Missing Issue in What If? Classic 3 TPB

[kunimon]

I just got the 3rd volume in the TP series reprinting What If issues, and I noticed that they totally skipped #16. Each story being a stand-alone, I fail to see why they would have shuffled it for a later volume, so I can see no reason. Perhaps, it has been slotted to be reprinted as an extra in a Shang-Chi-centric TPB, but it's very annoying in any case. Any idea, anybody?

[megatonjustice]

In What If vol. 1 number 16 was What If Shang Chi Fought on the Side of Fu Manchu. Marvel does not own the rights to Fu Manchu anymore, they've reverted back to the creators estate (Rohmer I believe). If I'm not mistaken this is the same reason why there is no essential volume as well, they either have to clear the rights again or go back and change the stories.

[kunimon]

Oh, well. According a search of the web, Fu Manchu doesn't become public domain until 2030. I wonder if it wouldn't be easier just to change the name of the character.

[Beast]

Oh, well. According a search of the web, Fu Manchu doesn't become public domain until 2030. I wonder if it wouldn't be easier just to change the name of the character.
That would just piss off more people. Best to wait until Marvel re-licenses Fu Manchu and does a collection, or just buy the back issue from your local comic shop.

[the4thpip]

Same reason why the Marvel-Two-In-One issue with Doc Savage was missing from the Essentials collection.

[Ryan K]

Same reason why the Marvel-Two-In-One issue with Doc Savage was missing from the Essentials collection.

And the same reason Dark Horse Chronicles of Conan reprints omit the issues featuring Red Sonja.

[blackphoenix]

I'm guessing they're gonna totally skip over "What if Conan was stranded in the 20th Century," Right? Can't believe somebody is actually holding on to the rights to frakin' Fu Manchu! What a worthless property! Like somebody owning the rights to Stepin Fetchit, if you ask me(if you don't get that reference, 1)i am old as hell and 2)Wiki it).