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Does the bat-embargo extend to JLU comics?

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Richmond

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Aug 4, 2005, 2:30:42 AM8/4/05
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Since certain characters are currently exclusive to The Batman, and
therefore off-limits for JLU (not to mention Teen Titans--man, the Batman
family is getting pretty spread out), I was wondering if any of those
characters could appear in the Justice League Unlimited comic? I wouldn't
think anyone would tell DC that they couldn't print their own characters,
but I've heard Warner described several times as a kingdom of competing
fiefdoms. Dwayne MacDuffie, if you're reading, could you shed some light?

B.

And if they wanted a sales boost, could they do a comics crossover? I did
enjoy when Superman appeared in Batman Adventures, long before S:TAS, though
it didn't so much work with later DCAU continuity.

charles...@gmail.com

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Aug 4, 2005, 7:52:26 AM8/4/05
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Who is off-limits?

We've seen the Joker in JLU and other people as well - if they can use
the joker what's the problem with anyone else?

Michael

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Aug 4, 2005, 12:11:45 PM8/4/05
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Richmond wrote:

I think the JLU comic is handled by DC itself, so if there's a need to
get characters okayed, it's probably a lot faster of a process.

Michael

Michael

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Aug 4, 2005, 12:12:27 PM8/4/05
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charles...@gmail.com wrote:

Go and read the "JLU: Epilogue (Spoilers)" thread.

Michael

Jason Kirk

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Aug 4, 2005, 12:40:09 PM8/4/05
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On Thu, 04 Aug 2005 09:11:45 -0700, Michael wrote:
>> And if they wanted a sales boost, could they do a comics crossover? I did
>> enjoy when Superman appeared in Batman Adventures, long before S:TAS, though
>> it didn't so much work with later DCAU continuity.
>
> I think the JLU comic is handled by DC itself, so if there's a need to
> get characters okayed, it's probably a lot faster of a process.

They've also used Blue Beetle in the comic book - a character that has
been by passed by the cartoon.

swintronix

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Aug 4, 2005, 5:17:45 PM8/4/05
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The JLU comic can and does use just about any and every DC hero it can
squeeze in. Lots of cahracters that haven't been in the JLU TV show. I
don't see why any of Batman's rogues would be excluded.

HOWEVER: The JLU features Batman in "the present", whereas "The Batman" is
in the past, like a "Year One" kind of thing. Every time a rogue shows up,
it's the first time he's encountered them. I doubt the Joker with dredlocks
and a straight jacket will appear in JLU, since by that time in his career
he's wearing the purple zoot suit or whatever.

I don't watch "The Batman" very much, but I can't see why Joker, Riddler,
Penguin, Gordon, Alfred, or anyone else would be off limits.

- Scott


"Richmond" <rsb...@telus.net> wrote in message
news:mCiIe.158498$HI.30430@edtnps84...

David Johnston

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Aug 4, 2005, 5:21:01 PM8/4/05
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On Thu, 04 Aug 2005 21:17:45 GMT, "swintronix"
<swint...@nospamsbcglobal.net> wrote:

>The JLU comic can and does use just about any and every DC hero it can
>squeeze in. Lots of cahracters that haven't been in the JLU TV show. I
>don't see why any of Batman's rogues would be excluded.
>
>HOWEVER: The JLU features Batman in "the present", whereas "The Batman" is
>in the past, like a "Year One" kind of thing. Every time a rogue shows up,
>it's the first time he's encountered them. I doubt the Joker with dredlocks
>and a straight jacket will appear in JLU, since by that time in his career
>he's wearing the purple zoot suit or whatever.

The Batman is an alternate universe. The Jokers from TAS and the
comic books were never even close to being that buff.

Michael

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Aug 4, 2005, 7:21:25 PM8/4/05
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David Johnston wrote:

I was under the impression that it's a reset of the character set in
Gotham City "a few years from now".

"The Batman" and the other animated Batmen have nothing in common except
that they're animated and share the same origin material.

Michael

Dwayne McDuffie

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Aug 4, 2005, 8:01:16 PM8/4/05
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On 2005-08-03 23:30:42 -0700, "Richmond" <rsb...@telus.net> said:

> Since certain characters are currently exclusive to The Batman, and
> therefore off-limits for JLU (not to mention Teen Titans--man, the
> Batman family is getting pretty spread out), I was wondering if any of
> those characters could appear in the Justice League Unlimited comic? I
> wouldn't think anyone would tell DC that they couldn't print their own
> characters, but I've heard Warner described several times as a kingdom
> of competing fiefdoms. Dwayne MacDuffie, if you're reading, could you
> shed some light?

I would if I could. We just ask for permission, sometimes we get it,
sometimes we don't. It hasn't caused any insurmountable difficulties.
--
Dwayne McDuffie
www.dwaynemcduffie.com

Richmond

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Aug 4, 2005, 8:44:23 PM8/4/05
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"Dwayne McDuffie" <dwa...@dwaynemcduffie.com> wrote in message
news:2005080417011616807%dwayne@dwaynemcduffiecom...

So, are there any characters (outside the Bat-family) you've wanted to use
but were denied? Should I rule out ever seeing, say Swamp Thing appear in
an episode?

B.

Or Adam Strange...


Dwayne McDuffie

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Aug 4, 2005, 11:20:56 PM8/4/05
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On 2005-08-04 17:44:23 -0700, "Richmond" <rsb...@telus.net> said:

> So, are there any characters (outside the Bat-family) you've wanted to
> use but were denied? Should I rule out ever seeing, say Swamp Thing
> appear in an episode?

I *think* Vertigo is generally off-limits to mix with mainstream DC
stuff. As much as I'd like to do something with Swamp Thing, I have to
admit this is proper.
--
Dwayne McDuffie
www.dwaynemcduffie.com

Michael

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Aug 5, 2005, 11:32:01 AM8/5/05
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Jason Kirk wrote:

Was Beetle by-passed by the JLU guys, or were they not allowed to use him?

Michael

Jason Kirk

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Aug 5, 2005, 12:26:43 PM8/5/05
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On Fri, 05 Aug 2005 08:32:01 -0700, Michael wrote:

> Was Beetle by-passed by the JLU guys, or were they not allowed to use him?

From comments Mr McDuffie made on his own message board they weren't
allowed to use him. There has been a fair bit of rumour over the years to
the Beetle's exact copyright status. The FOX appearances and the radio
shows seem to be considered public domain by some and Charlton was
never very unconcerned with copyright issues (they began their
publishing history by reprinting other peoples copyrighted lyrics so I
suppose they never developed an appreciation for it). Seems like mess
that DC thinks it's too much hassel to become involved with.

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