In a huge huge case, the heirs to Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel were awarded yesterday the rights to Action Comics Vol. 1. Issue 1. This is a big mess and and of course everyone is scratching their heads saying “What does this mean for the Superman” I can’t answer that for you because I’m not a law-guy, but a great FAQ to check out can be found here which states the following:

Do the Siegels have creative control over Superman comics?

A: No. The court explains, quoting an earlier case, that “each co-owner has an independent right to use or license the use of the copyright. . . . A co-owner of a copyright must account to other co-owners for any profits he earns from licensing or use of the copyright.” (p. 66) However, if the Shuster heirs regain copyright in a few years, then the future of Superman comics gets rather complicated, since all domestic copyright in the Action Comics #1 material & its derivative works will vest in the two families.

It’s taken decades, but its nice to know that for once a publisher is getting screwed instead of the creators.