory is SHOT today) we kinda see green holo images of Kragok watching the story from behind (the old guy is doing something when Julie walks in on him see what I mean) you can see it on pg.6 panel 4, page 7 panel 2, and pg 11 panel 2. what's up with that was that intentional? or was Spaz just goofing off like with the boy over looking the King's banishment in Soinc#33 (whom I thought was foreshadowing of Elias' existence) ------ sss#14 rocked! Posted by Lisa Echidna I LOVED SUPER SPECIAL 14!! Why? Well, WE'RE FINALLY RID OF THE BROTHERHOOD!! ...ehum o.o (sorry, but I just can't STAND the brotherhood!) OK, it was good art, good story (loved the part with Harry - ^_^ "Go away!"), and it had like all a story need to be intresting! It was a sad thing though grandfather Hawking died, though..... .... *silent moment*.... But anyway, this super special was far better than I expected it to be! I never cared THAT much for Knuckles' universe (or how should I call it...?), but this issue was explosive! And, of course, the best part -- THE BROTHERHOOD IS GONE FOR AWHILE! (I know, I know, they'll be brought back after some time, but until then, rejoice!) Maybe the spotlight will fall on rad red for awhile now, instead of his boring relatives... And Julie-Su didn't take the hit, so she'll still be around, I pressume? Long live KNUCKLES!! --- Re: sss#14 rocked! Posted by Catrina Brotherhood go byebye? :( I'm still going to miss them, but I know that if I ever met them, we would have a hard time getting along... they don't realy like former chaos powered freaks who wanted to destroy the planet (jk)...still... I don't know if they would acept my views either o.o --- I actualy like most of the brotherhood! Posted by 00dodger Don't think I'm weird or anything, but I actualy like SOME of the brotherhood(Spectre,Locke,and Sojournor). I am gonna miss them....... ------ SS# 14 or Anyone comic that has Knuckles is the best Posted by Enigma Echidna I have ta say this seemed to be the best yet. I am such a Knuckles and Julie-Su fan. This one seemed to be the best one yet. Hope the series comes back or Archie decides to go the way of manga/graphic novels, cause they do alot more stoires for the reader.BTW didn't Morti have a visor last time? Enigma Echidna --- Yeah, he did... but Mr. Butler didn't have the right resources to draw him though and accidently drew his old look. Well, he MEANT to draw it like that...but...you know what I mean...:P I wonder why JF didn't catch this. -Astal ------ SONIC SUPER SPECIAL #14, Julie-Su & Other Random Thoughts Posted by Ken Penders on July 05, 2000 Not having the time to reply to each message individually right now, I thought I'd address a few items all at once... SONIC SUPER SPECIAL #14 - Were there mistakes and inconsistencies? Regarding the visual look of Moritori Rex, that was my fault, as I had access to copies of Steven's pencils and should have caught that blooper. However, I didn't, and after I reread THE GUARDIAN WHO FAILED, I'll work up a good explanation why. (Hey, that's why they pay me the big bucks. LOL) Regarding the Dark Legionnaires who showed up, such as Lien-da, who we saw taken prisoner back in KNUCKLES #24, I didn't have the room to show how they were reunited with Dimitri and company, deciding that would be an untold tale that would be told at some point in the future if we're lucky. JULIE-SU - In my mind, the fact that Julie-Su was taken prisoner is not a sign she's a damsel-in-distress, not if you take into account that it took several Dark Legionnaires to snatch her away from Knuckles and friends. If I had just one character overwhelm her, then I can see where people might be justified in thinking I was sexist. However, she's always seen in the company of more than one, so the odds were somewhat stacked against her. Without giving the game away, it's more likely you'll end up seeing Julie-Su getting out of her situation on her own, rather than Knuckles saving the day. To say more would give too much away, but I'm hoping people will give me the benefit of the doubt on this one. (To understand my own personal views regarding the sexes, I believe males are better than females at some things, females are better than males at other things, and both sexes are equal at everything else.) SONIC #100 - Of all the books, SONIC is the least in danger of cancellation. Even so, I don't see anything justifying extra production costs on the publisher's part, even though I would if I were publisher. The best I can promise is whatever I can to make the stories special. SONIC SUPER SPECIAL - There are rumblings #15 may be the last, which puts a damper on seeing KNUCKLES: 20 YEARS LATER or the SUPER SECRET SONIC project Spaz and I were working on anytime soon, if at all, should this come to pass. If I felt it would save the book, I'd encourage everyone to buy up every copy they could, but I've been down that road before, and I haven't seen the efforts amount to enough justification to change the publishers' minds. It's not that they didn't see increased sales, just not enough to overcome all the costs associated with licensing, printing and distributing the books. SITE UPDATES - There hasn't been many lately and with good reason. I've been too busy with THE LOST ONES and figuring out what my future plans are. I'm currently in a transitional mode. Right now, I plan on sticking with SONIC as long as the book keeps coming out. Beyond that, the comics industry is in such a huge slump, that I've been reassessing where I go beyond SONIC. Part of that is THE LOST ONES, but the other part is gearing myself to working full-time on the web. I've been learning new programs, acquiring new equipment and generally planning to make both this and my LOST ONES websites better than ever. THE LOST ONES - If the first issue was a bear to get out, the second issue is experiencing just as much growing pains, more as a result of a lack of retailer support as well as a result of problems within the comics industry as a whole. If you were to see the artwork for the second issue, it's being done with the prospect of animating it on the web as well. For those of you looking for copies of the first issue, i can't stress this enough... Please check with your retailers and ask them to order a copy if they don't have it in stock, as Diamond Distribution definitely has copies available for reorder. Your support is very much appreciated. Thank you. SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON - I will be doing original sketches. A simple rendition of SONIC or PARTICLE is $10. Everything else is $20 and upwards, depending on whether a full figure drawing is requested or not, how many characters and so on. For example, if someone wanted Knuckles or Lara-Su from the chest up, it would be $20, whereas if they wanted a full figure, it would be $25. I'll also have original art for sale. If there's any covers or pages available at my website that anyone attending the convention is interested in, please let me know so I'll be sure to bring them along. To make life easier, I'll accept cash, Mastercard, Visa and American Express. If you wish to use a personal check, I'll have to get it cleared first before you get the artwork, as I have been burned by a couple of people this way. (NOTE TO RICK: Please resend the list of pages you have on reserve, so I can recheck it against mine before I fly out west.) FAN INVOLVEMENT - I'm currently putting together a way for people to learn the basics of making their own comic strips. This is something I mentioned way back when that I haven't given up on. However, because Sonic is the property of Sega, please DON'T expect anything to be Sonic-related, as I've no intention on infringing on Sega's rights... or anyone else's, for that matter. What I will stress are methods to draw even the things that which you find most difficult. If I missed anything, please feel free to call it to my attention and I'll try to respond as quick as possible. Thanks. In the meantime, I hope everyone is enjoying their summer vacation. And to those of you going to the San Diego Comic-Con, I look forward to seeing you there. Take care. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx I agree with you there Ken (Please read to see if my view sounds logical) Posted by Lt. Kari-Me Well spoken about JUlie's situation Ken. I agree with your view from a general point of view, though there are excepitons. *Stops to drink a cup of Java* Like for example: My father is a honourably discharged Marine. He told me that in boot camps today the women are going through just as tough military training as the guys, but a few things have to be modifyed not because of a woman being a woman, rather because of the way her body is designed. I asked him if he thought they would be bale to handle some of the larger guns and such. he replies, "They better be!" This also means that yes women will have front-line ocmbat if another major war breaks out. There are some things where some people have strengths and weaknesses. I'm one who doesn't discriminate by sex, race religiom, etc. I think different jobs and the like should be judged by one's qualifications, not who they are. I hope this sounds logical. And also, Jojo if you're listening, To me it's not the fact that women get captured, it's how it's done. *Eyes her paperwork aid sighs, "Better finish this up. I have the evening patrol tonight with Lt.Gamma (Not E-102)* --- We're Pretty Much On The Same Track Posted by Ken Penders The fact that women are psychologically and physically different from men (and vice versa) doesn't make them weaker, just different. Women can have babies, men can't, but the flip side is that women can tolerate more pain than men. (Sure, John McCain survived the torture of a POW camp, but women survived the concentration camps of Nazi Germany as well, and I would think that was worse, but I never experienced either, so I couldn't say for sure, beyond what I know from written accounts.) As for women in combat, we will suffer some casualities, but you can bet the Military and Government will do all they can to spare civilians from seeing the photos or learning of it. It won't be official policy for political reasons any time soon. ------ Yay. o.o Posted by Kat-chan/Pep-Jie : SONIC SUPER SPECIAL #14 - Were there mistakes and :inconsistencies? Regarding the visual look of Moritori Rex, :that was my fault, as I had access to copies of Steven's :pencils and should have caught that blooper. However, I :didn't, and after I reread THE GUARDIAN WHO FAILED, I'll :work up a good explanation why. (Hey, that's why they pay me :the big bucks. LOL) Regarding the Dark Legionnaires who :showed up, such as Lien-da, who we saw taken prisoner back :in KNUCKLES #24, I didn't have the room to show how they :were reunited with Dimitri and company, deciding that would :be an untold tale that would be told at some point in the :future if we're lucky. Uhhhhm...I have the attention span of lint, so I'm probably not much help in that department +P However, I did notice that Lien-Da just re-appeared with the others...if that's going to be some future story, then cool. If not, then... it will forever be shadowed in mystery ;) Heck, I don't care how she got out, it was just nice seeing her again. I'm a sucker for those vindictive villainess types. c_c BTW, you should consider giving Lien-Da a whip :P *gets smacked* ow... uhm...nevermind. n.n : JULIE-SU - In my mind, the fact that Julie-Su was taken : prisoner is not a sign she's a damsel-in-distress, not if : you take into account that it took several Dark :Legionnaires to snatch her away from Knuckles and friends. :If I had just one character overwhelm her, then I can see :where people might be justified in thinking I was sexist. :However, she's always seen in the company of more than one, :so the odds were somewhat stacked against her. Well, true. I think some people are just disappointed that she's lost a bit of her hard-edged attitude. I guess that was to be expected, though, as love and maturation can trim the edges off those bitter attitudes. It was just cool in the beginning when she had this in-your-face attitude going on. It reminded me of a few anime females, and I guess that's why she appealed to me. I guess I'll just turn to Lien-Da for my dominatrix complex now =P *LOL* : SONIC SUPER SPECIAL - There are rumblings #15 may be the : last, which puts a damper on seeing KNUCKLES: 20 YEARS :LATER or the SUPER SECRET SONIC project Spaz and I were :working on anytime soon, if at all, should this come to :pass. May I ask why this is? Are the Super Specials just not selling well wnough to justify future publications? That's a bit of a shame...I'm not too fond of the comic itself anymore (things seem to be either falling apart or just going in weird directions), but the Super Specials for the most part) were always pretty good. Oh well... I hope that doesn't come to pass. Keep us posted, kay? ;) Sorry to hear about the Lost Ones having trouble... if I could actually find a copy, I'd buy it. I've asked my local comic shop about it, and they just said "we'll see." Given that the people there are lil punks, I doubt it'll ever see a retail there =P I'll keep at it, though. n.n : SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON - I will be doing original sketches. A : simple rendition of SONIC or PARTICLE is $10. Everything : else is $20 and upwards, depending on whether a full :figure drawing is requested or not, how many characters and :so on. For example, if someone wanted Knuckles or Lara-Su :from the chest up, it would be $20, whereas if they wanted :a full figure, it would be $25. Ah, thanks....that answers my question. :) I'll have it covered, then...look forward to me harassing youat the con +P *cackle* Uhhhhm....I'm enjoying my vacation...how bout the rest of you? o.O...I'm even happier cuz I got some fansubbed Sailor Stars eps...HAHA!! take that, censorship! I can see Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune in all their pervy glory... nothing shall stop me! I am the QUEEN! *rantrantrambleetc* x_@ hi --- More Thoughts Posted by Ken Penders I don't think she's lost her hard edge, as you'll soon see. If anything, I think she's added something extra to her development with her maturation process. : May I ask why this is? Are the Super Specials just not selling well wnough to justify future publications? That's a bit of a shame...I'm not too fond of the comic itself anymore (things seem to be either falling apart or just going in weird directions), but the Super Specials for the most part) were always pretty good. Oh well...I hope that doesn't come to pass. Keep us posted, kay? ;) Sorry to hear about the Lost Ones having trouble...if I could actually find a copy, I'd buy it. I've asked my local comic shop about it, and they just said "we'll see." Given that the people there are lil punks, I doubt it'll ever see a retail there =P I'll keep at it, though. n.n Whatever problems the SONIC SUPER SPECIAL has are symptomatic of whatever problems the industry is suffering as a whole, mainly poor distribution and lack of retailer support. As for THE LOST ONES, I will have copies available in SAN DIEGO if you can't find any at your store.