original sketch of USAGI YOJIMBO by PEPE ALEJANDRO on eBAy?

go · Post by go » Mon Apr 07, 2008 17:45 -0700

Dear Readers,
Is this legal?
Best wishes to all!
go

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... :middle:us

Post by **Steve Hubbell** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 19:06 -0700

Some of the details in the artwork looks too much like Stan's work, it makes me think that the artist was looking at one of Stan's drawings when he drew it.

I wonder what the story behind the drawing is....

Tinlantern · Post by **Tinlantern** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 20:22 -0700

My guess is that it would be illegal without Mr. Sakai's permission because it would be considered "Derivative Art". The use of a already created character for profit.

For instance I asked permission to use the image of Usagi on a tractor for my freelance art website. It is a character study and I am not selling the picture. So as long as I put the trademark Mr. Sakai was gracious enough to let me post.

I think this is probably shady.

Stan Sakai · Post by **Stan Sakai** » Tue Apr 08, 2008 8:16 -0700

Steve Hubbell wrote:Some of the details in the artwork looks too much like Stan's work, it makes me think that the artist was looking at one of Stan's drawings when he drew it.

I wonder what the story behind the drawing is....

I does look to be based on a drawing of mine.

I don't know about the legalities involved, but $5 doesn't seem to be worth causing a fuss over--especially if he is a fan. However, it might change if he posts more drawings on eBay.

Post by **Steve Hubbell** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 22:52 -0700

The same seller has posted a second Usagi sketch by the same artist.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 3DWatching

Thomas Froehling · Post by **Thomas Froehling** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 1:19 -0700

Stan Sakai wrote: I don't know about the legalities involved, but $5 doesn't seem to be worth causing a fuss over--especially if he is a fan. However, it might change if he posts more drawings on eBay.

Well, I doubt he's a real fan of UY, since he's doing the same with other characters, too (he's selling a Hulk drawing as well, and an adult piece which I'm not able to see... If you're interested, just view the other items from this seller).

I think people could confuse his work with Sensei's on first glance; but he's taken steps to keep himself out of court (by signing his work, for example; an expert would also miss the dots Sensei so painstakingly uses on Usagi's shirt). You could call what he does "Fishing for ingenuous customers"...

However, this looks more like someone trying to do a little business rather than a fan willing to share his art.

Just my thoughts...