While I’ve made no bones about my hero worship for one Mr. Bryan Lee O’Malley in the past, I think this is an instance where everyone needs to take notice.

Last night, he posted a very powerful rant on his blog, and it’s one that basically any creative type within the width of these words needs to take a look at.

The topic? Tokyopop’s new Manga Pilot program. And how it rapes you, as a creator.

And doesn’t just rape, oh no. It does so with glee, by way of a tongue in cheek, asinine contract, that features such wonderful bits as….

“MORAL RIGHTS" AND YOUR CREDIT “Moral rights" is a fancy term (the French thought it up) that basically has to do with having your name attached to your creation (your credit!) and the right to approve or disapprove certain changes to your creation. Of course, we want you to get credit for your creation, and we want to work with you in case there are changes, but we want to do so under the terms in this pact instead of under fancy French idea. So, in order for us to adapt the Manga Pilot for different media, and to determine how we should include your credit in tough situations, you agree to give up any "moral rights" you might have.

For the full post, click here, and if you know anyone who this may help/assist, please send the link along.

Personally? Tokyopop never saw a dime from me. And never will.  You will not see a project written by me coming from them, and I hope they get what they deserve.