@@douglaswolfen7820 "A much more elaborate fight scene was planned, but Ford developed dysentery while filming in Morocco, and devised a much easier way for Indy to get out of the scrape. The scene was intended to play out much more like a duel, with the swordsman facing down Indy's bullwhip, but Ford's symptoms were so debilitating, and he was in so much discomfort that he came up with the alternative scene. There were other factors that contributed to changing it. Producer Frank Marshall revealed that the shoot was already taking too long and production was going over budget, so filming the elaborate fight scene as planned would have just caused other setbacks. “We had been shooting in Tunisia in 130 degrees for six weeks and we had three days left,” Marshall said. “We were supposed to shoot this huge fight between the whip and the sword. It took the whole morning to shoot just three storyboards.”
Austin specifically had to mention the Australian Cat-Man so that his subscribers could flesh out all his variants in preparation for 2034's Cat-Man Into The Catverse
Nah, not multiverse. Better to have them as a big international organization like Batman Inc. ... Catman Inc.! We can have Cat-man, Australian Cat-man, Tiger Man (Another public domain hero) and Lion Man (Yet another public domain hero) in a giant feline themed superhero international organization!
I saw a Japanese artist I follow make fanart of Mickey and Oswald the rabbit, saying they wanted to see a show of them going on adventures together. When someone told them “hey, they’re public domain now, get enough people together and we could do that and publish it on our own”, the artist replied, “But I don’t want to make a horror parody, I want it to be whimsical” There’s so much schlock that now some people don’t realize that you can make public domain stuff that isn’t just generic “what if (beloved character) was MESSED UP AND EVIL”. It took a few replies for them to understand that, Public Domain means you can publish and profit off anything that doesn’t infringe on the copyright; it doesn’t just have to be the wild, nonsensical stuff.
@@jeweljackal6425 I feel like if The Walt Disney Company didn't lobby Congress to extend copyrights by decades, people wouldn't be so vindictive and make such horrid creations.
Remember, it wasnt JUST Dusney that did that. So shouldnt be the only big corporations you need to look out for that made this scummy extension. Altho of course Disney is an easy target to get the point across.@@yosefdemby8792
@@jeweljackal6425 Besides, it hasn't even been ten days yet. Quality content takes time. I'm sure high-quality Mickey Mouse public domain works will come in the long run.
Fun fact: whereas Spring Heeled Jack started as an urban myth and developed into a penny dreadful villain, late-Victorian writers transformed the character into a proto-superhero, complete with altruistic mission, hidden lair (a crypt in a neglected London graveyard), tech-based powers (his spring boots were designed by an Indian mechanical genius) and even a dashing catch-phrase ("The day is yours - leave the night to me!"). This was decades before Zorro and it can be argued that SHJ set many of the masked avenger tropes later followed by Batman et al. The 2020 novel "The Life and Fantastical 'Crimes' of Spring Heeled Jack" ran with that theme, being presented as SHJ's own memoir of his days as a rooftop-leaping vigilante.
@@sdsdfdu4437 The "Life and Fantastical Crimes" novel has a lot of fun coming up with semi-plausible explanations for the late-Victorian weirdness of the Spring Heeled Jack legend. The protagonist is well aware of his growing status as a urban legend and is sometimes able to use it to his own advantage.
I love how Red Bee has one specific bee he's named Michael. Does he name the rest of the hive or is Michael just his favorite? Does that favoritism impact the hive's morale late on in the series? Would Michael be his best bee at his wedding? There are so many directions this character could go.
Michael is the one in the group with powers. He stings multiple times. He recruits other bees to help Red out (mind controll?). He causes irrational fear in the villians. He is seemingly invulnerable. Michael is the Kato to the Red Bee's Green Hornet.
I really love your attitude towards the public domain Austin, seeing it as a creative springboard for your own ideas instead of just a way to leech off an already popular ip.
Hmm, L Frank Baum’s estate owns the later Land of Oz stories, which aren’t yet public domain worthy in the EU. It seems clear that his own Land of Oz stories have entered the public domain 13 years ago in Germany.
Gregory Maguire was adapting the Oz material from the mid-90s. There are 4 novels in "The Wicked Years", and it's one of the most emotionally satisfying, dark, grown-up fantasy-worlds I've read.
I'm mildly curious now... Could the company that created the mickey mouse horror game have legally advertised or announced it before the copyright expired, as long as it was not yet available for sale?
I think the trailer would have been considered fair use, but to figure out that someone would have to take it to court and that costs money. Also the case would be rendered moot if they didn't reach a final decision by Jan. 1. 2024 so I'm gonna guess Disney wouldn't have done anything if they published the trailer a few weeks before the new year.
I saw a trailer for a game called "Inverse Ninjas VS. The Public Domain" where Mickey Mouse was being added as a new playable character, and that trailer came out before 2024 (it was around a week or two before the new year). They didn't get into any trouble, but with what the person above said and the fact that it's a really niche game it could just be that there wasn't any point for Disney to take action or they just straight up didn't know about it then.
@@TheDuzx I don't know if the case would be "rendered moot" per se: if there WAS copyright infringement then it was already commited BEFORE it expired, hence might still be litigated. idk that's an argument they could make, not sure if it'd fly, if it matches or contradicts some established legal principle or sth, we'd REALLY need a court to decide that.
Why am I surprised that the guy whose making a Public Domain Super Hero franchise is promoting the Public Domain. I really shouldn't be at this point. Regardless, I'm glad this is being made for the simple fact that we have so much enterthe public domain for the first time in like 90 years, well more than the old version of an evil franchises mascot.
It just occurs to me, if Scarecrow wanted a brain and Tinman wanted a heart, why was it not phrased as the Lion wanting a 'spine' or 'backbone' and thus maintaining the analogy of body parts for certain qualities or characteristics?
@@Eeter26 I've never read the Oz books, but the classic 1939 movie says 'courage' and that makes perfect sense. I'm just interested in word choice. The creator here is just _fine_ at writing scripts.
It was courage. The Wizard poured a liquid out of a bottle into a platter for the lion to drink. Most likely "liquid courage", which probably meant the Wizard got the lion drunk.
Spring-heeled Jack has been cited by some as being a spiritual ancestor of Batman. And since we have to wait another 15 years or so for ol’ bats, he could make a great Victorian substitute
I remember someone on Tumblr suggesting a Super Smash Brothers style brawler game using only public domain characters as the fighters. I still live in hope that such a game is made, but multiplayer games are notoriously difficult (or impossible) to make for an indie team. Perhaps as a local co-op game instead?
That sounds awesome.That would make a dope game.I'm not sure if he's in the public domain,but I often think that Lee Falks The Phantom would make an amazing open world game.
The task of thinking up custom specials for each character sounds tough, otherwise they could do the brawlhalla thing of a set amount of movesets shared by x number of characters each
@@Katy133 Ok you got me there, tbf tho I was thinking of those obscure ones you typically think of with 'public domain', I forgot to consider the fleshed out well developed characters and their storylines.
There’s literally a top down shooter akin to that which utilize public domain characters. Its called Inverse Ninjas vs. The Public Domain. And yes it actually included Mickey Mouse as a playable character the moment he became one.
I love the acknowledgment given to the Red Bee Honestly, I think that, if given to the right writer, there’s a lot that could be done with the character
He isn't too off from Ant-Man, and bees feel more intimidating than ants o a visceral level. A superhero whose power is controlling bees could totally work.
@@gnockgnock6965 Now's tbe perfect time to do an adaptation. Becides Ozma, Oz is described as a land where everyone worked half the time and played half the time. If you needed anything, you just withdrew it from the treasury and when you had excess you put it there for someone else to use. I would love to see the reactions to a modern Oz tv series "going woke" and the showrunner being like, "this is all from a book from 1903. I lifted most of the dialogue wholesale, see?
Genuinely. As crazy as The Red Bee is, he's the only property that immediately set the gears turning in my head. (I think it has something to do with the fact that I have a blouse very similar to his superhero costume) I'm imagining a superhero but like with a small army of those Transformers movies nanobots, that the hero calls "Bees" and are actually an AI. He still has the gun though.
I've just finished listening to the audiobook of The Spider Queen. I REALLY enjoyed it! Excellent, compelling story, very believable characters - a really sophisticated take on the Golden Age heroes. Thank you Austin!
Honestly, Mickey entering the public domain is amazing. Could be even good for Disney! I've already seen some creative animations and uses of him, and he's starting to grow on me lol The rubber-hose era Mickey has a particular type of whimsy that I don't see much in modern characters, so more of that could be pretty fun :)
You might want to check out the Death Battle video of Saitama VS Popeye. It is one of their best videos, because Popeye is authentic to the style and feel of his era.
Now that I think about it, it'd be pretty useful if there was an easily accessible database for every character in the public domain. I've found wikis that do this but I find them pretty tricky to navigate.
I’m not sure I like the wording of “be a producer”. I like “be a funder” more because it’s more accurate. Usually when you make something, the producer is above it all and gets a say in what happens.
Austin I would like to thank you for introducing me to the public domain. Thanks to you I have discovered such gems as Captain Battle, Red Rube and Captain Murder. And for some reason with Captain murder I am inspired to make a deep and compelling character drama.
I wonder if it’s too late to capitalize on my idea of a mad scientist fishing Jay Gatzby’s body out of his swimming pool and reviving him as a steampunk cyborg. Was going to call it, “The Even Greater Gatzby: An Official Sequel”
Can we all collectively agree that Austin McConnell is like... idk, the King of the Public Domain or something? Ever since he started doing his research for the first Superzeroes video, before it was even called the Superzeroes, he's regularly posted videos about the Public Domain, how it works, and some of the crazy stuff out there and freely available for people to just use. it's wild. I know making him King of the Public Domain sounds antithetical but I trust my king.
I love the Red Bee! Whoever created him used a pen name, and there's legitimate arguments that he was purposely queer coded, with him being in love with the DA, who doesn't share those feelings. It's a bit of a stretch to read them this.way, but not as much as you would think if you know your history of coding aperently. He does not fly, he does not really have any powers besides some gadgets here and there and athleticism, but he does have Michael the bee, who might actually be the one with powers since not only can the bee understand english, but he seems to be able to controller other bees, is pretty much invulnerable, and seems to be able to cast fear on villians. Thr reduces villiams tend to be mobsters and racketeering, but there are a few stand out ones, including a group of milk counterfeiters that lead to infant deaths due to malnutrition. I have no real artistic talent myself, but I'm begging those who do, Please use the Red Bee! He's the first character I ever cosplayed as and he's still my favorite.
A perfect public domain superhero that has potential for horror would be Stardust the Super Wizard. Truly one of the strangest comic heroes from the Golden Age.
Austin, I am not sure that the Red Bee is actually in the public domain. The Red Bee was created andpublished by Quality Comics. Quality had quite a long list of popular characters, like Blackhawk and Plastic Man. As you see, those are characters found in DC comics. That is because when Quality Comics closed up shop in the 50s, DC Comics purchased them, and they did renew the copyrights when they had to. All of Quality Comics characters are owned by DC Comics today.
Do be careful with long-running characters though. Sometimes the early works are public domain, but later additions to the character aren't. And it's easy to forget what was original and what was added Eg Dorothy is from a 1900 novel, but I'm pretty sure the ruby slippers were added in the film adaptation. In the book, I think she had silver slippers, but MGM were making a big deal about how the film was shot in colour, so they wanted bright glorious colourful slippers, and made them red
You didn't mention the most important fact of Red Bee...he dies. They stuck him in a walk in freezer, he couldn't get out and his bees died. Personally when I do a thing I'm gonna open from the fact that he did die and then they brought him back...wrong. And he's like Hell Bee or whatever.
I believe the 1925 film adaptation of The Lost World is in the public domain as well, which means any elements added in that version are also free to use! Honestly I've always been a fan of this book and it's many iterations and was surprised that it wasn't as well known as I thought. I guess I was so autistic about dinosaurs as a child I forgot other people weren't 😆.
Fun fact, one of the characters in the Wizard of Oz sequels was transgender. These were childrens books in the 1930s, quite frankly the author would still be ahead of his time today.
I just realized - Solomon Kane, pulp character created by Robert E Howard (creator of Conan) entered public domain this year. His first appearance was in 1928.
Making the horror films is a way to take a shot at Disney. Its a sort of "political" or "cultural" statement. Maybe a slightly juvenile one but its still there. a storytelling graffiti if you will. Defacing the holy mouse.
I've often thought about how much better Winnie the Pooh and Mickey mouse would be as action/crime movies but I have no talent 😞 only dreams I mean just imagine steamboat Willie but Mickey is smuggling narcotics but he's literally a rat turning over to the feds and he has to balance this tenuous relationship with Pete. Or Winnie the Pooh akin to the raid redemption but instead of going up an apartment it's called the hundred acres were the most ruthless gangs congeal in a concrete jungle.
I agree but the low budget, cash grab horror projects are a right of passage these public domain characters as they are fun and scratch that itch of sticking it to the Disney or whatever rights holder held onto that work way too long after the original creator’s death and also will motivate people to do something more original with the characters as they realize they can get away with anything they want now.
Thanks for the video! There's a lot of potential for using pre-existing ideas as a starting point for creative work (as a way to overcome writer's block for me), but the public domain is intimidating just from it sheer scale and the intuitive understanding that most of it won't be creatively stimulating to work from. Awesome concepts!
The difference between Winnie the Pooh and Steamboat Willie is that Steamboat Willie can actually work in horror. That short is terrifying, but people just see they can use Mickey Mouse and just do a generic horror movie with someone in Mickey's costume, not actually turning Steamboat Willie into the true horror that it is.
In spite of being aware of "The Lost World", the first Professor Challenger story I read was his appearance in the Iris Wildthyme anthology, "Miss Wildthyme & Friends Investigate". Her authors are quite happy to indulge in crossover adventures with all manner of public domain characters. ^_~
I *_love_* the Professor Challenger stories. I highly recommend checking out the short stories, such as _The Poison Belt._ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle also loved Challenger, and would cosplay as his him at parties. He hated Holmes for completely eclipsing his favorite OC, eventually killing him off before bringing him back due to public demand. (And I do mean demand. One lady wrote to him "You brute!" after _The Death of Sherlock Holmes_ was published, and many individuals purportedly wore black mourning bands to work.) I find the Professor Challenger stories and characters at least if not more enjoyable than the Sherlock Holmes stories, I highly recommend giving them a read.
It's the Red Bee! I've loved him ever since I discovered him. The era when anything could be a gimmick and superheroes all loved cool yet obvious cars.
Whoa! I didn't know you were Kickstarting some more Sensational Cat-Man cartoonage! I'm glad I watched this today (while I write this, only 10 days remain!) I saw you post this a few days ago, but haven't gotten to watching it until now because of work. I hope others see it before the campaign ends. I just pledged $25! Good luck! Anyhoo, LOVE ALL OF THESE. A lot of legitimately cool works that SHOULD be explored more - I'd love to see more Oz-based stuff and Lost World (well, Arthur Conan Doyle works in general). But especially that bee guy.... _ESPECIALLY_ how, if things get too dicey, "He has a gun." Modern filmmakers take notice: now *that's* a hero that's grounded and relatable 😂
That's a thing that always gets me [about Oz]. You got all these books in the public domain at this point, but there's only been about like... 3~5 adaptations. (One of them being an original origin story.) Like... no-one has up and decided "Hey, let's do some serious adapting of some of the more obscure stuff that doesn't involve the Red Ruby Slippers" (since the RRS are owned by MGM and you need to talk about that like Disney did for "Return to Oz")
I think the issue is that MGM still owns rights to the movie, and unless you can swear that your work was based on the books alone and not influenced by the movie (which you've probably seen) your adaptation is going to be problematic. Everything from the music to the costumes worn by the flying monkeys is copyrighted. Then there's the issue that being in the right won't save you from legal costs if MGM decides to take you to court. MGM probably has more money to spend on lawyers than you do so that's going to be a problem. The "Ownership Rights" section of Wikipedia's article on King Kong is an indication of how complex and nuanced these issues are in reality. It's so much easier to just make up your own fantasy world imitating Oz than to make your own adaptation.
I'm still surprised that no one thought about doing a TV series focusing on the stories that followed after the original story. I mean we're in an age where binge watching shows on streaming is the norm so having a series dedicated on telling the entire history of Oz should be a no brainer at this point. Also the one story I feel should be used more often in the public domain would be The Island of Dr Moreau. There's a lot in that story that would perfect horror material to make new stories out of especially we're in a time where genetic experiments are more relevant then ever. On the subject of horror I wouldn't worry too much about characters like Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh being affected by it. Not only we will still get the more wholesome takes on them in the future but also horror takes on them that doesn't take the lazy way out and be more creative about it. Like the American McGee Alice games as a good example of horror in children icons being done well and respectifulyl.
It might be worth noting that the later Oz books (*I've only read 13 of them) get weird. Like really bizarre. Could be good or bad, but might make adaptations harder.
Honestly, no offense to horror, but when it comes to steamboat Willie being in the public domain I feel like there are so many better things you can do with the titular mouse. First off, I think I would rename the character just to cement the idea that this is a different take on the character than Mickey, but still have the name be similar enough: Maybe I would just call him “Michael” or “Willie”? And play off of his goofy, fun, loving personality from the short, I would have him be a character who just wants to have the best time possible and spread positivity around him, something people desperately need since they are living in the middle of the Great Depression. Although his seemingly boundless positivity does help people, just as often it can get him into trouble, which is where his girlfriend “Millie” comes to play, as I would reimagine her similar to how she’s portrayed in “Plane Crazy” and have her be a no nonsense, kind of person to balance out Mickey’s carefree nature. With this formula, you could create an endless number of adventures set in the timeless 1920s inspired black-and-white cartoon world with all the slapstick that comes with it. I would still have the spirit of the character while giving you a lot of room to mess around and do your own thing.
Part of the issue is at the moment it's only the steamboat Willie version in the public domain. So certainly no mini mouse, and you can't use aspects about the character not seen in the short. Which is why horror is actually the safest bet for these studios- you can be shocking but just using the likeness, you have zero chance of getting sued
One of my favourite video essays is a postcolonial reading of Lost World adaptations. I'd love an adaptation that uses those critiques to make a film that matches modern sensibilities
This has nothing to do with the video, but the first of a superhero was the phantom he was like a purple superhero or something, and he’s in the public domain wink wink
Every time I see the Red Bee, I think of the DC conic where he ran across the original Mr. Terrific and remarked that if Terrific could have "Fair Play plastered across his gut," he should consider writing "Buzz Buzz across my butt". Please, whoever picks up the Red Bee, give him a "Buzz Buzz" tramp stamp that only you and I will understand.
*gasp* Dumb? How could you say such a thing? I happen to be 100% unironically invested in Red Bee and his lil bee buddy Michael, and I was just introduced to them. I don't have a good explaination😂, *Marge Simpson voice* I just think they're neat.
If a formula can be repeated, then why not? The entertainment industry in recent years has done nothing but "innovate" in the wrong direction, so a familiar and proven idea getting used again seems acceptable to me. Don't forget the completely unmaintainable inflation of production budgets. So a bit of concrete repetition that shows just making what people want still works, is fine with me. I do admit, the lack of legitimate innovation or unabashed artistic intent, is not something I like. I still like works that go their own way, I just don't like what the entire entertainment industry has turned into in recent years. I'm not going to watch any of these character/slashers, but I stopped watching Marvel after Endgame, and the last movie I remember watching was Weird Al back in 2022. Moving on to the actual characters, I didn't realize Spring Heeled Jack was a thing. I remember hearing his name brought up as the ancestor of the female lead of Somebody Stop Her (A superhero webnovel, sorta-deconstruction, but a good read.), but didn't think about it.
It's technically its "Steamboat Willie," the design prototype version for Michael Mouse. Its an important distinction that keeps getting erased for some odd reason.
I genuinely find it crazy that not many people understand what public domain is, and how to use it effectively. But alas, now everyone is talking about this, lets see what crazy wonders we get.
I feel like the red bee is used in Naruto (Shino Aburame and the clan in general), but much more expanded and logical. Neat that ideas can converge like that across time
It'd be really nice if some animators took Mickey and made a true rubber hose animated short much like Cuphead did. Not making fun of the source but celebrating it. I'd do it, but I'm to busy complaining about stuff on the internet.
YOU can help us make CAT-MAN: bit.ly/CatManKICK
i cant.....
@@RobotbottersI’m too poor, I promised myself after I bought the £2,000 PC I’d donate, but now im -£2,000 in debt.
@@alex.g7317nice lol
I hope that you don't stop the project even if you don't get the required budget
I'm absolutely in, it's just going to be a little closer to the deadline. Gotta wait for my next paycheck to clear.
The Red Bee pulling out a glock whenever his very niche superpower doesn't cut it is the best bit of writing in any superhero media.
In that sense, it's like the joke in Indiana Jones where he pulls out a gun to fight a swordfighter.
@@PhotonBeastclassic moment in movie history right there
"Movies are so dumb! Why doesn't he just shoot the guy with a… huh. Never mind"
You don't need guns if you have a Michael.
@@marrow94 everyone should have a Micheal
@@douglaswolfen7820 "A much more elaborate fight scene was planned, but Ford developed dysentery while filming in Morocco, and devised a much easier way for Indy to get out of the scrape. The scene was intended to play out much more like a duel, with the swordsman facing down Indy's bullwhip, but Ford's symptoms were so debilitating, and he was in so much discomfort that he came up with the alternative scene.
There were other factors that contributed to changing it. Producer Frank Marshall revealed that the shoot was already taking too long and production was going over budget, so filming the elaborate fight scene as planned would have just caused other setbacks. “We had been shooting in Tunisia in 130 degrees for six weeks and we had three days left,” Marshall said. “We were supposed to shoot this huge fight between the whip and the sword. It took the whole morning to shoot just three storyboards.”
Austin specifically had to mention the Australian Cat-Man so that his subscribers could flesh out all his variants in preparation for 2034's Cat-Man Into The Catverse
Nah, not multiverse. Better to have them as a big international organization like Batman Inc. ... Catman Inc.!
We can have Cat-man, Australian Cat-man, Tiger Man (Another public domain hero) and Lion Man (Yet another public domain hero) in a giant feline themed superhero international organization!
@@CSLucasEpicis Armless Tiger Man in the public domain yet?
How is this comment 9 hours older than the rest of the video
@@man.actual im pretty sure he is a member so he got the video early
@@thesausageman5388i don't know but Marvel made him, so I wouldn't risk it
I saw a Japanese artist I follow make fanart of Mickey and Oswald the rabbit, saying they wanted to see a show of them going on adventures together. When someone told them “hey, they’re public domain now, get enough people together and we could do that and publish it on our own”, the artist replied, “But I don’t want to make a horror parody, I want it to be whimsical”
There’s so much schlock that now some people don’t realize that you can make public domain stuff that isn’t just generic “what if (beloved character) was MESSED UP AND EVIL”. It took a few replies for them to understand that, Public Domain means you can publish and profit off anything that doesn’t infringe on the copyright; it doesn’t just have to be the wild, nonsensical stuff.
So is he going to go through with your idea?
@@jeweljackal6425 I feel like if The Walt Disney Company didn't lobby Congress to extend copyrights by decades, people wouldn't be so vindictive and make such horrid creations.
Remember, it wasnt JUST Dusney that did that. So shouldnt be the only big corporations you need to look out for that made this scummy extension. Altho of course Disney is an easy target to get the point across.@@yosefdemby8792
@@jeweljackal6425 Besides, it hasn't even been ten days yet. Quality content takes time. I'm sure high-quality Mickey Mouse public domain works will come in the long run.
@@jeweljackal6425 Yeah. In time the high-quality public projects with him will help ameliorate the public domain's tainted reputation.
Fun fact: whereas Spring Heeled Jack started as an urban myth and developed into a penny dreadful villain, late-Victorian writers transformed the character into a proto-superhero, complete with altruistic mission, hidden lair (a crypt in a neglected London graveyard), tech-based powers (his spring boots were designed by an Indian mechanical genius) and even a dashing catch-phrase ("The day is yours - leave the night to me!"). This was decades before Zorro and it can be argued that SHJ set many of the masked avenger tropes later followed by Batman et al. The 2020 novel "The Life and Fantastical 'Crimes' of Spring Heeled Jack" ran with that theme, being presented as SHJ's own memoir of his days as a rooftop-leaping vigilante.
That's a baller catchphrase, I wanna do something with this character
@@sdsdfdu4437 The "Life and Fantastical Crimes" novel has a lot of fun coming up with semi-plausible explanations for the late-Victorian weirdness of the Spring Heeled Jack legend. The protagonist is well aware of his growing status as a urban legend and is sometimes able to use it to his own advantage.
Interesting info! In a way it's funny that a feared creature of the night ended up becoming one of the earliest form of a modern day costumed hero.
Cool character. He needs lo live again.
There's also the fantastic novel by Philip Pullman taking a similar approach
I love how Red Bee has one specific bee he's named Michael. Does he name the rest of the hive or is Michael just his favorite? Does that favoritism impact the hive's morale late on in the series? Would Michael be his best bee at his wedding? There are so many directions this character could go.
Like Antony in Ant Man. Michael is the best bee.
Michael is the one in the group with powers. He stings multiple times. He recruits other bees to help Red out (mind controll?). He causes irrational fear in the villians. He is seemingly invulnerable.
Michael is the Kato to the Red Bee's Green Hornet.
@@BlUsKrEEm plot twist, turns out it's a Dr Fate (/sort of moonknight) situation and Michael is actually the one in control.
Oh THAT'S what Ant-Man's been missing all this time
*a gun*
For his "Bee" Special, he uses a gun.
Knowing Disney/Marvel PG Universe.That gun would be a watergun😂
Oh no he has one of those. It can grow and shrink things to his leisure (see Avengers Earth’s Mightiest Heroes)
@@marktheshark7588I'm sorry have you seen a marvel movie? They're not R, but they're definitely pg-13, and there a guns.
I really love your attitude towards the public domain Austin, seeing it as a creative springboard for your own ideas instead of just a way to leech off an already popular ip.
It is surprising that since the Wizard of Oz movie is extremely popular and the book in is Public Domain, now there are surprisingly few adaptions.
Hmm, L Frank Baum’s estate owns the later Land of Oz stories, which aren’t yet public domain worthy in the EU. It seems clear that his own Land of Oz stories have entered the public domain 13 years ago in Germany.
Gregory Maguire was adapting the Oz material from the mid-90s. There are 4 novels in "The Wicked Years", and it's one of the most emotionally satisfying, dark, grown-up fantasy-worlds I've read.
@@YourQueerGreatAuntie ahh yes, the books behind the popular Wicked Musical!
@@YourQueerGreatAuntiebut that's a book to book adaption. What about movies, shows, and games?
There is a lot of written & comic adaptations. Somehow they never got popular enough for bigger media projects.
I'm mildly curious now... Could the company that created the mickey mouse horror game have legally advertised or announced it before the copyright expired, as long as it was not yet available for sale?
I don't think so.
I think the trailer would have been considered fair use, but to figure out that someone would have to take it to court and that costs money. Also the case would be rendered moot if they didn't reach a final decision by Jan. 1. 2024 so I'm gonna guess Disney wouldn't have done anything if they published the trailer a few weeks before the new year.
Well they could have tried but I guarantee Disney would have been on them like Jason Voorhees on teenagers having sex out of wedlock.
I saw a trailer for a game called "Inverse Ninjas VS. The Public Domain" where Mickey Mouse was being added as a new playable character, and that trailer came out before 2024 (it was around a week or two before the new year). They didn't get into any trouble, but with what the person above said and the fact that it's a really niche game it could just be that there wasn't any point for Disney to take action or they just straight up didn't know about it then.
@@TheDuzx I don't know if the case would be "rendered moot" per se: if there WAS copyright infringement then it was already commited BEFORE it expired, hence might still be litigated. idk that's an argument they could make, not sure if it'd fly, if it matches or contradicts some established legal principle or sth, we'd REALLY need a court to decide that.
Thanks to you, I've become a fan of public domain.
I really want to use a lot of characters in my own worlds.
Me too, mainly because I ran out of original characters. It's more like a multiverse
im learning gamedev right now, i want to make a point and click adventure with these public domain cartoons, i hope i can finish someday
It's specifically Steamboat Willy that's public now. That's a very important factor that can prevent serious litigation.
Why am I surprised that the guy whose making a Public Domain Super Hero franchise is promoting the Public Domain. I really shouldn't be at this point.
Regardless, I'm glad this is being made for the simple fact that we have so much enterthe public domain for the first time in like 90 years, well more than the old version of an evil franchises mascot.
7:36 A hero with bee themed powers?
Sounds like a job for.... *DOCTOR BEES!!!*
It just occurs to me, if Scarecrow wanted a brain and Tinman wanted a heart, why was it not phrased as the Lion wanting a 'spine' or 'backbone' and thus maintaining the analogy of body parts for certain qualities or characteristics?
Maybe it was and this guy is just bad at writing scripts
@@Eeter26 I've never read the Oz books, but the classic 1939 movie says 'courage' and that makes perfect sense. I'm just interested in word choice. The creator here is just _fine_ at writing scripts.
The Lion wants the nerve
@@evanbao93 oo that's a good one!
It was courage. The Wizard poured a liquid out of a bottle into a platter for the lion to drink. Most likely "liquid courage", which probably meant the Wizard got the lion drunk.
Spring-heeled Jack has been cited by some as being a spiritual ancestor of Batman. And since we have to wait another 15 years or so for ol’ bats, he could make a great Victorian substitute
I remember someone on Tumblr suggesting a Super Smash Brothers style brawler game using only public domain characters as the fighters. I still live in hope that such a game is made, but multiplayer games are notoriously difficult (or impossible) to make for an indie team. Perhaps as a local co-op game instead?
That sounds awesome.That would make a dope game.I'm not sure if he's in the public domain,but I often think that Lee Falks The Phantom would make an amazing open world game.
The task of thinking up custom specials for each character sounds tough, otherwise they could do the brawlhalla thing of a set amount of movesets shared by x number of characters each
@@SeanSMST Looks like GATSBY is here to party! But wait, hold on. Here comes Sherlock Holmes with a STEEL CHAIR!
@@Katy133 Ok you got me there, tbf tho I was thinking of those obscure ones you typically think of with 'public domain', I forgot to consider the fleshed out well developed characters and their storylines.
There’s literally a top down shooter akin to that which utilize public domain characters.
Its called Inverse Ninjas vs. The Public Domain. And yes it actually included Mickey Mouse as a playable character the moment he became one.
I love the acknowledgment given to the Red Bee
Honestly, I think that, if given to the right writer, there’s a lot that could be done with the character
He isn't too off from Ant-Man, and bees feel more intimidating than ants o a visceral level. A superhero whose power is controlling bees could totally work.
Marvel has a super villain who is literally a Nazi made out of bees! The Red Bee could totally work in a new context or scenario
Red Bee would be an awesome video game protagonist
Austin: "He's a superhero. Who uses bees."
Me: Doctor BEEEEEEEEEES!!!
I always find that the public domain is like a treasure chest full of opportunities for anyone to use whatever character and make it your own.
The Land of Oz should be an Ongoing Anime that Adapts 27 Books like it's One Piece.
Featuring Transbian Ozma!
Technically there was an Oz anime made in the early 80s. If I recall it adapted the first three books or so.
@@gnockgnock6965 Now's tbe perfect time to do an adaptation. Becides Ozma, Oz is described as a land where everyone worked half the time and played half the time. If you needed anything, you just withdrew it from the treasury and when you had excess you put it there for someone else to use. I would love to see the reactions to a modern Oz tv series "going woke" and the showrunner being like, "this is all from a book from 1903. I lifted most of the dialogue wholesale, see?
@@splicetape9435an Oz Anime should be made for an Isekai Audience.
@splicetape9435 YES. YES. YES. MY DAD HAS THE DVD IVE SEEN LIEK THE FIRST SEASON ITS SO GOOD
These videos have make me appreciate the creative potential of the public domain.
Same here.I'm glad that the public domain is finally getting some love.
Genuinely. As crazy as The Red Bee is, he's the only property that immediately set the gears turning in my head. (I think it has something to do with the fact that I have a blouse very similar to his superhero costume)
I'm imagining a superhero but like with a small army of those Transformers movies nanobots, that the hero calls "Bees" and are actually an AI.
He still has the gun though.
I need to see an Isekai where Lord John Ruckston gets sent to another world with nothing but his rifle and his sense of justice
I've just finished listening to the audiobook of The Spider Queen. I REALLY enjoyed it! Excellent, compelling story, very believable characters - a really sophisticated take on the Golden Age heroes. Thank you Austin!
Honestly, Mickey entering the public domain is amazing. Could be even good for Disney! I've already seen some creative animations and uses of him, and he's starting to grow on me lol
The rubber-hose era Mickey has a particular type of whimsy that I don't see much in modern characters, so more of that could be pretty fun :)
You might want to check out the Death Battle video of Saitama VS Popeye. It is one of their best videos, because Popeye is authentic to the style and feel of his era.
@@SabinStargem Sounds fun! Def will check it out later :)
Public domain the pond of lost ideas to be hunted by the curious minds willing to mould them into fully fledged characters and stories.
Imo,I think alot of people does be sleeping on public domain characters.
Imagine if patent protections lasted as long as copyright protections. Innovation will be completely stifled.
Imagine if copyright protections only lasted as long as patent protections (20 years). That would be cool.
Now that I think about it, it'd be pretty useful if there was an easily accessible database for every character in the public domain. I've found wikis that do this but I find them pretty tricky to navigate.
Well the public domain superheroes wiki isn't immediately 100% easy but otherwise it's quite usable.
And still, they tend to be quite anglo-centric, when the public domain is worlwide, with so many good obscure characters waiting to get a new life.
There are a couple of Japanese public domain characters, such as the ones from the book that got adapted into Atragon and Super Atragon.
@@SlapstickGenius23There is Golden Bat
@@tiffany-chan1235 yes, but he’s public domain only in India, Japan and South Africa. He’ll soon be public domain in Australia in 2032.
I’m not sure I like the wording of “be a producer”. I like “be a funder” more because it’s more accurate.
Usually when you make something, the producer is above it all and gets a say in what happens.
Austin I would like to thank you for introducing me to the public domain. Thanks to you I have discovered such gems as Captain Battle, Red Rube and Captain Murder. And for some reason with Captain murder I am inspired to make a deep and compelling character drama.
I wish you best of luck.
I’m dreaming a process to base a pantomime on a German backfischroman! It’s going to be interesting.
I wonder if it’s too late to capitalize on my idea of a mad scientist fishing Jay Gatzby’s body out of his swimming pool and reviving him as a steampunk cyborg.
Was going to call it, “The Even Greater Gatzby: An Official Sequel”
Can we all collectively agree that Austin McConnell is like... idk, the King of the Public Domain or something? Ever since he started doing his research for the first Superzeroes video, before it was even called the Superzeroes, he's regularly posted videos about the Public Domain, how it works, and some of the crazy stuff out there and freely available for people to just use. it's wild. I know making him King of the Public Domain sounds antithetical but I trust my king.
Maybe more like the prophet of the public domain or something? I generally agree though.
The people who going to like it are the same people who complain about Disney making quick cash grabs
i want somebody to make a 3 season cartoon based on the first 3 books in the oz series
Nah, 26 seasons adapting all 26 books
SpringHeeled Jack was used in an episode of the detective show Luther. Definitely a character worth exploring
What season and which episode?
@@marktheshark7588 S2E1 it’s a good watch
Red Bee just makes me think of Dr. Bees but with a gun.
I love the Red Bee! Whoever created him used a pen name, and there's legitimate arguments that he was purposely queer coded, with him being in love with the DA, who doesn't share those feelings. It's a bit of a stretch to read them this.way, but not as much as you would think if you know your history of coding aperently.
He does not fly, he does not really have any powers besides some gadgets here and there and athleticism, but he does have Michael the bee, who might actually be the one with powers since not only can the bee understand english, but he seems to be able to controller other bees, is pretty much invulnerable, and seems to be able to cast fear on villians.
Thr reduces villiams tend to be mobsters and racketeering, but there are a few stand out ones, including a group of milk counterfeiters that lead to infant deaths due to malnutrition.
I have no real artistic talent myself, but I'm begging those who do, Please use the Red Bee! He's the first character I ever cosplayed as and he's still my favorite.
A perfect public domain superhero that has potential for horror would be Stardust the Super Wizard. Truly one of the strangest comic heroes from the Golden Age.
The moment those cash grabs came out, I rolled my eyes so hard I looked like Mickey for a second.
I don't know if anyone has as wholesome of a channel as Austin.
Austin, I am not sure that the Red Bee is actually in the public domain.
The Red Bee was created andpublished by Quality Comics. Quality had quite a long list of popular characters, like Blackhawk and Plastic Man.
As you see, those are characters found in DC comics. That is because when Quality Comics closed up shop in the 50s, DC Comics purchased them, and they did renew the copyrights when they had to. All of Quality Comics characters are owned by DC Comics today.
8:26 - "Hi My name is Michael with a B... I've been afraid of insects my whole life"
"Stop, stop... Where's the B?"
"There's a BEE!?"
Do be careful with long-running characters though. Sometimes the early works are public domain, but later additions to the character aren't. And it's easy to forget what was original and what was added
Eg Dorothy is from a 1900 novel, but I'm pretty sure the ruby slippers were added in the film adaptation. In the book, I think she had silver slippers, but MGM were making a big deal about how the film was shot in colour, so they wanted bright glorious colourful slippers, and made them red
The Red Bee movie when!!!!
He's not the hero we need but the hero we deserve.
You didn't mention the most important fact of Red Bee...he dies. They stuck him in a walk in freezer, he couldn't get out and his bees died. Personally when I do a thing I'm gonna open from the fact that he did die and then they brought him back...wrong. And he's like Hell Bee or whatever.
Apart from anything else, Oz would be a much better basis for a horror film than Mickey Mouse.
I believe the 1925 film adaptation of The Lost World is in the public domain as well, which means any elements added in that version are also free to use! Honestly I've always been a fan of this book and it's many iterations and was surprised that it wasn't as well known as I thought. I guess I was so autistic about dinosaurs as a child I forgot other people weren't 😆.
I was kinda hoping you would mention Arsène Lupin.
Thanks for the video! I’m still praying for you and your heart. Love your content!
Fun fact, one of the characters in the Wizard of Oz sequels was transgender. These were childrens books in the 1930s, quite frankly the author would still be ahead of his time today.
I just realized - Solomon Kane, pulp character created by Robert E Howard (creator of Conan) entered public domain this year. His first appearance was in 1928.
I can’t believe that 2 hours after new years of there’s already a horror game and Green Day used him in a music video
I laughed when I saw Mickey in Green Days video
Another newly public domain character: Orlando, the genderfluid immortal creation of Virginia Woolfe!
Making the horror films is a way to take a shot at Disney.
Its a sort of "political" or "cultural" statement. Maybe a slightly juvenile one but its still there.
a storytelling graffiti if you will. Defacing the holy mouse.
I've often thought about how much better Winnie the Pooh and Mickey mouse would be as action/crime movies but I have no talent 😞 only dreams I mean just imagine steamboat Willie but Mickey is smuggling narcotics but he's literally a rat turning over to the feds and he has to balance this tenuous relationship with Pete. Or Winnie the Pooh akin to the raid redemption but instead of going up an apartment it's called the hundred acres were the most ruthless gangs congeal in a concrete jungle.
I agree but the low budget, cash grab horror projects are a right of passage these public domain characters as they are fun and scratch that itch of sticking it to the Disney or whatever rights holder held onto that work way too long after the original creator’s death and also will motivate people to do something more original with the characters as they realize they can get away with anything they want now.
Lord John Ruckston seems like such an Indianna Jones kinda guy, I'd pay for a movie lol
Also the Mickey horror game has a lot of red flags of it being an antisemitic product
Where do you get this public domain information and list of characters and stories?
Thanks for the video! There's a lot of potential for using pre-existing ideas as a starting point for creative work (as a way to overcome writer's block for me), but the public domain is intimidating just from it sheer scale and the intuitive understanding that most of it won't be creatively stimulating to work from. Awesome concepts!
I guess Butch Hartman did some research for Fairly Odd Parents when looking for a public domain version of Batman.
The difference between Winnie the Pooh and Steamboat Willie is that Steamboat Willie can actually work in horror. That short is terrifying, but people just see they can use Mickey Mouse and just do a generic horror movie with someone in Mickey's costume, not actually turning Steamboat Willie into the true horror that it is.
I mean Winnie the Pooh can work as a horror story if you take the characters and utilize a plot akin to Full Moon’s Puppet Master series.
@@BigK13372 Sure but not as much as something like Steamboat Willie
How can i be sure one character I wanna use is in the public domain?
im surprised there's more horror and creepypastas than there is porn of steamboat willie
In spite of being aware of "The Lost World", the first Professor Challenger story I read was his appearance in the Iris Wildthyme anthology, "Miss Wildthyme & Friends Investigate". Her authors are quite happy to indulge in crossover adventures with all manner of public domain characters. ^_~
(:) D
I *_love_* the Professor Challenger stories. I highly recommend checking out the short stories, such as _The Poison Belt._
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle also loved Challenger, and would cosplay as his him at parties. He hated Holmes for completely eclipsing his favorite OC, eventually killing him off before bringing him back due to public demand. (And I do mean demand. One lady wrote to him "You brute!" after _The Death of Sherlock Holmes_ was published, and many individuals purportedly wore black mourning bands to work.)
I find the Professor Challenger stories and characters at least if not more enjoyable than the Sherlock Holmes stories, I highly recommend giving them a read.
Please oh please tell us that the Red Bee will feature in your cinematic universe eventually.
It's the Red Bee! I've loved him ever since I discovered him. The era when anything could be a gimmick and superheroes all loved cool yet obvious cars.
Whoa! I didn't know you were Kickstarting some more Sensational Cat-Man cartoonage! I'm glad I watched this today (while I write this, only 10 days remain!) I saw you post this a few days ago, but haven't gotten to watching it until now because of work. I hope others see it before the campaign ends. I just pledged $25! Good luck!
Anyhoo, LOVE ALL OF THESE. A lot of legitimately cool works that SHOULD be explored more - I'd love to see more Oz-based stuff and Lost World (well, Arthur Conan Doyle works in general). But especially that bee guy.... _ESPECIALLY_ how, if things get too dicey, "He has a gun." Modern filmmakers take notice: now *that's* a hero that's grounded and relatable 😂
Austin, have you ever watched the Disasterous Life of Saiki K dub? You sound EXACTLY like Saiki!!!
does anyone know a list of public domain characters/stories? one with actual source/proof it is public domain.
That's a thing that always gets me [about Oz]. You got all these books in the public domain at this point, but there's only been about like... 3~5 adaptations. (One of them being an original origin story.)
Like... no-one has up and decided "Hey, let's do some serious adapting of some of the more obscure stuff that doesn't involve the Red Ruby Slippers" (since the RRS are owned by MGM and you need to talk about that like Disney did for "Return to Oz")
I think the issue is that MGM still owns rights to the movie, and unless you can swear that your work was based on the books alone and not influenced by the movie (which you've probably seen) your adaptation is going to be problematic. Everything from the music to the costumes worn by the flying monkeys is copyrighted. Then there's the issue that being in the right won't save you from legal costs if MGM decides to take you to court. MGM probably has more money to spend on lawyers than you do so that's going to be a problem. The "Ownership Rights" section of Wikipedia's article on King Kong is an indication of how complex and nuanced these issues are in reality. It's so much easier to just make up your own fantasy world imitating Oz than to make your own adaptation.
@@rdbury507 Turner acquired the Wizards of Oz movie from MGM. In turn it got acquired by WB.
@@SlapstickGenius23 Sorry, I should have figured it would have changed hands by now. The point remains though.
I really hate those haroror movie that is uncreative and trash
Spring-Heeled Jack feels like a great fit for a horror movie, I’d be suprised if a movie isn’t made about the story in the future
The best part of the Red Bee that Austin didn't mention is that the author is called B.H. Apiary...
I feel like my previous comment in your previous video was directly answered, and even if it wasn't, I still madly appreciate it.
The Red Bee and The Arrow (Ralph Payne) could be interesting characters for your Superzeroes project.
I'm still surprised that no one thought about doing a TV series focusing on the stories that followed after the original story. I mean we're in an age where binge watching shows on streaming is the norm so having a series dedicated on telling the entire history of Oz should be a no brainer at this point. Also the one story I feel should be used more often in the public domain would be The Island of Dr Moreau. There's a lot in that story that would perfect horror material to make new stories out of especially we're in a time where genetic experiments are more relevant then ever.
On the subject of horror I wouldn't worry too much about characters like Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh being affected by it. Not only we will still get the more wholesome takes on them in the future but also horror takes on them that doesn't take the lazy way out and be more creative about it. Like the American McGee Alice games as a good example of horror in children icons being done well and respectifulyl.
It might be worth noting that the later Oz books (*I've only read 13 of them) get weird. Like really bizarre. Could be good or bad, but might make adaptations harder.
Honestly, no offense to horror, but when it comes to steamboat Willie being in the public domain I feel like there are so many better things you can do with the titular mouse.
First off, I think I would rename the character just to cement the idea that this is a different take on the character than Mickey, but still have the name be similar enough: Maybe I would just call him “Michael” or “Willie”? And play off of his goofy, fun, loving personality from the short, I would have him be a character who just wants to have the best time possible and spread positivity around him, something people desperately need since they are living in the middle of the Great Depression. Although his seemingly boundless positivity does help people, just as often it can get him into trouble, which is where his girlfriend “Millie” comes to play, as I would reimagine her similar to how she’s portrayed in “Plane Crazy” and have her be a no nonsense, kind of person to balance out Mickey’s carefree nature.
With this formula, you could create an endless number of adventures set in the timeless 1920s inspired black-and-white cartoon world with all the slapstick that comes with it.
I would still have the spirit of the character while giving you a lot of room to mess around and do your own thing.
Part of the issue is at the moment it's only the steamboat Willie version in the public domain. So certainly no mini mouse, and you can't use aspects about the character not seen in the short. Which is why horror is actually the safest bet for these studios- you can be shocking but just using the likeness, you have zero chance of getting sued
One of my favourite video essays is a postcolonial reading of Lost World adaptations. I'd love an adaptation that uses those critiques to make a film that matches modern sensibilities
This has nothing to do with the video, but the first of a superhero was the phantom he was like a purple superhero or something, and he’s in the public domain wink wink
Literally listened to the Spring Heeled Jack episode of LORE last month through sheer coincidence. Looking forward to the SHJ Cinematic Universe. 🤣
Every time I see the Red Bee, I think of the DC conic where he ran across the original Mr. Terrific and remarked that if Terrific could have "Fair Play plastered across his gut," he should consider writing "Buzz Buzz across my butt".
Please, whoever picks up the Red Bee, give him a "Buzz Buzz" tramp stamp that only you and I will understand.
*gasp*
Dumb? How could you say such a thing?
I happen to be 100% unironically invested in Red Bee and his lil bee buddy Michael, and I was just introduced to them. I don't have a good explaination😂, *Marge Simpson voice* I just think they're neat.
If a formula can be repeated, then why not? The entertainment industry in recent years has done nothing but "innovate" in the wrong direction, so a familiar and proven idea getting used again seems acceptable to me. Don't forget the completely unmaintainable inflation of production budgets. So a bit of concrete repetition that shows just making what people want still works, is fine with me.
I do admit, the lack of legitimate innovation or unabashed artistic intent, is not something I like. I still like works that go their own way, I just don't like what the entire entertainment industry has turned into in recent years. I'm not going to watch any of these character/slashers, but I stopped watching Marvel after Endgame, and the last movie I remember watching was Weird Al back in 2022.
Moving on to the actual characters, I didn't realize Spring Heeled Jack was a thing. I remember hearing his name brought up as the ancestor of the female lead of Somebody Stop Her (A superhero webnovel, sorta-deconstruction, but a good read.), but didn't think about it.
Couldn't DC now claim a copyright on (their) Red Bee?!?
It's technically its "Steamboat Willie," the design prototype version for Michael Mouse. Its an important distinction that keeps getting erased for some odd reason.
“His name is Michael with a B? Where’s the B?”
“No no, he IS a bee.”
Make a public domain Kaiju video
I genuinely find it crazy that not many people understand what public domain is, and how to use it effectively.
But alas, now everyone is talking about this, lets see what crazy wonders we get.
Serious question, it seems many villainous or fiendish characters from ye olde England are called some variation of Jack, I wonder why that is.
The day Austin talks about Octobriana and Jenny Everywhere can't come soon enough.
I feel like the red bee is used in Naruto (Shino Aburame and the clan in general), but much more expanded and logical. Neat that ideas can converge like that across time
I'm glad that Austin is taking the initiative to create his own engaging stories; Hollywood doesn't care about telling good stories anymore. 😢
I remember the episode of Jackie Chan Adventures that had Spring-Heeled Jack.
There was an issue of Justice League in which Plastic Man described the Red Bee as "...a hero I used to share Prozac with in the lean years."
Always brightens my day to see your face!
It'd be really nice if some animators took Mickey and made a true rubber hose animated short much like Cuphead did. Not making fun of the source but celebrating it. I'd do it, but I'm to busy complaining about stuff on the internet.
For what it’s worth, The Lost World is only the first in a series of 3 or 4 “Professor Challenger” stories.