Online Comic Question: Using copyrighted characters...

Shadowrogue · Forum Newbie Joined: Jul 16, 2005 Posts: 4

Hi, everyone! New to the fold here, and let me apologize if I'm hitting a topic that's already been discussed...

I'm looking at doing an online comic based off of established comic book characters and related toy line, both of which have since been cancelled. I'm not looking to make any money on it, it will be a free fan tribute project, fully crediting those who own the characters. Anyone know if I can expect to catch heat from the copyright holders?

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GlitchGirl · Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2005 9:26 am Post subject:

Gonna depend primarily on the copywrite holders and how they feel. I've seen some fan comics based on existing characters that haven't had any legal action and others that got nixxed almost as soon as they stated getting any hits.

Disney is probably the worst about this, followed by Marvel. After that, hard to say - DC seems pretty cool about it so far as long as you aren't selling anything, and as an offset, Warner has been okay about it, but have been known to crack down on occasion. Most other companies, no clue.

In truth, I think you're better off tuning your material to create something original if legality is a question for you and you possibly want to build on this later.
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Shadowrogue · Forum Newbie Joined: Jul 16, 2005 Posts: 4

Heh, naturally Marvel would be one of those in question.

I'm a professional graphic designer for a major retail chain, basically an ad builder, so it's not like I'm looking to do this to break into the business. I guess I'm hitting a nostalgic period in my life and have recently been geeking out (all over again) over the Micronauts, both the toys and comics, which I was a fan of back in the 70's while a wee little lad. Now that I find myself with the ability to breath life into characters that I loved as a child, and who have long been dead in the comics world, I'm looking for nothing more than to create some fun stories to share with others. You never know what interest that might spark in this property (though I have no illusions of grandeur, just a desire to tell a story).

Anyway, that's where I'm coming from. Glitchgirl, would you be interested in taking a peak at a couple of the characters that I've done, old Micronauts characters rendered in 3-D? Though the site has just been slapped together and there's not really anything of note there at the time, please feel welcome to visit www.bodybanks.com and take a peak at the Acroyear pic in the gallery. I would love to hear feedback.

(sigh) Isn't the world simpler without lawyers mucking things up for those of who simply wish to honor something they loved as a kid?

Ratteler · Forum Member Joined: Jun 10, 2002 Posts: 534 Location: NYC

Here's a little something I was working on. :mrgreen:

I would say (with NO authority) Micronauts is a safe property to do fan books of.

The reason is there are multiple international property rights involved and even the property holders probably don't know the legal status.

The Orginal Japanese Microman, The US released Micronaughts, the Marvel Characters that I don't think Marvel still has the licence for, the NEW Microman figures...

As long as you're not making a profit, they'll be too busy in fighting to bug you. Even if it does come to their attention.

The worst that could happen is that you get a Cease and Decist order from some one, in which case you would have to take you're site down.

If you're not selling anything, there is pretty much no damages.

Shadowrogue · Forum Newbie Joined: Jul 16, 2005 Posts: 4

Dude, that rocks!!!! Would love to see the finished version.

Thanks for the info. I'm gonna move forward with it, if for no other reason than to get these story ideas out of my head that have been swirling around in there since the mid-late 70's. I'll be sure to extend an invite to everyone here when things develop more.

Thanks! 8-)

Ratteler · Forum Member Joined: Jun 10, 2002 Posts: 534 Location: NYC

Thanks. I hit a road block with the hip. I can't make it work as a suite and Robot. I'm trying to make it a cross between the old toy and comic version. THe toy just doesn't have a hip structure that works for a guy in a suite.

You gotta check out the new Microman figures. They totally blow away the articulation of the older figures. Double jointed elbows and knees. Ball jointed shoulders. They SO rock.

Shadowrogue · Forum Newbie Joined: Jul 16, 2005 Posts: 4

Yeah, me and a friend of mine went to a con this past weekend, and he picked up the new Microman Batman figures. We were flipping out over how articulated the new figures are.

So is your figure an updated Acroyear? I can see some style similarities there with the armor, and his size would be cool for an Acroyear.