We believe that the best way to support the comic book industry and the people who keep it running is by treating ownership and creative rights very seriously. In doing this we encourage a transparent ecosystem that works for all of us. We’ve created a color coded system so that you will always know when something is owned by FairSquare Comics or by another Independent Creator that we are supporting and highlighting through our platform.
FairSquare Comics GREEN
Comic books and Graphic Novels owned or co-owned by FairSquare Comics.
Example
A TV Show? A Movie or Action figures? In this case, FairSquare Comics would get 100% of the credit and profit or, in case of a co-owner, split everything with the co-creator.
FairSquare Comics PURPLE
Creator-Owned graphic novels exclusively published and licensed worldwide by FairSquare Comics. In this system, FairSquare Comics acts as a publishing partner to creators who maintain all their rights.
Example
We take care of the books and work with the creators to make them successes domestically and internationally as part of a publishing agreement. But every right, whether it’s for the big/small screen or for merchandise, remain with the original creative teams.
FairSquare Comics BLUE
Projects that we license from other publishers for distribution on the english language markets.
Example
Here, FairSquare Comics is the licensee. We’re sourcing rights to comic stories from third party publishers or independent creators, whether it’s as standalone graphic novels or Mutiny Magazine.
More on Creator Rights
What are Creator Rights?
Did you know that when a creator provides their incredible brain to dream up an amazing storyline or develop a new character for a large company, they often don’t get to maintain their rights?
Having ownership over the rights of a creative project means that the creator is able to be in charge of the product of their imagination. They are in control. They are able to make a profit off of their product any time it is used in movies, TV, toys etc. Without these rights, large companies are able to use concepts, characters, storylines to profit again and again, sometimes, without having to pay the original creator or consult them on usage.
3 Ownership Models in Comics
- WORK FOR HIRE: Writers/Artist create for a corporation but retain no right over the material and characters they create. They receive a page fee for their work and that is often their only compensation even if their character is adapted in other mediums. It’s the system companies like Marvel or DC comics are using.
- SHARED OWNERSHIP: in this case, creation is shared between the publishing company/IP farm and the creators. Most of the executive decisions and administrative duties are handled by the corporations. It may be convenient for creators that aren’t always business savvy but not all publishers have the creators’ best interests at heart. It is to be considered knowing what creators get themselves into on a case by case basis. Revenue is shared.
- FULL CREATOR OWNED:
Creators make all the decisions regarding their IPs. They take all the risk but get all the reward. At first, it is an investment as creators receive little to no advance as their building their graphic novels. But they’re building a foundation for their future.
Catalog being key, the more you create, the better chances you have of leaving a mark on the market. It’s a lot of work and it’s not for the faint of the heart, but it’s worth it!
Why Creator Rights Matter?
New Artists: Owning your rights as a creator is your best chance to make a true living off of the ideas that come from your head. We are constantly encouraging artists new to the industry to be cautious of any company that wants to retain full rights to your ideas or art. Your rights are everything.
Readers: At FairSquare Comics, we believe in creators. We want to put them at the center — or better– on top of the comic book food-chain. Every time you spend a dollar on a creator owned project, you put money directly into the pocket of the creator. Buying “creator-owned” is the comic book version of “shopping local.” It helps to sustain an ecosystem in which creators can survive and continue creating projects that are new and innovative.