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Some creators have also accused Action Lab of withholding their completed work unless they relinquish legal rights, effectively holding their projects "hostage." This practice is viewed negatively within the industry and raises legal and ethical questions about the company's contractual dealings.
Industry-Wide Implications
Action Lab's struggles are emblematic of a broader crisis within the independent comic sector. Unlike Marvel and DC, which are financially backed by massive corporate entities, small publishers often operate on thin margins, heavily reliant on pre-orders, and vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. The pandemic merely accelerated the existing instability.