8 Times Marvel And DC Screwed Over Comic Book Creators

1. Poorly Compensating Creators For Inspiring Their Biggest Movie Franchise

No one could possibly argue that the Marvel Cinematic Universe isn't just about the biggest film franchise of all time. It's monolithic, and generates an awful lot. As in, an awful lot of millions. It's kind of ridiculous.

Anyway, while most would fairly assume that the writers and artists who created these characters now making Disney's billions would be adequately compensated - certainly as much as the scriptwriters and directors on these projects - the truth is far more depressing.

The reality is that a lot of these creators are left out of the loop altogether, with only a select few signing on to projects as creative consultants. Worse still is that royalties for those who created the Thanoses and Rocket Raccoons of the MCU are less than substantial. Thanos co-creator Jim Starlin was paid more for KGBeasts' brief cameo in Batman V Superman than he was for providing Disney with their pivotal, purple-skinned villain, while the family of Rocket Raccoon co-creator Bill Mantlo have a support fund to help with the artist's medical expenses.

Starlin was able to renegotiate with Disney, but Mantlo's story is frankly shocking. How Disney and Marvel don't pay his expenses in light of all the millions his creation has helped generate is just appalling, and a sad indictment of the way the film and TV industries treat those responsible for their most profitable offerings.