Created in 1949

1949 was a transition year: the Golden Age was winding down, superheroes were fading from newsstands, and only a handful of new costumed characters appeared — but the ones that did often had surprising longevity. This page lists the 1949 creations entering the U.S. public domain in 2045 — and any already there.

Entering the Public Domain in 2045 (Created in 1949)

The Rival
The Rival (Dr. Edward Clariss), created by John Broome and Carmen Infantino, debuted in Flash Comics #104 in February 1949. The Rival will enter the public domain on January 1, 2045.

Moose
Moose (real name Marmaduke Mason, originally Moose McGee), created by Bob Montana, debuted in January 1949. Moose will enter the public domain on January 1, 2045.

Already in the Public Domain (Created in 1949)

None at this time.

1949: Context & Fun Facts

• The Rival expanded the “evil speedster” trope before it was cool.
  Long before Professor Zoom or Savitar, he gave Jay Garrick a dark mirror — a concept DC would mine for decades.
• Moose Mason marked MLJ’s shift toward comedy and teen drama.
  While superheroes were dying on the vine, Archie characters like Moose were becoming cultural icons, paving the way for MLJ’s total pivot away from capes.
• 1949’s thin roster shows the market collapse in real time.
  Crime, romance, and funnybooks dominated newsstands, while superhero publishers cut back hard — making each 1949 debut feel like a survivor of a dying era.