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Reviews and commentary by Tony Isabella
"America's Most Beloved Comic-Book Writer & Columnist"
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TONY'S ONLINE TIPS
for Monday, March 7, 2005
The biggest comics story of the decade is the battle between DC Comics and Jerry Siegel's estate for Superman, Superboy, and an assortment of other related and non-related concepts. Last week, NEWSARAMA [www.newsarama.com] began running a series of thoughtful, well-researched reports on the legal back and forth...and no one in the comics or mainstream press is within a light-year of equaling the efforts of the site's MATT BRADY. This isn't just an important story; it is the MOST important story in the comics industry and, perhaps, the entire entertainment industry.
I won't attempt to duplicate Brady's exceptional journalism on this story. What I will do is ask - as politely as possible - how many comics industry professionals will express their support for the Siegel family and do so publically. I don't do a whole lot of web-surfing at the best of times, so I'm sure there are more than I know of. But, at present, the only expression of support for the family I have seen has come from MARK EVANIER at his NEWS FROM ME website [www.newsfromme.com]. I certainly hope that's just the tip and not the entire iceberg.
Where do I stand? Do I really have to spell it out?
Okay...
In the best of all possible worlds, DC would stop playing the legal games, recognize the Siegel family's claims, and then come up with an arrangement that satisfies the family while retaining their use of Superman et al. Then, rather than wait for other lawsuits, they would start making right by other creators who also have their legitimate claims against and grievances with DC. There's a lot of money at stake, enough money that DC *could* act in the manner I've described and still make out quite nicely.
However, I don't expect that will be happening.
If it comes down to a choice between the rights of the Siegel family and DC's bottom line, I want to see the family make so much money that they can build their own money bin and start diving into said loot like happy porpoises.
If it comes down to a choice between the rights of the Siegel family and the so-called integrity of the DC Universe, I say let's shatter that mismanaged fictional construct into a thousand pieces and let God sort it out.
Does that clear up where I stand on this?
I love many of the DC-published characters. I think some of their writers and artists and among the brightest talents comicdom has ever seen. I think the company does a lot of good things for a lot of people. I count some of DC's employees among my dearest friends. No matter my personal issues with DC, I hope the company lives long and prospers. I honestly do.
But, for what it's worth, I stand with the Siegel family here and now and forever.
I think all other comics creators should, too.
Thanks to Matt Brady for his ongoing reporting of this story. He's doing fine and noble work.
Anything else I could write today would be trivial. Thank you for spending part of your day with me. I'll be back soon with more stuff. Stay strong, stay well.
Tony Isabella
<< 03/06/2005 | 03/07/2005 | 03/08/2005 >>
Discuss this column with me at my Message Board. Also, read Heroes and Villains: Real and Imagined.
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THE "TONY" SCALE
ZERO: Burn your money before buying any comic receiving this rating. It doesn't *necessarily* mean there's absolutely nothing of value here - though it *could* - but whatever value it might possess shrinks into insignificance before its overall awfulness.
ONE: Buy something else. Maybe I found something which wasn't completely dreadful in the item, but not enough for me to recommend it when there are better comics available. I only want what's best for you, my children.
TWO: Basic judgment call. I found some value, but not enough to recommend it. My review should give you enough info to decide if you want to take a chance on it. Are you feeling lucky today, punk? Well, are you?
THREE: This denotes something I find perfectly respectable. There are better books out there, but I wouldn't regret buying this item. Based on my review, you should be able to determine if it's of interest to you. Let the Force guide you.
FOUR: I recommend anything earning this rating. Unless you don't like the genre, subject matter, or past work of the creators, I believe you'll enjoy this item. Isn't it uncanny how I can look right into your soul that way?
FIVE: Anything getting this rating is among the best comicdom has to offer. You should buy/read this, even if the genre/subject matter doesn't appeal to you. It's for your own good. Me, I live for comics and books this good...but not in a pathetic "Comic-Book Guy" sort of way.
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Medina, OH 44256
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