Marvel Comics is looking to DESTROY Gary Friedrich
As I’ve been posting about for a bit now, Gary Friedrich is getting raped by Marvel Comics. Friedrich, the artist/writer who co-created the Ghost Rider character, took Marvel Comics to court, arguing that as the creator of the character, he deserved a cut of the millions of dollars in profits that Marvel has made off of Ghost Rider. The verdict came back and, well, Gary Friedrich didn’t win. Additionally, in response to the suit he brought against Marvel, the comics company counter-sued Friedrich, claiming he owed them thousands of dollars in royalties from sketches and artwork that he sold at conventions over the years. Once again, Friedrich lost the case and the court has now ordered him to pay Marvel Comics $17,000 in damages.
And while a $17,000 verdict might seem like small potatoes, especially for a multi-billion dollar company like Marvel Comics (which is owned by Disney), it’s a whole lot of money for Mr. Friedrich to pay. During the course of his battle with Marvel Comics over the rights to Ghost Rider, Friedrich amassed over $100,000 in legal bills. Additionally, because the legal case took so much of his time, he lost his job as a corporate courier. On top of all of that, Gary Friedrich is seriously ill, which adds to his financial problems and makes it difficult for him to travel. And, to add insult to injury, as a result of the judgement handed down against him, he is now legally prohibited from selling any Ghost Rider artwork or in profiting in any way from the character. So, yes, Marvel Comics is raping Gary Friedrich.
As it often does, the comic book community has rallied around one of its own in a time of need. Steve Niles, of 30 Days of Nights fame, is helping raise money to support Friedrich and help him through these crippling financial setbacks. In addressing all of the support he’s received, and continues to receive, Gary Friedrich issued the following statement…
“A NOTE TO MY FANS AND SUPPORTERS:
Since the various news agencies and websites have reported the ruling against me on my claims against Marvel in the Ghost Rider lawsuit, and the assesment of a $17,000 judgment against me and my company instead, I have read an amazing amount of comments in my support on the internet, and have received many messages of support directly. Although the reports of my employment situation and financial difficulties as well as problems with my health are unfortunately true, I want to let everyone in the comic book world, especially my supporters and fans of the Ghost Rider character which I invented, created, and wrote, that I am going to appeal the Court’s ruling and continue to fight this as long as I am able and that your support of me means more than you will ever know. I have heard your voices. I thank you with alll my heart, and I appreciate your thoughts and best wishes as I soldier on.Feel free to keep in touch with me via e-mail: fgroovygary@aol.com.Thanks again and God bless you.”
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