Todd McFarlane Sues Al Simmons Over "Spawn" Biography

[CBR News]

In a legal case that stretches the boundaries of fiction and reality, "Spawn" creator Todd McFarlane is suing former employee and often-cited inspiration for the character Al Simmons over the details in a biography published this year.


Full article here.

[Bricolo]

Now I want to buy this boo.

[jediracer]

McFarlane seems to spend more time in court than he does making comics.

[rigmutton]

McFarlane seems to spend more time in court than he does making comics.

Tempted to say that I'm ok with that (at least until I become one of his litigation buddies)

[Chadhulhu]

Wow, what a dick move. Todd's made his money, making even.

[grphxkindaguy]

McFarlane seems to spend more time in court than he does making comics.

QFT.

Spawn doesnt sell like it used to. He has to make $$$ somehow!!!

[A_Nominus]

This is why you just don't name comic book characters after real people.

[Brother Justin Crowe]

Shit just got unreal.

[The Cheat]

Now I want to buy this boo.

I suspect Mr Simmons isn't too upset over all the publicity this will generate.

[Paladin King]

Granted, I'm only familiar with Canadian law and not American law, which is fairly different, but I don't see the Toddler as having a chance in hell of winning this lawsuit. Not under copyright law.

Maybe if Spawn was a trademark and he was going on those grounds, sure....but copyright? Nah, don't think so.

[rasx]

So that's why they killed Al, then brought him back as a villain.

[chakal]

Isn't it funny? Image started as a comic book company because the artists felt ripped-off. Later they all became the same people that they used to criticize. I was surprised when I checked recently that spawn is still going on. Well, good luck to defendant simmons

[chakal]

double post

[PsychoGoatee]

Isn't it funny? Image started as a comic book company because the artists felt ripped-off. Later they all became the same people that they used to criticize. I was surprised when I checked recently that spawn is still going on. Well, good luck to defendant simmons

That seems a bit broad, doesn't it? Pretty easily proven false too. Erik Larsen? Marc Silvestri?

As for saying Todd is always in court, and this makes him money etc etc, last time it was defending against Neil Gaiman right? Who he did then pay more? How exactly does that benefit him? Just sayin'.

And while sure, this Al guy selling a book and cashing in a bit seems harmless, if he really is making things up and saying lies about Todd and the creation of Spawn, I mean... Todd's position might have some merit. Especially when Todd's name is on the cover of the book.

[josh straightedge]

I thought that when this book was solicited, that it sounded pretty interesting.