Copyrighting a concept?

[Demetrius]

What is the name of your state? Maryland

I want to write a screenplay based on the concept of a graphic novel that was written in the early 90's. I dont want to use the story, I have created my own story based on the concept. will that infringe on copyright

 

[abezon]

No. You can only copyright a finished work. A concept is not a finished work. A screenplay is. After all, Tirstan & Isolde, Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story, Romeo Must Die, and some Xena episode I recall watching are all the same concept: 2 kids from warring families fall in love and create peace between the families after much angst.