Spider-Man creator nets millions

Biff, bang, pow! The artist who created Spider-Man has won a landmark court case which will net him millions of dollars from the film and TV spin-offs of his superhero.

Stan Lee, who also drew The Hulk and X-Men, sued Marvel Comics for breach of contract after it rejected his claim for a ten per cent cut of the earnings, which he said was based on a 1998 agreement.

Yesterday, a US federal judge ruled in his favour. It is thought the verdict will earn the 82-year-old, who has worked for Marvel since 1939, tens of millions of dollars. Mr Lee, who remains 'chairman emeritus' of the comic book giant, said he was pleased by the decision but disappointed he had to go to court in the first place.

He added: 'Since I am deeply fond of Marvel and the people there, I sincerely regret the situation had to come to this.'

The dispute centred on Marvel's claim that Mr Lee was not owed a share of profits from the first Spider-Man film, which took £430million at
the box office and £55million from spin-off toy sales. The second film was an even bigger hit at cinemas. Instead, Marvel paid Lee a £530,000 salary for a 15-hour week.

Marvel's fortunes have improved dramatically recently because of merchandise sales from its film adaptations.

However, the case could yet return to court. The judge was unable to resolve all issues about Spider-Man merchandise and suggested they might go to trial. Marvel, meanwhile, plans to appeal.