Why Are Miracleman Comic Books Not Crediting Alan Moore?

The question of why Miracleman comic books list their author as 'The Original Writer' instead of Alan Moore has a complex history rooted in legal disputes and rights issues. This article explores the background and the reasoning behind this decision.

The Complex History of Rights and Ownership

Alan Moore, one of the most influential comic book authors, was initially involved in the development of Miracleman in the 1980s. However, due to a series of complicated ownership changes involving the publishing company Eclipse Comics and later Marvel Comics, Moore lost the rights to the character. This led to a drawn-out legal battle that lasted for years, becoming the most extensive and costly lawsuit in the history of comic books.

Moore's involvement with the character was based on the belief that he owned partial rights to the character, a belief he later realized was misguided as the original creator, Mick Scalisi, retained full rights. As a result, when the series was reprinted and repackaged, the decision was made to credit Moore under the pseudonym 'The Original Writer' to avoid legal complications and to honor the wishes of Mick Scalisi.

Alan Moore’s Stance

Alan Moore has expressed his desire not to have his name associated with the reprinted Miracleman comics. In a personal statement, Moore states, 'I definitely wanted my name taken off of it and they sent me another contract saying that all rights All the money will go to Mick Anglo and Alan Moore’s name will not appear on the cover. I sent that back as well saying, or the insides or anywhere in the advertising or anywhere connected to this project. Eventually, we got that accepted.'

Moore's stance is rooted in his belief that the comics industry has 'burned' him on multiple occasions. He doesn't want any connection to the reprints of his work in Miracleman, and he considers the lawsuit and its aftermath as another instance of industry betrayal. His request to be excluded from the credits reflects his strong dislike for commercialization of his creations without proper recognition.

The Long-Term Impact on Moore’s Career

Alan Moore's broader career has also been affected by these legal issues. For instance, his works with Marvel, such as the Captain Britain omnibus, still include his name in the artwork section but not in the author's page, despite his request. Similarly, Moore has no credit in any of the film or TV adaptations of his works, and DC still credits him in their publications, a choice he likely opposes.

Further, Moore does not receive royalties from any of his work with DC, despite the frequent use of his name in their promotional materials. He has explicitly requested that royalties from his work not be paid to him, reflecting his complex relationship with the industry and his disappointment with how his contributions are acknowledged.

The Outcomes of Legal Disputes

The long-lasting legal disputes surrounding Miracleman have had far-reaching consequences. One notable outcome is the use of the phrase 'The Original Writer' to credit Moore. This title evokes the idea of a hero who is 'The Artist Formerly Known as Prince,' stripped of a name they no longer wish to bear. It symbolizes Moore's desire to be acknowledged as a creator while simultaneously wanting to remove his association with certain financial and legal battles.

The decision to credit Moore as 'The Original Writer' is both a legal precaution and a respectful acknowledgment of Mick Scalisi's rights. It reflects the delicate balance between honouring the original creator's intentions and navigating the complexities of the comic book industry.

In conclusion, the naming of Alan Moore as 'The Original Writer' on Miracleman comic books is a reflection of the complex legal and ethical issues that have surrounded his work. This practice honors the rights of the original creator and aligns with Moore's personal desire to maintain a clear distinction between his commercial associations and his artistic legacy.

Conclusion

Alan Moore's relationship with Miracleman and the surrounding legal disputes have led to a unique situation in the comic book world. The decision to credit him as 'The Original Writer' is a result of both his personal wishes and the need to navigate legal challenges. This practice stands as a testament to the ongoing complexities in the comic book publishing industry and the efforts to balance intellectual property rights with the recognition of creators' contributions.