Golden Age Batman is a ruthless, gun-toting vigilante from the 1930s who had no strict moral code. In contrast, Modern Batman is a highly trained, brooding, and wealthy martial artist bound by a strict rule to never kill. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Here are the specific differences between the two versions of the character:
Golden Age Batman (1939 - 1950s)
Weapons: He regularly carried guns and used lethal force, often leaving criminals dead.
Personality: He was closer to a pulp detective (like The Shadow). He had no Batcave or high-tech gadgets, and operated alone before Robin was introduced.
Appearance: He wore purple gloves, a smaller bat-symbol, and long, stiff bat-ears.
Lore: His origin was told in just two pages and villains were treated simply. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Modern Batman (1986 - Present)
Code of Honor: His strict “no-kill rule” defines his entire character. [1, 3]
Personality: He is a psychological expert, using fear and intense martial arts instead of firearms. [1, 2]
Appearance: He wears an all-black or grey-and-black suit, uses advanced body armor, and features an iconic yellow oval around his bat-symbol in many modern iterations. [1, 2]
Lore: His tragic origin story is heavily fleshed out. He commands a massive high-tech arsenal, the Batcave, and the Bat-Family (including multiple Robins, Batgirl, and Nightwing)
Well for example the Mickey Mouse thing is actually Mickey Mouse as he appeared in Steam Boat Willy. Very different appearance. Same with Winnie the Pooh, it is as portrayed in the book not the Disney version. Public domain law is very complicated and is hard to navigate.
Batman is set to enter the public domain in the United States on January 1, 2035. However, this only applies to his earliest 1939 version. DC Comics will still fiercely protect later additions, logos, and character trademarks. [1, 2, 3]
The 1939 “Bat-Man”
On January 1, 2035, the specific iteration of the hero from Detective Comics #27 enters the public domain. This means you can freely use: [1, 2]
The Original Look: Bruce Wayne as a grim detective in his early suit—with purple gloves, a smaller bat symbol, and stiff, pointed bat-ears.
Early Abilities: A crime-fighter who uses guns, swings on a rope, and operates in New York City (not Gotham). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
What is Still Off-Limits
Because only the original material enters the public domain, many iconic elements cannot be used. Later additions are still strictly protected by copyright: [1]
Characters: Robin, Alfred, the Joker, Catwoman, and all of his major enemies (who debuted in later comics).
Lore & Gadgets: The Batmobile, the Bat-Signal, Arkham Asylum, and “Gotham City”.
Modern Traits: The modernized “No Kill” rule, Batman’s tragic backstory, and his high-tech utility belt.[1]
Copyright vs. Trademark
Just like the public domain release of Steamboat Willie (the original Mickey Mouse), Warner Bros./DC will continue to own all trademarks. [1, 2]
The Rules: You cannot use the name “Batman” or the famous bat logo to market or sell your products. Doing so misleads consumers and violates trademark law, which is permanent and never expires. [1, 2]
The Outcome: Independent creators can make their own movies and stories about this early crime-fighter. They must create original, off-brand names for their characters and titles. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Kickstarters galore in the 2030’s. Bat-man of New York City here we go!
DC should just beat everyone to the punch and in the same vein of AB, make Bat-man of New York City #1 themselves and introduce all new elements and takes on old characters. I’ll be ready to stock up and not miss the Bat-man of New York City profits. Hundred dollar bin fodder (inflation adjusted).
I pre-ordered a set of the #281 covers from my LCS b/c they don’t order that much Savage Dragon to begin with. I am not expecting it to pop unless Larsen continues his risqué antics. I pre-ordered a few of the #280 2nd prints too. I figured better safe than sorry.
I think when there’s any speculation preorder on a title like Savage Dragon, it kills it. So obscure that when you like triple the print count it’s done.
