From: "Rich Johnston" <[K E Jones] at [newcastle.ac.uk]>
Date:          Mon, 29 May 1995 10:03:35 GMT0BST
Subject:       Networks 7

Richard Johnston is a columnist of Comics International. He writes
the column "Networks", with help from Phil Hall and a number of other
friends. Networks explores comicbook net activity each month.

Richard's Networks contribution for the next issue follows. Those
who can get CI, see how it varies from the printed edition!


* Vertigo-X

After recently posting her resignation, Marie Javins
([m--v--s] at [aol.com]) has been slipping out some news. In response to a
post asking about upcoming X-projects she posted  "Pete Milligan and
Duncan Fegredo. Late this year. In the "unusual for an X-title" vein
of Cyclops & Phoenix."
    On a similar vein, over on the Comics Insider WWW page
(http://www.actwin.com:80/csn), it was announced that "John Bolton
and Doug Alexander handle the creative honors on Askani's Son and The

Askani Tome, a painted X-Men graphic novel and limited series slated
to debut in August"

* Underwater Turtles

The Comics Insider WWW page also announced that "water damage to
computers in the Mirage Press offices has resulted in the
postponement of fourteen titles: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles issues
9-13, Construct issues 1-5, and Casey Jones & Raphael issues 2-5;
these books, slated for spring and early summer release, will be
resolicited beginning in the late summer or early fall"

*Stepping over bodies

One of the longer threads on Usenet was in response to Marvel's new
policies, causing a lot of distress to fans and retailers alike.
Peter David ([peter a david] at [cup.portal.com]), Marvel writer had made a
number of posts defending his position on not resigning in protest.
However, past words came back to haunt him. User Heath Fitts asked
why David had stated that he wouldn't work  for Valiant, because of
they way they had treated Jim Shooter.
    David replied on 8th May "Okay.  Fair enough. It's because I
personally don't consider the two situations analogous.
    On the one hand, there's Valiant--a comic book company built up
from nothing through the drive and vision of Jim Shooter, who was
then ousted. On a purely creative basis, I don't like to step onto
projects when it means stepping over the bodies of people I consider
friends. It's for that same reason, for example, that I turned down
offers to work on X-MEN after Chris Claremont was--in my
opinion--treated rather shabbily (it was offered to me before it was
offered to John Byrne). So since I was not already involved with
Valiant, I'd feel that coming on now would be stepping over Shooter's
body, which I am loathe to do.
    On the other hand, there's Marvel--a comic book company I've been
associated with for a dozen years.  A company where I have solid and
positive working relationships with people such as Bobbie Chase and
Joey Cavalieri. I was there long before Ron Perelman got his hands
on it. I feel like I've got a degree of prior claim.  I like working
with these people. I like working with the characters. I like
producing stories that the fans enjoy. And I am loathe to give in to
the pressure of disassociating myself from people I like, characters
I like, and fans I like, solely because Perelman (the fifth richest
man in America who probably doesn't know me from a hole in the wall
and wouldn't give a damn whether I stayed or went) is making business
decisions that I personally don't agree with.
    Now...if Bobbie Chase were fired, I'd quit the Hulk in a
heartbeat in protest.  *That*, to my mind, is analogous to the
situation with Shooter."

*Dan Plans

Posting about upcoming plans, writer Dan Chichester ([d g chi] at [aol.com])
talked about an upcoming Daredevil project, Original Sin. He wrote on
the 2nd May "The artist on Original Sin is going to be Paul Ryan, who
I think it an extremely talented artist who really hasn't had a
chance to shine with the work he's been on to date."
    Keith Baird ([k--ai--d] at [mail.utexas.edu]) replied "Rather narrows the
blame-placing for the Fantastic Four, doesn't it?"
    Chichester responded on the 3rd "Hey, I'm pretty consistently
blatant in my slams! In this particular instance, I was more
interested in seeing Paul Ryan be able to stretch more as an artist
by presenting different creative situations than he's worked with in
the past. My approach to Original Sin should be significantly
different than say the way Tom DeFalco comes into an FF tale.
    Paul and I had a chance to talk some at last summer's Dallas
show; I'd always enjoyed his art, and after meeting in person was
eager to find something we could collaborate on and play up new
angles for him.
    Coakley ([r--ak--y] at [daniel.drew.edu]) asked on the 4th May "Hey!
When the heck is the Bullseye/Elektra rematch going to happen! It's a
rematch I've been waiting for ever since "Fall From Grace!"
    Chichester replied "That's the bailiwick of those fine creative
spirits out on the MarveLedge; I have every confidence they'll handle
it with the same style that graces all the product they're allowed
to influence."
    He's not bitter at all, is he, ladies and gentlemen?

*Marvel's droppings.

WSudderth ([wsudder t h] at [aol.com]) posted on 4 May a summary of one of
DC's advertised AOL forums, where creators and industry figures are
dragged to a computer, and forced to talk to fans. He wrote "Tonight
in the DC forum on AOL Tammy Brown announced that she and the rest of
Marvel's Publishing Publicity & Promotions department had been let
go. Tammy found out May 3 and cleaned out her desk   No other
departments were involved.  Four employees, including Tammy and
department director Gary Guzzo, were affected.
    Please drop Tammy a note and cheer her up (this post meets with her
approval, BTW) at [T C BDooley] at [aol.com.]  She could use the support;
please wish her luck!"

*Secret Identity.

Anonymous remailers have had a notorious past on the net recently.
If you want no one to trace your emails or posts and don't have the
software to cover your tracks, a quick email to a remailer will send
your message on, with no connection to your computer, unless of
course you do something silly like sign it with your real name.
Recent legal troubles with the Church of Scientology have led to
anonymous remailers being asked to surrender confidential
information. Many consider anonymous remailers to hide criminals but
others see them as a forum for free speech. Abuses of the service
have led various users to condemn them.

*Batman Script.

On the 1st May on rec.arts.comics.misc, an individual named Sedroul
posted the script to Batman Forever through an anonymous remailer. No
details were given explaining how the script was obtained, but now
thousands have read this previously confidential document. Netgod
Elmo ([m--rr--w] at [physics.rice.edu]) reported the misdemeanor to the
remailer in question Sedroul then replied "The script that was posted
to USENET contained NO copyright notice.... What you read is what I
have on paper. And nothing, anywhere in the document says *anything*
about a copyright or unauthorized distribution." On the 3rd, amid
many similar posts, Yeechang Lee ([ycl 6] at [columbia.edu]) replied "Look,
ye who is clueless (and anonymously gutless), copyrights exist on a
work _whether a copyright statement exists on the work or not_.  You
create it, you have the copyright on it."
    Net consensus stated that not only was the post illegal, but
because it was posted through an anonymous remailer, the poster knew
it was illegal.
    Peter David, from his Compuserve account
([72550 2517] at [CompuServe.COM]) posted on the 3rd of May "For what it's
worth, when I wrote the novelization of BATMAN FOREVER (and hey,
maybe no one will be deterred from seeing the film, but they might not
bother to buy the book now, thank you very much) the script had
identification numbers all over it to thwart any notion I might
have had (not that I had any) of trying to sell copies. I signed
several documents swearing I'd tell no one the contents. When new
script pages came in I had to send the old ones back. Warners took
every imaginable step to try and protect their copyright on this
thing. It's not just about copyright when stuff like this happens.
It's about lack of respect.
    Others weren't so sure. Alex Christensen
([a--hr--t] at [liberty.uc.wlu.edu]) posted on 3rd May "It's not like
somebody's gonna go out and make another movie and beat Batman
Forever into the theaters. Be realistic. It's just silly to report
this fellow."
    And others questioned the morality of  DC and Warner owning
Batman, when Bob Kane created the character. Some were happy to
ignore any moral. legal and ethical quibbles and just enjoy an
advance look at this year's biggest comics movie.

*Tekno no-no.

Another use of the anonymous remailer came this month from an
employee of Tekno Comix on the 16th. Tekno have gained some fame for
recruiting big name writers for ideas for comics, and then getting
other less well known creators to develop those ideas. A lot of money
has been spent on advertising and promotion and there has been
concern on how this money may be recovered. The post from
[an 171760] at [anon.penet.fi] went as follows, entitled "The Terrible
Tekno*Comix Truth".
    "Since I love the comic book industry, I felt it imperative to
reveal secrets about a company such as Tekno*Comix.  For those few of
you who like the Tekno story lines, maybe deceptive business
practices will dissuade you. Tekno has left a trail of red ink in
recent months, with major suppliers holding massive unpaid debts.
The company is currently bolstered only by its marginally profitable
retail kiosks.... While appearing to support its "creators" Tekno has
recently been abandoned by Majel Roddenberry... Tekno's over funded
PR Department recently circulated a corporate-wide e-mail which
stresses Majel is not to be contacted by any Tekno employee.  Mickey
Spillane is also on the brink of severing any relationship with Tekno
beyond his contractual minimums.  Of course, none of the Tekno
"celebrity authors" have ever had any real creative input.  Smoke and
mirrors are the norm at Tekno.
   Recently, the founders of Tekno comix addressed the concerns of
the corporate employees.  Our most recent annual report showed $6.2
Million in losses...  With very poor solicited demand for Mike Danger
(only 45,000 issues), and Lost Universe about to become spun off into
an even more confusing book, things look bleak.  The founders are
scratching for any attempt to dump the company, having successfully
sold the Sci-Fi Channel while it too had massive debts.
    The entire "New Media" division of Tekno, which comprised the
abortive Prodigy and Interactive Multi-Media projects, has been cut
to only 1 employee (from 5).  High school interns are handling almost
all of the creative events, and respected employees are facing loss
of job and/or breach of their contracts.  Where are those CD-ROMS,
and morning TV shows we promised you??
    The company has made failed attempts at additional funding, with
Bear Stearns unwilling to proceed on an essential Private Placement.
The Controller fields over 50 requests per day from vendors, and 13
of 14 of Tekno's bank accounts are barren."
    Later that day he continued. "1) Corporate Director of Operations
left 3 months ago because CEO THREW a book at her head! 2) During
interviews, CEO and President state categorically that comics are
just an entrance into the entertainment industry.  Could care less
about the books!!  Hell, they were doing licensing deals even before
there were characters!! 3) Publishing has a burn rate that is
astronomical.  The numbers for retail are somewhat more guarded, but
there are hundreds of thousands of back issues plastered all over 2
warehouses.  The Product Manager/Buyer loves to spend other peoples
money. 4) Recent Internal Audit by Arther Anderson went down to the
wire.  The Controller was in isolation for a few months.
    Oh yes, the CEO and President (who are married) each received
$40K bonuses last year.  This from a company that LOST $6.2
million!!!! Also, their contracts pay each a $650 monthly car
allowance, and they own the company that leases VERY overpriced
office space to Big Entertainment, the parent company of Tekno Comix.


*Tekno Notice

On the 17th, Cedrick Chan ([R M NC 12 B] at [prodigy.com]) posted "Hello
everybody, I'm Cedrick from Tekno*Comix ... I'm forwarding this from
Denise Treco, Tekno*Comix Director of Communications...
    All our best-selling authors and celebrities have been promptly
compensated. In fact, Mickey Spillanes response to the note was the
following: "Absolutely false! I have no intention of divorcing myself
from TeknoComix.  Im very happy with everyone and everything at
TeknoComix."
    A similar statement was made by Neil Gaiman, creator of three of
Teknos monthly titles. "In light of the Miramax Film deal with Tekno
these claims seem tremendously improbable...the information on the
Internet makes this person look like a disgruntled former employee,
of which  every company has its share.  My relationship with Tekno is
fine.. they are well-intentioned people."
    Ted Slampyak, penciler of Teknos Mr. Hero title, said, "Tekno has
treated me fine and has never shirked any duties or responsibilities.
Theyve been top-notch from the beginning."
    TeknoComix is here to stay."

*Tekno Tekno Tekno!

Net regular Lawrence Watt-Evans ([l--re--e] at [clark.net]) freelanced for
Tekno last year. He posted on  17 May "Actually, I have no doubt that
the quotes from Neil Gaiman and Mickey Spillane are authentic.  I've
corresponded with Neil elsewhere, and so far as I know he has no
problems with Tekno -- but then, he's been careful to not get all
that involved with them.  He sold them a bunch of ideas, threw in
some later suggestions for free, and that's about it; he hasn't had
any sort of ongoing daily contact.
    Last I heard he wished them well, though I think he had some
reservations about how they operate.
    I don't know Mr. Spillane, but as of November he was very
enthusiastic about the project, he likes and trusts Al Collins, and I
don't think he'd badmouth them in public even if there WERE
problems....My guess would be that they're doing worse than they
expected (which is no surprise, as they were wildly optimistic) but
are not as desperate as Anonymous says."

*Tekno more!

On the 17th, our anonymous friend responded to the Tekno
announcement. "Inside Tekno scuttle-butt has the Teknophage
character's origins in Mr.Gaiman's first impressions of our CEO.  The
Mirimax "deal" will not provide needed operating capital in time.  I
am astounded that any of the feeble character creations at Tekno
could be considered potential box office stars.  Maybe the Nimoy name
could sell a few tickets, but will the mindless minions flock to Mr.
Hero or Mike Danger?...
    Wonder if any respective Institutional Brokers were doing due
diligence they might like a few "honest" Tekno credit references?
Barnett Bank for example?  Why do employees hold their breath when
presenting Tekno checks for payment? Why did Office Depot cancel our
corporate account?  Why did AMEX place us under suspension?"
    He concluded, saying that this would be his last post. But
netdiscussion continues. Another user posted "After talking to my
comic shop owner, he rang up a British Tekno creator to pass on
information. It wasn't long before both this creator and another
British Tekno creator rang back. They'd been talking to Tekno, and
were told that the anonymous poster had been identified as a recently
sacked employee through a process of elimination.
    Also, someone has just invested a further $3 million into the
company, so Tekno's future seems secure."

And so it came through. The user had been outed as Brent Swanson.
Larry Bogard ([jcyg 27 d] at [prodigy.com]) posted an article from the Tekno
editorial staff on 19 May "It should be made clear that our editorial
department consists of genuine comics professionals with
distinguished
credentials.  Each of us works closely with our celebrity creators on
a regular, and mutually respected, basis.
        Leonard Nimoy, for instance, continues to be actively
involved with us, and has full input on every issue of  Primortals.
Neil Gaiman also remains in close contact , and is actively
interested in Mr. Hero, Teknophage, and Lady Justice.  As for Mike
Danger,  Mr. Swanson should be made to realize that Mickey Spillane
and Max Allan Collins were still in early production on the project
at the time of  the 1994 San Diego Convention.
       We have always had an enthusiastic relationship with Mr.
Spillane, and, as indicated by his visit to our studios last week, he
continues to be very happy with us.
        Mr . Swanson's comment regarding Tekno Comix's commitment
with its series creators is utterly false.  We are continuing
productive and highly creative relationships with top industry
talents such as George Perez, Rick Veitch, Bryan Talbot, Jae Lee,
Steven Grant, and Howard Chaykin, all of whom are giving us much of
their  very finest work.
        Tekno Comix shall always remain firmly dedicated to
publishing the finest comics available.  Obviously Mr. Swanson is
entitled to his opinion, but he is in error.  We are pleased with the
enthusiasticresponse of the fans, and we promise to continue to
entertain them".

Well, from the net's point of view, it's certainly been entertaining.

John Ney Rieber ([o--is--n] at [mail.halcyon.com]), Vertigo and Tekno
writer posted on the 20th that "While working on Wheel of Worlds,
I was told that Tekno's higher-ups saw the Teknoverse primarily as
a source of merchandising cash cows" and  "My thanks to the
anonymous Tekno employee who posted this.  Drop me an e-
and let me know how the job hunt goes, okay?" So if anyone wants
a bitter ex-employee on the staff, you know where to ask.


*Celebrate Diversity... As long as it sells!

Dave Van Domelen ([d--n--m] at [magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu]) commented about
comics available in ordering catalogue, Previews from Diamond.
Lethargic Comics: Special Bone crossover issue!  Too bad it's also
the issue that the infinitely wise Diamond execs decided would be the
last they carry.  Despite rapidly increasing sales (after a brief
slump), Diamond decided that it "wasn't quality" (translation:
"wasn't quantity") and dropped it."
    Mark Thomspon ([t--mp--n] at [clipper.robadome.com]) owner of indy comic
distributor Cold Cut gave other examples. "Palliard Press reports
that Diamond has refused to list the just-printed Buck Godot T-shirt
(cool looking shirt, too! Buck, looking intently off to his right
with Winslow draped around his leg).  Reason why? "T-shirts don't
sell." uh-huh. Riiiiight. I didn't see the Scud Disposable Assassin
T-shirts listed in Previews. Neither of the designs. Mu Press reports
that Diamond refused to list Blue Moon vol 2 #1 when it came out a
few months back.  Reason?  "Blue Moon vol 1 didn't sell well." But they
*listed* the Blue Moon *reprint* of issues 1 and 2 of volume 1 and
sold 600 or so copies (well above their supposed "$600 retail" cutoff
point for indies).  Go figure.
    They refused to carry Poison Elves until its dying days; refused
True Swamp until it got "stealth-solicited" as a Mu Press book.  They
still refuse to carry "Ehlissa" from Highland Graphics, and now are
dropping Lethargic.
    Sure, they'll "celebrate diversity" for crap like "Bobby's
Comics", but heaven forbid one of the funniest books published today
should be distributed."


And that's all the Networks!

Rich Johnston  [k e jones] at [ncl.ac.uk]
Copywriter, Comics International columnist,
Self publisher of Dirtbag and X-Flies (coming soon!)
Back issues of Dirtbag can be ordered from [m r meyer] at [netcom.com]
I've been offered 2 copywriting jobs... what shall I do?