The post Marvel Sends Cease and Desist Letter to NYC Council Member Ben Kallos appeared first on Graphic Policy.
Earlier today we brought you the story of the Captain America and superhero-inspired political email by New York City Council Member Ben Kallos who is running for Manhattan Borough President.
Marvel didn’t take too kindly to the political email and sent him an email telling him to stop using Marvel’s “intellectual property” in campaign material. Kallos Tweeted the letter saying he got a “kick out of it.”
In the letter, Deputy Chief Counsel Eli Bard asked that Marvel’s characters “not be used for political purposes or to support political campaigns.”
The move by the corporation is an odd one as they have no problem profiting off of the likeness of politicians (see President Obama on the multiple sell-out Amazing Spider-Man cover) or their head Isaac Perlmutter being one of the biggest fundraisers for President Trump or being a shadow advisor for the Veteran Affairs Administration which is being investigated. They also seemed to have no issue with a San Jose Republican being sworn in with Captain America’s shield. The biggest offense Marvel seems to have no issue with is the pervasive use of the Punisher’s symbol to support “Blue Lives Matter” and abusive police. Items featuring that logo can be found for sale, for profit, by businesses, across the internet. Other publishers aren’t the fun police thankfully.
Tip to Marvel, probably not a good idea to piss off the people that can regulate you/impact your company.
You can read the full letter below.
