To be blunt, no… but neither is your physical copy. There can only be one original - everything else is a reproduction. There are physical collectible comics and now there are digital collectible comics. Both have intrinsic value and are limited by their respective scarcity. The only difference between the two is the format and the year they were reproduced. So go ahead and carry on collecting your digital and/or physical collectible comics. Neither are originals, but both are very valuable!
Many people have commented lately that digital collectibles are not “original,” often referring to them as new-age facsimiles or reprints. As I entered the rabbit hole of Tweets & Social Posts on the subject, I came across a string of detailed explanations by @SergioCollects on Twitter, which I appreciated greatly for his take on the matter. He felt his posts were the best way he could help people visualize the difference, and I reached out to him to ask if he wouldn't mind my recreating the string into this blog. He happily agreed, and so here we go!
Digital collectible comics from Marvel and @DCNFTOfficial are a new format and asset class. They are digital representations of the original work, and NOT facsimiles or reprints. I’ll explain why…
Facsimiles are labeled as such when they are printed in physical format:
Physical reprints are also labeled as “2nd print” or ”3rd print:”
However, these digital collectible comics are being re-created from the original work —just as physicals are prior to being shipped off to comic book shops:
The digital collectible comics we own are to be treated as genuine representations of the original work, in the same way we treat physicals when they are first published. Heck, even Marvel recognizes what they are presenting us with is different.
Here’s proof: If you go to the Marvel Unlimited site where Marvel has been publishing their digital comics for years prior to releasing them as digital collectible comics on VeVe, you will see that:
They further reinforce this by adding that they are being “represented” in digital format. So we already have digital facsimile versions of our digital collectible comics. But don’t make the mistake of confusing one for the other:
Contrast that with Marvel’s digital collectible comics announcement of Amazing Fantasy #15 on VeVe. You won’t find ANY reference to these being “facsimiles” or “reprints” (see VeVe AF15 Drop Release Info on MEDIUM):
Uninformed detractors will spread false information because they lack the education and fundamental understanding of what we possess as collectors. However, their ignorance shouldn’t stop us from appreciating the incredible opportunity we have today of collecting these iconic masterpieces as they are first being published in this new asset class.
DICTIONARY DEFINITIONS OF "ORIGINAL"
Sergio's string above goes into some fantastic conversation pieces on the topic of what makes a comic "original." Collins Dictionary defines "Original" as follows: "If something such as a document, a work of art, or a piece of writing is an original, it is not a copy or a later version." Merriam-Webster confirms this in a few other ways, notably:
ADJECTIVE: "Being the first instance or source from which a copy, reproduction or translation can be made."
NOUN: "That from which a copy, reproduction, or translation is made."
So to Sergio's point, any asset that comes at a later time based on the first instance or source can be a reproduction. In the case of VeVe or DCNFT digital comics, these can easily meet the definition of "digital reproduction," and not facsimiles or reprints. They are, however, also "DIGITAL FIRSTS" in that they are new to the Blockchain and are digitally reproduced or "minted" into existence. These mints are further valued based on the popularity of the comic being released, the historical significance, or in many cases, the connection releasing a first appearance of a key or important character.
This could potentially be quite the "early-in" opportunity, as the bulk of comics released on VeVe have been origin stories, character first appearances, or issues connected directly to Marvel/Disney theatrical releases. For example, VeVe's Digital representation of Werewolf by Night #32, the first appearance of MOON KNIGHT, dropped on April 4th, 2022, as Disney+ released the Moon Knight series on March 30th. Similarly, VeVe dropped Marvel Spotlight #2, the first appearance of WEREWOLF BY NIGHT, on October 30th, both to celebrate the spooky-themed character on Halloween, while supporting Marvel's Disney+ release of Werewolf by Night on October 7th.
Also, VeVe & DCNFT restrict the total number of digital versions minted, while providing multiple 'variant' covers, adding actual scarcity to the collectible. VeVe goes one step further, offering its Rare (usually 'pencilled' cover) & Ultra Rare (usually 'inked') cover variants, by comic book artists exclusively for the VeVe platform, unavailable anywhere else!
I would be remiss not to include another excellent overview of the REPRINT/FACSIMILE debate regarding Digital Comic Collectibles, produced by the COMICS & CRYPTO PODCAST team:
[caption id="attachment_233606" align="aligncenter" width="538"] Are NFT Comics Reprints?[/caption]
Or, for further reading from another blogger, check out HOW ARE VEVE COMIC BOOK NFTS CHANGING THE COLLECTING WORLD, by VeVe Fan Dr Howard (on Twitter @https://twitter.com/MrFF1_eth)
TO CONCLUDE
It seems pretty clear the debate is unwarranted - these new Digital Collectible Comics are digital representations of the original versions. To quell any further debate, even MARVEL classifies them as such on their MARVEL.COM website:
"Collectors can look forward to the release of other Marvel digital products such as digital statues, digital comic books and other digital collectibles on the VeVe App later in August. Following Marvel Entertainment's successful, officially licensed NFT digital collectibles based on Spider-Man and Captain America, we're excited to reveal, starting tomorrow, August 19 (2021) VeVe will be launching the inaugural series of classic Marvel Comics as NFTs!"
Collecting comics is a passion shared by many, though not everyone has the luxury of investing thousands to millions to own rare, physical books, let alone an original copy, sketch, or concept ideas. With advancements in technology though, and the immutable ledger aspect of blockchains (or simply put, Internet Version 3.0), collectors can now advance into this cutting-edge opportunity to own Officially Licensed, Digital Productions of their favourite assets...OWN BOTH if you can, which as I have written about prior, is why the term PHYGITAL COLLECTING will be quite commonplace in short order.
As my friend & fellow writer @SergioCollects so eloquently stated at the end of his Twitter Thread on the topic, "We are in the right place at the right time. Don’t take this opportunity for granted - our future selves will thank us."
And Thank YOU, as always, for reading!
*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.