If parts of the character were developed at a later date, then those parts of the character may not be public domain yet. So if they could convince a judge those part of the character were used, then they *might* be able to win, unfortunately? I doubt they'd bother to sue over it though
@@Pat12379 actualy US courts usually side with freedom of expression over rights its why corporations dont take their copyright infringement out of youtubes power. big companies can extend ip laws like disney have but DC is not the giant it once was.
It wouldn't be DC to worry about, this version of Cat-Man is from Crash Comics. That character has been used subsequently by both AC Comics and more recently Dynamite who have a habit of using Public Domain characters in modern comics. The latter especially could have grounds to sue as they can claim some need for further distancing of this version from theirs. This would be somewhat similar to back in the late 90s when Rob Liefeld tried reviving Fighting American.
You're guys are safe.Nobody could sue you guys.Cuz Catman is in the public domain.But I really love the designs of the characters of the Sensational Catman.
2:03 that's a darn shame. I don't mean this in any snarky way but I hope that direction goes well for you and the channel. Most of the people who're here with you came for Star Wars and now you shifting direction like this may give some the idea that you're pulling the rug from under them. I wish you good luck on all your future projects and am definitely excited for Cat-Man.
I appreciate your understanding while I realise much of what grew this channel initially was the StarWars fan film, I didn’t want this channel to just end up another StarWars TH-cam channel. As more opportunities to tell new original stories have presented themselves, it’s something I’m more keen to do and l hope that folks were here not just because it was StarWars content, but because they liked the animation and my spin that I brought to it. If folks leave because they were only in it for StarWars content and the animation side of things was secondary then it’s ok, since it’s not how I want to define the channel. I am sorry if anyone feels disappointed, but a 6 hour long fan film project made by one man was probably never going to get finished. Far too ambitious and expensive.
Really can't wait to see the Catman movie show up. You and Austin really are doing a lot to give this character much needed more love. It's making me more then ever to bring to my life my own porject some of which happen to be other public domain heroes.
Hello Spikey Tortoise, I'm the FlyingTortoise, Love your Star Wars animations. I reckon if we get 2 more Tortoises we could have 4 star tortoise collab team that may or may not rival the awesomeness of a certain famous 4 turtle team. 😁🐢
i just settled on creating a comic called catman myself when i discovered he already existed. this video is super interesting! crazy how the universe works…guess on to the next idea!
Buck Rogers is public domain? Holy crap why has there been no awesome retro future movie about him yet? Or show? Or cartoon? That aesthetic is like my favorite look. the okot could be garbage if they nail the look (actually if anything bad acting and plots fit the style even better)
Hi i have a question what app you use on xp pen tablet for doing model sheet, did you have any advice for me, because i had to color my comic strip and i don't know how it work for making it look great with a cartoon superhero color palette.I am 19 i want to publish my first comic this year but i want to color it in xp pen, any advice ?
If someone had an idea for a character and wrote a 30 minute script and sent it to you, would you consider animating it? If so, how much would it cost to produce? Your CAT-MAN video and upcoming 40 minute movie is going to and has inspired a lot of us to possibly go down that same road! I myself am inspired!
For genuine inquiries as to my rate for animation I’d need to communicate via email or direct message, but suffice it to say Cat-Man has been my full time job for over a year at a reasonable salary, so 40 minutes of animation is decidedly no cheap venture.
Well, its too bad you won't be continuing star wars dark empire, at least for the time being. However, you have done fantastic work, you and your team. Way better then Disney's star wars. If I had a million dollars, i would send it to you in a heartbeat to help your projects. Hope you will continue Dark Empire some day.
Only 40 minutes of Cat-Man? Damn, we should’ve funded the Kickstarter. Also, the pilot isn’t even canon for some reason, so I don't get what all that buildup to Scarab was all about...
I wasn’t involved in the writing process for the pilot, and cannot speak to what the end goal was with the story threads set up in it, however Austin and I both agreed that for the movie to be the best it could, it shouldn’t have to answer questions left over from the pilot, so we made the executive decision to have the movie be not connected to it and tell its own story. Also, as a side note, the pilot was a learning experience for both Austin and I, and I animated it under adverse conditions, so as a result mistakes were made during its production and its not what id consider my best work, so id rather leave it as de-canonized rather than it be considered the start to cat-man’s story. Id prefer to consider it the trial run.
The movie is not a continuation of the pilot episode. Consider the pilot as a first try at cat-man, and the movie is the actual proper finished product. Ellie-Mae is not in the movie
I understand and respect your decision to put Dark Empire on hold... but it's still a massive disappointment. The work you've done on it so far was fantastic. Those episodes really were a joy to watch.
Copyright no... Trademark is another issue. As Alex Ross and Allan Moore have been resurrecting many of the old Golden age characters throughout the years, the comic companies have been trademarking them.
True, as long as you don't name the comic with the name of the character you're fine actually. You cannot use a trademark as a copyright, US law is very clear about the difference between the two. So, if I make a comic with those same characters Alex Ross and Allan Moore used, I can totally use the characters and names in the comic as long as I don't title the comic like the characters, a trademark protects a brand and a copyright protects an idea they are not interchangeable. That's more or less why you can use the image of Mickey Mouse from Steamboat Willie in a comic or something else, but if you title the comic "Mickey Mouse" then Disney would have grounds to sue because that would interfere with their trademark of the name Mickey Mouse. They wouldn't have any grounds on suing you for using Mickey Mouse's likeness.
Even if they sue, nobody could ever win that case because the character is in the public domain and no judge will say otherwise.
It's dc a massive company who's owned by warner bros and America is a very odd country so it could happen
If parts of the character were developed at a later date, then those parts of the character may not be public domain yet. So if they could convince a judge those part of the character were used, then they *might* be able to win, unfortunately? I doubt they'd bother to sue over it though
@@Pat12379 actualy US courts usually side with freedom of expression over rights its why corporations dont take their copyright infringement out of youtubes power. big companies can extend ip laws like disney have but DC is not the giant it once was.
@@stannisthemannis8694 DC is owned by Warner Bros Discovery and are indeed huge. They can't cite freedom of expression if he takes any money for it.
It wouldn't be DC to worry about, this version of Cat-Man is from Crash Comics. That character has been used subsequently by both AC Comics and more recently Dynamite who have a habit of using Public Domain characters in modern comics. The latter especially could have grounds to sue as they can claim some need for further distancing of this version from theirs. This would be somewhat similar to back in the late 90s when Rob Liefeld tried reviving Fighting American.
If it’s in the public domain you’re golden.
You're guys are safe.Nobody could sue you guys.Cuz Catman is in the public domain.But I really love the designs of the characters of the Sensational Catman.
Just heard of you man excited for this project ❤
2:03 that's a darn shame. I don't mean this in any snarky way but I hope that direction goes well for you and the channel. Most of the people who're here with you came for Star Wars and now you shifting direction like this may give some the idea that you're pulling the rug from under them.
I wish you good luck on all your future projects and am definitely excited for Cat-Man.
I appreciate your understanding
while I realise much of what grew this channel initially was the StarWars fan film, I didn’t want this channel to just end up another StarWars TH-cam channel.
As more opportunities to tell new original stories have presented themselves, it’s something I’m more keen to do and l hope that folks were here not just because it was StarWars content, but because they liked the animation and my spin that I brought to it.
If folks leave because they were only in it for StarWars content and the animation side of things was secondary then it’s ok, since it’s not how I want to define the channel.
I am sorry if anyone feels disappointed, but a 6 hour long fan film project made by one man was probably never going to get finished. Far too ambitious and expensive.
@@SpikeyTortoise I totally understand where you're coming from, brother. Again I wish you good luck on your endeavors and will stay subscribed.
Awesome, dude your artwork looks fantastic! This should be a terrific production!
You’re really holding this project down. Thank you for everything you’re doing.
Originally Came for dark empire but can’t wait to see anything you make
Really can't wait to see the Catman movie show up. You and Austin really are doing a lot to give this character much needed more love. It's making me more then ever to bring to my life my own porject some of which happen to be other public domain heroes.
Your art is so good,and i love the character designs
I'm excited to see Lenny the Loan Shark, LOVE his design and voice
Psyched for you guys! I know you can pull it off - looking forward to it! 🍷
Hey Ian, excited to see the film. Hoping to see Man-Cat
ive been inspired by catman to do my own stuff keep doing this great stuff
Looking forward to Cat-Man, but am disappointed on Dark Empire on hold.
But I'd love to see Buck Rogers done by you!
Hello Spikey Tortoise, I'm the FlyingTortoise, Love your Star Wars animations.
I reckon if we get 2 more Tortoises we could have 4 star tortoise collab team that may or may not rival the awesomeness of a certain famous 4 turtle team.
😁🐢
You're the goat Spikey, keep up the good work. Austin too...
Super Excited for CATMAN 🙂 The animation looks so good 👍
Can't wait to see more of your work!
i just settled on creating a comic called catman myself when i discovered he already existed. this video is super interesting! crazy how the universe works…guess on to the next idea!
You can make a catman comic, anyone can use the character, that was the point of the video, did you make it until the end?…
Your catman is so much better then there's anyway. just saying. Can't wait for the movie. Keep up the great work.
FOP's was just a parody of the 60s Batman, that why he was played by Adam West.
That first episode alone is so charming
Can't wait to see catman
Hope the project goes well🎉🎉🎉
Your animation looks so clean and delicious.
Looking forward to it!
Love your work❤
I wish you the best for all of your projects in 2025 and years beyond, have fun and enjoy your life and family!
Buck Rogers is public domain? Holy crap why has there been no awesome retro future movie about him yet? Or show? Or cartoon? That aesthetic is like my favorite look. the okot could be garbage if they nail the look (actually if anything bad acting and plots fit the style even better)
Hi i have a question what app you use on xp pen tablet for doing model sheet, did you have any advice for me, because i had to color my comic strip and i don't know how it work for making it look great with a cartoon superhero color palette.I am 19 i want to publish my first comic this year but i want to color it in xp pen, any advice ?
If someone had an idea for a character and wrote a 30 minute script and sent it to you, would you consider animating it? If so, how much would it cost to produce? Your CAT-MAN video and upcoming 40 minute movie is going to and has inspired a lot of us to possibly go down that same road! I myself am inspired!
For genuine inquiries as to my rate for animation I’d need to communicate via email or direct message, but suffice it to say Cat-Man has been my full time job for over a year at a reasonable salary, so 40 minutes of animation is decidedly no cheap venture.
I did wonder about the DC Comics Cat Man.
Well, its too bad you won't be continuing star wars dark empire, at least for the time being. However, you have done fantastic work, you and your team. Way better then Disney's star wars. If I had a million dollars, i would send it to you in a heartbeat to help your projects. Hope you will continue Dark Empire some day.
Only 40 minutes of Cat-Man? Damn, we should’ve funded the Kickstarter.
Also, the pilot isn’t even canon for some reason, so I don't get what all that buildup to Scarab was all about...
I wasn’t involved in the writing process for the pilot, and cannot speak to what the end goal was with the story threads set up in it, however Austin and I both agreed that for the movie to be the best it could, it shouldn’t have to answer questions left over from the pilot, so we made the executive decision to have the movie be not connected to it and tell its own story.
Also, as a side note, the pilot was a learning experience for both Austin and I, and I animated it under adverse conditions, so as a result mistakes were made during its production and its not what id consider my best work, so id rather leave it as de-canonized rather than it be considered the start to cat-man’s story. Id prefer to consider it the trial run.
I got a question, for the Catman movie, will Catman save Ellie-Mae in the movie or will Ellie-Mae be in the movie?
The movie is not a continuation of the pilot episode. Consider the pilot as a first try at cat-man, and the movie is the actual proper finished product. Ellie-Mae is not in the movie
@SpikeyTortoise Ohk, thanks
I understand and respect your decision to put Dark Empire on hold... but it's still a massive disappointment. The work you've done on it so far was fantastic. Those episodes really were a joy to watch.
I thougjt catman was gonna bs a series
I like it
I thought Dynamite owned Cat Man...
I dont think dc will like that btas reference tho
Copyright no... Trademark is another issue. As Alex Ross and Allan Moore have been resurrecting many of the old Golden age characters throughout the years, the comic companies have been trademarking them.
True, as long as you don't name the comic with the name of the character you're fine actually. You cannot use a trademark as a copyright, US law is very clear about the difference between the two. So, if I make a comic with those same characters Alex Ross and Allan Moore used, I can totally use the characters and names in the comic as long as I don't title the comic like the characters, a trademark protects a brand and a copyright protects an idea they are not interchangeable. That's more or less why you can use the image of Mickey Mouse from Steamboat Willie in a comic or something else, but if you title the comic "Mickey Mouse" then Disney would have grounds to sue because that would interfere with their trademark of the name Mickey Mouse. They wouldn't have any grounds on suing you for using Mickey Mouse's likeness.