* Copyright Duration: Copyright terms have changed throughout history. A work published before 1923 is generally in the public domain. However, works published from 1923-1978 had a shorter copyright term (initially 28 years, plus a renewal option). Works published after 1978 have a much longer term, based on the author's life plus 70 years.
* Fiction House's History: Fiction House was an active publisher from the 1930s to the 1950s. Their catalog included many popular titles like "The Phantom," "Jungle Comics," and "Planet Comics."
* Renewals: It's important to consider whether copyrights for Fiction House's works were renewed. Many pre-1978 works required renewal to keep the copyright. If renewal wasn't filed, the work could be in the public domain.
Therefore, to determine if a specific Fiction House comic is in the public domain, you need to:
1. Identify the publication date.
2. Research whether copyright was renewed for that work. (You can often find this information in copyright databases like the US Copyright Office website or through resources like the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.)
Be careful: There are many websites and resources that make broad statements about public domain comics. Always double-check information and consult with legal experts if you are unsure.