In 1993, Neil Gaiman wrote an issue of Spawn that went back in time to show a version of the character during the Medieval era, a earlier incarnation of the character, more recently, Dark Ages Spawn was introduced to the comic, which was incredibly similar to the Gaiman creation. In addition Gaiman is credited with creating a few other characters still used today: Angela, Cogliostro, and Gabrielle. Gaiman had not been paid royalties for these either. McFarlane's camp claims that Dark Ages Spawn existed in the same time period as Medieval Spawn, but the characters were both distinct and different, since the Spawn universe's internal rules were always changing.
Eight years ago, a jury found Gaiman in the right and that he was owed money for the co-copyright he had on the characters Medieval Spawn, Angela and Cogliostro. It's been eight years since the original trial took place and Gaiman has not received any compensation.
== TEASER ==
"Gaiman testified in June that he believed Dark Ages Spawn was essentially a copy of Medieval Spawn, a character he created in the ninth issue of the Spawn series in 1993. He had been invited by McFarlane to do an issue. Gaiman also said the angels known as Domina and Tiffany were copies of the red-haired Angela, a character who also debuted in Spawn No. 9."
In addition to the comic books, there has been money made in posters, clothing, trading cards, and action figures from these characters, money Gaiman has not seen a dime of. Gaiman's attorney, Allen Arntsen, hopes that there will be a final accounting of how much money is owed to Mr Gaiman by the end of this year. "This has been drawn out," Arntsen said. "We're looking forward to bringing it to a resolution."
So hopefully, by the end of the year, Gaiman will finally get what he deserves, royalties for characters he's created. This is more than just about money though. It's about credit for something created. Essentially these characters have been running around the Spawn universe under the giese that they were McFarlane creations. Gaiman isn't a man who wants tons of cash for his creations. He just wants what's right.
"I wish I took some kind of joy in this, but I don't... At this point all I hope is that Todd can do an accounting for all the comics I wrote for which he paid no royalties, and the rest of it; and that he'll settle up and I will make some comics charities very happy." ~Neil Gaiman
What do you guys think?
~Mat "Inferiorego" Elfring is a comedian, teacher, comic book writer, and comic store employee.~
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