Is it legal to use modified versions of copyrighted material such as Batman logo or other superhero silhouettes as avatars for your app?
I want to create my own artwork but it’ll be based on popular movie and TV characters both real and animated. Can I do that?
Help me understand.
No, you can't. If people can tell it's the Batman logo then that means you're infringing on the copyright of DC Comics. Don't risk it.
ditto
Thanks for the advice.
Agreed. The logo you create from DC comics version could be considered a derivative work on which your logo would copy infringe. Here's an article that might be a helpful read on basic copyright and logo issues:
http://blog.kunvay.com/you-dont-own-your-logo-and-why-you-think-you-do-why-copyright-transfer-matters-copyright-assignment-copyright-agreement-copyright-form/