Author: Ken Penders

The waiting is definitely the hardest part now that the book is completed and I’ve just finished my initial review of the proof pages. Only a couple of minor of corrections need to be made and reviewed for approval, and then the presses begin to roll. We’re on track for the books to ship sometime around early June with arrival on my end by June 30, give or take a day or so and baring any bridge collapsing.

Based on what I’ve seen so far, I’m confident this will be the most definitive version of the M25YL chapters featuring the best printing, with colors more vibrant than was possible in the original comics or even the SONIC SUPER SPECIAL magazine issue that featured all but 2 of the chapters. The new material looks even more amazing with the story moving like gangbusters.

At this time, I’m taking the next few days off to gear up for what’s next, which includes work on the app, illustrating the Lara-Su print that will accompany the pre-orders, laying out the next section of SHATTERED TOMORROWS and beginning to assemble KEN PENDERS’ THE KNUCKLES FILES OMNIBUS VOL. 1.

Right now, I’m still taking pre-orders for THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: BEGINNINGS up until the finished books arrive. Along with the people who already pre-ordered BEGINNINGS, anyone who pre-orders will be included in the SPECIAL THANKS pages of the print edition of THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: SHATTERED TOMORROWS, which is at least a year off in the future. All updates concerning this project will be posted here.

I’ll begin taking pre-orders for KEN PENDERS’ THE KNUCKLES FILES OMNIBUS VOL. 1 sometime in the fall, collecting every story featuring Knuckles I worked on up to KNUCKLES THE ECHIDNA issue 16. Everyone who pre-orders BEGINNINGS will also be included in the SPECIAL THANKS pages as well, acknowledging I couldn’t have gotten this far without the support of everyone who aided the cause. I’ll have more details once I actually start assembling the book.

Regarding the app, that may or may not be ready by time the San Diego Comic-Con occurs, as I took a number of short cuts getting the book done at the expense of the app, but not from a lack of effort working to get it done. Anyone interested in helping me out with German, Chinese, Arabic, Japanese and any other languages, please contact me for details. At this time, I have a team assisting me with Spanish, French, Swedish, Polish, Portuguese and Russian. (We may not be doing business with the country, but that doesn’t mean I’m not hearing from Russians elsewhere.)

As for the people inquiring about commissioned art, I’ll have more to say on that soon. Right now, I’m planning out my schedule for the next several weeks.

I’ll also be updating the website including adding more items on the store pages due to popular demand, for which I’m appreciative. The lanyards and the patches are proving to be well received, so much so I’m on the verge of having to re-order more of both. With the T-Shirts, I’m still debating whether to sell out and come out with a new design or re-order more.

Now that the book is done, I won’t go as long without posting an update more frequently. However, if you have a question or two, just send them my way and I’ll do my best to enter. Thanks, everyone, and take care.

This is just a quick reminder. I’m now down to less than 24 hours to wrap work on THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: BEGINNINGS before turning the digital files over to the printer, which means this is absolutely everyone’s last chance to pre-order if they want to be listed on the SPECIAL THANKS pages.

And no, I’m not going to reveal the context of the above illustration. You’ll have to read the book to find out.

There’s a part of me that would rather post a pic from a page I’m working on, but I’m restraining myself from spoiling any surprises. Originally, there were only going to be 14 pages from the opening chapter of THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: SHATTERED TOMORROWS, but because of how the book layout has been shaking out, that 14 pages is now 17 plus the 2-page Coming Attractions. That expansion resulted in me shifting around a few pages as originally page 17 would’ve ended in the middle of a flashback instead of the cliffhanger it now depicts.

As I’m working to finish the pages, I’ve been receiving emails asking if people order now will they still get listed on the SPECIAL THANKS page.

The honest answer is right now anyone who orders before March 20 WILL be listed on the SPECIAL THANKS page. After that, the book is on its way to the printer. This is the last week in order to be listed in the book, but not the last week to order, as I still need reader support since I haven’t lined up a distributor at this time. In fact, ordering the book through my website is the ONLY way prior to the San Diego Comic-Con that readers can obtain a copy of the book.

Other points to keep in mind are at least the next 23 orders can still acquire the Limited Edition signed Lara-Su print created especially for the book release. Anyone who orders past March 20 will still find their name listed in the SPECIAL THANKS section of THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES APP along with everyone else who pre-ordered. Lastly, anyone who pre-orders a copy of THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: BEGINNINGS prior to the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con will also receive a randomly selected back issue of either SONIC or KNUCKLES that I worked on personally signed by me.

I fully believe once people see the finished book they’re going to want this in their collection.

In the meantime, I’ve added another item to my website store in time for convention season. Readers can show their true colors attaching their convention badge to my LARA-SU CHRONICLES Lanyard. 2024 is the year where my focus is more LARA-SU CHRONICLES and less SONIC THE HEDGEHOG at my convention appearances. Check it out and I hope to see you at this year’s Comic-Con. Thanks and take care.

Above is the Stratocruiser-class hyperjet Guardian 7 piloted by Thunderhawk in a dramatic sequence occurring during SHATTERED TOMORROWS. Speaking of which, I have an update from the printer regarding when the copies I ordered are estimated to arrive here on my end.

Everything is based on my wrapping work on the last 8 pages by no later than March 20, 2024, so I’m basically living at my workstation for the duration as everything else is completed and locked in.

With that established, the printer has supplied me with a schedule of all phases of the operation, including approvals of proofs and so on. The copies are slated to arrive sometime mid- to late June on my end, allowing me a week or so to ship all the pre-ordered copies out all signed and accompanied with the promised Lara-Su prints.

Once the pre-ordered copies are shipped and everyone who ordered notified by email, I’ll begin getting ready to head out to San Diego for Comic-Con.

As a result of how smoothly everything is going with the printers, I can guarantee the next 10 people to pre-order a copy of THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: BEGINNINGS by March 19 will be listed on the SPECIAL THANKS pages.

For those who want to order after the cut-off, I had to figure out a bonus as a thank you I could also ship to those who pre-ordered already. And that bonus is a randomly selected back issue of either SONIC or KNUCKLES that I worked on personally signed by me.

So for those who already pre-ordered BEGINNINGS, there’s a comic book already set aside for those people to accompany their order. For those who ordered and didn’t get on the SPECIAL THANKS list in the book, they’ll still get on the list in the app and this is my make-good for not getting in the book.

Any questions? Simply email me and I’ll do my best to respond ASAP. Thanks for your support in the meantime. It’s appreciated.

Although a bit later than I said, as promised, here is the update of the progress on THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: BEGINNINGS.

I had been putting in long hours getting this done, so when my son Steve and grandson Julian flew in from the east coast to visit for a few days, I did take the time to relax and recharge my batteries, spending some quality time with my family while they were in town. It may have rained a couple of the days they were here, but we didn’t let that get in the way of our fun. Initially Bernie and I had planned to take Steve & Julian to Knotts’ Berry Farm amusement park this past Tuesday, but decided to postpone that for later in the week while hoping for better weather. So we spent time checking out the sights around town instead. The weather cleared by the next morning, so we were off to Universal Studios for the day. By week’s end, we were seeing them off on their flight back east, and I was back at my workstation, going through the digital files in preparation for submission to the printer.

At the present time, I’m now at 162 pre-orders sold, meaning there’s 38 pre-orders that can take advantage of the current offer, including seeing one’s name on the SPECIAL THANKS pages. I’m still working on the digital hours and anticipate another 6 hours of work – give or take – before I wrap work on the files I’m submitting to the printer for prepping, and that includes the SPECIAL THANKS pages, which will be the last to be completed.

I’m currently rewriting and editing all the remaining text pages before I get to the SPECIAL THANKS, as I’m still fielding requests from people how they wish to be listed. (Believe me, I’ve gone over the list many times making certain I have everyone listed and, most especially, how they are listed. My biggest nightmare is that no matter how many times I check and recheck, I get someone’s name wrong or accidentally omitted.

So for those wanting to pre-order but still on the fence on whether you will be included or receive the limited edition Lara-Su print, you have the next six hours. The first 38 to do so will be listed and receive the print with their book.

As for me, I’m beyond thrilled at the progress being made and with the story’s development. This will be beyond a doubt the finest presentation the characters and their adventures have ever been presented in and you guys made that possible. I simply can’t express my gratitude enough. I’ll have more to say on the story and art later. Thanks and take care.

On Tuesday, February 20, the InDesign Master File of the complete book – except for the final SHATTERED TOMORROWS pages I’m still working on – was turned in. Early this morning, I received an email stating some minor corrections needed to be made, so I have until Monday, February 26, to make the corrections, including any further additions to the SPECIAL THANKS pages.

That means anyone still wanting to be included on the SPECIAL THANKS pages can still pre-order THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: BEGINNINGS until noon, Monday, February 26, 2024. After that, the corrected files will be submitted to the printer with no further changes allowable. At this time, I’m exactly 43 orders short of 200 for those who are interested in the Limited LARA-SU signed print in addition to being listed on the SPECIAL THANKS pages.

Once Noon Monday hits, I’ll announce if I reached 200 orders, and if not, how many people have a shot at the Limited Edition Print. Beyond that, I recommend anyone still wanting a copy of THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: BEGINNINGS place their order at their earliest convenience, as there will only be the initial print run. At this time, there’s no way to acquire a copy of this through one’s local comic store or any other avenue one buys their books from.

I will announce once the books have been printed and shipped, including personal emails to those who have already ordered. When the books arrive on my end, there will be a further announcement as the books start shipping to those who ordered.

While this is going on, I will be continuing work on the app for its initial release, looking to have it ready in time for the San Diego Comic-Con. As for what else there is to look forward to, subsequent chapters of SHATTERED TOMORROWS will initially be digitally released thru the app with the full, completed story eventually collected in the same hardcover format as THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: BEGINNINGS.

At some point, I hope to have a Droid version of the app released. Also, I’ve begun prepping for THE KNUCKLES OMNIBUS as a release for Summer 2025, as I do have a couple of people helping with production, as well as the app programming and language translations being worked on for the initial app release. I hope to begin recruiting a colorist by the time Comic-Con rolls around.

As usual, if anyone has questions or comments, feel free to send them my way. None of this would be possible without the support I’ve received for which I’m very grateful. In the meantime, have a great weekend and take care. I’ll be back Monday.

Whatever orders come in by 11:59pm PST, February 20, 2024, will be the last to have their names included on the SPECIAL THANKS page. With the exception of a few SHATTERED TOMORROWS pages, I have everything else featured in the book just about locked. We’re down to making the final adjustments on some page bleeds and other technical details that at this point, any copies ordered after tomorrow will be listed solely on the SPECIAL THANKS page of the app.

At this time, the only way to obtain a copy of THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: BEGINNINGS is by ordering solely through my website. I haven’t listed it on Amazon or solicited through Diamond and don’t plan on it until after I check out my options during the San Diego Comic-Con. I’m contemplating just attending comic conventions or store appearances on the West Coast for the time being. I’ll keep everyone posted once I figure out what’s next after sending the book to the printer. Thanks for all your support in the meantime.

I’ve been working all weekend, even during the Super Bowl, and there are now only two items left to take care of. The first are the last 6 pages of the SHATTERED TOMORROWS chapter, which are in various stages of completion, and the last is locking in the SPECIAL THANKS pages.

Above is a screenshot of the InDesign file showcasing the cover and opening pages of THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: BEGINNINGS book. Except for the pages I’ve just mentioned, everything else is in place and locked. The file will be turned over to the printer on Monday, February 19, 2024. Whether or not I reach 200 names is besides the point. The SPECIAL THANKS pages will be locked and inserted on that date. Anyone pre-ordering after that date will be listed in the app but not in the book. Once Monday February 19 hits, that’s it.

So if anyone still wants to see their name listed on the SPECIAL THANKS pages of THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: BEGINNINGS, there are now less than seven days remaining to do so.

Speaking of the app, additional character Data Files will be included along with new story material once the book is sent off to the printers. I look at the app and any print material released as complementary of each other, as I want people to feel they’re getting their money’s worth with each.

So that’s my update for today. It’s back to work as I finally see light at the end of a long and winding road. (Sorry. Just can’t resist those Beatles references.) Take care.

I’m getting ready to submit a file to the printer so they can begin prepping the first 134 pages for the presses. When I do, only eight SHATTERED TOMORROWS pages remain to be finished, the Julie-Su Data File and one page of content after the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. Oh, yes, at that point I will be updating the SPECIAL THANKS page one last time. 164 pages of total content will be submitted to the printer.

Because everyone who’s ordering a copy right is hoping and asking if they’re among the 200, I can state by tomorrow morning chances are we cross the 150 mark. If I do sell the full 200 before the book goes to the presses, great. If I don’t, I will still be excited and thankful because of everyone who ordered. THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES will be a reality, going out to 34 different states across the USA (I’m still holding out for at least one order from every state, including Alaska, Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam and Puerto Rico) as well as 6 countries outside the US.

Considering this has yet to be distributed by Diamond or any other distributor or listed on Amazon, and the print runs of most editions of Marvel Masterworks runs about 650 copies or thereabouts (the latest Daredevil Marvel Masterwork hardcover edition lists a print run of 656 copies), I’m quite confident once people see the finished book that demand will increase. I wanted this to be as special as I could make it, and I’ve been told I’ve exceeded expectations. I look forward to the reaction upon its release. Thanks, everyone!

I’ve been asked how come Steven Butler’s and Jim Amash’s name are not on the front cover of THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: BEGINNINGS, as they significantly contributed to the MOBIUS: 25 YEARS LATER chapters that make up a large part of the book. The most I can say is this was done at their request, which I am honoring. Their contributions are acknowledged prominently on the interior credits of the book. As for any other arrangements I may or may not have with them, that’s a topic that will remain private. In fact, I have entered into business arrangements with several creators who have worked on the SONIC and KNUCKLES series, and those too will remain private.

There is no one more appreciative of his fellow colleagues than I, especially when we’re talking about those who were in the trenches with me during the time I submitted work to Archie Comics as well as those who assisted me however they could during my fight with Archie Comics. It’s because those events continue to have a ripple effect to this very day that explains my reticence concerning discussing certain topics.

While there are those who publicly supported me during those days (and they know who they are), there were others equally supportive but for various reasons kept it confidential, which given their circumstances are completely understandable. I won’t go into detail but the reasons are many, ranging from the very personal to the deeply professional.

The point is I was witness to and recipient of acts of kindness and support, but it’s going to be a long time before I can acknowledge certain individuals who came through for me, if ever. Chances are there are matters held in confidence that will likely go to the grave with me.

I have been quite clear over the years about the ownership of my work and my ability to move forward building on that work. THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: BEGINNINGS is part of that. I have the right to repackage my previous work for future audiences. As for other creators who contributed, they have a right to benefit as well. And they have a right to their privacy, which I will continue to respect.