Public Domain #1
☆ Be the first to review + Add to your collection — Join freeThis debut volume collects the first five issues of the 2023 Image series Public Domain, a creator-owned drama by Chip Zdarsky that explores the messy business of superhero intellectual property. The story follows a former artist who created a beloved Golden Age hero, only to see his work exploited by a corporate publisher, as he and his family grapple with legacy, ownership, and the true cost of art in a commercial industry.
"Chapter One: Weren't We the Bad Guys?" kicks off a sharp, character-driven comic from Chip Zdarsky, who writes, draws, inks, colors, and letters every page. Syd is determined to launch his own Domain comic, but his plans hit a snag when his recently fired former collaborator Jerry returns from retirement to sabotage him—just as Tanya Ko arrives in Dallas to join the team. The cover by Chip Zdarsky captures the tension with a striking, moody portrait of Syd, setting the tone for a story about ambition, rivalry, and the blurred lines between creators and their creations.
In "Chapter One: Weren't We the Bad Guys?" from Public Domain #1, Tanya Ko, a struggling comics writer, stumbles upon a hidden document that upends everything she thought she knew about the blockbuster superhero film *The Domain*—revealing that the artist Syd Dallas might be the real creator behind the character. As the movie’s release looms, Tanya’s discovery forces her to confront questions about authorship, legacy, and who truly owns a story.
Syd is ready to launch his own Domain comic, stepping into the spotlight after a recent firing. When Tanya Ko joins the Dallas family’s staff, her presence adds new energy to the already tense atmosphere. But Syd’s ambitions are tested when his former collaborator, Jerry, emerges from retirement, furious over a past deal—and determined to destroy him.
In "Chapter Five: Make Some Magic," Syd takes a leap into publishing with Dallas Comics, backed by his friend Mohammed—a surprise benefactor with deep pockets and a quiet faith in their vision. Though Syd's early sketches lack confidence, Dave steps in as inker, breathing new life into the artwork with a touch that honors his father’s legacy.
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↩ Reprints Public Domain #1 (2022), Public Domain #2 (2022), Public Domain #3 (2022), Public Domain #4 (2022), Public Domain #5 (2022)
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