Why Comics? The Ideal Genre for the Next Frontier of Art
Blockchain technology and comics art are coming together to blur the boundaries between physical and virtual worlds.
When we founded Newmisma, a common question we heard was “Why comics?” Out of all the different genres of art, what was it about comics that inspired us? While all of our founding members happen to be comics enthusiasts, we noticed a particularly exciting opportunity that went beyond our love of the genre. We realized that blockchain technology had a lot to offer the world of comics and that comics had something to offer NFTs in return.
A global phenomenon still searching for its rightful place in the world
Comics play a major role in pop culture; you don’t need to be a comic book collector to be part of the “comics community.” One way or another, we’ve all been touched by characters speaking in little bubbles and their intricate, vibrant worlds. From Tintin in the mid-1900s to the Marvel Film Franchise of the 2000s, the genre spans continents and generations and boasts an incredibly diverse fanbase.
Despite their important position in our culture, comics have had to fight throughout the last century to prove their artistic merit within the larger art community. At Newmisma, we are avid comics collectors ourselves and fully appreciate them for what they are: works of art. As Web3 technology revolutionizes how we interact with each other and the world around us, comics are being presented with a unique opportunity to prove their rightful place in the art world as an exciting, innovative, and relevant form of fine art.
A new medium expanding comics experiences
NFTs aren’t simply a new form of digital art; they’re a whole new medium to enhance how we experience it. Their ability to certify ownership of a piece of art (or anything for that matter) opens up countless possibilities in the physical and virtual worlds. NFTs can be used as keys to unlock membership benefits for communities. They can be backstage passes that grant unique access to events. They can reward fans for their participation in the community, and so much more. Instead of replacing art, NFTs expand on the ways we experience and interact with it.
Comics are particularly well-positioned to benefit from this new medium. Firstly, comics lend themselves exceptionally well to the virtual world. Unlike more traditional forms of art that can lose their full effect when viewed on a screen, comics adapt seamlessly to digital environments and formats. This adaptability also makes them ideal for integrating with other Web3 applications like gaming and augmented reality.
Secondly, as sequential art, comics are a visual art form that is broken down into a collection of moments. Panels can be enjoyed individually or as a part of a sequence, making them perfect for collecting and trading. Fans can own a single image that speaks to them, collect multiple panels from the same comic to re-create a storyline, or collect a variety of diverse works from different artists to build their own narrative or gallery.
Most importantly, comics are perfect for building a community. Within the genre, there are multiple subgenres, like manga, superhero, and horror, each with a myriad of albums and comic universes. Each of these comics has its own community — from the casual readers to the diehard collectors — which is alive with creativity and communication. What other art form can boast the sheer number of websites dedicated to fan art and discussion forums? But these communities are, for the most part, disparate. Imagine the exciting partnerships and interactions that can be created when these communities and comics universes overlap.
Newmisma is building the premier platform that unites and empowers comics communities. We’re expanding the horizons for comics fans and opening exciting possibilities to engage and interact with the art and artists like never before.
Bringing legitimacy to Web3 art
There’s no doubt that NFTs have exploded in popularity recently, but they still face criticism from those who see them as a fad or purely speculative. How do we separate legitimate platforms that bring value to both fans and artists from sites that are just riding the NFT wave? This is where comics can benefit the greater Web3 art movement. By uniting already established artists and their existing, extensive communities on one premier platform, Newmisma brings credibility to the Web3 art revolution. And thanks to the pioneering Newmisma token, we’re setting the example that Web3 can give back to the community and create a virtuous ecosystem.
Web3 is radically changing how we interact with each other and the world around us. NFTs and blockchain technology are opening up new possibilities for artists, their fans, and the greater art community, from physical to virtual experiences and everything in between. We believe no other art genre bridges so many divides: art & literature, fantasy & reality, gravity & levity, etc., so it’s fitting for comics to lead the digital revolution that blurs the boundaries between physical and virtual art. Newmisma is making sure that comics art finds its place at the forefront of this revolution.
We’re building a world where comics communities thrive.
