In a surprising twist, the legendary comic book writer Alan Moore, known for his groundbreaking works such as Watchmen, V for Vendetta, and Batman: The Killing Joke, has decided to put his money where his mouth is, quite literally. Moore, who has long expressed his disdain for adaptations of his work, has taken a bold step by announcing that he no longer wishes to profit from future adaptations of his comics, be it on the big screen or television.
This decision stems from Moore’s belief that the creative talents behind these adaptations deserve the financial rewards more than he does. While he may not have the power to control whether his comics get adapted, reports suggest that he has declined the financial compensation owed to him by studios for successful projects. Instead, he advocates for these funds to be distributed among the individuals responsible for bringing his stories to life.
What sets Moore apart from many others in his position is his disinterest in financial gain. He has repeatedly stated that he is content with his quiet life in the small English town of Northampton. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Moore took his stance a step further, declaring that he no longer even wants a share of the profits to go to the creative talents involved.
“I no longer wish for it to even be shared with them,” Moore declared. “I don’t really feel, with the recent films, that they have stood by what I assumed were their original principles. So I asked for DC Comics to send all of the money from any future TV series or films to Black Lives Matter.”
Moore’s dissatisfaction with adaptations of his work goes hand in hand with his critique of superhero films. He perceives them as “infantalizing” adults and recycling old characters as if they were intended for mature audiences. He expressed his discomfort at witnessing hordes of adults flocking to theaters to watch characters and stories that were originally created to entertain 12-year-old boys half a century ago.
“Now they’re called ‘graphic novels,’ which sounds sophisticated, and you can charge a lot more for them,” Moore commented wryly. “These innocent and inventive superhero characters from the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s are being recycled to a modern audience as if they were adult fare.”
Moore’s disdain for adaptations extends to specific projects like HBO’s rendition of Watchmen, Zack Snyder’s cinematic interpretation of Watchmen, and the 2006 dystopian action film V for Vendetta. On a broader scale, he believes that superhero movies have had a detrimental impact on cinema, stating that they have “blighted” the medium.
“I would be the last person to want to sit through any adaptations of my work,” Moore remarked in a 2022 interview with GQ. “From what I’ve heard of them, it would be enormously punishing. It would be torturous, and for no very good reason.”
Alan Moore’s decision to forgo royalties from adaptations is a bold statement of his principles. While it may be a departure from the norm, it aligns with his belief that the true artists behind these adaptations deserve the financial recognition. It’s a stance that invites contemplation about the relationship between creators, their creations, and the industries that bring them to new audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Comic Adaptation Royalties
Why has Alan Moore decided not to receive royalties from adaptations of his work?
Alan Moore has chosen to forgo royalties from adaptations of his comics because he believes that the creative talents responsible for bringing his stories to life deserve the financial rewards more than he does. He has expressed his disinterest in money and a desire to distance himself from the adaptations.
What prompted Alan Moore to take this extreme stance?
Moore’s decision was influenced by his perception of recent adaptations not aligning with what he originally envisioned for his work. He believes that these adaptations have deviated from their original principles, prompting him to request that all future proceeds go to causes he supports, such as Black Lives Matter.
What are Alan Moore’s views on superhero films and their impact?
Alan Moore criticizes superhero films for “infantalizing” adults and recycling characters meant for younger audiences. He views these adaptations as a departure from the innocent and imaginative origins of superheroes and believes they have had a negative impact on the cinematic landscape.
How does Alan Moore feel about specific adaptations of his work?
Moore has consistently expressed disapproval of adaptations of his creations, including HBO’s Watchmen and Zack Snyder’s interpretation of Watchmen, among others. He finds the prospect of sitting through such adaptations punishing and torturous.
Does Alan Moore have any financial motivations behind this decision?
No, Alan Moore has stated that he is content with his life and is uninterested in financial gain. His decision is driven by his principles and a desire to support causes he believes in rather than personal financial interests.
More about Comic Adaptation Royalties
- Alan Moore Gives Up Royalties on Adaptations
- Alan Moore’s Interview with The Telegraph
- Alan Moore’s Critique of Superhero Films
- Adaptations of Alan Moore’s Work
- Impact of Superhero Movies on Cinema
4 comments
Alan Moore takin’ a stand, sayin’ no more money for adaptations, goin’ to the creative folks! Superheroes, they’re for kids, not adults, he’s mad about it!
This is epic, Alan Moore’s a legend, givin’ up the cash for what he believes in, respect!
Not just comics, Moore’s into tech too, wonder what he thinks ’bout tech in cinema!
Moore ain’t likin’ the superhero flicks, thinks they messed up cinema, and he don’t even wanna watch his own stuff on screen! Wow!