DC's Dan DiDio Out as Co-Publisher

[superduperman]

Superman, Batman, etc. will never become public domain. Disney will make sure nothing after 1928 ever does.

[manwhohaseverything]

Superman, Batman, etc. will never become public domain. Disney will make sure nothing after 1928 ever does.

That's too bad. These characters should and would be better of in the hands of public if you ask me.

[Tzigone]

Superman, Batman, etc. will never become public domain. Disney will make sure nothing after 1928 ever does.

Disney's only got three years left of Mickey, right?

[superduperman]

Disney's only got three years left of Mickey, right?

I think we're up to 1922.

[Lee Stone]

Disney's only got three years left of Mickey, right?

Four years. This year, stuff from 1924 entered the Public Domain.
But they'll try to force another change to the copyright laws.

I think they could be successful in getting it extended for four more years, to a total of 100 years after creation.
But anything beyond that would be absurd, as anybody involved in the creation of something is almost certainly dead and gone by 100 years.

[Ascended]

Superman, Batman, etc. will never become public domain. Disney will make sure nothing after 1928 ever does.

Exactly. Mickey and a lot of other characters, including Superman and Batman I think, should have hit public domain long ago, under the original ruling. But Disney and WB (and others) have succeeded in extending the law two or three times already, I believe. And there's no reason to think this next time will be any different.

That's too bad. These characters should and would be better of in the hands of public if you ask me.

I've thought the same thing. But then, look at other characters in the public domain; it's not a reassuring image.

[The Darknight Detective]

I've thought the same thing. But then, look at other characters in the public domain; it's not a reassuring image.

It would be hit and miss (and more of the latter than the former, IMO).

[Buried Alien]

It would be hit and miss (and more of the latter than the former, IMO).

I don't think anybody who loves DC's characters and storytelling heritage is licking his/her chops at the prospect of the entire legacy being consigned to the realm of bad fan fiction.

Buried Alien (The Fastest Post Alive!)

[WillieMorgan]

I don't think anybody who loves DC's characters and storytelling heritage is licking his/her chops at the prospect of the entire legacy being consigned to the realm of bad fan fiction.

Buried Alien (The Fastest Post Alive!)

That sounds unspeakably awful. And it's a very real possibility one day .

[Tzigone]

I don't think anybody who loves DC's characters and storytelling heritage is licking his/her chops at the prospect of the entire legacy being consigned to the realm of bad fan fiction.

Buried Alien (The Fastest Post Alive!)

If fanfiction is any indication, pretty much every story will include Bat Characters. I like 'em, but it's frustrating that it's so difficult to find a Jon Kent or Billy Batson or even Clark Kent story that doesn't feature a Bat. Or else ship Clark with Lex. I know, I know, I could write fanfic myself if I wanted something different - I lack the talent.

[Arnoldoaad]

Superman, Batman, etc. will never become public domain. Disney will make sure nothing after 1928 ever does.

question
If Batman/Superman/etc become public domain, is it that just the whole concept of Batman or only Bruce Wayne
like for example
if the Flash becomes public domain, that would only be Jay not Wally/Barry/etc

[kjn]

The only thing that will go into public domain is the actual comics. They will then be free to reprint, distribute, and sell by any entity without paying royalties or permission from DC.

The characters of Batman or Superman or Wonder Woman has never been copyrighted. They have been trademarked, and will continue to be so. That also means it's tricky to market any Superman reprints.

[DragonsChi]

question
If Batman/Superman/etc become public domain, is it that just the whole concept of Batman or only Bruce Wayne
like for example
if the Flash becomes public domain, that would only be Jay not Wally/Barry/etc

It's based on when the book was published. There are already a few stories of Batman and Superman early days that could be potentially be used today. (Not all.Only the stories and items contained at the time of each published book can be used.)

But you would/should be a very brave or wealthy person to attempt it. Since at the current time whether it's public domain or not the company would be stupid not to challenge it, take the person to court, and then lock them down in legal fee's until the person decided it wasn't worth it or goes broke.

[superduperman]

I don't think anybody who loves DC's characters and storytelling heritage is licking his/her chops at the prospect of the entire legacy being consigned to the realm of bad fan fiction.

Buried Alien (The Fastest Post Alive!)

Good thing we don't have that now!

[Arnoldoaad]

It's based on when the book was published. There are already a few stories of Batman and Superman early days that could be potentially be used today. (Not all.Only the stories and items contained at the time of each published book can be used.)

But you would/should be a very brave or wealthy person to attempt it. Since at the current time whether it's public domain or not the company would be stupid not to challenge it, take the person to court, and then lock them down in legal fee's until the person decided it wasn't worth it or goes broke.

I see so one could tell a story of a superman that cant fly for example
or no Kryptonite since that was years later.

Good thing we don't have that now!

lol