For many MCU fans, the upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness isnβt just a wider look at Marvelβs expansive multiverse, itβs possibly their first glimpse at America Chavez. Played by Xochitl Gomez, the gay teen is incredibly strong and has the power to hop between universes via star-shaped portals. Following her first appearance in 2011’s Vengeance #1 by writer Joe Casey and artist Nick Dragotta, the character has become a fan-favorite over the past decade,Β appearing in her own short solo comics and team books like The Ultimates 2 and Young Avengers.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Casey talked about the feeling of watching his creation now get catapulted to blockbuster status. Like several other comics creators, he hasnβt really been properly compensated financially, outside of his pay rates when he first made the character with Dragotta. βMarvel has paid me nothing for America Chavez,β said Casey, βnot only for appearing in the Doctor Strange sequel, but in numerous animated TV episodes, for the numerous action figures theyβve made of her, for video games sheβs appeared in.β Outside of Multiverse, the character appeared in the Marvel Rising cartoon series, and has shown up in recent Marvel video games including Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2, Contest of Champions, and Lego Marvel Avengers.
Once he learned of Chavezβs big screen future, Casey contacted Marvel to get paperwork for that compensation, but said it was a βpittanceβ of an offer. A specific number wasnβt given, but previously, itβs been reported that Marvel would only pay comics creators $5000 for adapting their work into blockbuster films and big budget TV series, and offer the creators an invitation to the premiere. At time of writing, Casey hasnβt gotten a counter offer, and though the conversations are still in progress, he feels very much like Marvelβs stonewalling him.
For Casey, the issue with Marvel is less about him specifically, and more about the principle of the matter, so the publisher canβt do this to other creators. βIf Iβm in a position where I can afford not to take their insult of an offer, and be able to talk about it, maybe the next guy β where that kind of money could change their life β would get a fair shot of receiving that money.β Heβs not bitter, and he knows how this has been an issue in the comics industry for decades. (Prior to 2011, he knew about Marvelβs issues and told himself he wouldnβt create a character for the company, but ultimately βcouldnβt resist.β) βItβs not about money, itβs not even about respect. I would never expect to be respected by a corporation.β
But he hopes that by bringing more light to the issue, like other comics creators before him, the comics publisher will offer a better deal for its creators they keep mining content from. βMarvel owns America Chavez, , and thatβs not in dispute on any level. But there are still systemic flaws in the way that creators are neither respected nor rewarded.β
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness arrives in theaters on May 6.
Wondering where our RSS feed went? You can pick the new up one here.