Angela At Marvel: What Does Todd McFarlane Think?

After Marvel's surprise announcement this morning that Neil Gaiman would be bringing the character Angela to the Marvel Universe, there have been many questions raised. One of the biggest questions that many fans have been wondering is what does Todd McFarlane think about this announcement? Angela first appeared in Spawn #9 as a creation of writer Neil Gaiman and artist Todd McFarlane. Angela also appeared in several other issues of Spawn and an Angela limited series all published by Image Comics. In addition, Angela appeared as an action figure by McFarlane Toys and in the Spawn animated HBO series. There was a lengthy lawsuit between Todd McFarlane and Neil Gaiman over Angela and a couple other characters that appeared in Spawn #9. By most accounts, the lawsuit ended with Todd McFarlane and Neil Gaiman each having 50% ownership in the characters. However, there was a confidential settlement between the two parties so full details are not known. With Marvel teasing they are going to make Angela a major player in the Marvel Universe, many have been wondering how this will be possible if Todd McFarlane owns half, unless Todd McFarlane has agreed to the deal or Neil Gaiman now owns the character completely. As part of announcing Angela's first appearance at Marvel in the Age of Ultron #10, Marvel did note that Angela will have a new look designed by Joe Quesada. Just some speculation, but could it be that the often reported 50/50 split meant that Neil Gaiman owns 100% of  the name and concept while Todd McFarlane owns 100% of the artistic design? That would explain why Joe Quesada is redesigning the character with a new look. We reached out to the public relations rep for McFarlane Toys asking if Todd McFarlane would issue a comment on the announcement. The rep quickly responded, "Todd is traveling and not available."