Ironheart Co-Creator Mike Deodato Hasn’t Hasn’t Been Paid for MCU Disney+ Series

Even though Marvel and Disney+ are all in on Riri Williams / Ironheart, they haven’t fully compensated the team that created the breakout character. Debuting in May 2016, Ironheart was created by Ultimate Spider-Man writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Mike Deodato, marking her first appearance in Invincible Iron Man Vol. 3 #7. In less than a decade since she was created, Riri Williams has been featured in the animated series Marvel Rising and debuted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, setting up her own solo series set to debut on Disney+ in June 2025.

Ironheart co-creator Mike Deodato took to Instagram before the debut of the Disney+ trailer to share his mixed response to seeing his work adapted. In the post, he highlighted how the trailer recreates one of the scenes he drew from the comics, saying, “As a comic book artist, there are few feelings more satisfying than seeing a character you helped create come to life on the big screen…It’s a powerful reminder of the magic that happens when imagination meets real-world production.”

However, Deodato then highlighted how Marvel has not only not properly compensated him, but also shined a spotlight on the company’s treatment of the many artists and writers who work for the company, who receive little to nothing in recognition for their creations. Deodato said:

“But as much as I celebrate this moment, there’s a bitter edge to it. You see, while Marvel has built an empire worth billions on the backs of its creators, the compensation model hasn’t kept pace with the success. I’m in a good place, one of the best-paid creators in the industry, and I truly appreciate that. But it’s not about me. It’s about the principle. When a character you poured your heart into helps fuel the engine of a multi-billion-dollar machine, a small share of that success feels only fair.

Creators don’t ask for billions or even millions. Just a nod, a bit of recognition, and a share that reflects the contribution they’ve made. It’s not just good ethics—it’s good business. Happy creators stay invested, inspired, and loyal. But when the business side doesn’t match the creative investment, creators naturally drift toward projects where they retain control, where their work can lead to lasting financial security. That’s why more and more of us are focusing on creator-owned projects, where we can truly share in the success of our creations.

I’m not bitter, just realistic. I’m proud to see Riri come to life, and I’ll always appreciate the fans who make that possible. But I hope one day, the companies that thrive on our imaginations will truly recognize the value we bring to the table.

Marvel, you can do better. And I genuinely hope you will, for the sake of the characters we love and the creators who bring them to life.”

Mike Deodato Is Far From the Only Marvel Creator Not Properly Compensated

Ionrheart co-creator Mike Deodato had a long history with Marvel Comics, having done artwork for comics like The Incredible Hulk, The New Avengers, The Thunderbolts, The Dark Avengers, and Astonishing X-Men. In 2010, he launched The Secret Avengers alongside Ed Brubaker, the creator of The Winter Soldier and another figure who has spoken out about Marvel’s lack of compensation. Deodato departed Marvel Comics in 2019 following the conclusion of The Savage Avengers, marking a long tenure with the company. Since then, Deodato has primarily worked with independent publishers.

Deodato is one of many names who have expressed disappointment with Marvel’s compensation of creatives. Ed Brubaker, who turned Captain America’s sidekick Bucky Barnes into the now popular and profitable Winter Soldier, spoke about how little Marvel paid him as they claimed The Winter Soldier is a derivative of a pre-existing character, not an original creation. It is worth noting that the MCU has pulled far more from Brubaker’s depiction of Bucky Barnes and the Winter Soldier than the original comics. America Chavez co-creator Joe Casey called out Marvel’s treatment and compensation of artists for their work appearing in film and television after Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Recently, Knull creators Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman hinted they received no payment for the character’s inclusion in Venom: The Last Dance.

Marvel has always had problems properly compensating creators for their work, as the Jack Kirby estate has had many lawsuits against the company for years. While they typically do pay $5,000 to some creators, it does seem like a small drop in the bucket when considering these characters go on to lead billion-dollar franchise films and are featured on a variety of merchandise. Whether you like Ironheart or not, it should be agreed upon that if Marvel and Disney are going to capitalize on these writers and artists’ work, they should show them a bit more respect.

Source: Mike Deodato (Instagram)

Ironheart

Release Date

June 24, 2025

Network

CBS