DC Comics, the American comic book publisher, could end up in the non-fungible token (NFT) ecosystem in the future. The company is the oldest comic book publisher in the US that owns characters such as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. In a letter dated March 11, 2021, DC Comics, senior VP of legal affairs, wrote a letter to freelancers saying, “DC is exploring opportunities” to enter the NFT market economy.
‘DC explores opportunities for distribution and sale of original DC digital art with NFTs’
A letter from DC Comics was unveiled from a report released by Rob Bricken of Gizmodo i09, which shows that the US publisher of comics is blockchain technology and more specifically non-fungible token (NFT) assets. The popular company also does not want freelance artists auctioning NFTs with DC Comics’ intellectual property (IP).
NFT technology has become so popular that the trend or search term “NFT” has touched the highest point it can reach in Google Trends statistics. The letter, written by Jay Kogan, senior VP of legal affairs, is a direct communication to freelance artists and it apparently warns them not to create DC Comics characters via NFTs.
“Non-flammable signs (NFTs) are becoming the latest collectibles for fans and have generated huge pressure and buzz in the digital space,” Kogan’s letter explains. DC is exploring opportunities to enter the market for the distribution and sale of original DC digital art with NFTs, including both new art created specifically for the NFT market, as well as original digital art delivered for DC’s comic book publications. “
The letter adds:
As DC is investigating the complexity of the NFT market, and we are working on a reasonable and equitable solution for all parties involved, including fans and collectors, please note that the supply of digital images with DC’s intellectual property with or without NFTs offered for sale, whether delivered for DC’s publications or delivered outside the scope of your contractual relationship with DC, is not permitted.
DC staff and freelancers should first contact the DC Comics talent services before participating in NFTs with licensed DC material
The letter could be a direct warning to DC staff members and freelancers who have already issued non-fungible token (NFT) assets with DC images or any artist. A few days before Gizmodo i09’s editorial, comic book artist José Delgo sold a Wonder Woman-themed NFT collection via Makersplace. Delgo is known for drawing Wonder Woman and other characters for DC Comics more than 30 years ago.
Kogan’s letter emphasizes that if DC staff members or freelancers are approached to do NFT art with DC characters in their work, they should let ‘Lawrence Ganem, DC’s VP, Talent Services’ know. ‘
“We expect the participation of DC’s freelance talent to be an integral part of the NFT program that DC is implementing,” the letter concludes. “We share further information as it becomes available, and we appreciate your cooperation and partnership.”
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