Odd Request

[Dazzle233]

Hi All,

I have a bit of an odd question (I would assume). I am wondering who owns the copyrights to artwork used in these comics. Is it the artist or is there a publisher behind this?

I am trying to see what my options are for getting a hold of the line art created by Edmund Bagwell in the April 29, 2009 issue (dudes in hoodies). I don't really know how these copyrights work, or who how this comic is actually sold or distributed.

I have a non-profit that my wife and I are starting to reach out to troubled teens in our city, and that image really struck a cord with us as representative of our target demographic. I am trying to research on how I can obtain permission or purchase rights to use it. Problem is, I don't know who owns it or if that's even possible. It's not the final image by any means, but it's a source work used to create it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I don't know anything about Judge Dredd comics (though I liked the movie and the SNES game), so I'm way out of my realm here.

The artwork I'm looking at is here: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cmoMeISWzmE/TOFZ0SpEBbI/AAAAAAAAB4U/l_5SauzTG5s/s1600/cradle_cover_bw.jpg

Thanks! Take care.

[Mikey]

I'm afraid I don't know off hand, but I don't think the story was creator owned so Rebellion (publisher) would hold the rights, so I also presume the cover image would be held by Rebellion.

Not to take any money away from Tharg, but the artist himself might be up for a commission (without copyrighted material, natch) for something that fits your bill!

M.

[Bolt-01]

Hmmm, I'm inclined to agree with Mikey here. The actual drawing you linked to is a rough, but the final image is for a property that I presume is owned by Rebellion.

[Richmond Clements]

I thought Emperor posted a more direct email a while ago, but I can't find it.
Meantime, try mailing here: input@2000adonline.com to start with.

Rebellion are usually pretty good at allowing the use of their property as long as they get proper credit etc.
Good luck!

[chris_askham]

I would say get in touch with the artist. If you really want that exact image, then he can probably have a word with 2000ad's editor, and find out where he stands regarding it's use.

And if he can't use that exact image again for copyright reasons, then he can probably come up with something very similar for your own use. In theory, there are no actual 2000ad characters in that image, and as far as I'm aware there are no copyright issues regarding drawing generic characters in hoodies.

Someone else on the board may have contact details for Edmund Bagwell.

Pete Wells maybe...

[Emperor]

I thought Emperor posted a more direct email a while ago, but I can't find it.

Hmmmmmmm doesn't ring a bell.

Baggers (I'm trying it out as a new nickname) has a publicly available email address in his Blogger profile, although there is no guarantee how often he checks it:

http://www.blogger.com/profile/15136903832457254328

[Richmond Clements]

Hmmmmmmm doesn't ring a bell.

It must have been a beautiful dream I had...

[Emperor]

Hmmmmmmm doesn't ring a bell.

It must have been a beautiful dream I had...

Not that beautiful if I was in it

[Dazzle233]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I tried to contact Mr. Bagwell a bit ago via an e-mail address he had posted, but no luck so far.

I will try to contact the other sources as mentioned and maybe leave a request on his blog.

Thanks again for the insights on the matter!