I’ve been getting a lot of questions about whether I feel scammed by the $Knuckles coin or the person behind it. Honestly? Not really. It’s hard to feel “scammed” when everyone was told upfront that the money was going to support a creator whose work they enjoy—and that money is coming to me, just like they said it would. Am I getting all of it? No, but I’m getting more than I ever expected for basically doing what I’d be doing anyway: chatting with folks who have questions or comments. It’s still a better deal than I ever got at Archie, where I didn’t receive any royalties at all.
If people are upset that I’m not getting every dollar, there’s an easy fix: go to my website’s homepage, scroll down, hit the PAYPAL DONATE button, and send whatever you would’ve spent on the coin. Or even better, check out the MERCH page and buy something—a print or one of my books—so you actually get something real from me in the mail.
I just don’t have the time to run a full-time online presence and finish my upcoming books and other projects at the same time. But I am doing my best to respond to everyone. If I don’t reply right away, I promise I’ll get there eventually.
As I’ve said before, I’m really grateful for all the support so far, and I hope I’ll keep earning it as we go forward. Thanks so much, and take care.
I just turned in the cover file for THE SHADOW FILES, allowing my printer to begin production on the dummy copies so I know how the covers will turn out as the final product. This is the beginning of a process I have used ever since my first book release, THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: BEGINNINGS, and stayed with since.
While this is going on, I’m compiling the pages into an InDesign file, making changes, corrections and additions along the way. I’m also creating new art and writing text as well as constantly looking for the smallest item that requires attention. When the book is finally ready to go to press, the files are uploaded and the proof copy is sent to me for review and approval.
Since the printer is located in Singapore, the people I deal with are just starting their day while I’m looking to go to sleep, so during the proofreading and approval process, sleep is very much a casualty on my end.
The completed book is scheduled to be turned in to the printer anytime between February 28 and March 10 of this year.
At this time, there are currently just 16 copies of THE SHADOW FILES Variant Edition available for sale, making this the fastest selling pre-order I’ve made available. Once they’re sold, that’s it.
Regarding our most recent release, SCOTT SHAW!’S SONIC DAYS, there are only 2 copies of the Variant Edition (above left) available for sale. But before pulling the trigger on buying a copy, anyone wanting to make their copy of either edition even more special beyond having Scott sign and personalize it, Scott will now do headshots of one character for $50 extra. As Scott has been getting a lot of requests for this, he’s decided to accommodate.
One other point I want to make clear: generally I ship out everyone’s order that’s not a pre-order within 24 hours, most of the time generally less. It all depends when the order is placed.
Since Scott lives across the San Fernando Valley from me, I now generally make the trip to his house once a week to get SONIC DAYS signed. So orders not requiring a signature generally go out within 24 hours, but orders requiring Scott to sign – and now add a sketch, it could be a week from the placement on the order before the book is finally off in the mail to its intended destination.
Once THE SHADOW FILES is finally on the presses and making its way back here to Los Angeles, my priority will be finally on getting THE LARA_SU APP along with the graphic novel THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: SHATTERED TOMORROWS finished and ready for release.
I won’t even think about the project after that until SHATTERED TOMORROWS goes to press. It’s a toss-up on whether KEN PENDERS’ KNUCKLES OMNIBUS VOLUME TWO or HER MAJESTY SALLY will be the next release of the Mobian Adventure Series. All I can say is Ethan is dedicating himself to seeing HMS as the follow-up release with most if not all stories fully recolored and remastered.
Before I forget, just like every one of my previous books, anyone and everyone who makes a pre-order purchase of THE SHADOW FILES will find their names listed on the SPECIAL THANKS pages inside. You guys are the real heroes that make all of this possible, of which I’m very much appreciative. I’ll keep making these books as long as people want more. Thanks for being there. Take care.
