Comic book history is getting a bold new chapter in May 2025 with the launch of California Comics, the world’s first metaverse comic book store.
Designed to serve comic book enthusiasts and collectors in every time zone, this fully immersive digital store brings the thrill of discovering rare comic keys, first appearances, and beloved back issues to your fingertips, no matter where you are.
To understand just how revolutionary this is, let's rewind to 1961, when Golden Age Collectibles, located in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market, opened its doors as the first comic book shop in the world. At the time, comic culture was still niche, so finding a dedicated store filled with superhero adventures, pulp stories and sci-fi escapism was a collector’s dream come true.
Golden Age became a cultural landmark, helping shape the direct market system and influencing generations of comic fans and shop owners. It's been featured in many mainstream publications over the years helping secure its place in history, such as this fun little article in the Seattle Met
VISION MEETS (AUGMENTED) REALITY
Fast-forward over six decades, and the industry is on the verge of another transformation. Digital and blockchain technology have radically changed how comics are consumed, collected, and traded. Platforms like VeVe, the digital collectibles app that redefined how fans interact with licensed Marvel, DC, and independent content showed the world that comics don’t need to be confined to paper.
If you're a collector at heart, check out this outstanding FORBES interview with VeVe's new Co-CEO, Ben Rose:
With VeVe, fans can buy and read digital-first editions, showcase their collections in virtual showrooms, and even trade them on a blockchain-backed marketplace. As noted in Ernst & Young's "Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 (New Zealand) article, co-founders David Yu & Dan Crothers came together to mix passions of collecting with technology to fill in some gaps that have existed in the collectibles space as far back as anyone can remember.
"David Yu is a visionary entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of VeVe, a groundbreaking platform that has transformed the digital collectibles industry. With over 25 years of experience in the games and collectibles sector, David has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation, positioning VeVe as a market leader in digital collectibles.
Under David's guidance, VeVe has created a user-friendly app that allows collectors to buy, sell, and trade digital assets securely, leveraging blockchain technology to ensure authenticity and scarcity. The platform has formed strategic partnerships with major franchises, including DC Comics, Marvel, and Disney, attracting a diverse global user base.
VeVe's community-centric approach fosters a sense of belonging among collectors, encouraging interaction and engagement through events and social features. David Yu's vision for VeVe extends beyond collectibles; he aims to create a cultural hub where fans can connect and celebrate their passions. His entrepreneurial spirit and risk-taking mindset have been instrumental in driving VeVe's growth and innovation in the ever-evolving digital collectibles landscape."
On that Paragraph...California Comics Advances this Concept
Augmenting VeVe's collectibles platform, CC is building a community destination; a fully explorable 3D comic shop set in a persistent virtual environment. Think of it as the Disneyland of comic collecting, where every aisle is packed with visual flair, animated displays, and legendary titles that might otherwise only be found locked in a high-end collector's vault. This type of utility for VeVe users is an incredible advancement, made possible by blockchain tech enhancing so many aspects of the collectibles space.
While enjoying a chat with California Comics' founder, Daniel, I enjoyed a sneak-peek during the development phase, where my avatar browsed...THE DAREDEVIL SECTION of course!!!
"The idea for 'California Comics' partially came when I found an old copy of SEGA OUTRUN, my all time favourite video arcade game. I'd been collecting in VeVe for quite some time, meeting exceptional people who shared the passion deeply, where I began formulating a store 'gathering' concept that addressed some of the things our team felt could improve upon the digital collecting experience, especially showcasing some of the incredible pieces this platform has to offer.
What makes me most proud about all of this, apart from being absolutely privileged to work with an amazing team creating something so groundbreaking, is the fact we’ve produced something truly accessible and welcoming for EVERYONE, ANYWHERE. No cliques, no exclusions, just a place to meet, be inspired and share loves of comic collecting across the globe."
Daniel S., Founder, California Comics
Whether you're looking for Amazing Fantasy #15, X-Men #1, or the latest indie breakout series, California Comics offers an unprecedented level of access and discovery for these coveted digital assets. Built with metaverse accessibility in mind, the store welcomes fans from all corners of the globe, erasing the limitations of geography, shipping fees, and community.
Inside, users can browse curated selections of comic keys, interact with other fans, and even participate in virtual readings, Q&A sessions, featured releases or interviews with artists or publication brands. Every purchase is authenticated via blockchain, ensuring provenance and ownership in a way that traditional comics never could.
There is also a key, defining focus: assets with incredible scarcity based on their blockchain-created MINT NUMBERS. For collectors who seek assets with more scarcity or rarity, or ways to differentiate their pieces from the masses, this is your destination.
For lifelong collectors, California Comics is a digital extension of the community and excitement that Golden Age Collectibles sparked all those years ago. For new fans, it’s an instant passport into comic history available 24/7, from anywhere.
I wrote an article recently on the NEW DIGITAL ECONOMY and JOB CREATION we're starting to see as a result of these incredible advancements in "Internet Tech," akin to when the title 'Webmaster' suddenly appeared in the late 90s. METAVERSE BUILDERS are now a real thing, earning incomes designing custom experiences, setting the foundations of future growth.
Collectors Gone Digital is one such firm, taking a huge leap forward by becoming one of the first builders to engage the opportunity, having talents earned from years in the gaming and designing field who quickly grasped where this is all headed.
"This is such an incredible time to enjoy collecting. The digitization and ownership of assets meeting the technical ability to display, trade & enjoy them without borders is incredible. I am so thrilled and humbled to participate as the designer in a first-ever venture bringing joy to so many new and experienced collectors. I do so hope many more people experience and participate in this new collecting adventure!" Josh, President,Collectors Gone Digital
PLEASE ENJOY A YOUTUBE VIDEO TOUR ANNOUNCING THE RELEASE!
In many ways, we’ve come full circle: from the intimate shelves of a small Seattle store to a borderless, ever-expanding digital frontier. And just like in the comics, the next issue might just be the most exciting one yet!
Thanks for Reading!
New Users: Sign Up at the VeVe App Today & Get $10 USD FREE to Start! Click the Banner Below to (Own your own FF#1 MARVEL-LICENSED Digital Comic Collectible!!)
