KP: I was doing some Star Trek assignments when I decided to try my hand at writing a Trek story as well as drawing them, and thus the story in STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION SPECIAL #1 ended up being the first story I did both tasks.

I had wanted to work in comics ever since I could remember, and one time, I had a friend working over at Marvel, so he offered to introduce me around, and while I was in town -- this being NYC -- i decided to make an appointed to see the DC editor in charge of doing their Star Trek comic at the time. Me being a big Trek fan, that was the book I really wanted to work on. So I worked up some samples of Kirk and Spock and other characters, and he started sending me assignments as a result.

TFI: What is the average salary that artists & writers get for making comics today?

KP: You don't make a salary. You get paid per page, and it's usually whatever you can negotiate with your publisher. If you're a newcomer, you could make as low as $25 per page for writing and $50/60 for pencilling. Inking is usually a few dollars less than pencilling. The average for writing is between $50/70 per page while pencilling goes for $100 or so. Many creators make more than that, but it all depends on a given situation. And if you publish yourself, there's absolutely no guarantees on how much you make.

TFI: Will you ever reconsider bringing back the Knuckles' Series?

KP: I have nothing to say in that particular matter. it all depends if the publishers at Archie think they could make a profit doing so that would determine whether or not it ever comes back.

TFI: What can we look forward to seeing in the Sonic Shuffle adaption as well as issue #100 & over?

KP: The return of lots of familiar characters the readers have missed, and more than a few surprises they never expected.

TFI: You mentioned in your chat rooms that Mina plays a large role? Any details?

KP: I can't say anything without spoiling a few plot points Karl has in store. TFI: Do you have anything planned for Sonic Adventure 2?

KP: Not yet, as Sega hasn't released any details to us so far.

TFI: Why did Manny Galan leave? KP: He got a better offer from Nickelodeon, as simple as that.

TFI: Have you ever actually met someone from the Sega Corporation? (Voice Actors, Yuji Naka etc.)

KP: Just the licensing representatives, but that's about it.

TFI: Anyone/thing who inspired you during your comic book years?

KP: Jack Kirby. A writer/artist famous for creating a zillion characters and drawing just about more comics than anyone else.

TFI: Will you ever get a chance to advertise my Sonic the Hedgehog fan site, www.thefloatingisland.com? (I had to ask! :D)

KP: I'll make a suggestion to the editor about fans submitting the addresses of their sites for publication.

TFI: Thank you for your time and for the interview. :)