Action Lab Faces Class Action Lawsuit

Action Lab Entertainment’s Legal Drama: Creators’ Class Action Suit Dismissed

In a surprising turn of events, a class-action suit against Action Lab Entertainment has been dismissed. The lawsuit, representing nearly 60 comic creators, was quashed by a judge in Allegheny County. Filed earlier in the year, it accused the publisher of failing to pay creators for numerous titles. This legal saga has been unfolding since 2021 when whispers began circulating about Action Lab’s alleged non-payments and other troubling issues.

Action Lab’s Rise and Fall

Action Lab Entertainment started with a blast. Their playful logo—a dog strapped to a rocket—became quite recognizable. Founded in 2010, the company initially enjoyed success with hits like Jeremy Whitley’s Princeless. However, by 2021, reports of non-payments surfaced, and the once-thriving publisher fell into dormancy. Even their Facebook page has been silent since September 2021. Their website now merely displays a Bluehost holding page, signaling inactivity. CEO Bryan Seaton, also named in the suit, has remained mostly out of sight on social media, much to the creators’ chagrin.

Legal Tangles and Challenges

The lawsuit comprised over 300 pages of exhibits. But, according to attorney Michael Katz, it hit a snag due to differing contractual terms among the creators. This lack of uniformity rendered the class-action status non-viable. Although the case was initially filed in a federal court, it was later withdrawn and refiled at the state level for technical reasons.

A wide range of creators lodged complaints against Action Lab, including Tom Rogers, Tilly Bridges, and Susan Bridges. The list extended to writers like David Pepose, Jorge Santiago Jr., and Emily Martin. Despite the company’s reduced presence, some creators may still not regain their intellectual property. Contracts often stipulated rights revert when the book goes "out of print." But with Action Lab’s titles still available digitally, technically, they remain "in print."

Future Implications and Creator Displeasure

For creators, this scenario emphasizes the critical nature of contract comprehension. In today’s digital age, "out of print" can become an elusive status, especially when copies remain accessible online. This ongoing dispute highlights the need for clarity and fairness in creator agreements.

The judge has granted the plaintiffs 45 days to file an amended complaint. As creators weigh their options, the potential for further developments remains. We’ve reached out to several creators for comment, but as the situation stands, the chain of events serves as a cautionary tale in the ever-evolving world of comic publishing. Stay tuned as this story continues to unfold, exploring the intersection of creativity and commerce, and the persistent pursuit of justice for comic creators.