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Comic book publisher sues Monster X Tour promoter in Central Point LA lawsuit alleges breach of contract, misappropriated funds in 'Walking Dead' attraction Comment By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat MailTribune.com By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat Posted Nov. 17, 2015 at 10:24 AM Updated Nov 17, 2015 at 12:17 PM By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat Posted Nov. 17, 2015 at 10:24 AM Updated Nov 17, 2015 at 12:17 PM » Social News A California comic book company is suing a Central Point monster truck promoter alleging breach of contract after his defunct company failed to follow through in arranging a zombie-themed obstacle course tour based on the popular "The Walking Dead" comic book series. Skybound EXP filed suit against Daniel "Danny" Torgerson of Central Point in December 2014, according to Los Angeles County civil court documents obtained by the Mail Tribune. The company had contracted with Torgerson's now-defunct, Arizona-based promotion company, Monster Truck Entertainment LLC, the previous January to develop a series of zombie-themed obstacle course attractions based on Skybound's "The Walking Dead" comics in time for Comic-con 2014 in San Diego. The suit named Torgerson and two businesses owned by him, MTE and Wyoming-based KTAA Properties LLC. Skybound's complaint alleges that Torgerson and the two companies freely commingled funds, disregarded corporate formalities and failed to maintain arm's-length transactions between each other. MTE was contractually responsible for a tour of between eight and 16 events across the country, including one to be held in conjunction with Comic-con in July 2014. It was to be responsible for logistics such as ticketing, securing venues, constructing obstacle courses, obtaining waivers from participants and marketing each event, according to a copy of a signed agreement submitted in court documents. MTE also was in charge of paying for publicity services out of a budget shared between MTE and Skybound. The suit alleges that MTE failed to produce the contractually required number of events, failed to adequately promote events, improperly kept advanced ticket sales, failed to pay third-party vendors and expenses related to the event, and failed to pay for the necessary insurance coverage. The suit also alleges that Torgerson improperly withdrew funds from a bank account shared between Skybound and his company. The suit alleges more than $250,000 in damages, including lost profits from events that didn't happen or were poorly promoted and produced, lost proceeds from pocketed advance ticket sale proceeds and funds the company was forced to pay to third-party vendors. Skybound also seeks punitive damages, legal fees and court fees. On Oct. 27, the court ruled against Torgerson's motion to quash the case because it was filed outside of his jurisdiction. The court drew on legal precedent and ruled that Torgerson and his company have sufficient contacts with California. The ruling also stated that Torgerson had yet to retain an attorney in the suit. A message left Saturday on Torgerson's voice mailbox at Monster X Tour was not returned. "The Walking Dead" comic book series spawned the current TV show that airs on cable network AMC, although trademarks for the TV series are separate from the comic book, according to filed documents. Torgerson, of the 400 block of Gibbon Road, Central Point, is owner of the nationwide Monster X Tour monster truck exhibition tour, which made headlines in Jackson County earlier this year after a miscalculation in ticket presales led to the company overselling 300 tickets beyond the event's capacity, and hundreds of spectators turned away March 8 at the Jackson County Expo. Reach reporter Nick Morgan at 541-776-4471 or by email at [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter @NicholasMorgan . By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat MailTribune.com By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat Posted Nov. 17, 2015 at 10:24 AM Updated Nov 17, 2015 at 12:17 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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