Such claims, if found valid, would begin from 2014 and, as always, its worth noting that Marvel/Disney will still own the trademarks of the characters in comics, and the studios in movies. The likelihood is that, if successful, the Kirby estate would enter into negotiation with Marvel over terms to continue publishing comics based on his work.

Jack Kirby was the first I artist I "got into." For me, his work defines Marvel's Silver Age and his family should be paid accordingly for it. Where would we be without his work? We would most likely still have the characters we have today (marvel-wise), but I'm pretty sure contemporary art styles would not be the same today. What about "Drawing the Marvel Way?" Much of that book is based off a bit of his work.

"Jack Kirby was the first I artist I "got into." For me, his work defines Marvel's Bronze Age and his family should be paid accordingly for it. Where would we be without his work? We would most likely still have the characters we have today (marvel-wise), but I'm pretty sure contemporary art styles would not be the same today. What about "Drawing the Marvel Way?" Much of that book is based off a bit of his work. "

the fued between Kirby and Marvel is know,  Was the Siegel D.C fued known?  I never heard anything there.  The issue with Marvel was money for Kirby, he's said it straight out a few times, but a lot of his work was still co-created with Lee.  He was pissed about royalties to cartoons and toys because he didn't see a dime of it and that's a little understandble.  This is more of a moral issues as appossed to the Seigel cash with Superman, but this could be worse for Marvel beacause of the list of characters under Kirby.  Now it's a good thing Disney merged cuz i doubt Marvel could afford this issue after Seigel estate last month.  If everything is signed that Marvel says has been signed this shut be a closed case.  The only ones losing the most here are the fans in the end.  I'd like to see the amounts due, and the percentage of everything owed in the future.  Like if they mention Krypton, how much of each $2.99 comic book do the Seigels get. 

I guess a lot of this has to do with whether or not Kirby was commissioned by Marvel (as opposed to having a contract) when he created a lot of the original art. It's unfortunate when an artist relinquishes the rights to their original work and have such a hard time obtaining royalties afterward.

Raas al Ghuul with cap shield ahoi!

"@inferiorego said:

"Jack Kirby was the first I artist I "got into." For me, his work defines Marvel's Bronze Age and his family should be paid accordingly for it. Where would we be without his work? We would most likely still have the characters we have today (marvel-wise), but I'm pretty sure contemporary art styles would not be the same today. What about "Drawing the Marvel Way?" Much of that book is based off a bit of his work. "

Exactly. "

 I know the general consensus is, "Well, the Kirby heirs didn't contribute to the creation of the Marvel characters, so why should they receive any compensation from it?" Well, the heirs to Bob Kane is being compensated for his contributions for creating Batman (although technically by his own admission, Bill Finger was as much a creator to Batman as he was, so he should be recognized as the co creator), so why shouldn't the same be set for the Kirby heirs? 
 
Let's face it, Marvel (as well as DC and practically every other comic book publisher) is a business first and they're not going to look out for the little guy. I believe that Jack Kirby would want his family to be compensated from his blood, sweat and tears. I know it's easy for anyone to say, "Well, the Kirby heirs are being greedy" but what exactly was Marvel being when they didn't extend the olive branch to Jack Kirby regarding the profits that his characters were accumulating?

" I guess a lot of this has to do with whether or not Kirby was commissioned by Marvel (as opposed to having a contract) when he created a lot of the original art. It's unfortunate when an artist relinquishes the rights to their original work and have such a hard time obtaining royalties afterward. "

the COMPANIES are NOTHING! they do nothing they should own NOTHING. the artists should be treated better than the suits that "run" a publisher. Any suit can run a publisher suits come and go they produce nothing......Artists on the other had create a world of inspiration touching the lives of millions upon millions! they are the ones that are remembered in the end. Kirby has countless images that are classic timeless and will remain so. No suit, editor, account or legal rep has nor will ever do something on that level. Look they have a job to do and they do it thats great they should make money too  but the artists should be given more than their fair share and their families should retain some rights to what was created.

"the COMPANIES are NOTHING! they do nothing they should own NOTHING. the artists should be treated better than the suits that "run" a publisher. Any suit can run a publisher suits come and go they produce nothing......Artists on the other had create a world of inspiration touching the lives of millions upon millions! they are the ones that are remembered in the end. Kirby has countless images that are classic timeless and will remain so. No suit, editor, account or legal rep has nor will ever do something on that level. Look they have a job to do and they do it thats great they should make money too  but the artists should be given more than their fair share and their families should retain some rights to what was created. "

"Jack Kirby was the first I artist I "got into." For me, his work defines Marvel's Bronze Age and his family should be paid accordingly for it. Where would we be without his work? We would most likely still have the characters we have today (marvel-wise), but I'm pretty sure contemporary art styles would not be the same today. What about "Drawing the Marvel Way?" Much of that book is based off a bit of his work. "

" @inferiorego said:

"Jack Kirby was the first I artist I "got into." For me, his work defines Marvel's Bronze Age and his family should be paid accordingly for it. Where would we be without his work? We would most likely still have the characters we have today (marvel-wise), but I'm pretty sure contemporary art styles would not be the same today. What about "Drawing the Marvel Way?" Much of that book is based off a bit of his work. "

Agreed, though don't you mean the Silver Age? "

"  I know the general consensus is, "Well, the Kirby heirs didn't contribute to the creation of the Marvel characters, so why should they receive any compensation from it?" Well, the heirs to Bob Kane is being compensated for his contributions for creating Batman (although technically by his own admission, Bill Finger was as much a creator to Batman as he was, so he should be recognized as the co creator), so why shouldn't the same be set for the Kirby heirs?   Let's face it, Marvel (as well as DC and practically every other comic book publisher) is a business first and they're not going to look out for the little guy. I believe that Jack Kirby would want his family to be compensated from his blood, sweat and tears. I know it's easy for anyone to say, "Well, the Kirby heirs are being greedy" but what exactly was Marvel being when they didn't extend the olive branch to Jack Kirby regarding the profits that his characters were accumulating? "

"@speedlgt said:

"the COMPANIES are NOTHING! they do nothing they should own NOTHING. the artists should be treated better than the suits that "run" a publisher. Any suit can run a publisher suits come and go they produce nothing......Artists on the other had create a world of inspiration touching the lives of millions upon millions! they are the ones that are remembered in the end. Kirby has countless images that are classic timeless and will remain so. No suit, editor, account or legal rep has nor will ever do something on that level. Look they have a job to do and they do it thats great they should make money too  but the artists should be given more than their fair share and their families should retain some rights to what was created. "

i agree but isnt it just a tad bit odd kirby decided to sue after disney bought marvel? "

"@TazzMission said:

"@speedlgt said:

"the COMPANIES are NOTHING! they do nothing they should own NOTHING. the artists should be treated better than the suits that "run" a publisher. Any suit can run a publisher suits come and go they produce nothing......Artists on the other had create a world of inspiration touching the lives of millions upon millions! they are the ones that are remembered in the end. Kirby has countless images that are classic timeless and will remain so. No suit, editor, account or legal rep has nor will ever do something on that level. Look they have a job to do and they do it thats great they should make money too  but the artists should be given more than their fair share and their families should retain some rights to what was created. "

i agree but isnt it just a tad bit odd kirby decided to sue after disney bought marvel? "

The dispute has been going on since Kirby worked at Marvel decades ago,  and the dude's been dead for 15 years now, so it's too late for him to actually spend the money he gets. Nonetheless, give Kirby what is due to him. Now that Disney owns Marvel, they have less of an excuse (although, has the deal even been settled yet? Did I miss it?).   "

I wonder how this will go for Mr. Kirby..

"So I'm curious if the Kirby Estate is going against Marvel over the rights of his creations. Will they soon be going against DC for his New Gods creations? Or not? Or did DC give him a better deal & had a better relationship with them than he did with Marvel ? "

Stan Lee had a hand in making those characters as well, and from what I've understood for all these years, Kirby was not under contract when he was making those characters.  He was commissioned, and he received that pay.  Maybe I'm wrong in all that, and if Kirby did have a contract, then the family absolutely does deserve the money. 
 
Look, I can agree with inferiorego's ideals just as much as the next man:  without Kirby's work, where would these characters be?  At the same time, without Stan Lee, where would these characters be?  The sentimentality of Kirby's work to comic book fans is one thing, but the legal aspects of it all is another.  I think, idealistically and morally, Kirby's estate should see money for those as well as a release of Kirby's artwork.  However, legally...that just may not be the case.  It's sad, but it's life.

" I'm not sure about this one. If Kirby's beef with Marvel has been going on since he worked for them it could be argued that his heirs are just carrying on the fight. However (as already stated) the timing of this particular move is a little suspect. With the Disney buyout it makes me wonder who else is going to pop up wanting a piece of the pie. Regardless of the contract Kirby signed, in an ideal world it would have been cool if Marvel had just given the man his work back. For his contribution and influence on the media alone. Unfortunately things don't work like that in the real world. A businness will always be a business. Individuals are very rarely considered. This should have been sorted while he was alive. "