Each comic book adaptation by Marvel Studios or DC Entertainments is a work of a team of comic book creators. Their ideas helped to create the basis for the TV and film shows that would later become megacorporations' multi-billion-dollar entertainment franchises. This doesn't mean that creators aren't getting the compensation they deserve.AdvertisementIt is well-known that the majority of creators in the Big Two and mainstream comics are work-for-hire contractors, meaning they do not own the intellectual property they create. Recent revelations by comics creators reveal that they have seen their ideas taken on board by corporate giants. However, creators are not entitled to any of the financial profits generated from their work. There have been many stories about comics creators being ignored by film studios and comics companies. However, a Guardian report explains in detail how the circumstances at Disney/Marvel/AT&T were particularly troubling.The Guardians sources claim that Marvel's standard approach to compensating artists or writers when their work appears on a Marvel Studios film is a flat $5K check and an invitation to the premiere. Ed Brubaker, along with Steve Epting, Frank DArmata, letterer Randy Gentile, created the Captain America comics series that established the Winter Soldier. He previously spoke out about how he made absolutely nothing from the characters' jump to the MCU in several films.Brubakers also spoke out about not being invited to the premiere events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. But the problem with Marvels compensation system for creators whose work has been adapted is that the studio allegedly doesn't make it a point to inform all its talent about the process. Marvel offers special character contracts to creators that guarantee different levels of compensation in the event their work is adapted. These contracts are not offered to creators, so they must ask. There is no guarantee that the company will grant it.According to the Guardian article: Some creators believe that decades of work is providing vital income as movies bring their comics to a wider audience. They reason that it is only fair to pay them more. The Guardian discovered that DC has an internal boilerplate contract which guarantees creators payments when their characters are used. Two sources familiar with Marvel's contracts say they are similar to DC's, but it is harder to find. Some Marvel creators didn’t know they existed.However, the way that the comic book companies making the most money are handling compensation causes a greater system of structural inequality. This means that some creators get paid more than others for their labor. All of this is due to people in power not creating clear and well-defined avenues for gaining this type of compensation. Unlike actors, directors, etc. Comic creators, unlike actors, directors, etc., are not supported by unions and are expected to make their own decisions.Studio executives are looking deeper into their IP collections to find more source material for movies and shows that will appeal to audiences. It is likely that there will be more scrutiny on how comics creators are included in the equation moving forward or if companies just keep doing business as usual.AdvertisementAre you curious about where our RSS feed went. The new one can be found here.
