Public Domain Superheroes . com

Product Description

From the dawn of the 20th Century came a new chapter in mankind’s history, unleashed during a time of great war and destruction. It was the beginning of the Age of the Superpowers, yet with the closing of the Second World War, this new spark seemingly flickered and died.

Now, the story can be told of the great lost Superpowers – men and women with incredible abilities who changed the course of mankind forever, and who had been thought lost…until now…

Showcasing the work of Alex Ross, Jim Krueger, Stephen Sadowski, Doug Klauba, and Carlos Paul, this hardcover collects the first story arc (issues #0-7), and features behind-the-scenes sketches, character designs, and a complete cover gallery by Alex Ross, Michael Turner, and more!

Product Details

• Hardcover: 263 pages
• Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment; First Printing edition (December 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933305916
• ISBN-13: 978-1933305912
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 6.8 x 0.9 inches

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Instead of just finding whatever things I can about Public Domain Superheroes and posting it here.

I realized that I wasn’t too big on just making this a review website. I also think it’s not a popular enough topic to keep daily conversation going.

So with my limited, and I mean very limited art skills! I actually plan to do something with these characters. And that is to convert this blog, into a comic strip blog that uses various characters in the public domain.

I’d be a newspaper strip style cartoon. With 1 panel to 4 panel gags. Such as you find in the newspaper.

And it would feature a few main cast members. Some with partially redesigned costumes, so as to make it easier for me to draw.

My only other dilemma is, I also have another comic strip planned. One that features my own all original characters, and non-superhero.

I’m wondering should I mix both properties and host it on my other website all the comic strips?

OR should I keep the public domain superhero strip I’m planning separate and just on this website?

Also since I can’t afford such material yet. As one of those draw right on the electronic screen devices.

I’d have to draw the art first, scan it in, edit corrections in the art program, then post it online steps.

I’ve seen Wacom drawing tablets, but they just seem odd. The best I’ve seen are devices that let you draw write on the screen. But their quite expensive and in the 1k range. That’s just too expensive. Especially for someone who is not an art pro and far from it. But would just like to try and draw and see how it goes. 

It’s still a few months off before I can get it all together, but I  just wanted let you know the website ideas I’m planning. And wonder what your thoughts are on the matter? Feel free to comment. Thanks.  

In the meantime check out:

http://www.comicbookblogger.com

http://www.historyofspider-man.com

http://www.youtube.com/robny710

Thanks

One thing I noticed in recent Dynamite books is that they now refer to Daredevil by his given name. Not just ‘Devil as they have been doing before.

My theory on why this happened is quite simple.

I think they were afraid to use the name Daredevil because of the Marvel character of the same name.

So instead they just called him ‘Devil and never had to say his full name.

But then Erik Larsen used the same character can called him Daredevil in his book.

So Dynamite probably reasoned it was okay because they saw that in the other book Erik Larsen did not get in trouble with using the name.

So now Dynamite freely uses the name Daredevil in their book as well.

If you use the character just be smart and don’t call a book title the Daredevil name or mention the characters name on the cover. Or merchandise with the full name. As those would probably bring you into conflict with Marvel.

But you can call the character his full name on the interior of the story.

It’s like what DC has with Captain Marvel, they can’t call him his full name on a book. So they use the word Shazam, but they do call him Captain Marvel on the inside of the book.

That’s because Marvel owns the rights to use Captain Marvel on their book titles. Using the idea above and if you know what I’m trying to say. Basically call the book title whatever you want, but avoid the full characters name of change it. But on the inside of the book you can call the character by his given name.

What does everyone think of how Dynamite has handled their public domain heroes ideas?

I’m kind of surprised it never took off. The books are out there, but no one really talks about it.

At least that’s my impression of the situation.

I’m glad their using them and the Alex Ross covers are great.

But overall the books just don’t seem to be gaining much interest.

That’s my opinion of the situation I see. What about you?

I’m watching the TV series: Deadliest Warrior. It airs on channel Spike TV.

The show basically compares different warriors from different eras and time periods. They then look at their fighting styles, their weapons used and analyze the date.

All to compare in the end, who would win on a one to one fight.

Looking at all the costumes and designs, I think all of them could honestly be used and designed to make superhero characters. And I’m surprised it’s not really used.

For example, redesign a Spartan who is time displaced, has his big shield and sword. And take it from their. Add him to a superhero team.

Also for an action figure company, I think a cool idea would be to take all these warriors such as: Ninja, Samurai, Spartan, Knight, Viking, Egyptian Warriors, etc… and create an action figure line around them.

They are all fair use and no one has to pay fees or get permission to make such figures. Their also good army builder potential. I just hope whoever did make such a thing, would try to be historically accurate as possible. Such a figure would not be only cool to collect, but it would have historical significance.

From the Free Comic Book Day event, I was able to get my hands on the Savage Dragon issue which features the original Public Domain Daredevil.

Erik Larsen provided a nice stand alone issue which has the Dragon and Daredevil team up. At the end was a nice two page text piece that Erik Larsen wrote about the Daredevil character. He recounts the history of the character, as well as how he plans to use him. He also acknowledges that which version currently out now is the “real one” ? He says they are all legitimate because the character is public domain, and free to be used by creators and fans alike.

Overall a good issue to read, and I most also mention the FCBD Dragon issue had a nice production quality and paper used. Looking at the FCBD paper Marvel and DC used in their books, I wonder if both companies are cutting corners a bit? Because either they are, or Erik Larsen is making sure to provide a book with high paper production quality. Either way the differences are quite noticeable.

With Barack Obama in the Amazing Spider-Man #583 as well as future Image books. It made me thing of political figures and their uses in other works. Such as books, comic books, their image of posters and shirts. All this happens without a politicians permission, and they don’t get a cut of the profit on how they are marketed. Or who makes money off of their use.

This use of a political person is interesting, and to some degree I don’t thing it’s fair. I also wonder exactly what are the limits a political person can be used in other media? And what exactly is off limits?

For example I heard some guy is planning to use a Sarah Palin look alike in a porn video. Is that not crossing the line? Or is it anything goes?

But as the Palin video shows, their does not seem much that is off limits in how a politician can be portrayed. And that doesn’t seem quite right.

As for what this has to do with comic books? Well with Barack Obama in Spider-Man, as well as in the Savage Dragon book. Don’t be afraid to use him in your comics as well. I just hope he’ll be portrayed in a respectful manner.

It seems Erik Larsen, who recently used a lot of Golden Age Public Domain Superheroes in a Savage Dragon storyline, is planning to keep a few around.

As he recently stated in an interview, he plans to use the Golden Age Daredevil to be a regular in the Savage Dragon series.

I heard others in the Dynamite boards complaining, and that Erik is just ripping off the hype by Alex Ross and what Dynamite is doing.

I disagree and think it’s good for Erik, who has just as much right to any of these Golden Age heroes, as we the fans do, as well as other publishers.

Dynamite and Alex Ross DO NOT own these characters. And they sure as heck never created these characters either.

Erik plans to call him Daredevil in the book, and plays up that name saying, just like DC Captain Marvel is called that in the book, but is called Shazam in a published title, he can use it.

I hear what he’s saying, and I suppose it can be done. But in today’s outside media and the material that spins out of comics, I would change the name. Just to avoid any possible legal hassle down the line. And cause we’re not big time publishers who can afford any possible lawsuits.

But an interesting thing of note is I heard a rumor that AC Comics was planning to sue Dynamite, saying they own the rights to the visuals. For example Daredevil and how Dynamite has the same look, as theirs.

I’ve heard no further news on the case, and since Erik is using the same exact version as Dynamite. I guess their is no legal trouble, and anyone can in fact use the original visual and costume of these Public Domain Superheroes.

As it is, my plan is what Erik has done.

That is to use my own original creations in a series. Then to pepper in a few Golden Age heroes. And one of them is Daredevil because the visual is so cool, and I like his powers and reminds me of a Batman type of character.

Also Black Terror and Green Lama are on the list and a reworked Blue Beetle.

In case you didn’t read it by now, the Free Comic Book Day story of Dynamite and the Daredevil character was good. I’m glad to know the Claw is public domain in look and style and can be used. And better yet his name and image are both in the public domain, not like Daredevil who needs a name change if you use him.

I won’t spoil it if you didn’t read it, but it does mention when you read this story that the events take place after the mini-series we are currently reading. So in way you know what the outcome for the series will be and which characters are around. And which ones were not shown and probably it’s easy to guess what happened to them.

It was Free Comic Book Day, the day where the comic shop gives back! I hope you picked up the Dynamite Entertainment issue with a stunning Alex Ross cover of the Golden Age Daredevil and the Claw. It sure seems like Alex Ross is getting a lot of work this past year.

For the quality of his art, it sure seems like he’s producing a lot of pieces. Good for him, and for us to see it.

It was a great issue with some great interior art and story. It also helps to provide a team atmosphere with various Superpowers characters talking at a table. I won’t spoil it.

But overall I thought Dynamite Entertainment had another great showing on their Free giveaway. And I hope you got it.