I just wanted to take a moment to help clear some of the rumors that I've been reading regarding my decision to end The Slug.

First off, there was no external pressures for me to end the strip. The decision was mine alone and did not come easily. I was not asked to stop the strip due to pressures from the CIA, and any calls to their offices will be neither confirmed nor denied.

In addition, I am not in talks with Universal studios about a multi-million dollar, five movie deal based on the Slug. Although I have been advised not to disclose details or elements under discussion, I can state that Vivendi Universal Studios has not extended an acceptable offer at this time, nor do I have confirmation that Mr. Depp has agreed to be featured in any such production by the time of this post.

I started the Slug as a way for me to develop my art and to allow me to lay out the sort of story one doesn't encounter in ordinary media. I know that for some there are still far more unanswered questions than I or anyone else expected. I know just how sad it must be to abandon this intricately woven world of wonder and mystery, to somehow gather the strength to simply bid farewell to the characters that you've grown to love, but it really is for the best.

That's why I've decided to retain full control over the characters and not simply "sell them out" to some big budget greeting card company, or have the Slug emblazoned on any cheap piece of crap. No, I refuse to let the characters I've created be cheapened that way. Instead I've been pursuing Slug interior detail packages for luxury cars, since that would get me lots and lots more money.

So what will I be doing now that I've let the sun set on our hero? Well, there's the lecture circuit. Those of you in Redwood Shores will can still get seats for the opening forum, "The Essence of Modern Digital Art in a Post Romokov World" to be held next thursday at the El Camino Carl's Jr. Tickets start at $30 and include a free order of fries.

There's also my philanthropical programs which usually steal away most of my weekends, but lately I've been having a hard time finding new philanthropists and the older ones don't want to give me any more money.

Ultimately, there's my continuing research into electronically distributed packet based non commercial anatomic profile acquisition systems. This is undeniably one of the forefront systems that drives technological advances across the net and is responsible for huge growth and greater flow of information. Which reminds me that I'll need to stop by the store for a box of tissues. Probably need to get some more lotion too.

Eventually, I'd like to work to develop some of the many other ideas that I've been unable to work on, such as my idea to create a turn based combat game driven by collectible cards featuring superpowered dustmites, the Operetta based on the life of DoT Director Norman Minetta, and of course the book deal.

Yes, I've been in frequent negotiations with a major republisher to bring copies of The Slug to you, so that you can look back and relive the magic even when you're "unplugged". Negotiations have been tough, but I believe we're very close to reaching a favorable deal. By my estimates, "dead-tree" versions should run anywhere between $2 and $20, depending on whether you want color or black and white and double sided. The price is even cheaper if you have any existing discount coupons with Kinko's.

Still, I know I can count on you to keep the Slug going.

Slugger Fidelus!