Let me say just this: There is no good reason for any aspiring writer, illustrator, or comic book creator to work for Tokyopop - none that is better than self-publishing, or working with any number of small press or indy publishers that offer alternatives.

And Tokyopop themselves have made it abundantly clear that there are all sorts of good reasons for staying the hell away from them, all packed into one ugly, evil document: The contract for their Manga Pilot program.

Bryan Lee O'Malley breaks it down coherently and comprehensively on his livejournal. If you happen to read my journal and you haven't already read his, I ask you to step over there and have a look. We should make sure that everyone involved in the entertainment media knows about this, and knows that we, as creators, are not willing to tolerate it.

We will approach aspiring creators and warn them off. We will talk to our friends and compatriots and make sure they know about it. This bullshit will not stand.