Jake Sala Blogs

Welcome back to my blog! As we near the end of the fall semester here at the Newhouse School, I’d like to take some time here to reflect on the blog as a whole and what I’ve learned during my time as a student in COM 634: Trendspotting in Digital Media.

First of all, I’ve had a tremendous time writing and researching for this blog every week. Comics and technology are two of my biggest passions in life. It’s been a lot of fun to nerd out every week and learn more about what is coming to the industry. I’m eager to revisit these posts down the line and see how well (or poorly) they’ve aged. Whether or not my predictions are fully accurate, I gained a better understanding of how to look at these forecasts and discern which ones are strong and which ones are not worth the time. This is a valuable skill that will help me in my media industry career moving forward.

Additionally, I had a great opportunity to learn more about the theories and ideas shaping the media industry. K waves, supertrends and the great transformations in human history will shape my outlook on the media industry moving forward. These insights have given me a new perspective on the world as a whole and the role that media will play in it. It’s not every day that we take a look at history and use it as a model or projection of what may happen in the future. However, upon completion of this course, I feel that I have the ability to do so effectively and with authority. I hope to use these skillsets to differentiate myself in the workforce and provide a valuable perspective to future employers.

It’s easy to get caught up in the here and now. My generation has grown up in a world of instant gratification in the digital age. I truly believe there is great value in looking ahead to the future. There is no right or wrong answers. The future is full of infinite possibility. If that doesn’t excite you, I don’t know what will. Change is never easy and it’s happening faster than ever before. I’m choosing to embrace that change and be a part of it. That has been my biggest area of personal growth this semester. As a New Media Management student, future technologies are a core component of my curriculum. I believe this course has greatly enhanced my core program and offered me a greater analytical framework for the program. I will continue using this framework in the spring semester and beyond to build a constantly evolving projection of where the industry I love so much is heading. Thank you to everyone who has followed this blog and interacted with the content. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to write here each week and engage with other writers.

As Porky Pig once said, “That’s All Folks!”

Welcome back to my blog here on Tumblr! The blog rolls along with a new and exciting week of content. Today I will be taking a look at the following news story:

How NFTs Fit Into the Comic Book Creator Economy

By The Solihull Observer

From: https://www.solihullobserver.co.uk/lifestyle/how-nfts-fit-into-the-comic-book-creator-economy/

According to media and tech guru Shelly Palmer, “Web3 allows users and creators to share in the value that they create.” This idea is central to the direction that the comic book industry may be heading with the innovation of NFTs.

Recent trends in comic sales suggest a shift to digital and mobile products. According to the Solihull Observer (2022), “For comic book creators, it is now possible to offer both subscriptions to a publication and personalized originals and collectibles in limited series. Sales are already integrated, and control over them is also detailed and does not depend on intermediaries – smart contracts can be direct.” This reform is monumental for an industry historically controlled by major publishers and gatekeepers. Comic book writers and illustrators have longed for an opportunity to connect directly with fans and have ownership of the works they create. This is a great example of Metcalfe’s Law “every time you add a new user to a network, the number of connections increases proportionally to the square of the number of users” in action. The continued growth of comics in NFTs will follow this law as more creators explore this outlet of publication. There is no value in comic NFTs if nobody is involved in the process. Users and creators coming together will drastically increase the role that this technology plays in shaping the future for our favorites heroes, new and old, moving forward

Furthermore, the Solihull Observer (2022) writes, “With the wide range of NFT trading platforms on offer, decentralization and anonymity can allow the criminal(s) to unduly profit from the efforts of others. In them, they can eventually sell not only the originals in digital form but also the certification of ownership over them.” The issue of potential crimes or scams involving these products is not unwarranted (see FTX for an example). As a result, the industry is experiencing a downward on the Kondratiev Wave cycle of economics. Creators and users have never had access to a faceless and decentralized marketplace before. While this may be exciting and filled with opportunities, we must also acknowledge the potential for negative experiences. Cool stories and images will not be enough to convince many consumers to make a purchase. Creators and consumers must build an environment of trust, transparency and authenticity. As Uncle Ben once said to Peter Parker, “With great power, comes great responsibility.”

Welcome back to my blog here on Tumblr! The blog rolls along with a new and exciting week of content. Today I will be taking a look at the following news story:

Patriots' Julian Edelman to offer trading card, comic book NFTs with some proceeds going to charities

By Ryan Gaydos

From: https://www.foxbusiness.com/sports/patriots-julian-edelman-rading-card-comic-book-nfts

It’s not everyday you see athletes and nerds coming together to share a common interest. That goes against the laws of every 1980s movie ever. However, Julian Edelman is looking to change that narrative.

According to Ryan Gaydos (2021), “New England Patriots star Julian Edelman is in the non-fungible token (NFT) game, with a portion of the proceeds going to charities. He will release Incredelman Comic Books, which are inspired by key moments of his career. There will be 30 individually numbered comic book covers and three unique Super Bowl editions.” This project is significant to note because it represents a supertrend outlined by Edward Cornish. Edelman’s latest venture represents the economic growth supertrend. The increasing value of the NFL media rights packages have increased the total revenue for the league and its teams. Per the league’s collective bargaining agreement, player salaries are capped by a percentage of total revenue. In order for player salaries and the salary cap to rise, the league must make more money as a whole. As a result of this economic growth, players like Edelman have the money to launch a venture of this nature. It will be interesting to see how many other NFL players look to break into the NFT space by launching comics.

Additionally, this series has raised a copyright question that I’d like to explore. Traditionally, the NFL and other sports leagues have always owned the rights to broadcasts and other associated intellectual property. Edelman’s comics will surely draw from NFL images and intellectual property in order to tell the story of his remarkable career. Will the NFL look to share in the revenue here? How about the Patriots and Edelman’s teammates whose likenesses are being used in the NFTs? The answers to these questions will shape and influence the future of any related projects in this space. We may not have the answers to these questions immediately. However, one thing is clear, don’t piss off Bill Belichick!

Welcome back to my blog here on Tumblr! The blog rolls along with a new and exciting week of content. Today I will be taking a look at the following news story:

People on the Move: Jeff Boison joins Fragment Studios as COO

By Heidi MacDonald

From: https://www.comicsbeat.com/people-on-the-move-jeff-boison-joins-fragment-studios-as-coo/

There are a few names that every comic book fan is undoubtedly aware of to a strong degree. Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Bob Kane may come to mind. However, there many other important figures behind the scenes that shape how we interact with and experience comic books. I’m here to talk about another important figure in comics: Jeff Boison.

According to Heidi MacDonald (2022), “Jeff Boison, formerly of Image Comics (director of sales and publishing planning) and DC Comics (vp of publishing planning and collected editions), has announced his new gig at Fragment Studios. This follows his departure from Image earlier this year when his involvement in an NFT variant cover drew criticism. Boison is sticking in the Web3 space for now, joining Fragment as COO, where he’ll be tasked with building out the studio’s NFT-based IP into storytelling narratives and leveraging them for multi media exposure.” This news is significant because it demonstrates a shift in the eyes of thought leaders in the comics industry. Boison has been a major player in the world of DC Comics characters including Superman, The Flash and Wonder Woman. This news represents one of Edward Cornish’s media supertrends, economic growth. It would have been understandable if Boison wanted to remain with DC or Image because they are successful and established brands. However, the overall growth of the economy in the 21st century has allowed for new media ventures to find success. Ideally, Boison will utilize his experience in traditional comic publishing to create a viable enterprise based on Web3 comic publication and NFTs. Without a viable path to economic growth and opportunity, such a venture may not possible or backed by such an experienced industry leader.

Additionally, MacDonald (2022) notes “Throughout his career, Boison has remained committed to promoting creators and artists by working to successfully bring their art to as wide an audience as possible, especially in his former role at Image Comics, a publisher established thirty years ago by creators and for creators. He brings this mindset into the world of NFTs, a space known to empower artists and creators in unprecedented ways.” Once again, this story reflects the ideas of Cornish. Cornish’s final super trend is the idea of increasing deculturation. The media industry is a point of critical importance. Due to continued deculturation, media companies must adjust to audience demands brought on by changing culture. Boison has long recognized the importance of the rights of creators and audience members. Both sides have been looking for a more equitable distribution of ownership and revenues. The traditional top-down culture of control seems to be fading away. Boison and Fragment Studios are well positioned to stay ahead of the curve.

Welcome back to my blog here on Tumblr! The blog rolls along with a new and exciting week of content. Today I will be taking a look at the following news story:

Method Man Created an NFT ‘Mefaverse’ That Includes a Method Man Comic Book

By Chris Malone

From: https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/method-man-enters-metaverse-one-kind-graphic-novel.html/

The saying goes that “Wu-Tang is Forever.” Now, that saying just might be even closer to the truth thanks to Method Man’s latest project. Much like Eminem and Snoop Dogg, the famous rapper is moving to the blockchain environment for his latest project. (Spoiler Alert: It’s a Comic Book.)

According to Chris Malone (2022), “In January 2022, Method Man announced that he was getting into the world of NFTs with the creation of Mefaverse, a platform for creating and distributing NFTs and exclusive content. The name is drawn from his nickname Mef, which he’s referenced before on songs such as “Dirty Mef” and “M.E.F.” “We wanted to provide a safe place for everyone interested in all things hip-hop, comic books, skateboarding, gaming, Web 3.0, and, of course, art,” he added of his intentions. “Times are different today than when I was coming up. Be proud of your nerdism and wear it on your chest! I know I am.”

Method Man’s quotes are really interesting to note. His philosophy on the subject reflects the notion that Marshall McLuhan famously said “We shape our tools and then our tools shape us.” Writers have told iconic stories through the comic book medium for nearly a century at this point. These stories and characters have gone on to become permanent staples in American popular culture. The attachment that fans have to the medium of comics and the visual storytelling has shaped the desire to create a more equitable industry for artists and fans alike. Method Man has experienced this throughout his career in the music industry. His new project reflects his desire to utilize new technology to reshape how comics are created and distributed.

Additionally, Malone (2022) adds a quote from Method Man, “The higher-ups, the so-called gatekeepers didn’t have much use for a 44-year-old rapper,” he said. “I guess my background turned some people off. Some people aren’t willing to give you a chance, especially when you’ve already had one and you kind of squandered it.” The notion of gatekeepers in media is nothing new. Whether it’s the FCC controlling what you see on television, newspaper editors determining what stories you see or search engines controlling results, average media consumers are constantly limited. However, a blockchain project such as the Mefaverse eliminates the concern of gatekeepers. This represents one of the media supertrends outlined by Edward Cornish. Cornish argues that there is an ongoing rise in technological progress in society. The creation of blockchain technology exemplifies this trend. Without this progress, gatekeepers would retain the control over the media industry that they have had for decades. Consumers should celebrate the element of control and choice tilting in their direction.

Welcome back to my blog here on Tumblr! The blog rolls along with a new and exciting week of content. Today I will be taking a look at the following news story:

“Marvel and DC bar comic book artists from selling superhero NFTs”

By Osato Avan-Nomayo

From: https://cointelegraph.com/news/marvel-and-dc-bar-comic-book-artists-from-selling-nfts

Whenever Marvel or DC make an announcement, nerds like myself drop what we’re doing and listen. We treat what these guys say as gospel. However, this story may upset some fans. Brace yourself, because this story may ruffle some feathers so to speak.

According to Osato Avan-Nomayo (2021), “Marvel and DC seem to be breaking away from the established tradition of allowing creators and artists to sell original prints of published works due to their reported plans for entry into the nonfungible token (NFT) space. According to Bloomberg, the two comic book staples have barred artists from selling NFTs of the characters they create for the company. Both Marvel and DC reportedly have designs on leveraging their vast collection of comic book art in the expanding NFT scene, potentially a new market for selling collectibles.”

This development is interesting to note. From a business perspective, the decision to limit what artists can do with their creations makes sense. Often times, these artists are contracted to create for these companies and as a result do not own the copyright on the comic. However, this represents a resistance to supertrends outlined by Edward Cornish. One such supertrend is deculturation. The historical and cultural barriers to entry in comics have largely been reduced by blockchain technology and online communities. Artists are able to collect greater shares of the revenue generated by comics as a result of this technology. Despite these developments, traditional leaders in this industry have looked to maintain their top-down method of control.

The issue of artists receiving fair compensation has been a major talking point in this industry for several years now. According to Avan-Nomayo (2021), “Indeed, there has been some controversy over the lack of significant payments made to comic book artists from the success of derivative media, such as Hollywood movies based on their superheroes. Marvel and DC selling NFTs is part of a broader trend involving major franchises interacting with the nonfungible token space.” Superhero films have become the new gold rush in Hollywood and the genre has shown no major signs of slowing down anytime soon. This represents Cornish’s supertrend of economic growth. The mass audience of comic book fans, as well as mainstream audiences, have opened their wallets time and time again to support these new releases. Without this economic growth, comic book films would not be as continually successful as they have been in the past 20 years. Moving forward, Marvel and DC should look to find a happy medium with the creators ultimately responsible for the billion dollar box office grossings of their films.

Welcome back to my blog here on Tumblr! The blog rolls along with a new and exciting week of content. Today I will be taking a look at the following news story:

“Marvel Producer Arad to Turn Huxley Ethereum NFT Comics Into Film”

By Andrew Hayward

From: https://decrypt.co/93758/marvel-producer-arad-huxley-ethereum-nft-comics-film

 The comic book movie industry has become the biggest genre in recent years. Major releases have grossed billions and billions of dollars in the past decade. This weekend saw the release of the highly anticipated Marvel project “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” However, I’m here to talk about another Marvel associated project in the works.

According to Andrew Hayward (2022), “The NFT-to-movie pipeline is spinning up, and another notable NFT project is set to make the leap from the blockchain to the big screen. Marvel film producer Avi Arad’s Arad Productions yesterday announced plans to turn artist Ben Mauro’s Ethereum NFT comic book project Huxley into a feature film.” This development is notable for several reasons. The first being Avi Arad’s involvement. Arad has been one of the most impactful producers in the comic book movie genre in the past 20 years. He was a leader in bringing the “Spider-Man” and “Venom” films to theaters.

His involvement with this project signifies one of the six supertrends in media outlined by Edward Cornish. This particular case represents increasing deculturation. Traditionally, comic book films were adopted from stories that were originally published in the 60s and 70s. These stories have been an element of popular culture for decades and have maintained a loyal following. However, this project represents a shift towards digital based stories. The Huxley film will originate from NFT comics. There hasn’t been an NFT comic feature film produced by a major Hollywood executive to this point. If successful, this film could become a guide for future NFT comic book film adaptations.

The NFTs have been tremendously successful. According to Hayward (2022), “The first NFT issue of Huxley was released in October, with 10,000 digital issues released at a mint price of 0.10 ETH apiece (about $390 then). A second issue has since been released, with four more on the horizon. According to OpenSea, secondary sales of the two issues have thus far generated over 1,920 ETH, or about $4.9 million at today’s rate.” This development represents Cornish’s supertrend of technological progress. The advancements in blockchain technology have allowed for Huxley and other NFT comic book projects to find success and build a following. Prior to these technological developments, it would have been much more difficult for an independent writer/publisher to find commercial success in an industry dominated by large publishers. This trend will likely continue as blockchain technology becomes more mainstream and commercially understood.

Here is the first trailer for the Huxley project:

Welcome back to my blog here on Tumblr! The blog rolls along with a new and exciting week of content. Today I will be taking a look at the following news story:

DC's new line of NFT comics receives mixed reactions from fans

By Samantha Puc

From: https://www.gamesradar.com/dcs-new-line-of-nft-comics-receives-mixed-reactions-from-fans/

Sometimes it feels like DC can’t catch a break. Their comic book movies have been received as mediocre by fans in recent years and the New 52 reboot of the entire comic book universe was a total failure. Surely the NFT project has been a hit? Right? Let’s dive in…

According to Samantha Puc (2022), “DC Collectible Comics (DC3) will launch Friday with Superman #1, limited to 3 thousand minted editions, which will be sold on the blockchain. A new title will be released each week from either the "Legacy" or "Modern" category, with the former including classic comic issues that could be out of print and the latter including more recent titles.” When I heard this announcement, I was pretty excited. However, I might have been the only one. According to Puc (2022), “Reactions to the post from the DC Comics Twitter account which has 5.2 million followers - are very different, however. Replies include several tweets that simply say "no," while others tell DC it "should be ashamed." Others point out the availability of digital comics through platforms like comiXology, which does not depend on blockchain technology.”

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new technology and proclaim that you MUST be using it and have a presence. Is that always the case? The notion has always been “first we shape our tools, then our tools shape us.” As a publisher, DC has shaped the blockchain tool, and the NFT has shaped the company’s approach to digital products and assets. However, the fans are lost in that process. The tool should be used to accomplish something that is in need of being addressed. A tool without a function that people are interested in will not be around for very long.

Additionally, “DC partners with PalmNFT, which claims its proprietary NFTs built with Ethereum are better for the environment than conventional NFTs - which use enormous amounts of electricity and resources. According to CNBC, in September Ethereum "migrated to a system known as proof-of-stake, which swaps out miners for validators. Instead of running large banks of computers, validators leverage their existing cache of ether as a means to verify transactions and mint new tokens. This requires far less power than mining and experts say it will make the protocol both more secure and more sustainable." It is entirely possible that those upset with this announcement do not know about the new protocols and were upset by the perceived environmental damage that could occur. DC should have made it known that the new proof-of-stake system is less damaging. As Marshall McLuhan famously said, “The medium is the message.” If the perception of the medium is one of environmental destruction, the message of new technology and opportunity is lost.

Welcome back to my blog here on Tumblr! The blog rolls along with a new and exciting week of content. Today I will be taking a look at the following news story:

What the NFT World Can Learn From the Great ’90s Comic Book Bubble. (It’s a Cautionary Tale)

By Ben Davis

From: https://news.artnet.com/opinion/nfts-90s-comic-book-bubble-1955239

Comic books and NFTs may seem like a pretty logical pairing. Comic books are a form of art and NFTs are a new method for collecting that art. With that being said, it is important to look back at the developments of one to possibly understand and predict the future developments of the other.

According to Ben Davis (2021), “The hype around comics in the early 90’s led to a “gold rush of people looking to pay their kids’ college funds with profits from holographic issues of Fantastic Four, The Death of Superman, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, and Youngblood.” But this was built on sand. “When they found their copy of Bloodshot No. 1 was worthless because everyone owned that comic, that helped spark the bust in sales that crushed the industry for the rest of the decade.” The comics book industry was very much in the depression bottom of a Kondratiev wave of economic cycles. In order to avoid such a drastic turn, NFT creators must avoid the pitfall of hype without a realistic backing of limited supply. Minting too many NFTs of a popular comic book will create the same issue of perceived scarcity that turns out to be false. Our current crypto winter has seen some massive investments in NFTs turn out to be failures due to the loss of the initial hype at the time of original purchase.

(I thought this Robocop GIF would be funny here because most of these comics do sell for about $1.)

Additionally, Davis (2021) notes, “Look, here’s a secret about artworks, and about collectibles in general: the ones that are investments are rare, by definition. Just because you can buy digital art now, and that NFTs are technically “unique,” doesn’t make them meaningfully unique or destined, on average, to appreciate in any way in the long or even medium term. Most experts will tell you not to buy art for profit, but for passion, because it’s almost impossible to predict what society will value in 5 years, let alone 30 or 50.” This is a really interesting perspective. There is no real way to predict what the value of art will be in the future. A piece could be worth a lot in the future or nothing at all. You can’t really predict what cultural tastes will be in the future or what art forms will be dominant in culture. This adds uncertainty to NFTs. Comic book collectors had banked on the thought that their old books would pay to send their kids to college, but that isn’t always the case. You can go to pretty much any comic book shop in America and find comics from the 80’s and 90’s for dirt cheap. There is no collectible market for them at all. The K Wave is a flat line at 0. NFT collectors should take note of this trend and trend carefully before spending a life’s worth of savings on a digital asset. I’m not a clairvoyant, I just play one on the Internet, but I see an uncertain future.

Welcome back to my blog here on Tumblr! The blog rolls along with a new and exciting week of content. Today I will be taking a look at the following news story:

NFT Comic Books: The Promise, the Peril, and What The Future Actually Holds

By Jex Exmundo

From: https://nftnow.com/culture/nft-comic-books-and-the-open-future-of-storytelling/

I’m really interested in discussing the future this week. This is my second future focused post for the week and it’s a good one.

NFT storytelling from independent artists may present some issues for fans in the future. The first issue is likely to be confusion. According to Jex Exmundo (2022), “Case in point, let’s look at My Immortal — a piece of Harry Potter fanfiction so universally disliked that some have even speculated it to be an overly elaborate piece of satire lampooning the worst of what fanfiction had to offer. If J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World featured a similar structure to decentralized NFT franchises, then My Immortal would be recognized as actual canon within the franchise. In the real world, this piece did little to diminish the success of the Harry Potter franchise. From a certain subset of the Potterhead community, it may have even added to it. The same can’t be said if the work was actually recognized as a canon entry into the series. Just look at how quickly Game of Thrones seemingly disappeared overnight from the mainstream conversation following the broadly negative reception its final season received.” The decentralized nature of blockchain ledgers and NFTs allow anyone to create content. This will create confusion as to which works are actually consider canon and which are not. (Wikipedia defines canon as “the material accepted as officially part of the story in an individual universe of that story by its fan base”) Without a clear declaration of canon in the blockchain, consumers will be confused by the overwhelming possibilities of story generation.

This is especially true when considering the possibility of the destruction of the original physical comic book. Without the original work, fans may be left wondering if that work has been removed from canon. This is a complex situation worth monitoring in the coming years.

The other future outcome to monitor is the people versus profit aspect of comics. According to Exmundo (2022), “Creativity takes the backseat to profit,” Elf said about his experiences working in traditional media. “It’s the non-creative people at the top who make the final creative decisions. The antidote is to invert that model. What if [the fans and creators] actually got to sit in the creative driver’s seat? What kind of amazing product would you get from that model?” NFTs and blockchain represent the vast potential of a free and open marketplace of ideas. Gatekeepers and intermediaries are no longer a part of the equation. Moving forward, major comic publishers must keep this in mind in order to avoid alienating the intended audiences. The future is still uncertain. However, all parties involved have the opportunity to build something special from the ground up and create a fan-first community.

Welcome back to my blog here on Tumblr! The blog rolls along with a new and exciting week of content. Today I will be taking a look at the following news story:

Will NFTs Be Part Of The Future Of Comic Book Collecting?

By Benjamin Nobel

What will the future look like? In comics, that answer is pretty easy to figure out. It just takes a little time travel and science. However, the real world of comics and the industry isn’t that simple. Benjamin Nobel explores the different possible futures for NFTs in comics and where the industry may be headed.

According to Nobel (2021), “So I don’t think the sudden rise of NFTs means our hobby is suddenly headed for a major change in the short term nor are our pre-existing collections “threatened” by the new technology; but in the long term I expect that we’ll eventually see NFTs crop up — in some way shape or form — in connection with our hobby, in the future. [Or on the other hand, maybe, as many believe, all-things-crypto are part of a gigantic “bubble” that will soon pop, and that bubble-burst will in turn kill new NFT ideas before they get a chance to leave the idea phase.]” This viewpoint is interesting to note. Many have said that the final step needed to truly create a valuable NFT is to destroy the original physical artwork behind it. Personally, I think this is an interesting idea but not entirely practical. I don’t see comic fans destroying their most valued collectibles because they were turned into an NFT. There is still tremendous investment and value in traditional comic books. However, this step is a likely necessary one in order to fully launch into an NFT-first world.

Nobel (2021) adds to this by saying, “Can you imagine buying a comic as an NFT? What a strange world that would be: There would be no “grade” on a digital token… you wouldn’t submit such a thing to CGC, nor need to “preserve condition” in any way… it wouldn’t have a smell that brings back childhood memories… you wouldn’t need to find a place to put it / store it since it doesn’t take up any physical space… you could look at it and thumb through it but only on via a screen… you could print out and frame the cover and hang it on your wall but you could never hold the original paper in your hands because there’s no original paper anymore.” NFT comics on an immutable ledger could truly never be destroyed. There’s no kryptonite for the blockchain. From a collecting perspective, this will mitigate the risk undertaken by investors and collectors in the future. Comic fans should be excited to not have to worry about spilling something or a slight tear on a corner on the book. However, I don’t see an immediate switch to digital only comics because many still value holding a physical book and sharing it with friends. The future is uncertain and that’s a good thing.

Welcome back to my blog here on Tumblr! The blog rolls along with a new and exciting week of content. Today I will be taking a look at the following news story: “Rob Liefeld Debuts His Next Superhero Comic The Defiants as NFT”

By: Timothy Adams

From: ComicBook.com

For those that follow comics closely like myself, the name Rob Liefeld is pretty noteworthy. Liefeld is perhaps best known for creating Marvel’s “Merc with a Mouth” Deadpool. The Deadpool character has since been the subject of two major movies in recent years, with a third on the way. However, Wade Wilson/Deadpool isn’t the subject of today’s blog.

Rob Liefeld has ventured into NFTs for his latest comic book project. According to Timothy Adams (2022), “Instead of introducing the title in physical comic book stores, The Defiants is dropping as non-fungible tokens, aka NFTs, on the digital marketplace MakersPlace. The team is defined as "a disparate collection of Warriors united in defense of humanity." Liefeld’s decision is very noteworthy. He is one of the most well-known and established writers in the industry today. His decision to release his latest story on a blockchain NFT project demonstrates that leaders in the industry are confident in the success of this technology. Liefeld is embracing what the future may hold and encouraging his loyal fans to do the same.

Additionally, Liefeld shared some of his reasoning for making this announcement. According to Adams (2022), “I want this new world that I've created to be an NFT centric world. And that is a big giant world. When I go to sports engagements at my kid's high school, when I go to the dinners, the fundraisers, I get dads coming up and asking me, 'What are you gonna crypto? What are you gonna do about NFT?' And I'm like, 'Wow, this is out there.' So this world is beyond comics. And anytime we can do something that goes beyond comics, I'm all for it.” Liefeld’s openminded approach to new ventures and technologies should be shared by all comic publishers. Will every new idea work? No, of course not. However, comic books have also focused on the mystical and pushed the limits of what humans can do through fiction. Creators should embrace the roots of the industry and explore new technologies to enhance the experience of collecting comics.

Lastly, Liefeld has offered an exclusive collectible for the early bird buyers of the Defiants. According to Adams (2022), “Collectors of The Defiants — Team will each receive an exclusive hand-drawn digital penciling of Vandel. The Vandel collectible is available to the first 250 buyers on a first-come-first-served basis.” This special collectible is something that would have been difficult to do with traditional print comic books. However, blockchain technology has opened the door for major innovation in this industry. Rob Liefeld is holding that door open for others walk through.

Welcome back to my blog here on Tumblr! The blog rolls along with a new and exciting week of content. Today I will be taking a look at the following news story: “Kelekshen the comics manga platform powered by blockchain NFTs introduces pay to read and fixes digital comic value-appreciation.” https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/kelekshen-the-comics-manga-platform-powered-by-blockchain-nfts-introduces-pay-to-read-and-fixes-digital-comic-value-appreciation

From: Digital Journal/Binary News Network

Have you ever wondered how a comic book goes from an idea to a real product? Who is involved and what are the steps necessary to go to market? Well, a new Web3 project may have the answers you’re seeking.

According to Digital Journal (2022), “Kelekshen is building the web 3.0 home for the comic book community, bringing all the benefits of  blockchain NFT technology to the comic book world. The distinct characteristics of NFTs allow digital media to be verifiably scarce and unique. The Kelekshen platform empowers creators and collectors to leap into the next century of comics. Using NFTs the Kelekshen marketplace enables artist and publishers to launch new digital comics.” This new marketplace represents a removal of a barrier to entry for artists and storytellers in the comics industry. Independent artists can now publish and monetize their work on the Kelekshen blockchain. Artists don’t have to go through the traditional process of meeting with publishers and hoping for a big break. Additionally, artists won’t be losing out on a cut of the revenue from their projects that has traditionally been taken off the top by publishing houses. From the perspective of an artist in comics, this news represents a positive development for the future of independent creators because monetization is more accessible for all.

Additionally, Kelekshen’s founder has ambitions for what the platform will offer its users. For instance, “A.D. Largie envisions a future were digital comics is superior and even more valuable than physical comics. “Your comics are always in mint condition, cannot be stolen, lost or damaged. You can buy, sell or read them anytime or even get paid to let others read the comics you own.” says A.D. Largie, a comic book creator himself who is releasing his original 7-part series along with the platform launch. He’s inviting comic book artist and publishers large and small to join him on the cutting edge of this change. The platform has opened partnership applications for a select group of artists who will get early access to the platform to feature their comics for the platform launch.” Largie’s vision for a community-based comics platform is truly exciting. Physical comics have long been to maintain and keep in top condition. Largie’s desire to elevate NFT comics to a mainstream status represents a positive development for the health of this industry moving forward. Lastly, the pay to read feature of Kelekshen is notable. Consumers can make a small payment to NFT owners without having to pay the comic outright. This allows smaller artists to grow an audience without audience members having to make a big financial commitment upfront.

(A.D. Largie)

Welcome back to my blog here on Tumblr! The blog rolls along with a new and exciting week of content. Today I will be taking a look at the following news story: How Archie Comics Are Using NFTs to Innovate Community Storytelling

By: Straith Schreder

From: https://palm.io/studio/how-archie-comics-are-using-nfts-to-innovate-community-storytelling/

We have another big player in the comic book industry venturing into the NFT marketplace for the first time. This time, Archie Comics joins the party. According to Straith Schreder (2022), “For over 80 years, Archie Comics has shaped youth culture and fan communities. Now, generations of Archie stories are creating the foundation for a new chapter: one that’s co-created by fans. Comin soon: Archie Comics will drop the Archieverse: Eclipse collection: a PFP project on the Palm network that’s inspired by The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.” This collection of NFTs is scheduled to be minted in Fall 2022.

Previously on the blog, I covered Batman NFTs that will utilize similar fan storytelling for NFT holders. In my opinion, this is a great way to incorporate new technology with old forms of media. Comic book fans are incredibly passionate and loyal to their favorite characters, publishers and writers. The decision to give fans and other stakeholders more influence on the creative process is beneficial because fans have an even stronger connection to the brand moving forward. The ability to say that you had a hand in a major comic publisher is a dream come true for fans like myself. Creators and fans alike can now share in a collaborative process of innovative storytelling while also sharing in ownership of assets related to the story.

Additionally, Schreder (2022) writes, “As the lunar eclipse unfolds, the collection will launch, and the story will begin with a blind drop. For $66.66, fans can purchase a PFP representing 1 of 16 beloved Archie characters, with rarity based on arcana. Following the blind drop, your character will be revealed, and unseen forces will be set into motion. Each NFT in the generative collection will contain a verse with clues to the Archieverse future, and challenges to unlock. From here, Archiverse: Eclipse collectors will be able to submit new storylines for their characters; with the opportunity to see their work become canon. Creators of the best entries will be granted story credits and more from future comic series integration.”

The added element of gamification brings excitement to the project. The purchase of these NFTs is a gateway to endless possibilities and roles for each owner. By incorporating gamification, Archie is setting a precedent in this industry. The bright and colorful world of comic books is perfect for this type of venture. With the thrill of solving challenges and collecting clues, fans will be more engaged with the project. Increasing engagement and fan interactivity will allow Archie to maintain a community of dedicated fans for years to come.

Welcome back to my blog here on Tumblr! The blog rolls along with a new and exciting week of content. Today I will be taking a look at the following news story: “Funko Teams Up With Warner Brothers for DC Comics' NFT Release”

From: CoinDesk

By: Cameron Thompson

Funko is now making more than just its signature “Pop!” figurines. Funko “Pop!s” are a very popular collectible bobble head brand. I’m not ashamed to admit that I currently own 62 Funko “Pop!s” of my own. According to Thompson (2022), “Pop culture retail brand Funko is taking another step into the crypto space, teaming up with Warner Brothers to offer a physical and digital comic book collectible exclusively through retail giant Walmart. The “phygital” bundle includes a comic book cover from DC Comic’s “The Brave and the Bold,” in both printed form and as a non-fungible token (NFT) redeemable online.” This move is major milestone for collectors and nerds like myself.

It is also interesting to note that this isn’t Funko’s first venture into NFTs. “Funko has been making strides in releasing NFT components to its flagship “Pop!” action figures for the past year. In August 2021 it kicked off its digital asset extension with its Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collection, allowing users to purchase both figurines along with an NFT.” TMNT was a huge part of my childhood and this collection is definitely something that I would love to own. (Michelangelo is the best Turtle and it’s not debatable.)

The widespread availability of these new comic book collectibles in a major retailer demonstrates the confidence that retailers have in these products. Walmart is one of the world’s biggest retailers and it is now venturing into the blockchain world with this announcement. Fans and collectors alike benefit from this partnership because more consumers will have access to these products at a physical location and online. This allows Funko and DC to have another way to connect with customers in places customers are already spending money. By partnering with Walmart, Funko and DC are reaching a wider audience by utilizing Walmart’s massive digital infrastructure and audience database.

Once the purchase is made in Walmart, “DC fans who purchase the collectible can connect their crypto wallet and claim the NFT online, which is minted on the WAX blockchain, a network that supports 60 million NFTs (including ones issued previously by Funko, Topps, Atari and other mainstream brands) and 30,000 dapps.” WAX is a proven blockchain with a record of success in this industry. Moving forward, I expect to see competitors, such as Marvel and Dark Horse Comics, following suit with similar digital and physical asset packages to ignite demand amongst the fanbase.

Welcome back to my blog here on Tumblr! The blog rolls along with a new and exciting week of content. Today I will be taking a look at the following news story:

‘Napoleon Dynamite’ Cast Reunites For Animated Blockchain Pilot ‘Cyko KO’

From: https://deadline.com/2022/09/napoleon-dynamite-cast-reunited-blockchain-animation-cyko-ko-1235127113/

By Jesse Whittock

Are you going to eat your tots? The classic line from the cult classic “Napoleon Dynamite” might seem out of place in a blog about NFTs and comic books. However, today’s story is about the cast of the iconic film itself.

            According to Jesse Whittock, “The main cast of cult classic indie comedy Napoleon Dynamite are reuniting for an animated pilot released through blockchain technology. Jon Heder, Tina Majorino, Efren Ramirez and Jon Gries have all signed on to voice characters in Cyko KO, which is based on Rob Feldman’s Ringo Award-nominated comic book of the same name. Heder, who played a nerdy and lovable high school student title character in 2004 comedy hit Napoleon Dynamite, has been cast in the lead role as the titular Cyko KO.”

            This project is very detailed and offers a wide range of digital assets for sale. For instance, “A 12-minute pilot will launch exclusively on blockchain tech firm Replay’s Rewarded.TV web3 streaming service, using revenue from an NFT collection from Theta Labs’ ThetaDrop to fund, produce and distribute the project.” Fans of the original comic book now have the opportunity to not only a cool NFT of their favorite characters or moments, but now these same fans can directly contribute to the production and distribution of an animated show. Owners of these NFTs will also get some other sweet perks. Cyko KO‘s NFTs will also offer “the chance to meet the cast of the show or cameo in the pilot.”

            While some people may not be familiar with Cyko KO, the Napoleon Dynamite fanbase will have an interest in the success of this project. The film is a beloved story of the all too real struggles of high school and growing up. Fans of the film will be very happy to the iconic cast reunite one more time with the announcement of this new project. This excitement will surely drive-up interest in the NFT collection and production of the show. Show creators should use this as a selling point in marketing. This would build interest outside of the traditional Web3 and comic book audiences. It is vital that these technologies and companies continue to expand their reach in order to help normalize the use of these products.

In the words of Kip Dynamite, “I guess you could say things are gettin’ pretty serious.”

Welcome back to my blog here on Tumblr! The blog rolls along with a new and exciting week of content. Today I will be taking a look at the following news story:

“Slam-Girl: Stan Lee’s Character Canned 20 Years Ago Now Lives On as NFTs”

From: https://beincrypto.com/slam-girl-the-marvel-character-nfts/

By Nicole Buckler

            Marvel is once again making headlines in the digital comic book space. This time bringing back a seemingly lost character, Slam-Girl. “While created over two decades ago, Slam-Girl is considered to be a new character. She was a collaborative effort between Stan Lee and his creative partner, comic book artist Will Meugniot. Slam-Girl will make her next appearance at NYC Comic Con as an NFT series. It is now four years since Marvel founder Stan Lee passed away.”

            This news is significant for several reasons. The first being the rediscovery of the character. Comic book fans and collectors will certainly be interested in getting their hands on a so called “lost” work of Stan Lee. The legendary creator and writer of some of the most popular Marvel comics had a massive following of his own in his later years. Lee’s passing in 2018 also adds to the significance of this story. Slam-Girl may very well be one of the final known creations by Lee that hasn’t had a previous widespread release in print or other publications. With that being said, collectors would love to own this character as a digital asset. Marvel and other traditional comic book publishing companies should look to release older and unknown content from legendary creators in order to drive up interest in the collecting market.

            Additionally, “Stan Lee, the creative force behind Marvel, was early into the game when the internet first rose to life. His internet company, called Stan Lee Media rose to life in 1999. It employed 150 writers and animation specialists. The realm where the new characters were going to live was in cyberspace… an early Metaverse. However, the project collapsed after the dot com bubble burst.” While Lee isn’t alive to see it, the adoption of this character into the NFT collection aligns with his original vision for digital characters in comics. These NFTs will be available OneOf. The platform says it is a “green NFT marketplace.” The Web3/Metaverse landscape is the perfect vehicle to launch this character because of the participation and engagement opportunities. “ ‘The ‘Participate To Own’ model has never before existed in the comic industry, connecting fans with characters that they own and storylines that they imagine.” Fans will be able to take Lee’s character in a new direction and have influence on her future. This will surely drive interest in the new NFT collection.

            Whether or not Slam-Girl becomes a household name, this particular NFT project is a powerful tribute to Stan Lee and his legacy in the comics industry. Excelsior!