The "Steamboat Willie" version of Disney icon Mickey Mouse just entered the public domain, and there's already an explosion of related AI-generated art. We talked to some of the creators behind it.

The organist began to play. A dark screen appeared with the title “Plane Crazy” in white letters. The audience met a black mouse as he attempted to become an aviator.

In Steamboat Willie, Mickey has no gloves; as of 1929, he does. In Steamboat Willie, Mickey is rendered in black and white; in 1935, he is colorized.

An early iteration of Mickey Mouse has entered the public domain alongside Winnie-the-Pooh, Sherlock Holmes and Robin Hood, signaling potential legal action by companies like Disney and Warner ...

What could happen to the original version of Mickey Mouse and others after they entered the public domain on Jan. 1? Hint: think Winnie the Pooh wielding a sledgehammer.