B5 Triologies and Novels / Again

[Dr Maturin]

I completely understand Mongoose's position on JMS's involvement. They can't afford to pay him what he wants. Perhaps WB has somebody on the job who is up on what B5 is all about. Judging from their RPG books, they haven't consulted anyone, but these are novels, so who knows?

[Joe Nazzaro]

Personally, I'm a bit nervous about that reference to tying up Crusade. Unless JMS has given them notes on where the series was going to go in season two and beyond (or the Memory of Shadows, which Joe suggested would do something with Crusade), I can't seen how any of those projects could be canonical. And frankly, if they're not written by JMS or writers with whom he's had discussions, I'm not sure I'd be that interested in reading tem either. But that's just my opinion.

[Joansie]

I agree with you there Joe. To me if JMS has not contributed or at least said that they are canon I don't think I would be interested. Just MHO.

[Dr Maturin]

Maybe someone can convince JMS to get involved for less money, then.

[Jan]

ZD, I'm not sure about your reference to 'less money'.

From what I understand (strictly from far outside of events, of course), at this point it's a matter of complete communications breakdown. My understanding is that JMS perceived that Mongoose wanted a lot of time-consuming work and original ideas, first with no offer of remuneration, then with an entirely inadequate offer (another reason why they should have gone through his agent). Mr. Sprange from Mongoose later posted that they had no idea what the 'market value' of what they asked was and that they'd made a substantially higher offer but I gather from his subsequent posts that JMS has not replied.

My understanding may be incomplete because it's gathered from posts on the moderated newsgroup, the Mongoose forums and posts to the UK B5 newsgroup. There may be others in other places I'm not familiar with. Thing is, I don't think it's about JMS wanting more money (though he was insulted at the $500 per book offer), it's that communication isn't occurring on any level and hasn't for some time.

Jan

[Sigma]

Personally, I'm a bit nervous about that reference to tying up Crusade.

Agree. I hope Mongoose B5 stories will be just a minor adventures, i don't want any universe shatterning events. And i hope they use minimum B5 characters. Thats why Telepath trilogy is my favorite, its just a scifi novel that takes place in B5 universe, it doesn't force you to remember that you are reading B5 novel. If i want to "see" B5 characters in action, i watch B5 tv series. I'm more interested in B5 universe.

[Jan]

Then from what I hear, you may not be interested by the one being written by Claudia Christian. I hear it's (highlight to read)

about Ivanova after leaving B5 and taking command of the new ship.

Jan

[frulad]

Huhn. I had thought the Moongoose thing had died a quiet, unlamented death once JMS had stated he wasn't involved.

And since JMS isn't involved, there's no way I can really consider them Canon. Let's face it, B5 is JMS's vision and no suit from Warners is going to convince me that some book done without his involvement is going to be part of that vision.

Now, with that said, will I read any of the books? Probably. They could be well done and enjoyable. (Though six books over two months might be a strain on most fans wallets/purses...)

Hopefully, the nature of their Canon-icity (Did I just create a word there?) won't lead to the same kind of debates seen at the height of the "Star Wars movie canon VS. Expanded Universe Canon Wars" of a few years back.

[AaronB]

Then from what I hear, you may not be interested by the one being written by Claudia Christian. I hear it's (highlight to read)

about Ivanova after leaving B5 and taking command of the new ship.

Jan

I thought it was going to be about her using Epsilon 3 to go back in time and "boff" Marcus once.

If I can be serious for a minute, the book could be an interesting read depending on the rest of the plot. I think that my main concern that CC's writing ability. Has she written anything (short story, a diary, 3rd grade book report) before this endeavor? The same question would apply to any of the actors that Mongoose would get to write these novels.

One last thought, I would agree with the people above that said if JMS says that it's cannon, then it's cannon. Otherwise, not so much.

[Dr Maturin]

Quite frankly, I don't give a rat's ass whether or not they're canon. If the books are good, then they're worth it. If they're not good, then no amount of canonization will make them good.

That's how it is with Star Wars...most of the books are horrid, but they're not canon. Some of the books are wonderful, and the fact that they're not canon doesn't make them bad.

If i want to "see" B5 characters in action, i watch B5 tv series. I'm more interested in B5 universe.

I feel the same way about these forthcoming novels, and I've said it before...I'd rather see a series with new characters or minor characters from the TV show who could be fleshed out.

[Joe Nazzaro]

ZD, I think I agree with what you're saying. There are people out there who will read anything that has B5 stamped on it, because they love the characters, and more power to 'em, I wouldn't think to deprive them of that pleasure. It's just that I'm not particularly interested in them, and if they're not canonical, I have even less interest. To me, it doesn't feel quite right.

And as somebody who's written a few books for publishers who don't offer much money, $500 is staggeringly low. Maybe the publisher has to pay Warners a lot of money for the license, which wouldn't surprise me at all, but if you're going to cheapskate the one person whose input you really need, and which will make a significant difference on how many copies you sell, you're probably not making the most sensible business decision.

[David Panzer]

So now every company that publishes books is a...grabs a book off my shelf...Bantam book, Del-Rey, or a Harper-Collins?

From what I've heard about Mongoose, it's a small company.

[Dr Maturin]

ZD, I think I agree with what you're saying. There are people out there who will read anything that has B5 stamped on it, because they love the characters, and more power to 'em, I wouldn't think to deprive them of that pleasure. It's just that I'm not particularly interested in them, and if they're not canonical, I have even less interest. To me, it doesn't feel quite right.

I'm also saying that if some great writers get in there and put out some kick ass stories, then I'll be a happy man whether or not JMS has proof read/outlined/edited/whatever it all. Peter David has a pretty good grasp of what B5 is all about, so I'd trust someone like him to write a B5 story without JMS's assistance. That's just one example.

[Jan]

So now every company that publishes books is a...grabs a book off my shelf...Bantam book, Del-Rey, or a Harper-Collins?

From what I've heard about Mongoose, it's a small company.

Presumably you're referring to the amount offered to JMS? That would be comparing apples and oranges since Mongoose is primarily a gaming company.

Jan

[David Panzer]

Perhaps, but I never assumed the $500 per book as a set final offer.

Mongoose Publishing may not be as small as Aardvark/Vanaheim, the comic book company which published Dave Sim's comic "Cerebus" and a handful of other comics. Dave Sim was the company.

Is Mongoose the same size as Wizards of the Coast?