By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Cartamundi Group and Warner Bros. Consumer Products have launched a new line of licensed DC Hybrid Trading Cards by Hro.
The new program combines physical cards with collectible NFTs. Founded in 1970, Cartamundi Group is a prolific manufacturer, producer, and distributor of board games, collectible card games, playing cards, and more.
“Cartamundi is excited to partner with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to bring a new breakthrough hybrid physical and digital fan engagement platform and solution ‘Hro’ to market,” says Stefaan Merckx, Chief Executive Officer at Cartamundi.
“As a company, we’re committed to bringing our partners and fans global unprecedented experiences and innovative solutions.”
The Hro application will give fans the opportunity to own a physical trading card with an NFT component. This combination brings blockchain technology together with in-store presence. The DC Hybrid Trading Cards will use NFTs minted on Immutable X, an Ethereum-based, carbon-neutral, Layer2 blockchain.
“Trading cards have been a favorite of fans for decades; combining that enthusiasm for collecting with a custom NFT is just brilliant, and this program brings the DC brand to fans in a way that’s never been done before,” said Pam Lifford, President of Warner Media Global Brands and Experiences.
“This platform will provide fans a whole new way to engage with their favorite characters from across the DC Multiverse and even expand their ability to interact with other collectors.”
Each DC Hybrid Trading Card by Hro features iconic DC characters and scenes. Each card will be equipped with a unique QR code that connects the physical card to its digital twin on the Hro app. Once connected, the Hro application gives customers access to a 24/7 global marketplace to buy, sell and trade.
“Hro gives DC fans, crypto enthusiasts and trading card collectors a first-of-its-kind opportunity to step into a deeper fan experience and enter their gateway to a new era,” says Ann Viaene, chief marketing officer, Cartamundi. “We’re honoring the best of DC by featuring iconic heroes, villains, locations, gadgets and moments fans know and love.”
The licensed trading card collection will be released this month, with additional and limited-edition DC content coming throughout the year.