Case
Who is this case about?
Stan Lee
Who is Jack Kirby?
The artist that co-created many iconic Marvel characters with Stan Lee, including the Fantastic Four.
What is the name of the cinematic universe Stan Lee created
MCU: Marvel Cinematic Universe
Who is the web-slinging superhero?
Spiderman
What is Timely Comics?
This company, originally named Timely Comics, later became Marvel Comics.
What is the problem?
The main problem revolves around the allocation of credit in collaborative creative processes. How much recognition should Stan Lee receive versus his collaborators?
This issue is key for intellectual property rights and legacy in industries like comics, film, and other creative fields.
Who is Steve Ditko?
The artist that designed Spider-Man and co-created Doctor Strange.
What is "Excelsior!
Stan Lee's catchphrase, often used to sign off his columns and appearances
The superhero known for his anger issues and green skin
The Hulk
Name 1 cause and the according symptom
Cause 1: Stan Lee’s desire for personal recognition and branding.
Symptom 1: His consistent crediting of himself on all Marvel publications ("Stan Lee Presents").
Cause 2: Collaborative nature of comic production.
Symptom 2: Ongoing debates about who deserves more recognition (Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, etc.).
Cause 3: Evolving nature of fan culture (e.g., fan fiction).
Symptom 3: Legal issues around ownership and fan creation, confusion about “canon” and “fanon”.
Name 1 collateral problem
1) The unclear boundaries between individual credit and collaborative work in comic book production
2) Legal and ethical concerns surrounding intellectual property rights
3) The role of fan fiction in shaping and extending legacy
The debate over character creation led to tensions between Stan Lee and who?
Jack Kirby
What is fanon?
This term describes the expanded universe created by fans, often blurring with official canon.
X-Men character with adamantium claws, created by Len Wein ans John Romita
Wolverine
According to the copyright law, what is the usual time limit in which creators can reclaim ownership?
35 years
Name 2 alternative solutions?
1) Shared recognition: Ensure that both Stan Lee and his collaborators receive credit for their contributions.
2) Collective impact: Value teamwork in the creation of comics, not concentrating credit on one person.
3) Cultural influence: Develop studies that give a more balanced view of the legacy of Stan Lee and his colleagues.
What is copyright termination?
The legal concept that allows creators to reclaim copyright after a set period
What is Stan's Soapbox?
The feature in Marvel comics that allowed Stan Lee to communicate directly with fans.
Who is the cosmic villain, created by Jim Starlin, that became a major antagonist in the MCU?
Thanos
What was the decision?
Complete the Frame:
The Marvel universe is closely associated with Stan Lee due to the public image he and his team carefully crafted. However, with the recent debate over Lee's sole authorship, there is an opportunity to reshape the narrative. The creation of comics and characters should be seen as a collaborative effort, where authorship is shared among the team rather than attributed to one individual.
What was the economical field in the PEST analysis?
Revenue Sharing: The economic issue of how to split profits fairly among writers, artists, and other contributors in a collaborative industry is central to this case.
Financial Impact of Movies and Merchandise: Marvel’s ability to generate billions through its cinematic universe and merchandise sales makes it critical to manage the financial distribution of these profits to original creators or their properties.
What is the Marvel Method?
The collaborative process at Marvel that led to disputes over who truly "created" characters.
What convention did Stan Lee co-created?
San Diego Comic-Con
The first team of superheroes that Stan Lee co-created
The fantastic four
What was the social field in the PEST analysis?
Fan Expectations: Fans are no longer passive consumers; they are vocal participants who demand fairness for creators, especially as online communities grow more aware of behind-the-scenes stories.
Cultural Shifts Toward Equity: Today’s audiences are more conscious of ethical issues such as fairness, equity, and recognition. Millennials and Gen Z audiences, in particular, expect companies to be transparent and just in recognizing creative labor.