Gear Live Comic Book News: Articles Tagged Legal Disputes

Comic Book Jobs: CBLDF

Posted by Tom Mason Categories: Editorials,

First they came for the comic books nobody liked…

If you care about comic books and the first amendment (and maybe not even in that order), you should be a part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund that defends the rights not just of creators but also of retailers, librarians and distributors. As the government becomes much more 1984-ish, and tries to quell dissent with overwhelming force and threats, it’s imperative that rights be preserved and that free speech prevail.

The CBLDF “provides legal referrals, representation, advice, assistance, and education in furtherance of these goals.” You can’t ask for better than that – several of my friends have served the organization and donated to it and my attorney friends, yes I have them, are big supporters.

Now the CBLDF is looking for a Development Manager to assist the Executive Director and Board “in the further development of the organization, with an emphasis on advancing the organization’s fundraising program.”

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The Return of Atlas Comics

Posted by Tom Mason Categories: Conventions, Editorials, Independent,

Some years ago, in the pre-Ultraverse of Malibu Comics the company had a chance to acquire the old Atlas/Seaboard comic book characters from two guys who claimed to have the rights.

It was very tempting at the time to pursue it – Atlas had a bunch of great characters created by folks like Howard Chaykin, Steve Ditko, Pat Broderick, Gary Friedrich, Mike Ploog, Larry Hama, Michael Fleisher, Ernie Colon, Neal Adams, Alex Toth, John Severin, Russ Heath, Wally Wood, and Mike Sekowsky and many others.

At the time, it would’ve been quite a boost to the company to acquire the characters: they had a certain brand recognition, a lot of sentimental fanboy attachment, and had only been out of the marketplace for less than 15 years or so at the time.

Once acquired, the plan would’ve been to try to round up the original creators – as many as possible - and launch a new Atlas universe that would be separate from the company’s other titles.

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Warner Bros Freezes Superman

Posted by Robin Paulson Categories: Movies, DC Comics,

Despite the fact that JJ freaking Abrams is practically handing himself on a plate to Warner Bros. for the next Superman movie, the film giant is putting the Man of Steel on hold.

Sources are saying that the studio has halted any production with the character because of a legal dispute concerning co-creator Jerry Siegel’s heirs. Well, there’s also the fact that Bryan Singer’s Superman Returns didn’t fare as well at the box office as the execs were hoping.

With everyone and their mother (Kevin Smith, the Wachowski brothers, Mark Millar, and McG are all rumored to have thrown their hats into the ring) vying for the coveted script and directing positions, it’s considerably understandable as to why Warner Bros. needs some time to process what they’ll do with the franchise.

I say that while still feeling impatient at the same time—solve the legal problems (as if they don’t have enough money) and pick someone already! Well, as long as it isn’t McG; I fear seeing anyone from The O.C. or Charlie’s Angels casted as Lois.

Read More | io9