This is one of my many, many side-projects... a Creative Commons super-hero universe full of interesting characters!
http://heroesandhenchmen.comFor those out of the loop, the license with these characters essentially states that ANYONE can use them for ANYTHING as long as it meets the following criteria:
1.) It gives credit to the site/creator.
2.) It's non-profit.
So what exactly can these characters be used for? Well, anything you can imagine so long as it's free. There's no fear of a publisher breathing down your neck if your webcomic, sketch site, etc. becomes successful.
There are purely original characters, plus others based on super-hero "archetypes". The fun-loving arachnid hero, the dark and gritty cloaked vigilante, etc.
Enjoy!