We know that the comic strip GORDO was the sole creation of Gus Arriola and the strip was published in newspapers by United Feature Syndicate. There were also books, both published and unpublished by a variety of publishers – again the sole creation of Arriola. But who owns all this now?
Friend Of Gordo James Peterson wrote to Kit Parker, who tells us that the rights to GORDO are owned by EW Scripps. Although Kit knew the Arriolas well, “neither they or I ever had rights.” Peterson’s research tells us that GORDO’S last strip was in 1985. Scripps owned United Feature Syndicate until 2011, then sold it to Andrews McMeel. We don’t know the business dealings that got the rights to EW Scripps but the real question is “WHY CAN’T WE HAVE THEM!” 🙂
If anyone has more insight, please let us know. As an aside, Kit tells us that “Gus told me he got 50% of the revenue generated by Gordo, less ‘expenses.’”
Jim Guida
jimguida@sbcglobal.net