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[thegr8mirror]

Hi All,
I've been a huge comic book fan for over 40 years. I read a bit of everything, from underground, to indie, to mainstream. Golden age to modern. Camp to literature. I love all things comics.

I joined the site in hopes of finding out more about this public domain thing. I'm designing a superhero game and I really want to use old public domain characters. What I don't know is what I'm allowed to use with regards to art, character IP, etc. I have no plans of my game ever being hugely successful, so I also don't want to get hit with legal issues. (especially with something that will be a passion vs profit project).

Now I'm off to dig through the forums and find out more.

Later

[The Australian Panther]

Welcome thegr8mirror!

  I have no plans of my game every being hugely successful,

Oh come now, don't be so modest. You can be the next John Romero or John Carmack! 

I really want to use old public domain characters. What I don't know is what I'm allowed to use

If you don't mind my suggestion, start by thinking about what characters the game needs and then see if you can find those types of characters here. Be assured if you get specific about what you are looking for there are people here who will help you. 

Cheers!

   

[Andrew999]

A hearty welcome thegr8mirror!

Your reference to a superhero game suggests to me you are the GREAT Manila-based gamer (and IT expert) that some of us have stumbled across in admiration? Or am I totally out of here?

Meanwhile, there are sure to be suitable heroes here for whatever direction your game takes. I hope you make millions from it.

[thegr8mirror]

If you don't mind my suggestion, start by thinking about what characters the game needs and then see if you can find those types of characters here. Be assured if you get specific about what you are looking for there are people here who will help you. 

I want to use superheroes with a mix of powers. Some that are actually cool, such as the Black Terror and The Arrow. Some that are silly but will make gameplay interesting, such as Dynamite Thor, The Bouncer, The Detective Eye.

[thegr8mirror]

Your reference to a superhero game suggests to me you are the GREAT Manila-based gamer (and IT expert) that some of us have stumbled across in admiration? Or am I totally out of here?

I seem to be at a disadvantage.
Yes, I am a Manila-based gamer. Not sure about the great part, though I can hold my own.
I used to be in the IT field, though not at the moment.
Are you based in Manila? 

[The Australian Panther]

You might try this thread here. Which was started recently.
Golden Age Hero A-Z
https://comicbookplus.com/forum/index.php?topic=17761.0

A few Details on the ones in my list:-
Both versions of FunnyMan might have possibilities.
Grenade - only one appearance - A NaZI killed his brother with a grenade, so, yep, he went around killing NAZis with Grenades.
Impossible Man - If I remember correctly, the Golden Age version was born on a planet where everybody had superpowers, except him!
Kid Eternity - could bring back any historical person to fight or solve a problem for him. Now a DC Character, but you could use the idea under another name.
Phantasmo - let you find out that one by yourself.
Quicksilver - Marvel grabbed the name, DC brought him back as MAX MERCURY
The Yama Lama of Ka-Bang - one appearance only - a sort Golden Age 'Ancient One'

Try this Database - Not all of these will be on this site, and there will be Heroes on this site that are non--USA characters that are not on this list.
https://pdsh.fandom.com/wiki/Public_Domain_Super_Heroes