DC Comics is reportedly eyeing the NFT market

Reports from last week indicate that comics publisher DC Comics is weighing whether to undertake a foray into the marketplace for non-fungible tokens.

According to a report from Gizmodo's i09, the news came as part of a letter issued last week by DC Comics' legal affairs office. 

"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 rendered for DC's comic book publications," the letter notes.

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are essentially digital certificates connected to a particular piece of art, with that data held as a unique token on a blockchain network like Ethereum. The idea behind the concept is that NFTs are digital renditions of the non-divisible, scarce nature of artworks in the physical world.

But as Gizmodo notes, the letter also serves as a warning to DC staffers and freelancers about issuing non-fungible tokens bearing the likeness of the company's licensed characters. Comic book artist José Delgo was involved in the creation and sale of a Wonder Woman-themed NFT collection that netted $1.85 million last week, according to Decrypt.

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The letter goes on to say:

"As DC examines the complexities of the NFT marketplace, and we work on a reasonable and fair solution for all parties involved, including fans and collectors, please note that the offering for sale of any digital images featuring DC’s intellectual property with or without NFTs, whether rendered for DC’s publications or rendered outside the scope of one’s contractual engagement with DC, is not permitted. If you are approached by anyone interested in including any of your DC art in an NFT program, please let Lawrence Ganem, DC’s VP, Talent Services know."

The letter provides no indication as to when DC comics might take the plunge into NFTs.

"We expect the participation of DC's freelance talent will be an integral component of the NFT program that DC puts into place. We'll share further information as it becomes available, and we appreciate your cooperation and partnership," the letter concludes.

Image Credit: Sunshine Seeds / Shutterstock.com