[FraBig]

Bill Willingham, author of the DC-published "Fables" and owner of the rights to the series, now released it in the public domain.
Here's an article about it:
https://comicbook.com/comics/amp/news/bill-willingham-releases-fables-into-the-public-domain/

What do you guys think about this? And does this mean we can now host Fables issues on this site?

[The Australian Panther]

Thanks Frabig!
It's worth quoting more in full from that,

"When I first signed my creator-owned publishing contract with DC Comics, the company was run by honest men and women of integrity, who (for the most part) interpreted the details of that agreement fairly and above-board," Willingham wrote. "When problems inevitably came up we worked it out, like reasonable men and women. Since then, over the span of twenty years or so, those people have left or been fired, to be replaced by a revolving door of strangers, of no measurable integrity, who now choose to interpret every facet of our contract in ways that only benefit DC Comics and its owner companies. At one time the Fables properties were in good hands, and now, by virtue of attrition and employee replacement, the Fables properties have fallen into bad hands."
He added later, "The one thing in our contract the DC lawyers can't contest, or reinterpret to their own benefit, is that I am the sole owner of the intellectual property. I can sell it or give it away to whomever I want. I chose to give it away to everyone. If I couldn't prevent Fables from falling into bad hands, at least this is a way I can arrange that it also falls into many good hands. Since I truly believe there are still more good people in the world than bad ones, I count it as a form of victory."

The move wasn't made merely to spite DC, though. Willingham says that as he has aged, his thoughts on copyright have shifted significantly. He says that he thinks intellectual property should remain with its original owner for a fairly limited time -- no more than 30 years -- and that after a sale, the property should stay with the new owner for 10 or fewer.

"Fables has been my baby for about twenty years now. It's time to let it go," he wrote.

I wish I could say I'm surprised by his allegations.

[FraBig]

Yeah it's a very interesting situation, and I even think it's the first time something like this happens in the comic book world.
I've found more articles written by Willingham himself that get further into details about the whole affair.

1) Willingham Sends Fables Into the Public Domain:
https://billwillingham.substack.com/p/willingham-sends-fables-into-the?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2

2) More About Fables in the Public Domain:
https://billwillingham.substack.com/p/more-about-fables-in-the-public-domain?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2

Sadly, his allegations reveal a dark truth on the modern comic book editorial environment.

[The Australian Panther]

More bad news for Willingham.

DC RESPONDS TO BILL WILLINGHAM
[Stating 'Fables' Comics and Graphic Novels Are 'Owned by DC']
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/55100/dc-responds-bill-willingham

In an official statement, DC said
    The Fables comic books and graphic novels published by DC, and the storylines, characters and elements therein, are owned by DC and protected under the copyright laws of the United States and throughout the world in accordance with applicable law, and are not in the public domain. DC reserves all rights and will take such action as DC deems necessary or appropriate to protect its intellectual property rights.

  Who owns DC?
In 1969, DC Comics was purchased by Warner Bros. Entertainment and has remained within the companies network ever since.
As of right now, however, both DC Comics and Warner Bros are offshoots of American telecommunications company Time Warner. And after a recent purchase of competitor AT&T in 2018, DC Comics were moved into the Warner Bros. Global Brands and Experiences division.

We know from experience that they will keep Willingham tied up in litigation until he surrenders or they get a Judge or jury that rules in their favor, or probably both. They can throw millions at litigation - he is highly unlikely to win.