Comic legend Stan Lee sues the company he founded for US$1bn, claiming executives tried to steal his image

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Famed comic book creator Stan Lee says executives from the company he founded took advantage of him at a time when he was despondent over the death of his wife Joan and suffering from macular degeneration. Photo: AP

Published: 2:51pm, 16 May 2018Updated: 2:51pm, 16 May 2018

Comic books legend Stan Lee is suing the entertainment company he co-founded for damages topping US$1 billion, accusing bosses of trying to steal his image, according to court documents filed Tuesday.

The complaint, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court and published by several US entertainment media outlets, alleges that POW! Entertainment CEO Shane Duffy and co-founder Gill Champion failed to fully disclose to Lee details of the firm’s 2017 sale to Camsing International.

The entertainment icon contends that they took advantage of him at a time when he was despondent over the death of his wife Joan and suffering from macular degeneration, a condition affecting the eyes.

The 95-year-old co-creator of many Marvel superhero characters, including Black Panther and Spider-Man, alleges he was duped into signing a fraudulent agreement that gave POW! exclusive rights to his name, identity and likeness.

Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman (left) greets Stan Lee at the premiere of “Avengers: Infinity War” in Los Angeles on April 23. Photo: Reuters

According to the lawsuit, Lee was unable to read the document due to his eye condition, and he doesn’t remember anyone reading it to him, suggesting that his signature may have been forged, copied or induced.

“In addition, POW! took control of Lee’s personal social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, thereby impersonating Lee before a combined 15 million followers worldwide,” the complaint reads.