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Jack Kirby's Family Settles With Marvel Comics Over Copyright Issues

Published Fri, 26 Sep 2014 12:53:31 -0500

Last updated Fri, 26 Sep 2014 12:55:51 -0500

It's a day of legally binding reconcilliations.

First the Uderzos issue a statement that they have reached an accord regarding the ownership of Asterix.

And now three days before the Supreme Court was to decide whether or not to hear the appeal of Jack Kirby's estate against Marvel Comics – and possibly redefine the definition of work for hire across the entire entertainment industry, they have settled.

The statement issued reads,

"Marvel and the family of Jack Kirby have amicably resolved their legal disputes, and are looking forward to advancing their shared goal of honouring Mr. Kirby's significant role in Marvel's history."

"Significant" is downplaying it. Jack Kirby co-created X-Men, The Avengers, Captain America, Thor, The Hulk, The Fantastic Four and so much more for Marvel. Yet he never received a penny in royalties for these creations in his lifetime, and his family – with lawyer Marc Toberoff – have fought the good fight since.

After losing the court, Toberoff appealed for the Supreme Court to consider the matter, which was to take place on Monday. It had a lot of support from entertainment unions who saw an agenda changing legal decision that could benefit creators of all sorts of media. And now… suddenly the court won't need to consider it any more.

Now to find out what the settlement was…

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