In a startling turn of events, Bill Willingham, the mastermind behind the acclaimed comic book series “Fables,” has made a dramatic move by relinquishing ownership of his iconic work to the public domain. The genesis of this bold decision stems from a protracted dispute with DC Comics, and Willingham’s assertion that he can no longer bear the financial burden of legal action against the publishing giant. In a comprehensive exposé published on his Substack page, the illustrious artist delved deep into his grievances against the publisher, painting a disconcerting picture of his decades-long association.
Fables’ Journey to the Public Domain
Willingham’s decision to offer “Fables” to the public domain is a profound one. This beloved series, which served as the foundation for Telltale Games’ “The Wolf Among Us,” now exists as an open canvas for creators everywhere. Willingham’s motivation behind this audacious step is primarily grounded in his belief that he can no longer sustain the financial strain of pursuing legal action against DC Comics, a behemoth in the industry.
The Root of Discord
Within the intricate narrative of Willingham’s dispute with DC, a multitude of issues have come to the fore. These issues include instances where the publisher disregarded his input on matters such as artist selection for cover art and formatting for new collections. These may seem minor compared to the more egregious allegations he raises.
Allegations of Late Royalties and Underreporting
The artist contends that DC consistently delayed royalty payments or intentionally underreported them to reduce his entitled earnings. However, these grievances, while significant, pale in comparison to the assertion that DC recently escalated the feud by attempting to forcibly wrest ownership of “Fables” from Willingham.
Telltale Games and the Quest for Control
Particularly poignant is Willingham’s reference to Telltale Games, where he suggests that DC executives conceded their belief that they wield unchecked authority over the property. This assertion extends to the protection of the stories and characters within “Fables” from third parties, which implies a willingness to permit radical alterations, as seen in Telltale Games’ adaptation. Notably, Willingham claims to receive no financial compensation from DC for licensing his work to third parties.
Your Rights as a Creator
In a remarkable twist, Willingham contends that while he remains bound by his contract with DC and cannot independently release any “Fables” related content without the company’s consent, you, the public, are not similarly restrained. He boldly states, “[Y]ou have the rights to make your Fables movies, and cartoons, and publish your Fables books, and manufacture your Fables toys, and do anything you want with your property, because it’s your property.”
DC’s Response and the Uncertain Future
DC Comics, however, vehemently disputes Willingham’s interpretation of their contract and copyright law. According to DC, “The Fables comic books and graphic novels published by DC, and the storylines, characters, and elements therein, are owned by DC and protected under the copyright laws of the United States and throughout the world in accordance with applicable law and are not in the public domain.” The company asserts its unwavering intent to safeguard its intellectual property rights through any necessary means.
The ramifications of this dramatic development on Telltale’s “The Wolf Among Us 2,” slated for a 2024 release, remain uncertain. Originally set to launch this year, the game’s delay resulted from a transition from Unreal Engine 4 to 5, which involved personnel changes and alterations to the development process. How this ongoing dispute will impact the future of the iconic “Fables” series and its adaptations remains a compelling and evolving story in its own right.
