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Send all letters to Richard Boucher at PR-Publications@webtv.net ======================================================== I loved the web page, in fact, there is now a link from my site to yours (if my links decide to work). Just one thing. I have the complete run of The Protectors from Malibu Comics, and the Clock was a character in there. He was mentioned, and in uniform appeared in one panel. He is Brian O'Bryan, the president throughout the series. I don't know if this counts as his most recent appearance, but Malibu had the last rights to him that I know of. Marvel bought out Malibu, but I don't know what that did to the copyright. Keep up the good work. Brad Cobb
Hi Bradley, Yes the Clock has a long history. First he was published by Centaur Publications, and then when Quality Comics Group was started, he ended up over there. DC bought the whole of the Quality line in the early '50's. So technically he could be DC's. But, after a certain time limit, the character falls into "Public Domain", if not used, and anyone could secure the character, as did Malibu, but at the same time anyone else could have "used" the Clock as well, as no trademark was established. DC just recently (in the last few years) alluded to the Clock being killed, putting the Clock into DC's universe. Yes Marvel did buy out Malibu, not so much for the Protectors, but for the line that followed it. Besides, Marvel has a "poor" history of mistreating their Golden Age Characters, and the fact that to date, Marvel has not used any Malibu Protector characters. (BTW all of the Protector characters and affiliated characters were base, or actually were, Centaur characters) Thanks for the link to your page, let use know the URL and we'll take a look at it and maybe add it to our site links page. And we're really glad you like issue # 2, get ready for # 3 in a few days (are you a subscriber?), it'll be fun! Thanks for writing, ========================================= Hi, Thanks for the prompt reply. I am a big fan of the Protectors, and it introduced me to some of the forgotten heroes of the 40's. A question arises...does anyone actually have the rights to any of teh Centaur characters? I know Malibu published them, but did they buy the rights, or just lease them, or just take control of some "public domain" characters? Is there any way I can find a list (partial or complete) of some of those public domain characters? I know it's a long shot, but oh well. Loved the web page. Another question and then I'll leave. Do you take submissions for the characters you profile, or do you just draw them all? If you would take submissions, let me know and I'll send some art your way for whatever character you want. One other thing. Inferno the fire Breather was in Mighty Comics Presents #49 or 50, I can't remember which. He is currently shown in different spots on Archie comics.com. They have been putting house ads in their comics and digests that feature the entire Mighty Crusaders team, including some that were never in the group as far as I know. Oh well, just lots more info that you probably already knew, but wasn't on the description of Inferno. Thank you. Brad Cobb
Hi Bradley, The answer is "no", well sort of... See what Malibu did was "create" characters based on old Centaur characters (some almost note for note, re: Man Of War, others like the Ferret, who was also a Centaur character, but much altered) and they @ Malibu copyrighted (and some trademarked) the "new" characters. Others, like the Masked Marvel, they had to change the name (for obvious reasons) but basically kept the concept of the Masked Marvel. So what Malibu owns (and by extension, Marvel) are the "new" versions of old Centaur characters. Now you cannot "use" the old names, but you could use the old costumes & concepts, as long as they were not used by Malibu. Airman is a good example, Malibu used him almost as he was back in the Golden Age (with slight modifications) so the "old idea" and character belongs to Malibu/Marvel. But a character like Speed Centaur, which hasn't been used in over 60 years, is fair game. Same goes with any of the "other" Golden age character currently not in use. That's why DC, Archie (co), and Marvel keep tight reign on their characters, less they loose ownership by lack use, and fall into the Public Domain. As far as a list of "Public domain" characters, I haven't myself made such a list as I have no idea which ones "should" be and which ones are not, because someone probably by now has used just about every character in modern times in one fashion or another (like Malibu did, and AC comics still does, just to name 2), all I can say is keep following the site, as you see on all profiles we give a "start" date and a "finish" date on every character. In addition, in our Time lines we show who came first and when, by carrying that further, you could add a "when did they stop" category, and coupled with our Alpha list, you could have a running "time line" of who's where, when ,and so forth. That is why we offer these 3 sections. Inferno was a good idea of why I like to do this site. See, we only cover their "Golden Age" appearances, not the revivals, retroactive continuity, reboots, or continuation of any character beyond the 1960 point. As there is where we draw an end to the Golden Age, and the "beginning" of a new era. Yes, I'm aware of Archieco's "updates" of their "old" Golden Age and Silver Age characters. Mostly they've stuck to the original concept, and added/adapted to it for "modern" time readers. It's good to see them do "something" with them, I hope they do more and don't stop there. I hope these answers your questions. And get ready for issue # 3, only 5 days to go! Bye for now. ========================================= Hi folks! (Richard?) First off, I certainly didn't expect an answer this quickly. Thank you. Second, I have really enjoyed your site and I admire what you are doing. I found a link to your site in the Old Comics Message Board in the Jonah Weiland web site and I'm glad that I did. Third, I wasn't expecting a reward for my contribution. I must have missed something. Oh, well ... I was going back for a closer look later. I am very glad that you found my information helpful. Fourth, since you ask for a few choices: Hawkman, Wildcat, Sandman, The Shining Knight or The Crimson Avenger. Take care and Keep 'em flying! Hi Jeff, Thanks for the kind words. Yes it's "us folk" although mostly you see my replies. But Darrin and Pam are very important people to the site as well, I just like to "talk" more! Darrin and I frequent the CBR boards quite often, and I'm often found there asking around for info and announcing when the new issue is due up. If you read our "mission statement" section, you'll see in there where we offer the exchange of art for info (a good trade, I think!), plus other important info. Also on our message board you can find out all about our ongoing "contest", so go there and see what we're giving away! Your SHINING KNIGHT drawing is on it's way by end of week. Hope you like it. And once again thanks for contributing and stopping by the site. Richard Boucher
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