Word Balloon Comics Podcast "What Happens When Superman Enters the Public Domain?" Alex Ross pt 1
Jul 17, 2025
01:04:49
In Part 1 of our deep-dive conversation, I’m joined by one of the most influential visual storytellers in comics — Alex Ross. We begin with a look at Alex’s current exhibit, “Heroes and Villains”, now on display at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville, Illinois. It’s a stunning showcase of his iconic artwork, celebrating both the legendary figures of comics and the craftsmanship behind them.
From there, we dive into Alex’s work spotlighting public domain superheroes of the 1940s, and we discuss the looming creative shift coming in the 2030s, when characters like Superman and Batman may enter the public domain — and what kind of storytelling opportunities or chaos that might unlock.
We also revisit Alex’s graphic novel Fantastic Four: Full Circle, talk about his thoughts on the new Superman movie, and touch on his conversations with Marvel Studios creatives about the evolution of the MCU. Finally, we explore Alex’s candid thoughts on the rise of AI in film and television, its potential dangers for artists, and how creators need to prepare for this rapidly changing landscape. It’s a wide-ranging conversation with one of comics' true visionaries.
From there, we dive into Alex’s work spotlighting public domain superheroes of the 1940s, and we discuss the looming creative shift coming in the 2030s, when characters like Superman and Batman may enter the public domain — and what kind of storytelling opportunities or chaos that might unlock.
We also revisit Alex’s graphic novel Fantastic Four: Full Circle, talk about his thoughts on the new Superman movie, and touch on his conversations with Marvel Studios creatives about the evolution of the MCU. Finally, we explore Alex’s candid thoughts on the rise of AI in film and television, its potential dangers for artists, and how creators need to prepare for this rapidly changing landscape. It’s a wide-ranging conversation with one of comics' true visionaries.