Creating artwork featuring licensed characters

I was just wondering what the rules are for creating artwork for licensed characters. I've seen a ton of 'Spidey', 'Superman', 'Batman' on DA and didn't know how the legalities of all that worked. The same question goes out for making art of Statesman, Ghost Widow...etc.

Thanks,
Todd

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"Scumball in the side pocket." - 8 Baller

you can make it, but you can't sell it unless those companies let you i.e. you're on their payroll... as far as i know

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I believe LJ is right. As long as you don't try to sell the image you should be ok.

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Make sure you say something like Superman (C) DC Comics

I know a lot of artists do that, just so they don't anger the powers that be.

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Scarf_Girl�s Official Kid Brother!

Thanks.

But that leads me to ask the question, what about the artists at comic conventions that do commission sketches of those same characters? Not talking about iconic artists like Stan Lee, more like just the artists on artist row.

Or does it fall under the "it wouldn't be worth suing artist X just because he did a single commission piece for someone.", but by the book it's illegal?

Thanks,
Todd

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"Scumball in the side pocket." - 8 Baller

Actually I've kinda wondered this myself.
I think it's under fair use, or something.
I suck at politics and law and stuff.

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I think you've hit the nail on the head there Todd.

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I believe because it's a single sale, and yer not doing mass production on any kind of scale to hurt their sales, ie prints/posters/other merchandising.

They probably equate the sold convention drawing as some kid in China giving it to their friend. My point is they're not concerned with the quality, only the intellectual property and exact sales.

Jim Lee draws something for his sketchbook and sells it at a $25 package, even that won't hurt their world wide sales in the 7 figures.

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