Articles By True Red

Ken Penders' next online chat will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2001, at 8:00PM Eastern Standard Time at Ken's site. He also said this "What'll probably be different is I'll be asking you guys just as many questions if not more so than what I'll be asked."

Source: Ken's Comic Book Stories & Art

Written by Karl Bollers and Ken Penders, art by Ron Lim, Jim Amash and Penders.

"Reunion." Sonic and Princess Sally reunite for the first time since Sonic was divested of his knighthood, but it's not quite what the heroic hedgehog had in mind. Ironically, it all takes place in that mechanized metropolis of Robotropolis, but that's not the most shocking surprise: the bittersweet reunion is made even more so by the loss of one of Knothole's own. Plus: another Knuckles back-up story. The recent exploits and intrigue of Knuckles collide in one combustible story, as Knuckles faces off against Dimitri and the Dark Legion. The fact of literally everyone on Mobius hangs in the balance, not to mention Knuckles' family and friends, helplessly trapped in another zone.

32 pages, $1.99, ships on July 27.

IGNDC has a new report out on Sonic Adventure 2:

And for the good boys and girls, we have new details on what could end up being the best Dreamcast game yet, Sonic Adventure 2.

In Sonic 1, it was Sonic versus Robotnick.

In Sonic 2, it was Sonic versus Mecha Sonic.

In Sonic 3, it was Sonic versus Knuckles.

And now, in Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic Team has decided to go way crazy with the rivalry thing. It seems that everyone will have a rival in this game. Sonic has a rival in Shadow, a new character. Knuckles has a rival in Rouge, also a new character. And, according to Japanese Dreamcast website Dreamcast Station, Tails will find his rival in Robotnik. This could be first "unofficial" confirmation that Tails will actually be playable in the game, although we ain't sayin' nothin' for sure.

The game's story will focus on what's called the Hero Side versus the Dark Side, apparently emphasizing these rivalries. Even the Chao characters can have Hero/Dark attributes. The story will come in two forms, and what we've read makes us believe that one storyline will have you play as the good guys (Sonic, Knuckles and Tails) and the other storyline will have you play as their rivals (Robotnik, Shadow and Rouge). This later part is conjecture on our part based off what we've read though, so don't be surprised if the final product is different.

Depending on the character you play as, the game will take on one of three different forms. For Sonic (and possibly Shadow), the game will be best described as a 3D Action title. For Knuckles (and possibly Rouge), the game will be best described as a Rare game - err, I mean - a Treasure Hunting title. For Tails and Robotnik, the game will be best described as an Action Shooter.

Included somewhere in these various game genres is a two player mode. Split screen? Online? Or is Sonic Team approaching the two player mode messy like they did with Sonic 2? We expect to find out soon.

Source: IGNDC

The X-box is going to supported by Sega:

The daily grind was rudely interrupted earlier this week by a rumor that sent shock waves through the Xbox community, and now Microsoft and Sega have confirmed that the two are conspiring to bring the upcoming console a host of quality titles in the next 12 months. Sega, a new player on the 3rd party publishing scene, has confirmed that they will be bringing no fewer than 11 titles to the Xbox.

You can read the rest of the article here.

Basically it's the same as the previous Sonic #98 spoilers, but some other information is given.

Written by Karl Bollers and Ken Penders, art by James Fry, Ron Lim and Penders.

"Blow By Blow" After returning to Knothole, Geoffrey informs Elias that Robotnik still has robotization on his mind. Sally disguises herself as a servant and manages to sneak out of Castle Acorn in order to go see Sonic, but Sonic has his hands full trying to stay incognito while he continues his quest for Arachnis and the Sword - not to mention Mina, Sally's latest rival for Sonic's affections. The intrigue never ends where Kodos, Doctor Quack, Tails, Nate, Elias and Knuckles all play a part. Plus, another Knuckles back-up story, this time guest-starring Sonic's buddy Tails.

32 pages, $1.99, arrives in stores on June 29.

Source: Comics Continuum

Note: The information on the back-up is wrong since "Chosen One" arc ends in Sonic #97 and the back-up in Sonic #99 is going to be a story called "What Goes Around Comes Around!" which will mark the return of Julie-Su and the Dark Legion.

I attended the chat and basically kept a log. Here is all the major stuff said and a whole lot of bombshells were given.
Note: Whatever is in [] are my notes to help understand the discussion.

KenPenders: Regarding SONIC #94, Dan [Drazen], it's lucky that story came through even that well, considering everything that was going on behind the scenes.

KenPenders: Regarding the Chaos Syphon, what happened there was my fault and that of plain ol' circumstances. I wanted to update the design of the Chaos Syphon, and I was supposed to draw #94

KenPenders: instead of just inking it. When matters changed and Ron [Lim] stepped in to do the drawing, it got lost in the shuffle.

KenPenders: Well, the write-ups in Diamond Previews aren't anywhere near able to keep up with everything that's happening these days.

KenPenders: First off, SONIC ADVENTURE 2 will be featured throughout the entirety of SONIC #98, interrupting the Sonic storyline in progress and forcing me to switch gears with Knuckles

KenPenders: As a result, the Ultimate Villain may or may not (most likely not) show up in SONIC #100

KenPenders: The Chosen One storyline runs in SONIC #95 through 97. It's not a 4-parter, as some have speculated.

KenPenders: SONIC ADVENTURE 2 couldn't wait because the book comes out a week after the actual game comes out, so it's tied in with that.

KenPenders: James Fry is off the book as of SONIC #97. 96 was his last issue, as I understand it.

KenPenders: SA2 is only in SONIC #98. We tried to get it featured as a Super Special, but Archie is no longer publishing those, not even the giant size issues with their own characters

KenPenders: due to major problems with the magazine distribution acros the country. It's not just comics that are affected, but major national publications as well

KenPenders: Ron Lim is taking his place and we'll see how that goes, since he had to change his style in order to get the assignment. (He's taking lessons from Spaz. :-)

KenPenders: Spaz will be drawing the Sonic story in SONIC #98

KenPenders: The Chosen One was affected by the cancellation of the KNUCKLES series. We're talking about whittling a 66-page story down to 24. That's major cutting.

KenPenders: I'm finishing inking the Knuckles story for SONIC #97, then I jump onto inking 8-pages of the Sonic story for #97, as various forces have mandated a change in plans

KenPenders: While I've written the 8-page back-up story for SONIC #98, I may end up inking some of the Spaz pages, then it's business as usual on Knuckles

KenPenders: No, don't blame Sega, as it's a lot more complicated than that [on what is causing the recent problems at Archie]

KenPenders: As for SONIC #100, instead of a combined SONIC - KNUCKLES story as originally planned, each will have their own separate stories.

KenPenders: The Knuckles story will be 8 - 10 pages, and will feature pretty much what I originally planned for KNUCKLES #50 instead.

KenPenders: Julie-Su and the Dark Legion return in SONIC #99 in a story titled "What Goes Around Comes Around!"

KenPenders: We don't like it that there are two stories in SONIC #100 as I'd rather do what we originally planned.

KenPenders: I'm not saying what was originally planned for SONIC #100, as I'm talking with Justin to see if it can be done by SONIC #110, which would mark 100 issues of my involvement with the book.

KenPenders: WB, I can understand your frustrations, but we live in the real world, and you'd have to be in our shoes to see we're not trying to turn out material you're not going to like.

KenPenders: To give everyone an idea of what life on the frontlines is like, I'll use myself as an example. When Archie was publishing SONIC, KNUCKLES, and SONIC SPECIAL, there was more than enough work so that I could concentrate strictly on Sonic and nothing but.

KenPenders: Since the demise of the latter two series, that has resulted in less work, and thus forcing me to look elsewhere to make up the difference as far as pay goes. It also necessitated long dry spells because Archie had a backlog of stories that had to be published.

KenPenders: So when I was working on the KNUCKLES storyline that was featured in SONIC #91 through 94, I was working on Digimon and Pokemon covers for Beckett publications, pencilling an Emperor's New Groove story for Disney

KenPenders: illustrating an online comic for www.pajamaman.com and working on preliminary sketches for a romance comic to be published by a foreign company, to say nothing of reworking THE LOST ONES into a graphic novel.

KenPenders: Sonic #100 will have a cover similar to SSS #13 more than SONIC #50

KenPenders: I don't write the Sonic stories at this time, but I do know what I'd do if I did.

KenPenders: I don't pay much attention to Karl's unless I need to because I don't want him to feel I'm looking over his shoulder all the time.

KenPenders: I figured out a storyline that would allow me to address the Sonic - Sally situation as it has never been shown in the series yet.

KenPenders: I inked the cover for SONIC #98, and it will be done pretty much like SONIC #100.

KenPenders: Any questions about the ongoing Sonic stories are better left to Karl. I'm not going to rain on his parade.

KenPenders: That line [Tails' comment in Sonic #94 about Sonic & Sally] addressed part of the problem, Ron, but I don't think it resolved the feelings on the part of many readers for seeing something to develop beyond what we have.

KenPenders: Sonic is still a very marketable property, and the comic only reinforces that concept.

KenPenders: I've never dealt with the Sonic team. Only Justin has.

KenPenders: No Chaotix for awhile longer. Just not sure yet how long. For one thing, starting with SONIC #101, the Knuckles stories will be six pages long as opposed to eight, the trade-off being that it will now take four issues to complete a story. The reason for this is something special.

KenPenders: Beginning in SONIC #101, two pages every issue will be devoted to feature pages devoted to either the characters, maps of locations, diagrams, whatever the readers want to see of Sonic's world.

KenPenders: Not quite, Dan [Drazen]. The Chaotix will show up on the feature pages.

KenPenders: As for KNUCKLES: 20 Years Later, we'll see some of the developments leading up to that story sometime during SONIC #101 - 110, including the first official unveiling of Knuckles' daughter

KenPenders: The Survivor concept is part of an upcoming story plot, but it won't be a parody

KenPenders: Contrary to popular belief, I am getting ready to upload updates to this website featuring a sneak preview from the Chosen One storyline as well as an advanced look at my Lost Ones graphic novel, to say nothing of other projects in the works.

KenPenders: If I told you the title for the KNUCKLES story in SONIC #100, I'd be giving way too much away. Suffice it to say things won't be the same for awhile as the Dark Legion will assume a major role.

KenPenders: SA2 has not really influenced anything as we don't know enough about it to incorporate any story elements into the series properly yet. We were only given just enough to set things in motion.

KenPenders: Yes, we will see what happened to everyone on the Floating Island, but I'm still rewriting a number of things to make any delcarative statements at this point.

WB: So basically it'll [the SA2 adaptation] probably just be a full issue Sonic Shuffle-like preview then. Thats better than it dragging out for 6 months like last time I suppose...
KenPenders: Pretty much, WB

KenPenders: Wynmacher is not dead, but Lara-Le may have a surprise.

KenPenders: The contests may return now that I'm handling the letters pages, as everyone at Archie would always cringe whenever I suggested the same thing

KenPenders: There's a major surprise concerning Tails that will blow everyone's minds.

KenPenders: Tails is not a villain. That much I will say.

KenPenders: He also doesn't die or anything like that. [on Tails]

KenPenders: I really can't say because I don't want to spoil what Karl has planned.

KenPenders: That's a very distinct possibility, Aurora, one that receives regular discussion all the time. [on Bunnie or Tails meeting parents]

KenPenders: And no, I haven't decided on a color scheme yet. I don't think about such things until absolutely necessary, as I hate to lock myself in until then. [on Lara-Su]

That was the chat.

This is the big news Sega had planned. A snippet from the article at IGNDC:

This is perhaps the reason why many rumors have been flying about the demise of the Dreamcast. Hardward production of the Dreamcast will decrease, but not because SEGA is "pulling out of the game", but rather to make room for this new product. Though no specific details have been revealed, this new set-top box will incorporate a hard disk drive planned to have a size of 40 GBs or larger. With the digital platform of this new device, SEGA and Pace are planning to provide downloads of hundreds of SEGA titles - Dreamcast, SEGA Arcade, and perhaps even old SEGA console titles - right on the spot. With the digital format, this set-top box will also allow games to be transmitted wirelessly on to portable, hand held devices. Additionally, it has been surmised that this new console will have "TiVo" like TV features and it has been rumored the device will incorporate DVD features as well.

You can read the full article at IGNDC here.

Source: IGNDC

Rumors have once again surged to the forefront of the Dreamcast newswire: the typically reputable Nihon Keizai Shimbun reports that Sega has concrete plans to cease production of its Dreamcast hardware in March, and will move forward with plans to develop for other hardware platforms, specifically, Sony's PlayStation 2 and Nintendo's GameBoy Advance platforms at the start of fiscal year 2001.

The story goes on to say that Sega will continue to market the Dreamcast console, but will cut off sales as soon as it gets rid of its existing inventory. The Japanese newspaper also indicates that Sega will continue to support the Dreamcast via software in 2001, with some 100 titles expected to hit the console over the course of the year.

Obviously, information like this is cause for some serious concern on the part of Dreamcast owners everywhere, so we got in touch with Sega to see if there was any truth to the report. Vice President of Communications for Sega of America, Inc. Charles Bellfield, denied any truth to the story, stating, "Obviously it's a very slow news day, and people are very bored."

He continued by explaining the source of the story, which has since spread across the 'Net to various game-related publications, as well as respected mainstream news sites like MSNBC, by saying that the whole thing was a complete misunderstanding and is 100% false.

"This is the continued misinterpretation of facts based on an announcement Sega Japan made last October 2000. It was a mistranslation then and it's a mistranslation now. It's rumor building upon rumor and I can honestly confirm on this point that Sega has said nothing about its intention to make PlayStation 2 or any other console games, except for Dreamcast. Dreamcast is a core part of our business. Next week you will see new announcements based on the further technology and improvements on the Dreamcast, which we will continue to support." Bellfield went on to explain that the source publication, Jiji news, apparently pieced together the story after hearing little back from Sega on the rumor, which has been circulating nearly as long as the Dreamcast hardware itself.

He continued, "The press releases from the business announcement we posted last year doesn't include other consoles, but other electronic devices, i.e. digital cameras, phones, etc. I realize that is a very bold announcement, but this current news story is rumor mongering and speculation. Sega will make these new announcements next week."

Just exactly what Sega's exact plans are going forward remains to be seen. Obviously, if Sega has plans to support the Dreamcast through this calendar year, owning up to outside console development this early in the game could be potentially damaging for the company's current interests. Add to this the fact that commenting on any software deals with current hardware publishers could easily hamper any negotiations with other players who plan to enter the market in the near, and you can see why Sega is being careful with its words at this point.

The release Bellfield mentioned above commented on Sega's intent to "take other strategic measures such as utilizing its vast software library of more than 1,000 titles to develop content for other consumer entertainment and mobile devices, making full use of Sega's renowned brand and characters to expand its game software business." The original wording of the document was somewhat vague, and an initial translation may indeed have led many to believe Sega was loosely proclaiming its intention to develop for other hardware platforms.

Sega quickly refuted such rumors, reiterating its continued commitment to Dreamcast, and as was the case last October, Sega has released an official statement today about the latest rumblings saying:

"Sega of America stated today that the company globally reaffirms its commitment to Dreamcast. In fact, Sega has more than 100 games worldwide coming out for the platform in the next year. It is not Sega's policy to comment on rumors and the company has not made any statement regarding ceasing manufacturing of Dreamcast or development for other videogame platforms."

What is curious about such a statement, however, is that it does little to address the specific nature of the allegations found in said article. The piece, which also said that Sega would release over 100 Dreamcast titles in 2001, claimed that Sega has as many as five PlayStation 2 titles presently in development, and that in March, Sega plans to stop taking orders for Dreamcast hardware -- neither of which Sega even slightly hinted at in said announcement.

It is interesting to note that earlier rumors linking Acclaim to Sega-developed PS2 titles also listed the number of titles in development at five. It remains to be seen if said titles are, in fact, the same titles mentioned above, or completely different projects.

Also curious is a new hardware package which Bellfield hints at in his quotes above. Could these rumors of halted Dreamcast development have to do with a new hardware configuration? Or is Sega really calling it quits? The picture remains a bit cloudy at present, but we will continue to follow the story, and should have some sort of update next week following Sega's announcement.

Says Bellfield, "In the next week or so, Sega will make some new announcements about the Dreamcast that will help to explain our future strategies. At that point you'll be able to see that Dreamcast technology will incorporate a whole new videogaming experience. Our future is very, very rosy." For the sake of the millions of Dreamcast owners worldwide, we hope you're right, Charles.

Source: IGNDC

I was there for the majority of the chat and here is some info first about upcoming stuff and then direct quotes made by Ken during the chat.

1) Julie-Su returns along with Simon and Floren-Ca (her step-parents) in Sonic #98

2) Dimitri becomes Enerjak in Sonic #100

3) Charmy is back in Sonic #93 because Sonic #92 is going to be the Sonic Shuffle adaptation

4) Ken's not sure if Tikal will return

5) Nic and Nack aren't going to be the only ones hunting Knuckles in Sonic #91

6) Tails and Knuckles will be working together during "The Chosen One" storyline (Sonic #95-97).

Here are some direct quotes from Ken Penders that I managed to copy and paste (mostly from the Q&A part):

Sega is going to exert more control in rgards to using the series as much as possible as a promotional vehicle

Sega will have us adapt any SONIC game they put out. That's called marketing, and we can't refuse to

There won't be any Chaotix stories, Blue Raven, but the characters will be making appearances I just can't say when they will do so other than Charmy

[on Knuckles series] That's why the book is no longer published, because even Archie had a difficult time getting the books into the stores

It'll be sometime after #100 before we can address Remington and his secret

I highly doubt Knuckles will be on speaking terms with many people, let alone Sally after SONIC #100

Just to give you some idea of the insanity in producing the latest issues we've been barely getting the books out before deadline due to a lot of miscommunication and other snafus

Geoffrey will become more involved with Sally, for instance

Sally will re-examine her feelings towards Geoffrey

Keep your eyes on Mina, everyone, as her role is going to increase as well

SONIC #100 will involve a crossover with SONIC and KNUCKLES

Xenin could return, Mariah, but I'm not sure when, because I'm more concerned with Enerjak and the events leading up to SONIC #100.

Manny is no longer associated with the books in any way. He's too busy working for Nickelodeon

[on Lara-Su] I haven't worked out her color scheme yet, although I know I'll have to real soon as she will be appearing sometime between SONIC #100 and #112

Something does happen to one of Sonic's parents by #100

We will be addressing whatever happened to the Overlanders

You will meet the Ultimate Villain in SONIC #100

I don't think we'll see much of Remington or Komi-ko beyond a token appearance, unless...
My edit: the chat moved too fast for me to copy the rest of the statement, but Ken and Justin have proposed a mini-series to the publishers and they're waiting for approval or disapproval

If you missed the chat, there's most of the relevant Sonic/Knuckles info.