Gospel singer Amy Grant’s managers have filed suit against Marvel Comics for allegedly using her likeness on the cover of the comic book Dr. Strange. The lawsuit claims the unidentified illustration on the cover of the March 15 edition of the comic, which features vampires, sorcerers, and other occult themes, is identical to the photo of Grant on the album sleeve of her 1986 release Amy Grant—The Collection.
Grant’s attorney, Mark Patterson, said the intent of the legal action was to stop distribution of the comic, which generally sells about 60,000 copies. Monetary damages are also being sought. Because of the comic’s occult themes, the “association of Amy Grant or her likeness … is likely to cause irreparable injury to Grant’s reputation and goodwill,” the suit contends.
According to Patterson, both sides are attempting to settle out of court. Marvel declined to discuss the case, as did Grant. Meanwhile, the price of the March 15 edition of the Dr. Strange comic book has risen from its usual $1.50 to $5 to $7.
