This article is a pretty thorough dive into PD for 2026, that also goes into stuff about trademarks and different versions of characters.

He doesn't list Shadow or Golden Bat, but does answer someone's question about the Shadow radio show down in the comments.

copyrightlately.com/public-domai...

Truth. I wouldn't want to unnecessarily invite the attention of Conde Nast lawyers.

Yeah I'm not sure about Golden Bat either, since I've seen both 1930 and 1931 listed. Also he was apparently originally from a Japanese paper theater tradition, and didn't appear in manga till the 50's. So who knows what is actually PD there too.

From what I've read, looks like the original radio version of The Shadow goes PD this year, but the illustrated one is next year.

So yes, technically you can use the character, but the visually distinct aspects of his design might still be off limits till later.

"But that's a different guy!"

That is some quality cardboard costume construction, my friend.

They seem pretty similar to those Thanksgiving ones we tried a while back, and those were... surprisingly not bad.

Have you seen that new Howdy app that Roku just rolled out? It's like $3/month for no ads, and otherwise I think the same sort of selection you see on the Roku Channel, so seems like that's the market they're aiming for.

Happy Birthday! I hope Portland is treating you well. :)

Accurate. That house gave me a healthy respect for our arachnid overlords.

Really?! I'm not sure what voice I hear in my head when reading Catbeard, but I don't think I would've ever considered Brown. Quality choice, though. He'd make a fine pirate. :)

Good point. Though I do kinda like being able to have multiple books out at once, or flip back and forth between pages, which is a lot easier with physical copies. :)

So glad I've hung on to all the reference books I've picked up over the years (even though I'm eventually gonna hate moving them all).