Independent artist Kwok Zisong revealed that two of his creations — a Superman poster developed in 2025 and a Batman one made in 2022 — were turned into commercial products by Walmart without his permission. The images, which blend the iconic heroes in a personal artistic style, were initially posted on social media, where Kwok highlighted the red and blue tones that echo the Man of Steel’s costume.
Although both artworks were conceived only as hobby projects, the retail giant used them in a line of birthday party items, obtaining approval from the licensor DC/Warner. Kwok expressed his surprise and frustration in a post on X, stating that he received no compensation or consent for the commercial use of his work.
The case raises questions about licensing processes and copyright protection for independent creators, especially at a time when director James Gunn is striving to maintain coherence in the DCU universe. While the situation remains unresolved, the fan community and art professionals are closely monitoring potential legal developments and the response of the parties involved.
