Welcome to the Public Domain, Steamboat Willie Mickey, and Friends!
Hey there! Hi there! Ho there! You're as welcome as can be!
"Who's the leader of the club that's made for you and me? M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E! Hey there, hi there, ho there, you're as welcome as can be! M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!" - The Mouseketeers, The Mickey Mouse Club
Gosh, this is such an exciting day in the world! Not only is it the dawn of a new year and a fresh start for each of us, but Steamboat Willie is officially in the public domain, along with the short's versions of Mickey, Minnie, Pete, the Parrot, and all the other animals from the cartoon!
Considering the late Walt Disney built his empire on the public domain, I feel it's long overdue for his ghost and company to finally pay the piper! This is truly Divine justice, as Disney seldom credited the work of the original public domain authors they frequently helped themselves to.
Disney fears what the public will now do with Steamboat Willie Mickey, yet they alter many authors' works: changing characters' personalities, simplifying stories, replacing downer endings with happy ones, removing dark elements, etc. Worst of all, they create the false impression in the minds of children that they invented all these stories. Oh, and let's not forget Kimba the White Lion...
Disney has begrudgingly stressed that only Steamboat Willie Mickey is in the public domain, which is beyond perfect! The original, black-and-white, 1920s Mickey has always been my absolute favourite version of the character! He was such a mischievous and hilarious troublemaker, ha-ha-ha!
For the record, I have nothing against Disney. I enjoy their animated shorts, series, and films. I love all the old school video games based on their works. I've been to Walt Disney World twice. However, I feel it's hypocritical of Disney to be upset about one of their creations entering the public domain, given it's their favourite place to harvest content from. What's good for the goose is good for the gander, after all.
In closing, I can't wait to see what kinds of fun and cool new projects artists all over the world will put Steamboat Willie Mickey and his pals in! Personally, I hope to see more of the Parrot! Boy, this is so awesome! As always, love, peace, and chicken grease!