10. relations with Nike.
The development of the Slam Dunk manga had several challenges initially regarding the handling of black, white, and gray colors in comic and manga samples. The printing process didn't allow for precise gradation of special manga tones until the year 2000 when my approach changed with the use of glossy paper. Despite increasing the comic assembly time, it added a bit more impressiveness to the artwork.
Through my previous years of experience as an editor, inker, colorist, and independent artist, I managed to diminish the current poor image quality and adapt the comic to a practical black-and-white design.
This was a success in the sales of Lux Animation's comics. It involved innovative management of shadows and an artistic focus on drawing, which conveyed a more linear idea using complete settings. It caused a sensation with its forward-thinking design, along with the improved paper quality using 45-gram offset paper.
However, the use of offset paper doesn't compare to the much thicker and finer couché paper, which would increase the overall costs by 30 cents per comic.
Relations have improved through discussions with Mike, a company called Domtar. They specialize in the production of fine papers, different weights, and specialized formats. They have a headquarters in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and are expanding into the North American market. The paper quality differs in terms of ink absorption.
Although couché paper already undergoes a special manufacturing process and has been used for printed publications, brochures, or business cards, it was embraced by the comic industry in 1997 despite the excessive costs of paper due to color printing.
For now, the use of offset paper is most suitable. A prompt update would be requested two or three years ago.
-I still don't understand why I have to come to the contract signing meeting, - Billy said.
-Nike doesn't have a headquarters in California, so the meeting was arranged at The Sainte Claire, -Mr. Carsen replied.
I had never been to such a beautiful and elegant restaurant before. Sometimes, you feel the change in ambiance. The Saint Claire is a historic hotel located in downtown San Jose, near the San Jose Diridon Station.
Everything was very elegant; I felt like I was in an 80s movie. The waiters were dressed professionally with gloves. One was a tall dark-skinned man and the other a common white man, both wearing standard business suits.
-Pleasure to meet you, Thomas Carsen. I'm Peter Ruppe, Director of Marketing for Nike's Sportswear Division in the United States, and this is Tom Clarke, Assistant Executive Manager of the Sales Division, - said Peter Ruppe, with a friendly smile.
-Pleasure to meet you. This is my son, Billy, the artist of Lux Animation company, writer, illustrator, and designer of the Slam Dunk comic, -Thomas introduced Peter and Tom.
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Both stopped in surprise. It's uncommon for a comic with such structure and elements that propose a classic theme to be designed by a young person. The precocity of Americans extends to different social aspects. He is the new Richard Branson of our time.
-Please have a seat,- Tom said.
-We ordered a bottle of wine, but it seems like a hasty decision, -he jokingly mentioned. -It appears that the enjoyment will have to be postponed for another occasion. -
-No problem at all, Mr. Clarke. It's very kind of you. I'll order a hamburger for Billy, and I'll enjoy the wine with you, - Thomas replied.
-It's appreciated. We have an outline of ideas for the expected advertising of these comics, but we have some doubts, - Peter Ruppe said.
>>There are certain events necessary to determine the ongoing business we are proposing. I understand that this is one of the few linear series in the industry. How long do you expect to keep this series published?
Peter interrupted, -On another note, if possible, we would like to include a collaboration page with Charles Barkley, John Stockton, and Clyde Drexler. The average buyers of the Slam Dunk series range from 12 to 23 years old. This has created a sense of anticipation in the past two months. We have a perspective of negotiating for the duration of the series, with a minimum of two years. -
-That's possible, -Thomas said. -Regarding the series' length, we expect the publication time to span two to three years, not counting post-completion publications. -
-As for the exclusivity mentioned in clause number 6 regarding comprehensive advertising on platforms outside of comics, the relationship and payment details are not specified, - Thomas pointed out.
-Ahh, I see, -Peter replied. -The comic's design aims for potential appearances in television and film. I would like to extend the preferential rights clause to cover these areas and establish a payment structure with the production company. -
-Do you expect our company's support for a potential audiovisual production? - Peter asked.
-Yes, that's correct, - Peter confirmed.
-We accept, but we also want to be notified if such productions were to happen, - Thomas added.
"That's correct," -Peter agreed.
Billy ate his cheeseburger with a slightly uncomfortable expression. Although fast food in the '90s became standardized, specialized artisanal burger joints were scarce. Fast-food chains were associated with affordability, quick service, and availability on every corner.
-Billy, do you have anything to say? - his father asked.
-Yes, I have the idea of releasing some collectible cards for the Slam Dunk series after introducing a few other characters. I like the idea of having collaboration in selling collectible cards like baseball cards, - Billy said, looking up from his hamburger.
-You can publish them without any inconvenience. Meanwhile, we'll consider possible activities that would be beneficial for us as a company and brand in the future, - Peter replied.
-Sounds good, - Billy responded.
-That's great. Everything has been reviewed, and the contract sent via fax has been read. It's a pleasure to sign a cooperation agreement with Nike, - Thomas said.
-Very well. The initial payment of one million dollars will be deposited by the end of this month, in late 1990. The next payment will be determined based on the fulfillment of the agreement, - Tom clarified.
Everything went smoothly. During a nervous trance, everything seemed straightforward. Closing a business deal of such magnitude without any issues brings about a sense of mistrust.
-Why was everything so simple, Father? - Billy asked.
-I don't know, son. One of the reasons might be the eagerness to finalize the deal, - Thomas replied.
For that reason, they will capture the market before it manifests. Perhaps Adidas will be at my doorstep next month. It doesn't matter anymore; we've signed an exclusivity agreement. Winning now is more advantageous, even if the bid from two sports companies in play increases the advertising budget. But I'm just a small comic company backed by a relatively new player in the market.