Levitz in the Middle

As some of you may have seen, it looks like Time Warner has decided to fight the Siegels. No surprise there, as this case will set precedents not only for comic book talents but (of greater importance to the media giant and the other entertainment powerhourse) also for film, music, and every other form of pop culture. Think about the papers the Coltrane and Parker and Hooker and Checker and Haley and etc. estates will file. I'm not saying that this is just either eay, but it is inevitable.

However, what is newsworthy are the reports that Paul Levitz was ready to give the Siegels $150 million, was vetoed by Time Warner, and was blindsided by Time Warner's decision to go public with the negotiations. It seems that Levitz is indeed still one of us, still a fan who cares in some way about his childhood hero and about the people who created him, and who would rather do what he thinks is right than pay attention to the bottom line. Even to a mega-company like Time Warner, $150 million is not a drop in the bucket (maybe two or three drops?)

I'm not surprised to hear this. I've always suspected that Paul runs DC the way I would. DC is, underneath it all, I would say, not a business but a labor of love. Which explains why some people say it's run so\'unprofessionally' and 'arrogantly.' Even when it's about the money, it's about more than the money.

I fear that this may cost Paul his job or lead to some other shakeup at a time when all that matters is shareholder value. Paul has spoken up in favor of the Siegels, in favor of maintaining a strong and happy friendship and perhaps in favor of some kind of equitable settlement, and has shown that he's still one of us. Bravo, Paul.

Now if only the suits at Time Warner would listen to him.

Simon DelMonte

<< As some of you may have seen, it looks like Time Warner has decided to fight the Siegels. No surprise there, as this case will set precedents not only for comic book talents but (of greater importance to the media giant and the other entertainment powerhourse) also for film, music, and every other form of pop culture. Think about the papers the Coltrane and Parker and Hooker and Checker and Haley and etc. estates will file. I'm not saying that this is just either eay, but it is inevitable.

However, what is newsworthy are the reports that Paul Levitz was ready to give the Siegels $150 million, was vetoed by Time Warner, and was blindsided by Time Warner's decision to go public with the negotiations. It seems that Levitz is indeed still one of us, still a fan who cares in some way about his childhood hero and about the people who created him, and who would rather do what he thinks is right than pay attention to the bottom line. Even to a mega-company like Time Warner, $150 million is not a drop in the bucket (maybe two or three drops?)

I'm not surprised to hear this. I've always suspected that Paul runs DC the way I would. DC is, underneath it all, I would say, not a business but a labor of love. Which explains why some people say it's run so\'unprofessionally' and 'arrogantly.' Even when it's about the money, it's about more than the money.

I fear that this may cost Paul his job or lead to some other shakeup at a time when all that matters is shareholder value. Paul has spoken up in favor of the Siegels, in favor of maintaining a strong and happy friendship and perhaps in favor of some kind of equitable settlement, and has shown that he's still one of us. Bravo, Paul.

Now if only the suits at Time Warner would listen to him.

Simon DelMonte >>

Good for Paul. He always struck me as more or less a straight shooter. I know he's a very intelligent guy because I took some classes up at DC that he was running on comics writing. Confidentially, I still wish he could fit some comics writing in his schedule.

Neil A. Hansen

You and I and almost all of the posters at th LSH newsgroup want to see him do some more writing. And just to keep on topic, I remember a few good Superman stories from Mr. Levitz in DC Comics Presents. He understood the legend rather well.

Simon DelMonte