There has been quite an uproar concerning the reported counter suit from Marvel aimed at writer Gary Friedrich over the last week. After a judged ruled in their favor in a suit filed by Friedrich, it was reported that Marvel then hit the
Ghost Rider co creator with a $17,000 counter suit for selling unlicensed merchandise.
CBR contacted Marvel's Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada and Publisher Dan Buckley to discuss the matter. The following is just a small portion of what they had to say on the subject. For more information and to read the interview in it's entirety, click on the link below.
On reports that Marvel had filed a counter suit for $17,000 in damages for selling unlicensed Ghost Rider materials at conventions... Quesada: Some historical context would be helpful towards understanding the situation. This story begins in 2007, when Gary decided to sue Marvel claiming that, as a writer, he was the sole creator of Ghost Rider and that Marvel was infringing on his rights. A federal judge disagreed. Recently, Gary's lawyers have said publicly that they intend to appeal their loss, and that ball is now in their court.
Now, here's where the story seems to take on a life of its own. First and foremost, Marvel has not settled with Gary. What has been misinterpreted as a settlement is a court document that Gary's very own attorneys agreed to, along with Marvel's attorneys. That document basically ends his lawsuit against Marvel at the trial court level with Marvel having won and Gary's case dismissed. By agreeing on a number for the profits Gary made from selling unlicensed Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider merchandise after the court has decided that Marvel is the owner of that copyright, it allows Gary's attorneys to file his appeal now rather than have Gary litigate further. It is in no way a "fine" or "punishment" for Gary. It is something that the court asked both parties to do and agree upon. This is one more step in an expensive and time-consuming legal process initiated way back in 2007. Buckley: We should also clarify another rumor that Marvel is somehow preventing Gary from promoting his creative association with Ghost Rider. This is simply not true. The court document Joe mentioned specifically gives Gary the right to sign authorized Ghost Rider books and merchandise and sell his autograph. On who Marvel considers to be Ghost Rider's creators... Quesada: From the Marvel side of things, we absolutely agree that Gary made a significant contribution to the creation of Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider. That has never been under contention. But Gary didn't do it alone. Mike Ploog, the original artist, was a co-creator. Other people contributed as well, including Roy Thomas and Stan Lee. There were many individuals present at the time of Johnny Blaze's creation who disagree with the claim that Gary was the sole creator. And keep in mind, there was a previous Marvel Western character called Ghost Rider.
On comic creators selling original art at conventions...
Buckley: We in no way want to interfere with creators at conventions who are providing a positive Marvel experience for our fans. We want fans to speak and interact with the creators who wrote, penciled, inked, lettered, colored or edited their favorite stories. Part of that positive interaction is that a fan can walk away with a signed memento or personalized sketch from an artist. Hawksblueyes: Does this information in any way change your opinion of the situation from what it was upon hearing initial reports? Please discuss below.
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