pete@pegasus.UUCP (05/01/84)
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>From my information (from a writer who works for First (and also Marvel))
They are two different law suits:
The suit against Marvel involves Marvel increasing the number of titles
published and then putting pressure on dealers to buy large allotments
of all the titles issued. By thus soaking up cash from dealers and
distributors Marvel was hopeing to hurt First's
(and other independents) cash flow. Which they did
succeed in doing. (Ask my friend about the delays he has in getting paid
by First). The big investors in First are a bunch of junior partners
in a law firm specializing in Anti-Trust law. Marvel's tactic they
belive is an illegal restraint of trade, and they are more then happy
to sue to protect their investment. (the suit being a labor of love as
it were).
The suit against World Color press involves World giving both Marvel
and DC an aproximately $.05 per copy discount over First for printing.
$.05 per copy is a lot of money ( it would about double the profit
for First). World was un willing to negotiate with First and is thus
getting sued. The unwillingness to negotiate may well be due to stupidity
on the part of World, rather then a conspiracy.
First now prints at a press in Colorado, on a slightly better paper,
since they want to avoid the services of the defendent in their law suit.