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As we head into NYCC, we’re looking at movement in the worlds of copyright ownership, continued distribution disruptions, and practical career advice for anyone trying to thrive in comics.
Legal
Ditko Estate Attempts to Gain Copyright to Spider-Man
(Comics Beat)
Copyright termination is a process included in the 1976 Copyright Act and allows creators to terminate a copyright agreement after 56 years. The termination for both characters would go into effect in 2023 if backed up by courts. But Disney is expected to fight reassignment by claiming that the work was done as “work for hire”.
Marvel Suing to Keep the Rights to the Avengers
(The Hollywood Reporter)
The litigation figures to focus on the “Marvel Method,” a loose collaborative working atmosphere where initial ideas were briefly discussed with artists responsible for taking care of the details. The Marvel Method has been the subject of prior litigation such as a dispute a decade back over “Ghost Rider.”
Distribution
IDW Follows the Big Two Away from Diamond
(Comics Beat)
"It’s yet another major blow to Diamond’s once near-monopoly on distribution to the direct market, but many had been waiting for this particular shoe to drop. Image, Dark Horse Dynamite are among the major publishers still distributed by Diamond exclusively."
Pandemic Related Printing and Distribution Problems Hit Comics
(Bleeding Cool)
As demand for comic books of all descriptions has increased over the pandemic, unfortunately, the ability to print and distribute comic books has been hampered.
Career
Is Working in Comics Just a Side Hustle? (Video)
(Perch)
Millions of people have money in the stock market, but they’re not stockbrokers. Thousands of people invest in real estate, but they’re not real estate moguls. How many people create comics as their sole source of income?
New Guide for the Comic Book Letterer
(Screen Rant)
"Letterers play a critical role in the comic book creation process, and The Essential Guide to Comic Book Lettering promises to be an exhaustive guide for those who wish to break into the field."
(Creative Contract Consulting)
Comic book characters can exist and inspire beyond the confines of their story if they capture the imagination. If you want to create quality characters and comics on any level, McKee’s books are an important addition to your professional library.
Have fun with your comic.
Gamal
If you have questions about the business or legal aspects of your comic book publishing and you'd like a free consultation, please contact me and we can set something up that fits in with your schedule.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS BLOG POST IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR LEGAL ADVICE. IF YOU HAVE AN ISSUE WITH YOUR COMIC PROPERTY, DISCUSS IT WITH A QUALIFIED CONTRACT ATTORNEY OR CONTACT C3 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION