Welcome back my CryptoComics compatriots. I wanted to dive back into the dynamic world of web3 comics. I know that a lot of you are wondering what exactly that is. Well, let me tell you. Let’s start out with first explaining the difference between 1-3.

Web1 and Comics

The good old days, also known as the “read-only web”. Web1 is your static, unchanging comics with minimal user interactions. Basically, comics posted online are fixed comic pages or strips with VERY little features. Your basic HTML & CSS.

For those that don’t know HTML is your typical scripting language and CSS is the design. Think of it like this; you write a letter, HTML is all the content of that letter; headings, copy, address, signature on the bottom. CSS is the language that makes it look good; font, color, formatting, and more. Oversimplification, but you get the idea.

Now that you got a taste of the languages behind the internet, let’s get back to comics.

With the good old web1, this is simply a digital version of your printed comic with nothing more. This was a strictly one-way experience due to a lack of ability to leave comments, or even engage through social media.

This was a downward flowing river from creator to reader. No swimming against the current here. Then there was Web 2.0.

Web2 and Comics

Now we have started to move into the “participative social” era of comics. Web2 brought a significant shift to the comic realm due to things such as social networks, comment systems, and more mobile devices.

User generated content, usability, and a participation culture allowed readers to engage in a more nuanced way. I’ve personally submitted fan art to sites, commented on my favorite scenes, and even bookmarked my place in order to come back later.

I’ve shared comic books with friends on Facebook & LinkedIn along with reviewed them on YouTube. E-Comics even started out as nothing more than an online comic platform. For more information about that, check out our Origin Story.

This new atmosphere fostered vibrant communities where creators could connect with fans. Like everything else, it started to evolve.

Web3 and Comics

Our current state on the internet is upon us. Web3 is here! This is the next generation of the internet. I know that there is a Captain Picard reference in there somewhere. More on that later.

This new era is typically characterized by decentralization, openness, & enhanced user utilities. As far as comics go, this new phase incorporates fantastic technologies like blockchain, AI, and more. The focus is on personalization, ensuring a tailor-made user experience as well as privacy. I know I said openness but let me explain in a bit.

I know a lot of people often fear this, but change is good. Growth is inevitable. It’s what you do with it that can lead to either success or failure. Let’s head back to my previous Star Trek reference to help elaborate.

How Does Star Trek Relate To Comics

It’s September 28th 1987 in the real world and 2364 on TV. 100 years since Kirk finished his historic 5 year mission. In our world that’s 6,691 days or roughly 18 years. The stupid trivia I know would amaze or bore you.

Anyway, when TNG (The Next Generation) came out, people were livid. “How could you have Star Trek without Kirk!?!” “This isn’t Star Trek!!!”

By season 3, the hate subsided. This became the norm and eventually beloved. Hell, Star Trek is still going strong today. We just had to give it time and embrace the changes. 

Now back to comics and technology.

AI Generated Art

People fear AI generated art. I understand the concern. I see the controversy and agree with all the hate and backlash from the artistic community.

Before we grab the pitchforks and form a mob, let’s take a quick step back.

Artist said that they would be out of a job. They said the same thing when the printing press was created. Artist would be out of a job if artwork could be created so easily. They also had the same concerns when Photoshop was released.

Artists adapted and simply incorporated this into their work to begin saving time and producing more work. It can be the same for AI art if we let it.

Dan Cote (ZEN Intergalactic Ninja, RE, Tales of Tesla) is a revolutionary creator since BEFORE I got into comics. He once told me that he simply incorporates AI into his art, not replace it. You can check out his groundbreaking work by clicking on any of the comics below.

Personally, I have used it to aid me in panel layout, and even with some reference material. I also often use it for featured images in various blog articles such as the one for  this blog post. I wouldn’t dream of using it to draw out a page or comic.

A little while ago, writer/designer James Leech accused Andrea Sorrentino of using AI for a recent issue of Batman! In response, Andrea posted a video on Instagram showing part of the art part of the art process for one of the contested panels. For more information check out this article from Bleeding Cool.

I use art to help relax after a tough day. I would be eliminating that release valve as well as cheating readers if I used AI to create a comic.

We need to find a happy balance and then (and only then) will the world fully embrace AI Art.

Blockchain and You

Here at CryptoComics we are all about blockchain technology. I’ve written so many articles about this that I’ve lost count. Here is one of my personal favorites, Blockchain Technology Explained in Laymen’s Terms.

Basically, it can enhance the comic reading experience by providing a secure and transparent way to manage your digital ownership. Creators can “tokenize” their comics. This creates a digital asset or NFT (we call these assets). This asset represents actual ownership of that digital version of the said asset. Think of it this way, if you buy a digital movie; can you later sell it after watching it?

When you resell it, can the creator make residential income? Smart contracts can automate royalty payments to creators whenever their comics are resold. This ensures fair compensation as well as fosters a sustainable creative ecosystem.

Decentralized platforms can also enable fans to participate in the creative process through crowdfunding initiatives or even collaborative storytelling where token holders (you, the buyer) vote on either plot directions or character development.

Blockchain also supports exclusive access to new content, events, or even merch. This can create a much more dedicated fan base. By simply leveraging all of blockchains wonderful capabilities, the comic industry as a whole could create a dynamic, fair, & engaging environment for both creators and fans.

NFT Backlash & How We Strive To Overcome This

Scammers have increasingly used blockchain technology to commit fraud. This is typically due to the frequent use of pseudonyms and the decentralization nature and “newness” of this recent technology.

One common scam involves creating counterfeit NFTs. These villains (bringing it back to comics) mint tokens that they falsely claim represents the original artwork. Basically they are taking a document that they found online and try to pass it off as theirs.

Buyers would purchase these, only to later discover their lack of authenticity and value. Another common scam is one I refer to as the “Rug Pull.”

Con Artists promote and sell tokens for a project or a new type of cryptocurrency that they abandon once they have amassed a significant amount of money faster than Daenerys Targaryen lost her mind in season 8. You know what I’m talking about. Anyway, this left the token holders with absolutely worthless assets. This type of activity exploits the hype and novelty that inherently surrounds NFTs. This preys on the consumer's excitement & lack of knowledge and due diligence.

Combating Frauds

Several measures must be implemented to truly enhance security & transparency in blockchain spaces. First, increase regulations and oversight to establish standards and accountability. Make it harder for these con artists to operate.

Second, platforms need to implement a robust verification process for creators, ensuring that assets are minted by legitimate holders.

Third, education. As a teacher, this one holds a special place for me. We need to educate users about any and all risks as well as signs of potential scams. Encourage users to research more thoroughly before making a purchase or investments.

Future Articles

I would love to do an entire series of articles about this topic with interviews from lawyers, developers, technology professionals, educators, and consumers (both the average Joe and the well informed) in order to help bridge the gap between myths and reality of this new powerful technology. 

Comment below if you would be interested in both reading this or would like to help spread some of your insights into this topic.