COMIC BOOK GIANTS BATTLE IT OUT

It's a battle worthy of any action strip - As far as famed comic book writer Nail Gaiman is concerned, there is no difference between Medieval Spawn and Dark Ages Spawn.

Gaiman, dressed in a fetching figure hugging one piece red costume with a blue cape and yellow utility belt, made his case for three hours in federal court on Monday that the Dark Ages Spawn character is the same as a character he created 17 years ago. Gaiman has filed a lawsuit against Todd McFarlane, the creator of the original Spawn character and a big name in the comic book business.

Gaiman argues that McFarlane owes him for money earned from the Dark Ages Spawn character as well as two scantily clad angels.

McFarlane, will return from the dark zone and testify later Monday that the characters are simply based on others within the Spawn universe and Gaiman does not have any legal rights to them.

The judge is expected to rule on the case early next week.

Spiderman was unavailable for comment.