Posted in: Comics | Tagged: chuck dixon, dc, man of steel, mark waid, Paul Levitz

What Will DC Comic Creators See From Man Of Steel?

Published Fri, 21 Jun 2013 09:00:53 -0500

Last updated Sat, 22 Jun 2013 10:53:52 -0500

A conversation between superfan Michael Grabois and writer of Superman Birthright writer Mark Waid went like this…

@mgrabois Dude, I didn't even get a free ticket. Are you kidding me? It's DC. Even Marvel invites me to the movies.

— Mark Waid (@MarkWaid) June 14, 2013

@mgrabois DC no longer pays creators for that stuff. Haven't since Paul left.

— Mark Waid (@MarkWaid) June 14, 2013

@comicsreporter @Wheeler @mgrabois They're not legally obligated to. Why would they? When they did before, that was Paul. Paul's gone.

— Mark Waid (@MarkWaid) June 14, 2013

@comicsreporter @Wheeler @mgrabois Corporations aren't people, my friend. Well, except to the Supreme Court.

— Mark Waid (@MarkWaid) June 14, 2013

I had heard this mentioned before – in an interview with Chuck Dixon by CBR,

"on 'Batman Begins,' the scene in which Bruce Wayne picks out the Batmobile from his own garage – I called Paul up and said 'I'm the only guy who ever wrote that scene in "Detective" #0. Every other version has him and Alfred building the car.' And Paul said, 'You're right' and they cut a check. Today, I don't even know who I'd call about something like that. But at least Graham and I have all the Bane paperwork, so we're covered."

When reached for comment on whether Levitz's policies in regards to creator participation in media have continued under the current regime, DC Entertainment Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee were quick to respond with the following statement: "Our creators enjoy in DC Entertainment's successes in many ways when they create original comic book characters and storylines. However, per company policy we don't discuss the details of their contracts or compensation."

This might indicate that things have changed. DC Comics were known for paying the likes of Neal Adams, Denny O'Neill, Len Wein and many more for the bits and pieces of their comics that turned up in the movies.

But not, it seems, for Man Of Steel which has many aspects of various creators' Superman stories in there including an entire speech by Grant Morrison.

DC Comics did not respond to e-mails requesting comment.

Enjoyed this? Please share on social media!