Two more questions that occurred to me as I started drafting my list.

1) Could I list two miniseries spun-out of the same series and featuring the same character as as single pick? If the answer is no, I'll just list the one I like best.

2) And just to make sure I'm reading the rules correctly, if the spin-off series debuted before January 2014, it is eligible, yes? 'Cause one of my possible choices had only its first issue published before that date.

Answers, answers, answers!

DubipR asked: “[W]ould a series be eligible if the series didn't come out 30 years after the character's introduction? Example, Character A was introduced in the 1940s, been around as a supporting character and then didn't get his series until the 1970s? Does the spin-off need to within a time of their appearance?”

There is no minimum or maximum time limit between a character's intro and the launch of the spin-off series.

MRPs_Missives asked: “[W]ould a spin-off title of the same character count-for instance Savage Sword of Conan or King Conan spinning off of Conan the Barbarian or Spectacular Spider-Man spinning off of Amazing Spider-Man. I think I know the answer, but want to double check before I look elsewhere.”

No, additional titles starring established characters do not count as spin-offs, except in those cases where a team member receives his/her own solo series (e.g. “Human Torch” in Strange Tales).

shaxper asked: “[W]hat about characters debuting in another title who were clearly being set up to get their own series from the getgo and were just appearing in another title in order to get a quick plug? New Warriors in Thor immediately comes to mind,or Dazzler in X-Men, or Suicide Squad in Legends, or nearly every character in the Valiant Universe. These were less organic spin-offs and more the kind of free publicity one might get from appearing on a talk show.”

I tend to agree that these aren't true spin-offs, but if someone can concoct a good and/or clever rationale for such an inclusion, I'll consider it. Fair enough?

shaxper also asked: “And what of the reverse: a title or one-shot created just to introduce upcoming titles? Iron Man & Sub-Mariner #1, for example. Do we count both of those ongoing features as spin-offs because of that promotional one-shot? Or would the fact that both characters had features prior to that disqualify them anyway?”

Characters introduced as the feature in any showcase title like Four Color or Showcase (duh!) who then graduate to a solo title are not eligible. And yes, their status as established characters would prohibit the stars of Iron Man & Sub-Mariner.

shaxper also asked: “And what about a character like Longshot, who debuted in his own title, but who was clearly tied to the X-Men franchise?”

No, that would not count as a spin-off.

commond asked” “[M]y question is about one shots and graphic novels. Do there have to be a minimum of three of these for the spinoff to qualify?”

Yes. Otherwise, it really isn't a series.

foxley asked: “Could I list two miniseries spun-out of the same series and featuring the same character as a single pick? If the answer is no, I'll just list the one I like best.”

You sure can.

foxley also asked: “If the spin-off series debuted before January 2014, it is eligible, yes? 'Cause one of my possible choices had only its first issue published before that date.”

That is correct.

As to the question of whether alternate versions of characters such as Spider-Man 2099 or Ultimate Spider-Man should count as spin-offs, the general consensus seems to be negative, which reflects my own feelings on the matter, so they are hereby excluded from eligibilty. The only exception I would make is for female counterparts like Supergirl or She-Hulk. The rules as stated in the opening post have been changed to reflect this.

Finally, my oral surgery ended up downgraded to a simple smoothing of the jagged edges of my broken tooth rather than an extraction, an outcome I was/am extremely happy about. Thanks to everyone for their well wishes, regardless.

Cei-U!
I summon the judge's ruling!

I don't agree with the ruling about Valiant characters not counting as spin offs because it was planned.  Why would it matter? They debuted in a story that wasn't about them. 

I still haven't gotten a ruling on Popeye. I feel ignored.

Blow me down ?

I yam what I yam.