Marvel looks to becoming the property of Disney and the House of Mouse will be dealing with all the good and bad that comes with the company. The first of which looks to be a copyright challenge from the Estate of Jack Kirby.
Cinema Blend says:
According to the trusty NYTimes, Disney has hit the first of what I’m sure will be many roadblocks following their purchase of Marvel. Apparently the heirs of Jack Kirby, the popular comic artist who had a hand in the creation of X-Men and Fantastic Four, have sent copyright termination notices to Marvel, Disney, and the various other movie studios responsible for Marvel franchises. The heirs hope to gain rights as early as 2014.
This is why creator owned comics are a bad idea. Sure I am all for giving credit to the creators, but this motivation is purely a money grab. And why not. King Kirby created something and they are benefitting off it without any effort or contribution, but instead of quietly reaping the rewards, they are gunning for more cash.
I am certain that the heirs to the Kirby Empire saw the douchebaggery of the Seigel rats and took a stab at getting their undeserved piece of the pie, but there has to be a line somewhere. Marvel owns the rights to the characters, and pays an agreed royalty to its owners. How is this fair that said agreements can just be challenged and terminated any time the estates decide they want more money?
Its a good thing these deals are binding contracts that seem to have no meaning if they want to cancel and renegotiate any time they want.
I am sure this will end with a new contract (that they can just balk on later)
