Betty Boop and “Blondie” are among the highlights of titles entering the public domain with the arrival of 2026

three iconic detectives from the 20th century:

— The teen sleuth Nancy Drew,

— The middle-aged(-ish) sleuth Sam Spade,

— The elderly sleuth Miss Marple,

And kiddie lit legends Dick and Jane, who taught generations to read and became essential parody fodder for decades, become public via the “Elson Basic Readers” textbooks.

  • pelespirit@sh.itjust.works
    15·
    6 days ago

    — A year after their film debut, “The Cocoanuts,” entered the public domain, the Marx Brothers’ beloved “Animal Crackers” joins it, as they entered their prime of high cinematic antics. The film finds Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo invading a Long Island society party celebrating an explorer of Africa.

    — Four cherished classics written by George Gershwin, with lyrics by his brother Ira: “Embraceable You,” “I’ve Got a Crush on You,” “But Not for Me” and “I Got Rhythm.”

    — “Georgia on My Mind,” written by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell.

    — “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” written by Gus Kahn, Fabian Andre and Wilbur Schwandt.

  • plenipotentprotogod@lemmy.world
    10·
    6 days ago

    Time to once again pitch my idea for a Super Smash Bros style fighting game with all public domain characters and a new DLC released every January 1st.

    • partial_accumen@lemmy.world
      2·
      5 days ago

      The original book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (written in 1900) has been in the Public Domain for awhile. I’d love Street Fighter version with the main characters.