The supernatural Filipino komik series ‘Trese’ has gained huge popularity in the past year due to its anime adaptation released in mid-2021 via a streaming platform. However, the creators of ‘Trese’ gained backlash because of their decision to sell Trese art as NFTs.
On January 19, Trese co-creator Budjette Tan posted a tweet that announced the “Trese x Cryptopop” series, which are 13 ‘Trese’ motion paintings being sold as NFTs. These motion paintings were illustrated by Trese co-creator and cartoonist Kajo Baldisimo and NFT artist Luis Buenaventura.
When this news came out to the public, some fans congratulated the Trese creators, but others did not support their decision to go into the NFT space, with some really strong reactions from Twitter users and commonly pointing out how NFT is contributing to the destruction of the planet.
The Trese creators posted a message on the Trese Facebook page in response to this unfamiliar criticism.
In their post, the Trese creators talk about exploring new platforms for their komik in its early days. They spread the word about Trese on platforms like “Yahoo! Mailing Lists, PinoyExchange, Friendster, Multiply, Twitter, Plurk, DeviantArt and Facebook”. They talk about how they explore new platforms because of the fun they gain and the chance to find new readers.
“So, if me [Tan] and Kajo decide to try out a new platform to tell our stories, we’re doing it because it looks like a fun, new way to share our stories.”
They then tell those who don’t agree with their new NFT platform to share their knowledge on the topic at hand and promise to make a decision based on that. (As of writing, their auction is up on the OpenSeas website, so they’ve clearly made their decision)
In the comments of that Facebook post, people did give their opinions on NFTs.
This comment from Kate Lynn pretty much sums up most of the people’s thoughts: “The backlash against NFTs exists for a reason. As a long-time fan and admirer, I’m never going to be the one to curse out the creators for exploring different platforms, but I hope the negative reactions prompt y’all to research why NFTs are harmful to the environment and antithetical to the entire point of art.”
Whether or not one would agree with Trese’s creators’ decision to sell NFTs, it remains true that there are many cons to the selling and distribution of NFTs. This POP! article lists some negatives to this platform. Anyone can technically claim NFT works through right-clicking and saving. NFT’s are also extremely and infamously unfriendly to the environment. There also has been a history of stolen artist works that have been sold as NFTs.
Other POP! articles you might like:
A rare footage of Wong Kar Wai’s ‘In The Mood for Love’ up for auction, as NFT
Classic memes are selling like hot cakes (worth six-figures), thanks to NFTs
This hamster can trade cryptocurrency and is outpacing bitcoin
