Public Domain Comic Characters

[StarBrand]

I've been considering reaching into the public domain and publishing a character or two. There are some interesting ones available.
From what I read there are two prominent examples of this being done at least somewhat successfully... AC Comics and the Protectors. I'm sure there are others.
Thoughts? Any available characters look interesting?

http://www.comicvine.com/public-domain- ... /12-55750/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Chiclo]

Two other instances where the public domain characters were used are Dynamite's Project Superpowers and Terra Obscura from America's Best Comics, an imprint of Wildstorm/DC.

This wiki may be of some help to you - http://pdsh.wikia.com/wiki/Public_Domain_Super_Heroes" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you are looking for something off the beaten path, I would recommend staying away from Lev Gleason's Daredevil and the Black Terror. Those two show up everywhere - Daredevil is even in Savage Dragon.

[BruceReville]

What are the rules for Public Domain? I mean I was browsing through the site and came across this character that first appeared in 1998 and last appeared in 2004?

http://pdsh.wikia.com/wiki/Cabala

[Chiclo]

What are the rules for Public Domain? I mean I was browsing through the site and came across this character that first appeared in 1998 and last appeared in 2004?

http://pdsh.wikia.com/wiki/Cabala

That looks like a good question for a lawyer. There are cases where trademarks can be abandoned before they expire. Maybe that is the case here?

[leonmallett]

Bear in mind copyright and trademarks are separate issues.

[StarBrand]

What are the rules for Public Domain? I mean I was browsing through the site and came across this character that first appeared in 1998 and last appeared in 2004?

http://pdsh.wikia.com/wiki/Cabala

I am certainly uncertain. That's why I'll probably use a character or two on the list from the Golden Age. That seems safest.

[StarBrand]

Two other instances where the public domain characters were used are Dynamite's Project Superpowers and Terra Obscura from America's Best Comics, an imprint of Wildstorm/DC.

This wiki may be of some help to you - http://pdsh.wikia.com/wiki/Public_Domain_Super_Heroes" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you are looking for something off the beaten path, I would recommend staying away from Lev Gleason's Daredevil and the Black Terror. Those two show up everywhere - Daredevil is even in Savage Dragon.

Thanks.

[The Spider]

What are the rules for Public Domain? I mean I was browsing through the site and came across this character that first appeared in 1998 and last appeared in 2004?

http://pdsh.wikia.com/wiki/Cabala

I think that's a character created with the intent of putting in the public domain (or at least partly). They note the following in the entry:

"Cabala is a partially open-source character. Every aspect of the character created before 2009 is open source and can be used by anyone, so long as the original creators are cited. Everything from 2010 onward is (c) Miguel Rude & Leandro Silva"

[Tim]

The only thing you need to remember when using public domain characters is that you can only use elements from actual works that are public domain. For instance, if you use a public domain character that someone else has used you can't use any elements from newer versions.

[Chiclo]

It occurred to me yesterday that while the character is not public domain, maybe her appearances prior to 2009 are? The difference between the character itself and the work in which she appears.