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The digital realm of comic book collecting is experiencing a fascinating shift in dynamics, driven by the ever-present force of scarcity. This phenomenon is perfectly illustrated by the contrasting fortunes of two Spider-Man comics: the iconic Amazing Spider-Man #1 (1963) and the newcomer, Spider-Boy #1 (2023).Physical Realm: A Legacy of RarityIn the traditional world of physical comics, Amazing Spider-Man #1 remains a cornerstone, achieving a staggering $1.38 million for a pristine 9.8 CGC graded copy at a January 2024 Heritage Auctions event. This astronomical price reflects the issue's immense collectibility and the undeniable cultural impact of Spider-Man.&nbsp;In stark contrast, Spider-Boy #1, despite boasting the same 9.8 CGC grade, resides at a much more modest $60 on platforms like eBay. The discrepancy in circulation is also remarkable: only two 9.8 graded copies of Amazing Spider-Man #1 exist, compared to 375 for Spider-Boy #1. This makes the older issue 187 times scarcer in top condition, yet it is 23,000 times more valuable—evidence of its immense demand and collectible status.The Digital Landscape: A New FrontierHowever, the narrative flips dramatically when we delve into the digital marketplace. Here, factors like historical significance take a backseat to the power of digital scarcity. The common cover variant of Spider-Boy #1, limited to just 400 copies, boasts a minimum price of $36, eclipsing the $10 price tag for the far more abundant Amazing Spider-Man #1, with a staggering 48,000 digital copies in circulation.&nbsp;This trend becomes even more pronounced when examining the "secret rare" cover variants. Spider-Boy #1's "secret rare," with only 40 editions available, commands a minimum price of $1,099, surpassing the $900 valuation for Amazing Spider-Man #1's "secret rare," which has a circulation of 600.This juxtaposition underscores the pivotal role of scarcity in the digital realm. While Amazing Spider-Man #1 retains its dominance in physical collections due to its historical significance, its ubiquity in digital form diminishes its relative value compared to the scarcer Spider-Boy #1.Beyond Spider-Man: A Broader LookThe tale of Spider-Man is just one example of the fascinating dynamics at play. Let's consider Fantastic Four #52 (1966), featuring the first appearance of Black Panther. In the physical market, a 9.8 CGC graded copy last sold for a staggering $51,700 in 2017, and its value has likely climbed even higher in today's market.&nbsp;However, in the digital marketplace, the story takes a surprising turn. There are 10,000 total editions of FF52 published digitally, with 6,000 being the standard "common" cover. As of this writing, a common cover of this issue sells for a mere $10, while the coveted "secret rare" cover variant, limited to just 250 editions, fetches a much higher $250.Now let's jump to a more recent release: X-Men '97 #1 (2024). This comic, based on the popular Disney+ animated series, features no significant first appearances or key events. In the physical realm, a 9.8 CGC graded copy can be obtained for a mere $80 on eBay. Interestingly, in the digital marketplace, the story takes another unexpected turn. With a total circulation of 1,000 editions, the common cover variant by Todd Nauck is currently selling for $45.85 on the VeVe platform. That's a remarkable four times the value of Black Panther's first appearance in digital format!The "secret rare" cover variant, featuring art by Russell Dauterman, and limited to only 40 copies, boasts an even more impressive floor price of $979.79 – nearly four times the price of the least expensive digital copy of FF52.Scarcity Reigns SupremeThese contrasting examples highlight the power of scarcity in the digital comic market. While Fantastic Four #52 holds a significant historical advantage over X-Men '97 #1 in the physical realm, the newcomer reigns supreme in the digital space due to its limited digital availability.The Collector's TakeawayThe takeaway? When navigating the digital comic market, prioritize scarcity alongside established legacy. While a character's historical significance remains important, a limited digital edition can be a surprisingly valuable investment.&nbsp;So, the next time you encounter a seemingly obscure digital title with a low circulation count, don't underestimate its potential – it might just be your digital David, ready to slay the physical Goliath.&nbsp;

The Little Spider That Could: A Digital David Topples a Physical Goliath

In this blog, we'll be giving our take on the benefits of the VeVe Master Collector Program (MCP) and speculating on what future utilities could still be coming for MCP Points. VeVe users finally have the ability to spend their MCP Points, which has added a new layer of excitement and engagement to the market and community that we haven’t seen in quite a while. This new dynamic is changing the game for collectors on the VeVe app, and we’re excited to dive into what it means for the future of digital collecting!<h2>Earning and Using MCP Points</h2>We won’t do an exhaustive explanation on how the MCP program works here (you can go to <a data-mce-href="https://blog.veve.me/blog-pages/veve-master-collector-program" href="https://blog.veve.me/blog-pages/veve-master-collector-program">VeVe’s blog</a> to learn more), but we’ll go over the basics to set the stage:&nbsp;MCP Points are reward points within the VeVe ecosystem that users can earn for their loyalty and participation within the app. So, how do you earn MCP Points? These points can be earned by purchasing digital collectibles, holding digital collectibles over time, interacting socially within the app, and even staking OMI tokens (the cryptocurrency released by VeVe’s parent company, Ecomi).&nbsp;By holding collectibles on the VeVe app, collectors can earn points on a daily basis. The number of points earned depends on the rarity and edition number of each collectible. For example, a Secret Rare collectible will earn you more points than a Common collectible. You can also earn extra points by completing full sets and owning collectibles with low edition numbers (sub-5%). The system is built to truly reward all the collectors who have spent significant time and money building their collections on the VeVe app.&nbsp;The amount of MCP Points you earn also contributes to your MCP Level and Rank. Your Level continually goes up as you build your collection and your total number of points increases. Your Rank, however, is dynamic and changes based on the number daily points accrued by your collection. There are 22 Ranks ranging from Starter to Master Collector, and only the top 3% of daily MCP Point earners can achieve the rank of Master Collector. You can be bumped down to a different Rank at any time based on where your daily earnings fall in comparison to other collectors. Currently they don’t have much of an impact, but in the future, collectors with higher MCP Levels and Ranks will have access to exclusive features and benefits.&nbsp;Furthermore, the introduction of OMI-to-MCP rewards has added new ways to earn points and another layer of utility for the OMI token. Collectors who hold OMI tokens on the platform will receive daily points corresponding to the proportion of OMI they own relative to the total reward pool. OMI tokens held on the platform will now also allow collectors to earn Bronze Tickets, which can then be used to claim additional MCP Points. This "double-dipping" mechanism allows collectors to maximize their MCP point earnings, as they can accumulate points both from holding OMI tokens and by redeeming the bronze tickets.Earning MCP Points is only half the fun. The real excitement begins when we can finally start spending the points we’ve been accumulating for the last couple of years. With MCP Points, collectors have the opportunity to participate in priority bidding for drops, which allows collectors to wager MCP Points, giving the top bidders a guaranteed opportunity to purchase a collectible at retail price. Typically about 40% of editions for all drops are allocated towards priority bidding, ensuring that dedicated collectors have a tangible advantage in obtaining the items they desire.VeVe has also teased that we’ll be able to purchase exclusive Accessories for our collectibles using points in the future, but for now, Priority Bidding is the only active utility for MCP Points and we can only speculate on what else could come.&nbsp;<h2>The Impact of MCP Points</h2>With the introduction of MCP points, we’ve seen demand for collectibles on the VeVe app rise. Collectors are now more motivated than ever to expand their collections, knowing that their efforts will translate into tangible rewards. We’re even seeing collectors analyzing the "dollar per point" values associated with different assets before making a purchase so they can maximize their chances of securing Priority Bidding allocations. The competitive aspect introduced by MCP around Ranks and Levels further fuels this desire, creating a more vibrant and dynamic digital collectibles market.This new demand for comics and collectibles has resulted in a clear surge in their value over the last few months, and we expect this trend to continue as more utility is added to MCP. The interesting thing is that it hasn’t just been the higher end assets that have seen price increases; we’ve seen growth across the board, even for low-popularity modern comics that hold little to no value in the physical world. People normally would not be very interested in these books, but due to the point-earning potential that these assets bring to collectors, there is a higher demand..MCP Points have also fostered a sense of community among collectors. As collectors compete and interact, they share strategies and achievements, building strong connections. This comradery enhances the collecting experience, making it more than just a hobby but a shared passion. The impact of MCP points extends beyond individual collections, influencing the overall culture and dynamics of the digital collecting world.<h2>The Future of MCP Points</h2>While there is currently limited utility for MCP points, we’re extremely excited for what else could be on the way! One feature highly anticipated by collectors is the possibility of MCP Point-exclusive drops, where points can be used as the sole currency for acquiring digital collectibles. Not only will this give collectors more opportunities to use their points, but we anticipate it will greatly reduce the circulating supply of MCP Points if there are significant collectibles offered in this format.Additionally, the VeVe team could explore the possibility of allowing collectors to redeem their MCP points for physical merchandise or exclusive IRL experiences. This could include limited-edition physical collectibles, VIP access to events, or even meet-and-greets with the artists and creators behind VeVe digital assets. By bridging the gap between the digital and physical realms, the VeVe platform can further solidify its position as a premier destination for both digital and physical collectors.Another exciting prospect is the integration of MCP points into the VeVeVerse, the platform's metaverse which will hopefully be available to users in the near future. Here, collectors could potentially use their MCP points for a variety of in-app purchases, such as virtual real estate, accessories, or even access to virtual experiences. We predict that the ability to rent collectibles from other users will also be a big component of the VeVeVerse, so we could see MCP points being tied into a rental system. This would not only expand the utility of MCP points but also create a more immersive and engaging collecting experience for users.If you’ve been on VeVe for a while, you may remember the days when comic and collectible transfers between collectors were still allowed. VeVe is flirting with the idea of bringing transfers back, but they need to ensure people won’t take advantage of the system and use it to skirt paying royalties. The way VeVe is thinking about tackling this is by only allowing collectors with a high enough MCP Rank or Level to gain access. We’re extremely excited for this feature to potentially go live so that we can start doing giveaways for VeVe collectibles again!VeVe recently announced a partnership with CGC Comics for <a data-mce-href="https://comicsandcrypto.io/blog/why-veve-x-cgc-slabs-are-a-big-deal" href="https://comicsandcrypto.io/blog/why-veve-x-cgc-slabs-are-a-big-deal">VeVe-exclusive CGC Labels</a>. Through this collaboration, collectors will be able to have their VeVe physical comics (like The Addiction #1 or Superior Spider-Man Returns #1) graded with a VeVe x CGC label. Hopefully in the future, we’ll also be able to get graded physicals of some of the Ultra Rare VeVe-exclusive Marvel comic covers. It would be incredible to see MCP Points used towards redeeming or grading these books or other VeVe physical collectibles.&nbsp;MCP wouldn’t exist without the collectors on the VeVe app, so VeVe takes community feedback around utility and features very seriously. The future of MCP will be heavily impacted by the community, who will continue to play a crucial role in guiding the platform's evolution. Presented here are obviously just our opinions about some of the features that could come to MCP, but we encourage everyone with ideas to share with the VeVe team!Conclusion The future of MCP looks bright. As the VeVe app continues to grow and evolve, we can expect to see even more ways to earn and use MCP Points. And it's not just about the points themselves. The introduction of MCP Points has sparked a sense of community and excitement among collectors. People are coming together to discuss strategies, share ideas, and speculate on the future of the market. It's breeding a vibrant and passionate community that is shaping the future of digital collecting on the VeVe app and beyond. So, whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, dive into the world of MCP and see where it takes you!

The Impact of Master Collector Points on VeVe Digital Collectibles

The world of comic books has long been a haven for passionate fans, offering captivating narratives, stunning artwork, and the thrill of collecting coveted issues.&nbsp; However, for a significant portion of the global audience, access to these stories has been hampered by geographical limitations and the traditional distribution model. This is where VeVe Comics steps in, poised to revolutionize the comic book experience with a groundbreaking partnership with Marvel Comics. For years, fans who opted for the digital format faced a frustrating delay. New releases wouldn't be available on Marvel Unlimited, the publisher's subscription service, for a staggering three months after physical copies landed in comic shops. This time disparity created a two-tiered readership, leaving international fans and those without a local comic shop perpetually behind the curve. Imagine the excitement of a major storyline unfolding, only to be locked out of the conversation due to geographical restrictions – a situation all too familiar for many comic enthusiasts. VeVe Comics shatters these barriers, ushering in a new era of global accessibility. This innovative platform operates on a simple yet transformative principle: simultaneous release. No more waiting! New Marvel releases will be available digitally on VeVe Comics the very same day they hit store shelves – that's every Wednesday.&nbsp; This seemingly minor change carries immense significance. It levels the playing field for comic fans worldwide, fostering a sense of community and shared experience that transcends borders. International readers no longer have to wait months to catch up on the latest adventures; they can participate in the ongoing conversation alongside their fellow fans, dissecting plot twists, celebrating character development, and reveling in the shared passion for comics. The impact of VeVe Comics extends far beyond just closing the release window. The platform caters specifically to the desires of collectors, offering a unique digital experience that mirrors the physical world of comics.&nbsp; Traditionally, a key aspect of the hobby lies in collecting rare and valuable variant covers. These special editions, featuring alternate artwork or limited print runs, hold a particular appeal for dedicated fans. VeVe Comics translates this concept into the digital realm, offering a range of variant covers for each new release.&nbsp; These digital editions come with varying degrees of scarcity, from the widely available common covers (with editions of 600) to the coveted "secret rare" variants, limited to a mere 40 copies. This system injects a sense of excitement and exclusivity into the digital experience, replicating the thrill of the hunt that collectors cherish in the physical realm. But VeVe Comics doesn't stop at replicating the collecting experience; it takes it a step further by introducing a revolutionary new feature – a dedicated marketplace for trading digital comics.&nbsp; Unlike other digital comics services, such as the now-defunct Comixology, VeVe Comics allows users to resell their digital purchases after reading them. This seemingly simple addition fundamentally alters the economics of digital comics.&nbsp; Traditionally, purchasing a digital comic meant a one-time transaction with no resale value. With VeVe Comics, however, there's a potential financial incentive for buying new releases. The knowledge that you can recoup some of the cost, or even turn a profit by trading a rare variant, adds a whole new layer to the digital comic experience. This system fosters a vibrant collector's market, allowing fans to connect, trade, and curate their digital collections in a way that was never before possible. The implications of this shift are profound. It creates a sense of permanence and value for digital comics, something that has been lacking in the past. No longer are digital purchases seen as fleeting experiences; they become potential investments, adding a new dimension to the way fans engage with their favorite stories. This not only benefits collectors but also breathes new life into the digital comics market, potentially attracting a wider audience who may have previously been hesitant to invest in a format perceived as impermanent. The impact of VeVe Comics transcends the realm of commerce; it fosters a sense of community and inclusivity. The digital marketplace functions as a virtual comic shop, a space where fans from all corners of the globe can connect, discuss their passion for comics, and engage in the shared experience of collecting. This fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie, breaking down geographical barriers and uniting fans under a common banner. In conclusion, VeVe Comics is more than just a new platform for digital comics; it's a revolution. It's about tearing down geographical walls and ensuring a truly global comic book experience. It's about empowering fans to not only read but also collect and trade their favorite stories in a way that mirrors the traditional hobby. It's about creating a vibrant marketplace that fosters community and injects a new level of excitement into the digital comic experience.&nbsp; With VeVe Comics, the future of comic book enjoyment is not just here, it's accessible to everyone, everywhere. So, the next time a major storyline unfolds in the Marvel Universe, you can be sure that fans around the world will be experiencing it together, thanks to the groundbreaking innovation

VeVe Comics: Democratizing the Comic Book Experience for a Global Audience

In the ever-evolving collecting world, collectors are constantly looking for new ways to differentiate value and make their collections stand out from the crowd. One collecting niche that has gained some notoriety due to its rarity is uncirculated collectibles, with toys and action figures being a very popular segment. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of uncirculated collectibles, exploring why they hold a special place in the hearts of collectors. What Makes A Toy UncirculatedThe main distinction between a circulated and uncirculated toy or action figure is that an uncirculated toy has never been touched by the public. For a toy or action figure to achieve an uncirculated designation, it needs to be sent into a grading company still sealed in its original manufacturer case, which typically contains multiple of the same toy. Each toy is then graded separately and encapsulated in its original retail packaging. <figure id="figure-p0lnpoptcnltrddckf"><img id="p0lnpoptcnltrddckf" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9gE9e0VU1vodeg2RdtiiKqyCxKwYn0E7bDUQNA9w6nnQankW8F2QGLMzdvFOREVv.jpg" alt="What Makes A Toy Uncirculated" title="What Makes A Toy Uncirculated" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9gE9e0VU1vodeg2RdtiiKqyCxKwYn0E7bDUQNA9w6nnQankW8F2QGLMzdvFOREVv.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>You might think that because a toy was unopened and in its original manufacturer case, it would be in perfect condition, but oftentimes toys still get damaged during transportation if they’re not handled properly. That being said, there’s still a good chance it will receive a higher than average grade. The rarity of the uncirculated grade is then just icing on the cake because few have access to unopened manufacturer cases to submit for grading!<figure id="figure-f07mivmd6nltrde4xh"><img id="f07mivmd6nltrde4xh" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/305Aioi2YxLnChudKIJhJXGpuvei04HiCGqEVYYVEMuioX0H8xCNRerb6KNtiqmX.png" alt="UNCIRCULATED 9.0 graded Batman action figure" title="UNCIRCULATED 9.0 graded Batman action figure" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Other Types of Uncirculated CollectiblesThere are numerous other types of collectibles that can receive uncirculated designations from grading companies including VHS, DVD, video games, sports cards, coins, paper money, and more! Pretty much any collectible that was shipped in an original manufacturer case could potentially receive an uncirculated grade if someone had the foresight to keep it sealed.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-biktbmgvvdltrdf4o0"><img id="biktbmgvvdltrdf4o0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/36Jy0WkDB9OSgBgvV3Q68fjQJKaKUSbOg5hDdC3g7SxexYMjzomLuaXnd7YZC8jx.jpg" alt="Uncirculated Walking Liberty Half Dollars" title="Uncirculated Walking Liberty Half Dollars" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="Uncirculated Walking Liberty Half Dollar" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/36Jy0WkDB9OSgBgvV3Q68fjQJKaKUSbOg5hDdC3g7SxexYMjzomLuaXnd7YZC8jx.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Uncirculated Walking Liberty Half Dollar</figcaption></figure>For numismatics (coins and paper currency), the uncirculated designation means something slightly different. All U.S. currency enters the economy through the Federal Reserve (besides special collector’s editions), so there isn’t a special packaging requirement like there is for toys. Instead, for coins or bills to qualify as uncirculated, they simply must be a high enough grade. The logic is that if the condition is good enough, a coin or bill must not have entered circulation and been used in regular day-to-day transactions.<figure id="figure-qkvvk4jqopltrdfnet"><img id="qkvvk4jqopltrdfnet" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/27bugbyKt7LQcS7oYwQ950ahkRX0hh8iCMebVTrxcNdK28ZMaNnQ7wMSED1T8KRC.png" alt="2001 GBC Game Boy Color Nintendo (USA) " title="2001 GBC Game Boy Color Nintendo (USA) " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="2001 GBC Game Boy Color Nintendo (USA) " data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/27bugbyKt7LQcS7oYwQ950ahkRX0hh8iCMebVTrxcNdK28ZMaNnQ7wMSED1T8KRC.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">2001 GBC Game Boy Color Nintendo (USA) "Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages" Sealed Video Game - VGA MINT Uncirculated 95</figcaption></figure>VHS, DVD, and video games work the same way as toys in that the uncirculated grade comes from the piece of media coming straight from the manufacturer box and never touching human hands. We’ve seen some really amazing uncirculated VHS tapes from the 80s and 90s, and it’s mind-blowing that full boxes of these tapes somehow managed to stay sealed all these years. Some great examples include The Land Before Time and Back to the Future!<figure id="figure-aojdx9mbw8ltrdg2bx"><img id="aojdx9mbw8ltrdg2bx" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1a3wg4k1W4W5yzC4zBItRkujvepHtJaLa3DB6bczdvlDV5B12ggYcYDVcT5oHMXn.png" alt="1990 Back To The Future Part II Factory-Sealed VHS Tape - Uncirculated, Side (Gap) MCA/UNIV WM, UPC 80914, White Tab - IGS Epic 10/Epic 10" title="1990 Back To The Future Part II Factory-Sealed VHS Tape - Uncirculated, Side (Gap) MCA/UNIV WM, UPC 80914, White Tab - IGS Epic 10/Epic 10" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="1990 Back To The Future Part II Factory-Sealed VHS Tape - Uncirculated, Side (Gap) MCA/UNIV WM, UPC 80914, White Tab - IGS Epic 10/Epic 10" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1a3wg4k1W4W5yzC4zBItRkujvepHtJaLa3DB6bczdvlDV5B12ggYcYDVcT5oHMXn.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">1990 Back To The Future Part II Factory-Sealed VHS Tape - Uncirculated, Side (Gap) MCA/UNIV WM, UPC 80914, White Tab - IGS Epic 10/Epic 10</figcaption></figure>Investment PotentialThe market for uncirculated grades in numismatics has been well-established for years, largely because the highest graded currency receives the designation by default. But the market around uncirculated sealed media like VHS, DVD, and video games is still very new and in a period of price discovery. We’ve certainly seen people pay a premium for uncirculated sealed media, and we ourselves have added a few uncirculated VHS to our collection. We’ve also speculated on the future value of uncirculated collectibles by keeping some of our NFT Funko physical redemptions sealed in the shipping box in order to receive the grade!ConclusionAt the end of the day, we don’t know the future of uncirculated collectibles. But we do understand the collector mindset and the need to differentiate value. When collectors with deep pockets enter these markets, they’re going to want the best of the best. And if there are two collectibles with identical grades but one is uncirculated, they’re going to prioritize the collectible that’s differentiated by an additional layer of rarity. We’re very excited to watch this collecting niche grow over the coming years!

The Significance of Uncirculated Collectibles

DIGITAL COLLECTING, CREATING & CONNECTING COMMUNITY CANON!

A couple weeks ago we had the honor of revealing the FIRST ever VeVe x CGC exclusive comic label to the world. It was amazing to collaborate with both of these incredible companies to help introduce this historic event to the collecting community. While we've received amazing responses about the video and announcement, we've also noticed a lot of comments expressing confusion as to why this was such a BIG DEAL. Well fear not, awesome people! We are here to provide you with a bit more context and knowledge as to why we're so excited about this landmark reveal!<figure id="figure-xnye9svyy9lsn8g8vx" data-full-width=""><img id="xnye9svyy9lsn8g8vx" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/39je3UkgpalEipk7bJm7xrSpXGvFceMFBHWLo1ojkUIS8ILmNBep1iZVYF7Ank5Z.jpg" alt="Veve X CGC Slab" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="medium" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="true" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/39je3UkgpalEipk7bJm7xrSpXGvFceMFBHWLo1ojkUIS8ILmNBep1iZVYF7Ank5Z.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>CGC is one of the industry leaders when it comes to collectibles grading, and because of that, their labels hold a lot of weight and value for serious physical collectors. CGC has created exclusive labels for<a data-mce-href="https://www.cgccomics.com/news/article/11386/fantast-selling-superman-provenance-batman/" href="https://www.cgccomics.com/news/article/11386/fantast-selling-superman-provenance-batman/"> large collections</a>, events like <a data-mce-href="https://www.cgccomics.com/news/article/12121/nycc-custom-label-reedpop/" href="https://www.cgccomics.com/news/article/12121/nycc-custom-label-reedpop/">NYCC</a>, artist-specific labels like for <a data-mce-href="https://boards.cgccomics.com/topic/498259-stan-lee-red-labels/" href="https://boards.cgccomics.com/topic/498259-stan-lee-red-labels/">Stan Lee</a>, and even some dedicated to <a data-mce-href="https://www.cgccomics.com/news/article/7873/" href="https://www.cgccomics.com/news/article/7873/">specific characters</a>. But they rarely collaborate with other companies or brands to make their own exclusive comic labels. In fact, we have only seen them collaborate with ONE other brand! <a data-mce-href="https://swau.com/blogs/blog/swau-announces-new-partnership-with-cgc-and-exclusive-custom-labels" href="https://swau.com/blogs/blog/swau-announces-new-partnership-with-cgc-and-exclusive-custom-labels">SWAU</a>, a company that organizes and sells autographed collectibles worldwide.We’ll say that again: only ONE other company has ever had the honor of creating their own exclusive comic labels with CGC. This is major validation from the physical collecting space and it shows that CGC supports what VeVe is doing to merge the physical and digital collecting worlds. And when this label is more widely produced, it will signal to other physical collectors that <a data-mce-href="https://www.veve.me" href="https://www.veve.me">VeVe </a>is here to stay. Not to mention the incredible impact that this can have on all VeVe original comics moving forward.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-ihpoomutl7lsn8jd7d"><img id="ihpoomutl7lsn8jd7d" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/21lPNGcqnbZjqu4ZqTKbK4FmYCBVrWbsEwAA5lj2VgWe5C3Be1BH4Zcm3GGjiNwl.png" alt="ENCODE Graphics" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/21lPNGcqnbZjqu4ZqTKbK4FmYCBVrWbsEwAA5lj2VgWe5C3Be1BH4Zcm3GGjiNwl.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>However, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen CGC collaborate with a company promoting the use of Web3. In 2021, CGC partnered with <a data-mce-href="https://www.encode.graphics" href="https://www.encode.graphics">ENCODE Graphics</a>, a comic publishing company that was founded by crypto artist <a data-mce-href="https://twitter.com/primal_cypher" href="https://twitter.com/primal_cypher">PR1MAL CYPHER</a>. Centered around futuristic concepts, ENCODE Graphics delves into narratives and artistic expressions inspired by the myths of cryptocurrency and the digital realm. Their first comic, “<a data-mce-href="https://www.encode.graphics/metatales" href="https://www.encode.graphics/metatales">Metatales #1</a>”, was slabbed by CGC and <a data-mce-href="https://www.manchesterdigital.com/post/crypto-bates-group/nfc-stickers-encoded-with-eth-based-nfts" href="https://www.manchesterdigital.com/post/crypto-bates-group/nfc-stickers-encoded-with-eth-based-nfts">encoded with NFC chips</a> using RFNFT® Technology developed by the CryptoBates Group. These NFC chips in the CGC comic slabs allowed the owner to claim an NFT from the physical comic. This is an awesome application of Web3 technology within physical collectibles, and we hope to see more releases like this!<figure id="figure-zonsag3lf5dlsn8n8xr"><img id="zonsag3lf5dlsn8n8xr" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/aQuDJLr0NG5YCTyP1wRkJmtW91yXffbb2zN6jvxMkcEjgLrJwqbba2jp5QCz06Rj.png" alt="Candy Digital platform" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/aQuDJLr0NG5YCTyP1wRkJmtW91yXffbb2zN6jvxMkcEjgLrJwqbba2jp5QCz06Rj.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>&nbsp;We believe partnerships like these will open the door for potential collaborations with other companies building in Web3. For example, DC Comics, who has been releasing comics through the <a data-mce-href="https://www.candy.com/dc?redirectFrom=DC" href="https://www.candy.com/dc?redirectFrom=DC">Candy Digital</a> platform, could easily collaborate with a grading company like CGC on phygital integrations. Holders from the <a data-mce-href="https://nftnow.com/news/dc-comics-believes-batman-nft-drop-will-be-a-watershed-moment/" href="https://nftnow.com/news/dc-comics-believes-batman-nft-drop-will-be-a-watershed-moment/">Bat Cowl</a> collection, which was co-created by renowned artist &amp; DC Comics President Jim Lee, have been voting on the outcome of new<a data-mce-href="https://www.candy.com/racing/editions/270fa10b-7c8e-4bfc-9819-41b9e1b2f2d2" href="https://www.candy.com/racing/editions/270fa10b-7c8e-4bfc-9819-41b9e1b2f2d2"> Batman: The Legacy Cowl</a> issues. It would be incredible to see these community-generated comics receive their own Candy Digital- or DC NFT-exclusive labels some day.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-z2wv3dm6omlsn8nyuw"><img id="z2wv3dm6omlsn8nyuw" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2bscLefrOxcqiiT9Pl8JqZkbEk2tr78ZOh81PFU7vMCR1nuwoaqQ4FP9u8cWBoNi.png" alt="Eon Rift" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2bscLefrOxcqiiT9Pl8JqZkbEk2tr78ZOh81PFU7vMCR1nuwoaqQ4FP9u8cWBoNi.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>There are many other amazing companies releasing original comic content, like Eon Rift, which is building a new IP ecosystem that includes digital comic books, digital collectibles, video games, phygital collectibles, a trading card game, merchandise and more. Eon Rift has an impressive leadership team with years of experience in the gaming and comic book industry. Their creative lead, Leri Greer, has over 15 years of experience in concept art at Peter Jackson's WETA studios, where he worked on some of the most successful and iconic film properties in recent history, including Avatar, Mad Max Fury Road, District 9, Ghost In The Shell, Elysium, and Chappie. The team also includes NY Times Bestselling Writer Tom Waltz, known for writing critically acclaimed comic book series and graphic novels, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Last Ronin. With Tom, they’ve started developing a series of digital comics called <a data-mce-href="https://comicmint.eonrift.com/" href="https://comicmint.eonrift.com/">Eon Rift: Ghost Machine</a>, which are hand-drawn but also include animations and some fun burn mechanics.<figure id="figure-xq6dcacrhblsn8oxif"><img id="xq6dcacrhblsn8oxif" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/18ygGwA2iwj4f3GqF8Tvn9o0iiqX4DbNQv0FfwH9fdrvmWNoPNNZOxlvpFCnwLmR.png" alt="Evermind" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/18ygGwA2iwj4f3GqF8Tvn9o0iiqX4DbNQv0FfwH9fdrvmWNoPNNZOxlvpFCnwLmR.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure> <a data-mce-href="https://247comics.com" href="https://247comics.com">247 Comics</a> is another exciting company releasing original Web3 comic content that is flipping the comic publishing model on its head. Through 247 Comics, the fans actually own the characters and can influence the direction of stories. They’ve released multiple original comics, including Evermind, by Marvel artist <a data-mce-href="https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Sean_Chen" href="https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Sean_Chen">Sean Chen</a> and actor <a data-mce-href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0943079/" href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0943079/">Daniel Wu</a>. 247 Comics has been doing some really interesting things with their comic IP, like their Evermind <a data-mce-href="https://twitter.com/0xPowerPacks" href="https://twitter.com/0xPowerPacks">Power Packs</a>. These packs contain digital comics that are redeemable for physical books, character avatars, tokens redeemable for physical original comic art, limited edition artist sketches, and 1-of-1 panel art. We’re super excited to see how 247 Comics continues to push the space forward!&nbsp;<figure id="figure-agz1fuylclsn8pfo7"><img id="agz1fuylclsn8pfo7" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2eYCeTBgoDVZztUf1oesWmd6WEqegcwSHhYXjc2YkdW9XQQTgaPszCvouLmgHa24.png" alt="A collector's world in the digital age." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>When we started Comics &amp; Crypto, we had a very specific motto in mind: <blockquote>A collector's world in the digital age.</blockquote>This was the first real hint of our ultimate goal: to bring the physical and digital collecting worlds together. And now, just a couple years later, we are witnessing the first steps of that finally taking place, and it makes us even more hopeful for what's to come! So, what does all this have to do with CGC x VeVe comic labels? In the short term, it demonstrates that VeVe has solidified its place in the physical comic collecting world, increasing brand recognition among those who may not take digital collectibles seriously. In the long term, this sets an amazing precedent: brands deeply entrenched in Web3 are just as important and collectible as those in the physical collecting space! It's thrilling to witness the bridge between physical and digital collecting growing stronger. We truly believe that this is the future of the collectibles space. And who knows... maybe we could see official digital comic slabs in the future? 😎

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