Bored Ape Yacht Membership (BAYC) has not too long ago launched a picture that includes its mascot in samurai-style artwork. The picture exhibits Curtis holding a flaming katana, with Japanese katakana spelling out the venture’s identify, while Jimmy the Monkey looms above the BAYC clubhouse.

The publish, shared on Wednesday through the official BAYC X account, supplied no context or additional commentary however its sudden launch prompted a wave of equivalent reposts from group members, elevating questions on its significance.

Yuga Labs has not confirmed whether or not the picture is linked to a brand new product, occasion, or artistic route. Nonetheless, an off-the-cuff comment by Yuga Labs CEO Greg Solano hinted at group curiosity in potential merchandise, although no such plans have been introduced.

Key Insights

• BAYC teases new art work displaying mascot Curtis with a flaming sword and Japanese script
• The publish coincides with different unrelated updates from BAYC, together with a governance vote and extra
• Yuga Labs has not confirmed whether or not the art work is linked to an upcoming venture

What do we all know to this point?

On June 18, the Bored Ape Yacht Membership posted a stylised picture that includes a number of of its recurring characters. The scene exhibits Curtis, the venture’s main mascot, wielding a flaming katana in entrance of the clubhouse, while “Bored Ape Yacht Membership” seems in Japanese katakana. Jimmy the Monkey, one other central character within the BAYC universe, is proven within the background above the construction.

The publish was made with out supporting clarification and no hyperlinks or follow-up statements have been printed by the official BAYC or Yuga Labs accounts. Nonetheless, Yuga Labs CEO Greg Solano has remarked individually {that a} “restricted version BAYC katana would slap,” although no additional plans had been confirmed.

There isn’t any present indication that the picture is promotional or tied to a particular marketing campaign.

What’s new with Bored Ape Yacht Membership?

While the that means of the art work stays unclear, BAYC has been energetic on a number of unrelated fronts:

• Governance Vote: The ApeCoin DAO is at the moment voting on AIP-596, a proposal by Solano to close down the DAO and switch its property to a brand new entity referred to as ApeCo. Over 20 million $Ape has already been solid and voting closes on June 26.
• Telegram Sticker Pack: BAYC has additionally introduced an upcoming sticker drop through Telegram. The pack will include digital collectibles with in-app emote performance.
• Merchandise Plans: Solano additionally confirmed that an “always-on” on-line merchandise retailer is in improvement to permit BAYC members to buy branded objects year-round. Nonetheless, no launch date has been introduced.

As of now, there isn’t any indication that the not too long ago launched art work is linked to those developments as there had been no formal bulletins, and no timeline supplied for additional updates.

The Bored Ape Yacht Membership has beforehand used visible releases to introduce campaigns or initiatives, however with out affirmation, it stays unclear whether or not this newest publish is an element of a bigger initiative.