Q1: How long have you been interested in comics?
A1: All of my life!
Q2: Are you strictly an online retailer or do you also own a brick and mortar location? Which do you think is more lucrative from a business perspective?
A2:We are strictly online right now. From a business perspective, I would have to say that brick and mortar has the potential to be far more lucrative of the two, but it is also far riskier.
There will always be a great advantage in being able to go in and hold a comic in your hands before you buy it. Plus, I believe that an LCS is more than just a store, it is a social experience as well. A good LCS is a place where you look forward to spending time and interacting with the staff and other customers, this is something that can not be replicated as an online retailer. That being said, the convenience of a good online retailer is very important as well, especially in times like these.
The most lucrative option though, is the hybrid shop. Combining the LCS with the online shop, while tricky to pull off well, gives you the most potential.
Q3: How has the pandemic affected sales?
A3: The pandemic has been a bit of a bumpy ride for sales, especially in the beginning. When the Pandemic first started getting bad, Diamond Comic Distributors closed their doors, meaning no new comics were being shipped. This obviously had a very negative effect on sales since New Comic Day and the few days after it are our (and most other shops’) biggest days. Since comics have continued distribution, things have leveled off and gone pretty much back to normal. As an online only retailer, the pandemic has not been as devastating to us as it has with many brick and mortar shops. It has been very sad and unfortunate to see so many stores have to permanently close their doors as a result.
Q4: Does the digital age scare you as a physical copy seller?
A4: Not at all! I believe that as long as there are comic book collectors, there will always be a demand for physical comic books. A comic book is not just a story, it is also a piece of art. The joy of holding your grail comic in your hands after searching for a good copy can never be replaced. Neither can the feeling of displaying that book proudly in your own home.
I actually see digital comics as a good thing for the industry overall (when done properly). Being able to have access to digital comics opens the door for new and old comic book fans to go back and read the books that are not so easily obtained anymore. A fan of spider-man can easily read Amazing Fantasy #15 to see his story from the beginning. This could then pique their interest and make them want to get into physical comics etc…
Q5: What is the rarest comic/collectible you have ever possessed?
A5: For rare and valuable I would probably say Eternals #1 in 9.8. If just counting rarity, then the “red rose” edition of Damsels #1 which only had 10 copies printed.
Q6: What is your grail comic?
A6: My absolute grail would be Action Comics #1, as I feel it is the catalyst for comics as we know them today. The price tag on that one makes it a bit unobtainable for most though.
My obtainable grail is Spider-man #300. Venom is my all-time favorite comic book character, so his first full appearance is an obvious choice. Beyond that though, McFarlane’s cover art for this issue will always stand out as nothing less than iconic in my eyes.
Q7: Comic, Graphic Novel, or Omnibus, and why?
A7: I would say that all 3 of the options serve a purpose in their own way, but for me, a comic book will always come out on top. You can not beat the collectability/displayability of a comic. There is also something about flipping through a longbox of comics and seeing all the covers that cannot be beaten.
Q8: What advice do you have for people that want to enter this business?
A8: The first piece of advice is to make sure you have a plan before you start and be careful not to overreach early on. I would say choose between an online store and brick and mortar store first, do not try to do both in the beginning. Each has its own complexities, so you should master one before attempting the other.
Second, do not expect to be successful for a while. Just like with opening any business, you have to get your name out there and build a customer base before you can be successful. The tricky part about comics is there are tons of very successful options out there already, especially in the online arena. It may take you years before you begin to see a profit, so you need to be committed.
The last and most important piece of advice is, always have the customer in mind with everything you do. My goal for every customer I have is for them to be a repeat customer, and as a collector myself, I know what I like and what I dislike when buying comics online. This is why I developed all of my policies based on what would make me happy as a customer. So, before you make a business decision, ask yourself how you would feel on the other end of it.
Q9: Best comic/arc of 2020?
A9: Thor’s The Devourer King would have to be my top choice, with Venom Beyond not far behind. Overall, I would say Donny Cates has been killing it this year.
Q10: As the country’s economy continues to tank because of the pandemic, do you think the comic book industry faces extinction?
A10: Not at all. While I think that it will be more important than ever that the comic book industry continues to adapt to the changing climate, I believe that the industry will continue to grow. I think next year will be one of the industry’s biggest years in fact.
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