I didn’t write about the Zuda launch because I was (and am) still very sick, but it’s also been analyzed to the Nth degree already, I didn’t have much to add.
Today though, I found out that the first Zuda creator to be pissed-off and disillusioned came to light… at the launch party. Yeah, that’s right. Apparently J. Longo, creator of ‘This American Strife’ had his strip edited, and then had a page omitted, without his being told by the ‘higher-ups’ at the company. He found out when he noticed his comics playing on the TV screens at the launch party. From an entry by Mr. Longo entitled “non disclosure diss-agreement“:
“Now, in Zudas tiniest defense, when I orginally pitched the J & Jesus screens for ‘This American Strife,’ I was told to modify certain things to make it kosher enough to have it public. However, I changed these ‘questionables‘ and re-drew every panel in accordance to their requests. But to have weeks go by and then release ‘This American Strife’ with such a crucial, non-disclosed edit is lame.” – J. Longo, Creator of This American Strife for Zuda.com
How long did it take for the other shoe to drop? 24 hours. At least it took most of the Tokyopop crew a full year to become disillusioned with their terrible contracts.
Edit: J. Longo has responded to this article in my comments section, and over at his blog. I encourage you to check it out.
– Christopher
To be clear, I realized the edit later that night when I was able to review my comic myself. I was too busy enjoying free booze and fried food at the time to dissect my comic.
And yes, I was peeved, but not anymore. Certainly not enough to be disillusioned, particularly not enough to stop drawing comics. ‘This American Strife’ is not a gag-strip despite what people may think, its a collage of journal entries, ideas, thoughts and experiences. If anything, this scenario is exactly what encourages my work.
Hope you enjoy the comic & Get well soon
Wow. Zuda-bashing already!
B-b-b-but Chris! I covered this story already!
Seriously, though, I’m glad more people are picking this up. I’m hesitant to encourage the Internet Hate Machine (I’ve been thinking a lot about this essay and worrying that we process everything too quickly nowadays), but this ain’t right.