January 2, 1989.
The first meeting of the day ended in perfect cooperation between the two parties. The next one is, for better or worse, the highlight of the day: the purchase of a superhero from Charlton Comics. Initially, he wasn't interested in the bidding until his son Billy mentioned the potential of Captain Atom and the possible profit from the character.
-Do you think it will be as easy as that, with Mr. Mike? - Billy asked.
-I don't think so. These people are willing to shell out some dollars for their characters. Almost a year ago, they sold the Blue Beetle to DC Comics for $50,000, - Thomas said.
-Why didn't they sell Captain Atom with the Blue Beetle? - Billy asked.
-I don't know. But Mr. Joe Gill, who is the creator and authorized to sell the franchise by his former boss, is looking for a good commission. He will probably be sent to us to recreate the nostalgia factor, -Thomas murmured.
In the following years, the world would transition from an era dominated by big superstars to one driven by major franchises. Marvel, for example, would shake the world and break box office records. However, in the meantime, entertainment was fueled by great TV series or streaming platforms like Netflix.
For a moment, he paused to question whether his plan with Captain Atom would yield the expected results.
It was almost like leaping into the unknown, supported by the fame of his work in copying and his incredible system that helped evoke emotions in manga with the unprecedented improvement of his skills. Ultimately, the partnership with Dark Horse Comics would help establish a certain continuity line to create a point of support.
Essentially, most successes are established recreations of a brand that appeals to the sense of a key fan base, helping different fans connect with their drawings.
-How do you create a good superhero? -Perhaps -the question is, how do you create a good character? Could my new designs for Captain Atom provide the right measure to update and enter the perfect superhero market? With improved character designs, which I acquired through my previous views of cartoons with better perspectives, updates in the movement of each character, creative panels, and the new model of settings with better visual structures.
-Father, what is the maximum amount we are willing to pay for Captain Atom? - I asked.
-Approximately $20,000. Even if they ask for a price higher than that, I can't afford to pay more, -he replied.
-How famous is this character? - I asked Billy.
-Not very famous. It has mostly sold around 10,000 copies in all the collected volumes, which are almost 16 volumes. Charlton Comics hasn't sold much since the beginning of the '80s. However, the co-creator has also been involved in different comics like Spider-Man.-
-Let me handle the negotiation, -I said.
-You're the lawyer, Father. I entrust you with the future negotiation. -
It surprises me that most negotiations I have accompanied or witnessed take place in cafes or private rooms of restaurants. Something they have in common is that no one orders food during the negotiation. Is it a symbol of trust not to eat? Is it impolite?
-Good afternoon, Mr. Gill, a pleasure to see you today, - I greeted.
-Likewise, - he replied, looking deadly serious with his polished white mustache and furrowed eyebrows.
-Let's get straight to the point. I'm willing to grant you the copyright for Captain Atom for 70 years for a value of $18,000, - I said assertively.
-We could do it for $17,000, - my father responded.
-Deal. -
He pulled out a legal-sized white contract. My father read through the contract and discussed some legal terms regarding the exploitation rights of the work and other miscellaneous terms with Mr. Gill.
With a 3% royalty profit share on Captain Atom, a new IP was established for the development of his Lux Animation, which was gradually taking shape.
In summary, it was negotiated that I can modify the work, and the new creations are counted as derivative works of my authorship. It was disappointing that the negotiation lasted no more than five minutes, and I can understand the other party's disappointment, but perhaps they were hoping to scrape together a higher total than the proposed $15,000.
In summary, an animation company was created, an industrial comic machine was purchased, a small warehouse was leased, the garage was expanded, and Captain Atom was acquired.
The expenses amounted to a total of $70,000. Taking into account my savings from two years, they only amounted to a total of $5,570 after refusing birthday and Christmas gifts, working by mowing lawns, and doing chores at school for two dollars.
The following parts are a $1,000 gift from my grandfather for my company. The rest came from my father's total savings and a $20,000 bank loan. In the following months, only hard work would recoup the investment.
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disclaimer: This is a science fiction series.