232 replies to this topic

[furrykef]

Penders said that he never signed a contract.

He did? I thought before he said he did sign a contract and just wasn't allowed to publicly discuss the terms of it.

[RedAuthar]

For what it's worth, I believe Penders has claimed that he wanted to settle from the beginning, but Archie refused.

As for why the court case was delayed, the fact the judge said they have to meet in December to discuss it indicates to me that the judge wants them to settle out of court, hence the deadline and ordered meeting.

Most cases like this settle out of Court because it becomes not worth the hassle or expense. Also if Penders really wanted to settle out of Court from the start he wouldn't have made a big deal about it in the first place. I think he is realizing he isn't being viewed as a victim and it is bad publicity on his part.

[Vampfox]

Penders said that he never signed a contract.

He did? I thought before he said he did sign a contract and just wasn't allowed to publicly discuss the terms of it.

Penders has said that he never singed a contract. Archie produced copies of documents with Penders signature. However there are blank spots on the documents.

"Contractor represents that all of his/her contributions to any Licensed Work have been commissioned by ____Archie/Licensor____ (cross one out) (“owner”) and prepared at its request and expense and that all past, pending and future contributions of Contractor to the Licensed Works are and shall be Works For Hire owned by owner.”

The parts of the document that are suppose to name the company that owns Penders work is blank.

[Vampfox]

Sorry for the double post but there's more news.

Ever since I registered my copyrights for all my stories, characters and concepts that had played a part in one of the most popular comic series ever published in the modern age, I've been planning how to answer numerous reader requests regarding how I eventually intended to continue those stories, resolving many if not all of the plot points that were left dangling due to unforeseen circumstances.

While my current legal situation with three well-known companies is still an ongoing matter, I've decided now is the time to finally launch the continuing saga of the Brotherhood of the Guardians and Dark Legion in graphic novel format, starting with the first image of one of the story's major characters, whom I first introduced to the world in the REUNIFICATION storyline several years ago.



Check back here in the coming weeks for further images and details of the greatest adventure ever experienced by the First Family of Echidnaopolis. If you thought things were wild before, just wait.

[NeonZephyr]

Seriously, Penders? You can't even wait until the legal storm is over? I mean, if he's so confident, why wouldn't he save this announcement for his "victory speech"? (I still don't think he'll win, but I'm sure you get my point.) Doing this while still engrossed in this legal brouhaha comes across as quite tasteless and very unprofessional to me. Then again, that shouldn't surprise me, particularly the latter. I've already discussed how unprofessional he's been, particularly since leaving Archie, and I don't want that bad taste in my mouth today.

Seriously man, why can't you just move on and do something new? I get that you love these characters, but it's not like they vanished from the series. New and old readers alike can still enjoy them, in their proper universe, without having to change their fundamentals (primarily, their connection/appearance with Knux). This just sounds like a desperate grab for money now that Sonic's doing well again. This is just continuing to break my heart, as I was one of those old fans who loved some of his work on the comic (not all, but that's universal, really). Why doesn't he understand that it's the FANS that are suffering here?


Also, that drawing unnerves me, honestly. There's something really off about the pose, the expression seems stiff (actually, the whole thing does) and it just seems really... amateur. I normally don't pass judgement like that on art (I'm not much better, if I am at all), but considering he's done professional work and seems to plan to do this whole (likely illegal) comic thing on his own (or, at least the story and pencils, I'm sure), he really should be able to make his drawings feel more natural and dynamic then this. And, saying "it's just a teaser" is actually counter-productive to his defense. If anything, teaser art should be the absolute BEST you can manage. It should wow us and get us excited.


Honestly, I just don't understand you at all, anymore, Penders. Thank you for tarnishing and potentially destroying a major part of my childhood.

[LaserX5]

Even though that art design of Lara-su looks impressive, I have to agree with Neon here.

Wait until after the court battle is over before showing this.

[Ann Chovi]

Also, that drawing unnerves me, honestly. There's something really off about the pose, the expression seems stiff (actually, the whole thing does) and it just seems really... amateur.

Not to sound like an art snob, but Penders so called "art" has always seemed amateur-ish and terribly lackluster to me. I mean, compared to the other artists on the book- he's a total hack in that department, with no sense of balance, color theory, or composition, to say nothing of his poor sense of anatomy. I mean, I know they're fictional characters, but their forms are based on that of basic bi-peds, the way he draws any of the characters just looks so... wonkey- for lack of a better word. I always wondered how he could be allowed to work as an artist on this book- when Archie had so many better artists to choose from.

Honestly, he's better suited to character development and writing, like a lot of other people have said- I like a lot of his characters, and loved the writing in the Knuckles series. But after this farce, he'll be lucky to get any real work doing that either. I hope Archie buries him, this is rediculous.

[NeonZephyr]

Also, that drawing unnerves me, honestly. There's something really off about the pose, the expression seems stiff (actually, the whole thing does) and it just seems really... amateur.

Not to sound like an art snob, but Penders so called "art" has always seemed amateur-ish and terribly lackluster to me. I mean, compared to the other artists on the book- he's a total hack in that department, with no sense of balance, color theory, or composition, to say nothing of his poor sense of anatomy. I mean, I know they're fictional characters, but their forms are based on that of basic bi-peds, the way he draws any of the characters just looks so... wonkey- for lack of a better word. I always wondered how he could be allowed to work as an artist on this book- when Archie had so many better artists to choose from.

Honestly, he's better suited to character development and writing, like a lot of other people have said- I like a lot of his characters, and loved the writing in the Knuckles series. But after this farce, he'll be lucky to get any real work doing that either. I hope Archie buries him, this is rediculous.

Yeah, I always thought so, too. I was trying to be... nice, I guess. The only story he ever drew for that I didn't absolutely hate the pencils for was "Father's Day," and I mainly gave that a pass due to the sentiment involved (though that touched feeling has since dissolved on my end). The anatomy always bugged me. I'm not the greatest artist, to say the least, but I always strive to improve the basic anatomy in my Sonic-y drawings. Penders' lack of anatomy in a published work always stuck me as odd. And, remember it was published in the same issues as people like Spaz (who I think was more covers by that point), Mawhinney, and Butler and so forth, who all at least had anatomy and dynamics down (though they're some of my favorites, I know not every one likes their Sonic work, particularly Butler). It was a little jarring.

Then again, at least it wasn't as bad Many Hands. I'm still mad that he ruined #113 for me.

[Ann Chovi]

Also, that drawing unnerves me, honestly. There's something really off about the pose, the expression seems stiff (actually, the whole thing does) and it just seems really... amateur.

Not to sound like an art snob, but Penders so called "art" has always seemed amateur-ish and terribly lackluster to me. I mean, compared to the other artists on the book- he's a total hack in that department, with no sense of balance, color theory, or composition, to say nothing of his poor sense of anatomy. I mean, I know they're fictional characters, but their forms are based on that of basic bi-peds, the way he draws any of the characters just looks so... wonkey- for lack of a better word. I always wondered how he could be allowed to work as an artist on this book- when Archie had so many better artists to choose from.

Honestly, he's better suited to character development and writing, like a lot of other people have said- I like a lot of his characters, and loved the writing in the Knuckles series. But after this farce, he'll be lucky to get any real work doing that either. I hope Archie buries him, this is rediculous.

Yeah, I always thought so, too. I was trying to be... nice, I guess. The only story he ever drew for that I didn't absolutely hate the pencils for was "Father's Day," and I mainly gave that a pass due to the sentiment involved (though that touched feeling has since dissolved on my end). The anatomy always bugged me. I'm not the greatest artist, to say the least, but I always strive to improve the basic anatomy in my Sonic-y drawings. Penders' lack of anatomy in a published work always stuck me as odd. And, remember it was published in the same issues as people like Spaz (who I think was more covers by that point), Mawhinney, and Butler and so forth, who all at least had anatomy and dynamics down (though they're some of my favorites, I know not every one likes their Sonic work, particularly Butler). It was a little jarring.

Then again, at least it wasn't as bad Many Hands. I'm still mad that he ruined #113 for me.

I agree- as a professional, published artist, it just didn't seem like he tried hard enough, and it was terribly jarring seeing his work next to greats like Mawhinney, Spaz, Manak, Butler, etc. (Mawhinney's my fav regular artist for the stories personally. X3 I love his whimsical style.) Honestly, if he hadn't been making a living off of it, I wouldn't be anywhere near as critical of his work as I am. I guess it's just one of those: "I know so many people who could do better than that who can't even get into the comic industry- wth?" kind of reactions for me at least.

[bwrosas]

I think he overall wants to get the comic's countiny back in his direction, that's why he's doing this

[NeonZephyr]

But, that's really not his say anymore. He was... "let go," right? Well, fired, was what I heard. That means he has no control over the story anymore.

If he wanted to continue his storyline so badly, he could have done a free webcomic, and those that preferred his writing could have followed it instead of Archie. It would have made everyone happy (well, minus the whole pay thing, but I've already said how he's trying to be all "it's for the fans" to cover for his grab for money...somewhere...).

Writers get fired from comics all the time. If they left notes that the new writer (and the editor) likes, then I guess it can continue down the old path for a while, but continuities go in new directions all the time.

Heck, if he'd been professional from the start (even before he was...fired), then he might have even been able to collaborate with Ian and be more phased out as the writer and have at least parts of his future plot ideas integrated into today's direction. (I'm being a little idealistic here, and probably bending some legalities, but it makes some sense.)

Basically, if he's unhappy with the way it's going, he should do one of two things; do a free comic type thing online (think STC-O... I need to read Fleetway...), or grow up and get over it and be happy that new readers can still fall in love with his characters and move on to new, original stories already.


(Before I get the raging mob, if this had been just over getting royalties for the reprints of his old work, I might still be on his side. Even though I'd still likely think he's a jerk, I would be able to support that. But, this is...completely different. And, I'm not going further with that rant now, heh. )

[LaserX5]

But, that's really not his say anymore. He was... "let go," right?

Well, from what I heard, Archie technically didn't fire him.

He was going to be demoted to writing only the 2nd stories of the issues, but he didn't want that, so he quit.

[RedAuthar]

I think he overall wants to get the comic's countiny back in his direction, that's why he's doing this

That is basically it. He's mad that Archie didn't like his ideas so he's trying to force them to do them.

[NeonZephyr]

He was going to be demoted to writing only the 2nd stories of the issues, but he didn't want that, so he quit.

Well, not to sound like a jerk, but that just proves my point even further. If he'd stayed on, he could at least have an effect on Knux's plot and the like (since Knuckles would, generally, be 2nd to Sonic's main plot), which is honestly where his writing was better suited (usually, at least, until the last year or so). But if he left of his own will...

To gripe about not having control over the plot anymore seems REALLY childish. And doesn't even make sense. (I know he hasn't actually whined about that directly, as far as I've seen, but if we're tinkering with plot control as the 'underlying reason' for this whole mess....) If he'd been willing to play as part of a freaking TEAM, then he'd still be on board. So, him relinquishing ANY official control just makes this argument even weaker, I think.



WAIT. Weren't Penders and Archie supposed to have a meeting to potentially settle out of court on Thursday? Dec. 1st? Anyone know what happened? Inquiring mind(s) wish to know. (Seriously, that knowledge might explain this... brash choice of action.)

[LaserX5]

Well, not to sound like a jerk, but that just proves my point even further. If he'd stayed on, he could at least have an effect on Knux's plot and the like (since Knuckles would, generally, be 2nd to Sonic's main plot), which is honestly where his writing was better suited (usually, at least, until the last year or so). But if he left of his own will...

Bear in mind, this is what Puffin on FUS told me, and since he's usually right about stuff regarding Archie, I decided to take his word for it.

But yea, no doubt Penders is a control freak.

I bet with his huge ego, he wanted to be the main writer or nothing else.

Anyway, the irony of the statement Ken is better suited as the 2nd writer...

That's how I feel about Ian.

He's done a pretty decent job with SU, but not so much with the main comic.

That's just my opinion though.

[NeonZephyr]

Well, not to sound like a jerk, but that just proves my point even further. If he'd stayed on, he could at least have an effect on Knux's plot and the like (since Knuckles would, generally, be 2nd to Sonic's main plot), which is honestly where his writing was better suited (usually, at least, until the last year or so). But if he left of his own will...

Bear in mind, this is what Puffin on FUS told me, and since he's usually right about stuff regarding Archie, I decided to take his word for it.

But yea, no doubt Penders is a control freak.

I bet with his huge ego, he wanted to be the main writer or nothing else.

Anyway, the irony of the statement Ken is better suited as the 2nd writer...

That's how I feel about Ian.

He's done a pretty decent job with SU, but not so much with the main comic.

That's just my opinion though.

I can see why you think that. I personally think he has some good IDEAS for the main plot, but they don't always live up to their potential (even with taking the SEGA meddling into account). I think that he should write in collaboration, like with a real co-writer, so that the things he's weaker on get improved while still keeping his strengths. I do agree that SU is better in quality, but then, I think he has more free reign and isn't required to make SONIC himself appear in (at least nearly) every issue.

Mind you, I'm not saying he's my favorite writer, or anything. (I actually don't have one for the comic series. They all have strengths and weaknesses.) But, I'm probably getting off-topic here.


EDIT DEUCE: Never mind.

Edited by NeonZephyr, 03 December 2011 - 04:53 PM.

[furrykef]

I always wondered how he could be allowed to work as an artist on this book- when Archie had so many better artists to choose from.

Probably because he could meet deadlines. I think one of Archie Sonic's biggest weaknesses over the years is they never had enough lead time, so they just scrounged up whatever they could get for that particular month. This is where your Ron Lims and Many Handses come from. Archie probably hated them just as much as you do, but they hate putting out a book late (or not at all) even more. I blame the general public for not caring enough that Archie would still make more money putting out the occasional issue with horrible art than by actually fixing the problem (whether it be longer lead times or going bimonthly or what).

This is also one reason why I will never draw for Archie even if I become a good enough artist to.

and it was terribly jarring seeing his work next to greats like Mawhinney, Spaz, Manak, Butler, etc.

Manak? Seriously? I don't like Penders' art either (when NeonZephyr said "and it just seems really... amateur" I was sorely tempted to respond, "And that's different from his normal art how?"), but I'd still take Penders over Manak any day. If Penders weren't such a douche, that is.

[bwrosas]

Well, in some cases, when an old writer steps down or leaves the comic, and a new writer comes in, at times that new writer will continue on the storyline and ideas the previous writer had and was using before they left. Perhaps that was what Ken was hoping for from Ian and Archie Comics.

[RedAuthar]

Well considering Penders had written out plans for the next few issues, I think you hit the nail right on the head. However Ian went his own way.

Edited by RedAuthar, 05 December 2011 - 05:52 AM.

[Ann Chovi]

Manak? Seriously? I don't like Penders' art either (when NeonZephyr said "and it just seems really... amateur" I was sorely tempted to respond, "And that's different from his normal art how?"), but I'd still take Penders over Manak any day. If Penders weren't such a douche, that is.

*shrug* I like Manaks classic stuff- it suited the cartoony, slapstick mood of the really early comics. Nowadays no- his style really wouldn't work with the comic (Yardley's doing a great job with the pencils anyway imo), but his old stuff really makes the nostalgia kick in. Besides, at least he could get the characters eyes to focus on a single point so you could tell what they were looking at- as opposed to Penders HERP DERP expressions he gets half the time. 9_6 The only way you can tell what a character's looking at with him most of the time is by seeing which direction they're facing- because they have no steady line of sight. Even in the basics of character art they teach you that line of sight in terribly important as it helps lead the audiences eye around the composition the way you want them to see it. Characters with unfocused eyes (unless done on purpose, like, say the character's a zombie or something) tend to throw off not only the composition itself, but how your audience will percieve the actions in the story, often hurting or completely destroying the mood trying to be set.

I can see what you mean by him being able to keep a deadline though. Comic book work is a very deadline specific field, much like animation, or most other careers in the artistic field. The company has to deliver the product when it promises it- otherwise they lose credit and their potential customers get frustrated. So yeah, it does make sense that they sometimes choose efficiency over skill, however I think they (entertainment companies in general, Archie's not the only one *coughcough*DISNEY*coughhack*) shouldn't have to sacrifice quality over quantity. But that's just my two cents.

[edited for grammatical errors]

Edited by Ann Chovi, 05 December 2011 - 08:24 AM.