Marvel Isn't Giving Artists A Cut For Marvel Snap, According to Jen Bartel

Jen Bartel is one of the most prolific cover artists in the comic book industry. She has done variant covers for many books and covers — including, most recently, an excellent line of covers for She-Hulk. But despite her acclaim, massive following, and talent, she doesn’t receive a single additional dime for Marvel Snap using her artwork, according to her latest tweets.

On Twitter, Bartel responded to someone landing their grail card on Marvel Snap, a battle card game from Marvel that heavily features artwork from comic covers. Bartel writes that she wishes she was paid for Marvel Snap and that it feels bad not to be.

Bartel added that she understands Marvel's use of the images is legal since artists and writers have to sign over all rights to licensed art to the megacorps who own the characters. However, she pointed out that not getting any compensation for her work appearing on Marvel Snap is not ethical, as companies like Mondo even pay for usage.

Bartel pointed out the frustration of seeing her work and name promoted without receiving compensation for its new use.

Bartel says artists are afraid to speak up for fear of being blacklisted. She reveals she’s stopped taking as much licensed work because of the companies exploiting their work without fair compensation.

Legendary artist Francesco Francavilla described how Marvel pays artists for covers vs. interior work.

Black Bolt artist and Batman: City of Madness writer Christian Ward writes that he hasn’t received any money for his commissioned covers, which are being used in Marvel Snap.

Legally, Marvel is in the right. They contract an artist to do the work and pay them (usually a one-time fee) to print it. Marvel Snap does appear to contract some specific art for the game — but that doesn’t mean much for those whose art wasn’t made specifically for the game but is still featured heavily. It’s hard to argue that when the hard work artists do ultimately get used for other things, as Bartel states, ethically, Marvel is in the wrong by not fronting some money to creators. But, Marvel does own the image — and can use it however they’d like.

With yesterday being Jack Kirby’s birthday, who famously was treated poorly and not compensated or credited properly for his work, and numerous former and current Marvel creators posting GoFundMe’s to tackle hospital bills, the news artists are not properly compensated for Marvel Snap art — which is a major aspect to the game — proves that the industry is still completely busted when it comes to proper treatment of creators. It’s a shame because so many gamers are discovering artists on Marvel Snap, and Marvel has more than enough money to throw them a few bucks for their work.