CRUNCHYROLL, PLEASE BRING BACK THE ONLY COMPLETE ROBOTECH STORY

(11/02/2022 - WHILE I AM APPRECIATIVE OF THOSE WHO HAVE, SIGNERS DO NOT HAVE TO PROMOTE THE PETITION THROUGH A DONATION - JOHN)

In 1987 the first of the Novelizations based on the classic 80s animated series ROBOTECH (produced/distributed by Harmony Gold) were released by Del Rey Books. Written by New York Times Bestselling Star Wars Novelists Brian Daley and James Luceno using the penname of JACK MCKINNEY. In twelve volumes released in 1987, they told the saga of the 85-episode series and expanded upon the original story with deeper character development, exclusive concepts and epigraphs that expanded further an already expansive story.

In 1988, taking things further, the Novels told the complete story of the canceled animated project ROBOTECH II: THE SENTINELS. This was to be the continuing adventures of the main characters of the original story. Where the animation ended at three episodes, the JACK MCKINNEY team completed the story in five additional books. In their next Novel, END OF THE CIRCLE, Brian and Jim bring a conclusion to the main Robotech story, yet, still leaving the door open for a continuation for more tales to be told.

Added to this, released between 1994 and 1996, were three “Lost Generation” Books that bridged the gap between the three eras of the Robotech television series. These were Novels inspired by comics series written by Bill Spangler of then Eternity Comics.

In a total of twenty-one volumes, the Robotech Novels to this day are the only medium in the franchise that present a complete telling of the saga. Many of the franchise’s fans consider it the definitive story and some were even introduced to Robotech via the books.

Whether loved or disputed for their approach, the Robotech Novelizations are still after 35 years, a constant topic of discussion amongst its fandom.

In 2007, the 12 books of the original story were re-released in omnibus editions. While most of the core story Brian and Jim wrote remained intact, certain edits were done. These included name respellings, term changes and timeline age adjustments. These were done in order to better supersede the Novels with the events of Harmony Gold’s upcoming Robotech production, THE SHADOW CHRONICLES. It should be noted that these changes were done with absolutely no consultation with the surviving author, Jim Luceno. In the end these changes were moot as the Shadow Chronicles failed to move the needle forward in regards to the Robotech franchise in any significant way.

In 2013, the entire Novels saga, minus the book MASTERS GAMBIT (due to anime concept rights) were released in digital format. And again, just as with the omnibus editions, these e-books met with edits without any sort of consultation with Mr. Luceno. Then, in a move that could only be classified as odd, executives at Harmony Gold reached out to Mr. Luceno to assist in their efforts to promote said digital editions to which he declined as the e-books were not a true reflection of what he and Brian Daley produced.

In early 2021,with no prior announcement, the Robotech Novels were taken off the market. In communications with the publisher up until that moment, Penguin Random House, they advised that the rights had reverted back to the original holder, Harmony Gold. In an email communication on February 3rd, 2021 to Harmony Gold Vice President of Marketing, Mr. Kevin McKeever, he advised that he hoped to have news about the Novels soon. In a follow up inquiry to him on February 23rd, 2021, no further response was provided.

Since then, the merchandising of the Robotech franchise has passed first to the hands of Funimation and then to Crunchyroll after it was purchased by Sony Entertainment. This was confirmed by Kevin McKeever at both the 2021 and 2022 Robotech fan panels done at the San Diego Comic-con conventions. At both panels, when asked about the Robotech Novels, he deferred the matter to Funimation in 2021 and Crunchyroll this past July.

This being the apparent case, we the undersigned ask the pertinent parties at Crunchyroll and Sony Entertainment to consider bringing back the Robotech Novelizations into publication for purchase by the fans of Robotech, the mecha genre, science fiction, Brian Daley and James Luceno. And, that this return be in the original writings by said authors, maintaining full integrity of the story they wrote.

For a THRITY FIVE YEAR license, one of the oldest in the Robotech Franchise to return would not only be a benefit to the fans, but also to Crunchyroll.

·         The return of a beloved and essential part of a franchise that Crunchyroll is marketing through carrying the original Robotech series through their streaming service and Robotech merchandise at their online store.

·         The possibility of a crowdfunding campaign for a print on demand distribution. (SPECIAL, HARDOVER, GRAPHIC NOVEL/MANGA EDITIONS)

·         The possibility alternative presentation of the Robotech Novels i.e.  AUDIOBOOK, DIGITAL, TRANSLATIONS (IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT AN UNOFFICIAL SPANISH TRANSLATION EXISTS)

·         Through the Crunchyroll pipeline, introduce the Robotech Novels to their vast anime clientele and bring in new fans to the franchise.

·         Possible official merchandise based on the Novels story. (TOYS, MODELS, MINIATURES)

·         Continuing the Robotech Novels Universe through spinoffs and sequels books.

·         An avenue to promote Sony Pictures Robotech Live Action Movie, currently in preproduction.

·         Open the door for possible reissuing of classic Robotech Comics as has been done recently with the Comico and Sentinels comics.

·         BOTTOM LINE: A potential LUCRATIVE source of revenue from a franchise that Sony has expressed in creating a longevity for.

As the Robotech Novels celebrate their 35th Anniversary in 2022, their fans worldwide would welcome with open arms a return of an amazing saga written by amazing authors that have stood the test of time.

We truly hope in earnest that Crunchyroll and Sony Entertainment take this petition into serious consideration and whatever your decision may be, you reach out to us either through our social media accounts or robotechnovels@gmail.com  

Some of the greatest achievements reached have come from a united voice simply asking rather than not and wondering forever what if we had...

Sincerely and best to you,

THE FANS OF THE ROBOTECH NOVELS UNIVERSE

(For fans joining this petition, please use the hashtag #BRINGBACKROBOTECHNOVELS (when allowed) in all social media hubs where Robotech, Star Wars, 80s nostalgia and general science fiction is discussed to spread the word of this campaign.

Please consider following Robotech Novels discussions at the following social media links;

ROBOTECH NOVELS UNIVERSE FACEBOOK PAGE (FAN MADE)​

ROBOTECH NOVELS TWITTER PAGE (FAN MADE)​

ROBOTECH NOVELS INSTAGRAM PAGE (FAN MADE)​

ROBOTECH NOVELS BLOG SITE (FAN MADE)

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