Michael Trimble, executive director for the association, denies these allegations.
San Diego officials issued Elevue Inc., an advertising agency working for Marvel Studios, a $160,000 fine in July for installing an illegal display on the Gaslamp Quarter’s marquee promoting Marvel’s new Avengers movie. The sign remained in place for six days – racking up daily fines starting at $10,000 and topping out at $60,000 – despite warnings from city officials before and during the installation.
Building wraps during Comic-Con have proliferated for years despite being illegal, but this installation blew previous years’ fines out of the water. It was also tens of thousands of dollars more than the 11 other citations issued this year, all of which were under $10,000…