William Crabtree, a colorist for the first 50 issues of the comic, alleged creator Robert Kirkman tricked him into surrendering his co-ownership stake in the series; the terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
A copyright lawsuit between Invincible comic creator Robert Kirkman and William Crabtree, a colorist on the first 50 issues, has settled ahead of a jury trial set to begin February 20, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
Crabtree claimed Kirkman tricked him into surrendering his co-ownership stake in the series in order to make the IP easier to shop to studios. An agreement was then drafted in 2005 stating that Kirkman was the “sole author” of the series and therefore “owner of all rights of every kind and nature,” while Crabtree was described simply as a “work-for-hire.” Crabtree was then left holding the bag when Prime Video picked up the series.
In November, a federal judge ruled that Crabtree couldn’t seek a court order claiming he was a joint author or get damages for fraud, but he could possibly invalidate the agreement Kirkman allegedly tricked him into signing. If Crabtree succeeded, Kirkman would face massive damages for breaching his oral agreement to pay him 10 percent of revenue from any future films or television shows.
The now settled suit also referenced a former complaint against Kirkman, lodged by Michael “Tony” Moore in 2012, who claimed he was tricked into giving up his rights to at least half of the proceeds from the Walking Dead comic franchise.
Neither side has responded to requests for comment.
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
