13 Freaky Facts You May Not Know About Comics And Their Creators

1. Marvel And DC Own The Word SUPERHERO

At some point both DC and Marvel Comics realized the word "superhero" was a key identifier of what they created, and that the word was worth big bucks when it came to marketing. Hence, both publishers wanted to trademark the word. After all, a trademark protects a company from the competition. But the word "superhero" is a common term which has been in use for decades. And both Marvel and DC had constantly used the term. How could either company lay claim to it? The chances of any single company being allowed to trademark the word were zilch. In fact, a legal battle between the two comic book giants would pretty much guarantee that nobody would win. So Marvel and DC decided it was time for a superhero team up. In 1979 Marvel and DC jointly filed for a trademark on the word "superhero." Working together, the two companies demonstrated that when readers thought of the word "superhero," they thought of characters created by either DC or Marvel. And together the two industry giants won! Today no other company can legally use the term "superhero" as part of the title of a comic book or magazine; or in the advertising of collectibles, costumes ... well, the list goes on. It's okay for another publisher's character to be called a superhero INSIDE their comic, but that's about it. No other company can use the word to market a comic book or related product. And Marvel and DC vigorously protect their trademark by pursuing entities who misuse it. They have to! Or they risk having the word become generic - and losing their trademark! By the way, Marvel and DC recently renewed their trademark, so be careful how you use the word SUPERHERO (® DC and Marvel Comics).