THE REPUBLIC Is Coming To Comic-Con
Check out the sneak preview of my latest project, THE REPUBLIC, at the Floating Island Productions booth (#3915 on the floor map) during the upcoming Comic-Con in San Diego, July 21 through the 25th. The film stars Marc Singer and Sean Young, with original music by Andrew Spence, costumes by Mike Philpot, cinematography by Christian LePlus and directed by yours truly. Look for THE REPUBLIC to premiere online later this fall. Check out therepublictv.com for further details. And take a look at the THE REPUBLIC FEATURETTE below!
KEN PENDERS PRESENTS...
As of April 21, 2010, the U.S. Copyright Office finally began certifying my copyright claims (which I initially filed beginning back in January 2009) on every single story I ever wrote, penciled or both for Archie Comics. As a result, I am now officially recognized by the U.S. Government as the owner of every single SONIC and KNUCKLES story I ever created (well, almost every one right now, but it will be “all” shortly, as soon as the Copyright Office finishes with the last few claims. But I digress…).
What does this mean?
That means anyone seeking to use my characters, concepts and stories that were published in the pages of SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, various SONIC 48-page specials, various issues of SONIC SUPER SPECIALS, the PRINCESS SALLY mini-series, the SONIC'S FRIENDLY NEMESIS KNUCKLES mini-series, KNUCKLES THE DARK LEGION and the KNUCKLES THE ECHIDNA series, must first contact me for permission and to make arrangements for the use of this material.
For example, if someone were to display a panel or page from a story I wrote and illustrated on their website, or planned to make a poster from a cover I drew, they must contact me for permission first before doing so. They will be asked to place the proper copyright notice – for example, “© 2010 by Ken Penders” - alongside the graphic image.
As for how it affects the SONIC THE HEDGEHOG titles published by Archie Comics, while it does not prevent them from publishing the SONIC series, they are not allowed to use any of my characters, concepts or stories without further discussion with my representatives. For now, they cannot reprint any of my stories in any media whatsoever, nor can they use any of my characters. Julie-Su, Geoffrey St. John, Hershey, Rob O' the Hedge, Lien-Da, the Dark Legion along with the rest of the characters and concepts I created - including the alternative universes and future timeline - cannot appear in the series.
Every story since issue #160 that features my characters and concepts is essentially unauthorized, as I did not grant Archie Comics the right to use my creations for their benefit without compensation to me.
I am currently at work creating a new story featuring my characters, the first of which is a tale of Lara-Su learning about her family, in particular the early days of her grandparents Locke and Lara-Le leading up to the time of the birth of their child. Whether or not this new story or others will feature SONIC and KNUCKLES is a decision only SEGA can make. However, there are plenty of stories to be told with the cast I already have created, and there is a sizable audience for those stories.
I initially took the action of reclaiming my work when I was contacted by many SONIC fans asking me if I had contributed in any way to the development of the video game SONIC CHRONICLES: THE DARK BROTHERHOOD. I was then startled to learn how many characters and concepts from the KNUCKLES series I created were adapted within the framework of the game's storyline. It was clearly obvious why suddenly so many fans sat up and took notice.
While I initially contributed to the SONIC mythos within the pages of the various SONIC-related comic series, I did not sign any agreement allowing my work to be used in another media. During this time, I consulted with Michael Lovitz, an Intellectual Property attorney based in Beverly Hills, who advised me of my rights and how to proceed to protect those rights.
At this time, anyone distributing and selling copies of SONIC ARCHIVES Nos. 3 through 13, SONIC SELECT Nos. 1 and 2, as well as any of the latest issues of SONIC THE HEDGEHOG and SONIC UNIVERSE that feature my characters in any way, shape or form will be asked to cease and desist or else risk facing the consequences. This includes any version of said material, which also includes my original works, which sees release in any format beyond the original published comic books, including but not limited to digital downloads. (Yes, the iTunes and iPhones stores distributing my stories are currently infringing my copyrights, and are in the process of being made aware of this infringement.)
Discussion of this news is welcome on the bulletin board elsewhere on this website, where I will respond to legitimate questions based on my schedule. Thank you.
Rita Penders May 20, 1937 - February 11, 2010
Today, May 20th, would have been my mother’s 73rd birthday. She should have lived to see this day, and quite probably a few more to come. But it wasn’t meant to be. The how or why are unimportant at this moment. All I know is that she is gone, and far too soon than any of us were prepared for.
My mother Rita was a simple woman. Yet she was so much more than any of the usual labels applied to her - daughter, sister, wife, aunt, niece, mother, grandmother, greatmother, cousin, friend. Even the fact she was my mother does not begin to convey how very special she truly was.
Actually, she was our mother, for she bore three sons, all of whom were her favorite at any given moment and all of whom she loved equally and unconditionally. When we strayed, she forgave and stood by our side. When we achieved, no one was prouder or happier.
She wore her heart on her sleeve and expressed her feelings at the slightest provocation, yet never revealing more than what she wanted. She had accomplished much as a young girl growing up, a graduate of Villa Maria Academy, recognized for her skills in math and - much to my astonishment - music. The world seemed to hold so much promise for her. How much would she have been able to accomplish had she been born fifty years later? Instead, she had to navigate an era when everyone was telling her the only careers suitable for women were nursing and teaching, or be a fulltime housewife and mother.
Our mother was the square peg who couldn’t fit the round hole, yet made the effort every day of her life, trying to find the balance that working moms everywhere have struggled with ever since then.
Our mother was also a woman of great faith, who believed in the teachings of the Catholic Church. But only up to a point. While some would accuse her of being selective in her faith, I would submit she adhered to the teachings far better than many whose mission was to lead the flock. Our mother was not one to quote scripture or invoke Jesus at the drop of a hat. Rather, she lived by the example her Lord God set, giving what she could to those in need and never coveting more than she had.
My remembrances are of a woman who made certain we wore clean clothes every day, ate three square meals and did well in school. If we wanted something, we had to earn it. When we did, she was generous to a fault. She was my biggest critic, but she was also my strongest defender and supporter. I’m quite certain my brothers would agree the same applied to them as well.
Our mother derived her greatest joy from her family and friends. Each and every one mattered to her, and though my brothers and I know we each held a special place above them all, there was one person to whom her heart truly belonged. And that was our father.
Ever since our father’s passing nearly three decades ago, she was never the same person. The hope she had of sharing anniversaries, children’s weddings, grandchildren and more had been extinguished just three month shy of the twenty-fifth anniversary they were to celebrate.
Ever since our mother’s passing, I have felt a loss I have never experienced, but I am comforted in the knowledge that our mother is now in a better place, alongside her beloved Kenneth. She has finally achieved the peace and joy that had so long eluded her and which she was so deserving of.
My brothers and I, along with our familes, and the families of her sisters and brother, as well as the close friends which provided her with happiness and love and gave her life meaning, miss her so very much.
But as I have acknowledged, she has gone home. When our time comes, she will be there waiting for our return, just as she did in this world.
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