I didn’t mention this in my previous Comic-Con report as I felt this warranted a post all by itself.
I’ve been getting asked when is THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES going to have a print release so many times that I would come to dread that question, primarily as my attitude has always been I’ll release it when I’m good and ready and not before.
However, I think the hand of destiny decided to step in and push matters forward, for how else do you explain me getting approached by a couple of printing representatives at my table in Artists Alley during Comic-Con?
Figuring it wouldn’t hurt to lay out what I was looking for, I provided the reps with my specs to see how doable the project actually was at a reasonable price point.
Well, I received my answer last night and discussed it with Bernie this morning over breakfast. We worked out a schedule, pricing and so on.
So here’s the deal:
THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: BEGINNINGS is going to be sent to the printer either late December 2023 / early January 2024. Production and delivery will span approximately 3 months. It will be available for Comic-Con 2024. The only way to score a copy sooner is by pre-ordering it. The first 200 people to order a copy will receive a full-color 5 x 7 print of Lara-Su signed by me as well as my signature on the title page of the book. If anyone wants their copy personalized “To (whatever name is requested) -“, that will be $5.00 extra.
The book will be a hardcover format, approximately 160 full color pages on glossy stock, squarebound. The contents will consist of the MOBIUS: 25 YEARS LATER stories originally published in Archie’s SONIC THE HEDGEHOG series issues 131 thru 144, with one exception. The last page of the story THE DIE IS CAST that appeared in SONIC issue 144 has been replaced with all-new material that continues into the all-new story THE STORM, which features Geoffrey St John and Constable Remington. This story in turn leads into the all-new opening chapter of THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: SHATTERED TOMORROWS. In addition, there will be character Data Files of some of the major players in the stories.
The price will be $35.99. Shipping & handling will be $10.00 and will arrive via Priority Mail in the USPS. Anyone ordering from outside the USA should contact me directly via email so I can respond with an appropriate shipping quote.
I will be putting together a pre-order page on my website within the next few days. The initial print run will be 2000 copies. Any more than that will require a second print run, so if you’re the type of collector who demands a first printing, sooner rather than later should be the priority when ordering.
And yes, the digital version will be made available when the print copies are.
Very exciting news! Looking forward to the book’s release.
Ready for preorder Ken!
Preorders should commence within the next few days. Stay tuned. And believe me, I need and appreciate the support.
Ready for preorder Ken!
How about add ons for pre orders like sketch card drawing requests?
I really don’t have time to consider that aspect, Darryl. I need to get the book completed before the end of the year and there’s still a lot remaining to do as I’m working on the app the same time as I am the book. As a compromise, I’m offering a signed & numbered 5×7 print of Lara-Su on glossy stock with my autograph. I’ve seen way too many friends taken down going the Kickstarter route with the add-ons.