unlurking
12-25-2004, 05:06 AM
This really sux ass. I am huge fan of his collectibles and have several Chiefs and Red Wings miniatures. I really hope this does not affect the SportsPick line.
http://www.cbc.ca/story/arts/national/2004/12/20/Arts/todd041219.html%20%3Cbr%3E
Todd McFarlane Productions files for bankruptcy
Last Updated Mon, 20 Dec 2004 14:21:13 EST
PHOENIX, ARIZ. - Todd McFarlane Productions Inc., the company founded by the Calgary-born comic-book impresario, has filed for bankruptcy protection.
In court papers filed in Phoenix, the firm listed former NHL player Tony Twist as its largest creditor.
McFarlane owes Twist $15 million US from a court ruling that declared he had used Twist's name without permission.
Antonio "Tony Twist" Twistelli was a villain in McFarlane's Spawn comic book.
McFarlane argued that his use of Twist's name was protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which safeguards freedom of speech.
In July, a St. Louis court ruled against McFarlane, saying he had profited by using Twist's likeness. McFarlane vowed to fight the settlement.
McFarlane, who was raised in both California and Alberta, is perhaps best known as the creator of Spawn.
The character debuted in 1992, after McFarlane broke from comic giant Marvel – where he revived The Amazing Spider-Man – to form his own publishing company, Image Comics.
Spawn, a dark figure who gets his powers after making a pact with the devil, is known for his violent methods of dispatching bad guys.
The character has appeared in an animated series on HBO, as well as in a 1997 feature film.
McFarlane is also a manufacturer of toys, putting out action figures of both real and fictional characters.
His toy division offers a likeness of the rock band KISS, as well as miniature versions of Bob and Doug McKenzie and the Hanson Brothers from Slap Shot.
He also made a name for himself as a collector of sports memorabilia, paying $3 million US in 1999 for Mark McGwire's 70th home-run baseball.
Known as a Chapter 11 filing, McFarlane's bankruptcy allows his company to keep operating while he comes up with a business plan that will satisfy creditors.
Last year, McFarlane said that his McFarlane Cos., then an umbrella of seven businesses, had annual sales exceeding $50 million US.
http://www.cbc.ca/story/arts/national/2004/12/20/Arts/todd041219.html%20%3Cbr%3E
Todd McFarlane Productions files for bankruptcy
Last Updated Mon, 20 Dec 2004 14:21:13 EST
PHOENIX, ARIZ. - Todd McFarlane Productions Inc., the company founded by the Calgary-born comic-book impresario, has filed for bankruptcy protection.
In court papers filed in Phoenix, the firm listed former NHL player Tony Twist as its largest creditor.
McFarlane owes Twist $15 million US from a court ruling that declared he had used Twist's name without permission.
Antonio "Tony Twist" Twistelli was a villain in McFarlane's Spawn comic book.
McFarlane argued that his use of Twist's name was protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which safeguards freedom of speech.
In July, a St. Louis court ruled against McFarlane, saying he had profited by using Twist's likeness. McFarlane vowed to fight the settlement.
McFarlane, who was raised in both California and Alberta, is perhaps best known as the creator of Spawn.
The character debuted in 1992, after McFarlane broke from comic giant Marvel – where he revived The Amazing Spider-Man – to form his own publishing company, Image Comics.
Spawn, a dark figure who gets his powers after making a pact with the devil, is known for his violent methods of dispatching bad guys.
The character has appeared in an animated series on HBO, as well as in a 1997 feature film.
McFarlane is also a manufacturer of toys, putting out action figures of both real and fictional characters.
His toy division offers a likeness of the rock band KISS, as well as miniature versions of Bob and Doug McKenzie and the Hanson Brothers from Slap Shot.
He also made a name for himself as a collector of sports memorabilia, paying $3 million US in 1999 for Mark McGwire's 70th home-run baseball.
Known as a Chapter 11 filing, McFarlane's bankruptcy allows his company to keep operating while he comes up with a business plan that will satisfy creditors.
Last year, McFarlane said that his McFarlane Cos., then an umbrella of seven businesses, had annual sales exceeding $50 million US.