Kirby Family Moves Ahead With Disney/Marvel Lawsuit
The signs were all there, and now, they have rung true. Last week the family of noted artist Jack Kirby officially filed a lawsuit against Marvel Comics and the Walt Disney Company to have the copyrights to those characters terminated and reverted back to the family members, who claim, in the actual lawsuit papers, that Kirby’s work, which included iconic characters such as The Fantastic Four, The X-Men, The Avengers and Spider-Man, was done on a freelance basis, and that Marvel used Kirby on a work-for-hire basis, therefore his family is entitled to a share of the profits from those works and the copyright. Read more
Marvel Issues Apology For Captain America Gaffe Involving Tea Party Movement
Marvel Comics has found itself in the midst of a, pardon the use of the expression, tempest in a teapot. In the latest issue of Captain Amierca, issue 602, current Captain America, Bucky Barnes and The Falcon are attempting to infiltrate a group called “The Watchdogs”, an anti-government militia group that has begun to swell in its numbers as of late. That in itself is not the sole source of controversy. What has caused a stir is the appearance of several protest signs that, unintentionally or not, point to the Tea Party movement that has popped up in parts of America. Cap and Falcon are observing an anti-tax gathering, and several of the signs in the crowd indicate anti-tax and governement sentiment. One sign that stands out ties directly to the Tea Party movement, and that link has caused a minor wave of uproar amongst Tea Parties for this depiction, which puts them on the opposite side of a popular American superhero.
Marvel Announces Next Avengers Creative Team!
As the heroes, villains and villains pretending to be heroes slog through the battle that currently is “Siege”, Marvel has begun sewing the seeds of its upcoming relaunch of the entire Avengers franchise. This move includes canceling all the current Avengers titles, such as Mighty, Dark, New, and Initiative. A big question still hovers: who will be leading the creative forces behind the relaunch! We’re so glad you asked, because we have your answer right here! Read more
Marvel’s Siege: The Death Watch
There’s an old saying that the two things certain in life are death and taxes. Since we’re coming up on the end of January and into the throes of the official tax season, we know that this is a certainty in our world! For the comic book world, where no one ever seems to have to pay taxes, death is always a certainty! When Marvel recently kicked off its dramatic new crossover event, “Siege”, savvy readers knew that someone, somewhere and at sometime would have to die in this epic event. How could they not? This is what it’s all been building to for Norman Osborn and the rest of the Marvel universe. His hand ever-reaching for more power, Osborn has launched an all or nothing assault on Asgard, home of the Norse gods. The odds are mighty, the forces powerful and the question about what will happen to Norman Osborn hangs in the balance! Who will not make it out alive?? Read more
Marvel Cancels S.W.O.R.D Series
The rumors of an untimely demise may have been untrue for Mark Twain, but the same can’t be said for Marvel’s struggling series S.W.O.R.D., a spin-off of the hit series Astonishing X-Men. S.W.O.R.D. stands for Sentient World Observation and Response Department, and while the group played an interesting role during the Secret Invasion storyline with its work against the Skrull threat, it appears that the perceived popularity of the characters and the series did not translate into enough sales power to justify a series of its own. The fifth and final issue will ship in March. Read more
Comic Books For Only A Dollar
While it seems like comic book prices are always going up, Marvel Comics has announced a little bit of good news. In an effort to make it affordable for new readers to pick up a comic book or two, Marvel Comics has announced the next wave of Marvel’s Greatest Comics imprint. The Marvel’s Greatest Comics imprint spotlights Marvel’s most-acclaimed series with new printings for only $1.00.
The following Marvel’s Greatest Comics titles are scheduled to be released in April: Wolverine #66, Hulk #1, New Avengers #1, and Civil War #1.
“With the increased mainstream attention on comics and the new readers entering stores, Marvel wants to make sure everyone gets a chance to read our best titles,” said David Gabriel, who is Marvel’s Senior Vice-President of Sales & Circulation. “Marvel’s Greatest Comics allows fans to discover new series at a low price while also providing retailers with product they can stock on their shelves for years.”
Marvel Announces Spider-Man And Super Heroes All Ages Series
Who says comic books aren’t for kids anymore? While the majority of modern day comic books target older readers, Marvel Comics is doing their part to bring in new comic book readers. Marvel has announced two new ongoing all ages series.
The two new titles are part of the Marvel Adventures line. Spider-Man #1 and Super Heroes #1 will launch with oversized debut issues. Both premiere issues will be packed with full length all-new stories and bonus back up stories and will retail for $3.99. Both issues are scheduled to arrive in comic book stores in April. Later issues will be regular sized and priced at $2.99.
Spider-Man 4: No More! Raimi and Maguire Out!
And things seemed to be working themselves out. News today that hit harder than a punch from Venom, the planned follow-up to Spider-Man 3, Spider-Man 4, will NOT in fact be made, not with the current director, Sam Raimi, or franchise anchor Toby Maguire. Multiple news sources began reporting that Raimi, who had been in disputes with the forces at Sony over the creative direction of the series going back to the last film, walked away from the project. Pressure to meet a 2012 release deadline have been said to be a factor in the decision for Raimi’s split as well, especially with tension over the script. That’s not the only big news that Sony laid out concerning the wall-crawler! Read more
Marvel Heats up Fight with Kirby Family, Seeks to Retain Copyrights
Iconic artist Jack Kirby certainly contributed to some of the most famous battles, scenes and story arcs in comic book history through his storytelling and distinct artwork, but perhaps even he couldn’t imagine the epic battle that’s about to be waged between members of his estate and Marvel Comics! Several months ago, the members of Jack Kirby’s estate served Marvel with notices of copyright termination, stating their intent to reclaim the rights to characters such as The Fantastic Four, The Hulk, Spider-Man and The Avengers. Current law permits creators to seek to reclaim rights to their work after a period of waiting over several years. Read more
Disney and Marvel: Acquisition Complete!
New Year’s Eve 2009 didn’t just bring many promises for personal resolutions for 2010, it also brought the official sale of one of the biggest houses of creative and entertainment property to fruition. The Walt Disney Co. officially completed its $4.24 billion dollar acquisition of Marvel Entertainment Inc. on Thursday. With that, the mouse and company are now home to thousands of fictional characters that have proved popular and indelible in the public consciousness for several decades. Read more
