DC Soars To Prepare For Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman’s Leap Into Public Domain
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The Justice League might just get a whole lot bigger—and more diverse—in the not-so-distant future, where anyone can don the cape of Superman, swing through the streets as Batman, or wield the Lasso of Truth like Wonder Woman. Rather than being a new comic book storyline, it’s the impending reality as DC Comics’ trinity of superheroes and more prepare to leap into the public domain in the 2030s. Just like Disney’s Mickey Mouse, who recently traded his exclusive clubhouse for the public domain, these iconic characters are gearing up for their grand entrance into a realm where creative possibilities are as boundless as the power of flight.
The timeline for this transition is set: Superman and Lois Lane will become public domain in 2034, followed by Batman in 2035, the Joker in 2036, and Wonder Woman in 2037. These action-packed transitions will open the doors for artists and other creators to freely use these characters in their works.
DC Comics has been preparing for this fate, Variety reports. The company has continuously evolved the literary and visual characteristics of its characters, ensuring they remain relevant and resonate with contemporary audiences.
And despite these icons entering the public domain, DC will retain control over several key trademarks, such as the Bat symbol, Superman’s ‘S’, and the ‘Man of Steel’ moniker. These marks will help the brand distinguish its official material from public domain adaptations.
Creatives should take note that only the original incarnations of these superheroes will be liberated when each of their time comes. For instance, the initial Superman could leap great distances but couldn’t fly. This limitation, although stunting, presents a unique canvas to reimagine these characters.
Plus, some elements now deemed quintessential to the narratives of the superheroes won’t follow them into the public domain. As shared by comic book author and Batman expert Chris Sims, the Dark Knight will escape his copyright without Robin, and Superman will be without kryptonite.
The superhero genre has seen its popularity ebb and flow, but the leap of these characters into the public domain could spark a fresh wave of creative adaptations. By then, it could indeed become the DC Extended Universe.
