I'm Selling My Entire Personal Comic Collection 

This is terrible news. I’ve been there before. It’s like a never ending cycle. Having to sell books that I love, just to pay the bills. Wishing nothing but the best for Thomas and you in the near future.

Sorry to hear about the difficulties. I admire what you and your brother are trying to do and have been supporting the business as much as I can. Keep going. You will be successful.

Been there my friend, had 2 long boxes of comics, Dad died in 1977. Had to sell my comics and gave the money to my Mom to pay bills and buy groceries. This was around 1982, the comic book store in Bloomington, Indiana gave me $300, today a handful would be worth $300. Today I have started collecting with my son.

Comic book collecting and running a business are definitely two different things. Business cycles can create stress and issues. Collecting and sticking books away and not getting too excited or depressed when prices change can go a long way.

Bidenomics, wars, shifty woke movies.... lots of variables add up

When I started my business a long time ago now as I am retired, I had to sell off things from my personal collection (my business was restoration of vintage pinball machines). It sucked, but it enabled me to fund my business. Over time I was even able to get back the machines I sold and ultimately I ran my business for twenty years before retiring. You are doing the right thing for the long term. Best of luck.

You will be on the next level with your service. Blown away with your collection Dave. You are an exceptional individual. So talented as well. You should have a record contract!!

I honestly don’t think the worst behind us. Technically we haven’t gone into a recession but that’s still on the horizon. The collectibles market will dip further with MCU not inspiring speculation and most casual collectors leaving for greener pastures. I see I further 20-30% on most books. Not to 2010-2011 levels, but to 2015-2016 prices.

The storm is long from over.

No shame in doing what you need to do. Proper adulting! Looking forward to your future auctions. It’s a quality service I’m glad to see you’re continuing!

I remember talking to a local gold/silver dealer a few years back when the precious metals market was dropping. He said the market being up or down didn’t really matter as long as you had a quick turnaround. I think that will have to be the way many comic dealers weather the storm. Work on smaller margins to keep the inventory flowing.

Hope ur still having fun with comics and will continue ur videos..Best of luck moving forward!

We're all pulling for you and your brother's business. Stay strong my brother.

A lot of people who invested heavily in formerly blue-chip comics in 2021-22 have lost thousands; in some cases tens or hundreds of thousands. It's not just a matter of 'course correction'. The reputation of comics as a solid investment is ruined. Having said that, I think there will always be interest in quality, affordable comics (by Neal Adams, Steranko, Wrightson, etc).

Although it tears me apart, I have sold many books recently too. Mainly because I need some cash, but also, I need to reduce my inventory and manage what I have. Been collecting since 1980. I usually sell what I no longer care about. I sold a short box of slabbed Clayton Crain books because, well, I was no longer interested in his work.... What sucks is when you sell something you love, like an 8.0 ASM #14. Those hurt. Good luck man.

I respect your dedication to your website. However, I'm not sure I agree with this move. You need to really ask yourselves where your website fits into the market with all the new apps and newer methods of buying, as well as already established auction houses. Maybe do the minimum to get bugs out of your website but as far as it reaching it's full potential, it may not be worth selling off such valuable books at a low point if the full potential of your website will still fall short of your expectations. Good luck in any case, I always enjoy your videos!

With all sincerity, I am congratulating you. In your video you point out that many newer dealers couldn't survive the unprecedented economic environment. You did. You are a survivor and were able to use your experience and wise stockpiling of key issues to provide the cushion you needed exactly when you needed it. The market has cooled to its long-term levels. You survived the last few insane comic years and learned from it. You will rebuild, prosper, and accumulate that retirement cushion faster than you think. All the best. I love your channel & I will check out your eBay listings.

I'm not in the business, just a collector. I buy books to keep, not to wheel and deal on the open market or to some day pass them along to some uninterested, ungrateful relative. I truly believe my collection will hold its value more if it's buried with me, because it will never mean as much to anyone else. But I see the look on Dave's face and boy do I know that feeling. I had to sell my meager collection after graduating from high school years ago and though it wasn't much, it included some gems like a complete run of the Silver Surfer, Hulk 181 and my John Byrne X-Men. I would walk from store to store only to get reamed by shop owners. One in particular went on quite a tirade saying "I got a ton of X-Men in exactly the same condition. What makes you think I'm going to pay top dollar for more?" All he and the others had to do was say he wasn't interested but they used this attitude as a tactic to get me to sell for pennies on the pennies on the dollar, which I was desperate enough to do. Years later I told myself if I ever get back to collecting it won't be for the dollar value per se (it never was even in the beginning), but for what they mean to me. For those on the business side of things like Dave it's rare for collectors like me to see the human face of these price fluctuations. I have total empathy for what Dave is going through, and I like many other here hope everything turns out well for him in the end. And just in case anyone was wondering, recently I got back into collecting and have vowed to purchase back every book I sadly had to sell all those years ago. Dave, you too will weather the storm. A great guy with a great attitude will always have a spot in this unforgiving marketplace.

This is awesome news!! The PC can be enjoyed by many customers. Blessed, you must be so thankful to spread that much joy. Joy to others before one can enjoy their own.

Hulk 181 is so overvalued. So much more inventory is going to hit the market. Look how many copies he has and think of all the other dealers who hoarded copies.

Wishing up the best of luck in the future. My only advice is don’t get rid of anything that you still really love and probably couldn’t ever replace.

Honest appraisal of the situation, comic book market has certainly taken a massive beating. Your work ethic and belief in your future direction deserves to be rewarded. I wish you the best and i very much like your content. 🙂👍🙂👍.

You'll get through this, and be a lot wiser for it. You'll be able to build on this, and because you have a clear goal in mind, you'll be fine. Sure, it won't always be roses, but at least you know when to regroup and move forward. All the best, and I look forward to more of your videos.

A lot of solid books. I’ve bought from you before and nothing but a great experience. I see why people would rather just consign. No risk, no overhead. Even seeing my own collection take a hit sucks, couldn’t imagine it being my buisness. Keep pushing through and I know you have people in your corner like your dad.

I appreciate your honesty about the market and most of us collectors have been where you at including your dad I’m sure. I sold a majority of my comics a few years ago and bought art but may get back in the market if prices are reasonable again.

You're all about investment, Dave. This is just another lesson that you're teaching us. Unfortunately this time it's at your expense. But this is proof that nothing is guaranteed in the world of collecting & investing & this is why it's a wise decision to invest in comics. You have a bad financial year... don't worry, dump some books. Get back in the green and re-invest. And the world will move forward. Best of luck with the sales. I hope you get what you need 🤘🏻

I had to sell my house and move in May. I was forced to sell a few keys and got killed. 😥

Sorry about the tough times. You will get through this. Wishing you the best.

Sold my collection 3 times. The fun for me has always been the chase. It gets unwieldy and then time to go. You’ll have a better collection in the future. Love your videos. Stay positive, this is just a blip.

Dang, now seems like the time to hunker down and HODL. I have a bunch of books I want to sell but it seems like the market is forming a bottom. Thankfully my work is outside of comics so I can wait till the market rebounds, but I totally understand.The comic community is lucky to have you

Classic though. People often ask me, how do I get my inventory, and I've told them: DDDR Death Divorce Devastation (such as large bills or financial need) And the one THAT is GOOD - IS THE "R": Retirement Those are the 4 things that bring great stuff out to the market.....unfortunately 3 of them are BAD. The one thing I will say to collectors, IF you have to sell - DO THE RIGHT THING with the proceeds. Don't sell everything and hop a plane to Las Vegas. If you use the proceeds to pay down your mortgage, or eliminate debt, or pay off general bills, or use it for college costs - these are ALL good things. Hell, I sold my old toys (I'm 59) at flea markets to help pay off my house early (in 11 years). Paying off my house early allowed me to save for retirement and pay completely for my son's education (so he DOESN'T have any debt and can start off life CLEAN). See the "domino effect" (some call it the butterfly effect..but whatever) . Bottom line - It all began with just going to the fleas and selling off toys I didn't care about anymore. I"m still doing it and in fact, my son is having me sell some of his old toys...

Books going up because of movies never made sense to me. It’s just comic book buyers not new fans fake inflating the value.

You have to do what you have to do. I believe that most people in this hobby realize that there may come a time when some, if not all, of their collection must be sold off for their own betterment.

Awesome collection bro. I have my own reselling business for a few years and I had to do the same thing. I think everything works out for the best. Also we have very similar taste in comics. Thank you for sharing.😊

As a new collector, this "terrible" market has been fantastic :) one man's loss is another's gain

I sat on some very solid books that I should of sold back in 2021 and as much as it sucks that I didn't, I realize now that it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The road ahead is always more difficult than the one behind us. There may come a day when a lot of these books recover but the truth that a lot of them won't. You'll have to make the tough choices now but in the long run books like AF#15 will never be a bad investment.

I’am glad you guys started charging 5%. It’s a good service and we want you to succeed. You must have 150k+ worth of stuff just in that little amount there. There is still money to be made in this space especially if you buy and hold. Best Wishes and Much Love!

God bless 🎉 you got this. Just keep pushing through. Love your website and auctions. I'll be back supporting you as soon as I can too...2nd baby is taking its toll on my hobby lol

Keeping your eyes on the goal! You will bounce back well.

Comic books shouldn't be investments. I'm glad the market corrected so that people who couldn't afford these amazing books can get their hands on them.

I'm sorry to hear your going through this rough patch. Wishing you success moving forward. You're a realistic and you'll do fine, unlike other dealers that are living in delusion.

Long time watcher. And collector. Hang in there kid. Take a step back to gain 3 ahead. Glad you’re staying in the bussines.

Don’t do it. History repeating. Remember Dad’s collection. A life full of regret beckons.

It is tough out there for sure. Those who have the grit to hustle to stay the course will be rewarded. Best of luck

Glad to see you weathered the storm and are able to stay into comics. Rebuilding the collection is half the fun

Im a retired Banker, got back into collecting before the Covid rush early 2020. I say prices can still fall another 40%-50%. Stock market pushing all time highs, real estate still attractive. There's just better opportunities, in safer assets. Not to mention Bitcoin, Gold, and Silver..

I would keep af 15, sell everything else! But yeah, comics are near worthless these days, i wish i hadn't gone crazy with grading a few years ago bc nothing moves and i put all the grading costs on credit and still paying that shit off😢 ugh another casualty here. Surprised comic shops even exist now

He went all in and is beaten!

With a web business, I would get out of California, Save on taxes and the cost of living. Hope you do not have to get rid of your entire P.C. and can have some to retire on.

Nothing but good vibes. I can tell you will make it.

Your website and service is top notch! Books come quick!! Heritage tells me a month before they'll get here.

Such beautiful pieces of history. Don’t forget that.

You'll never notice an armoured-car following closely behind a funeral-procession. It's a passion, a hobby, an investment. But in the end, when we leave, the hobby does not follow. Stay the course, continue to make the tough decisions. No storm lasts forever...

Sorry to hear about the difficulties but I'm sure you'll be fine in the end and I can appreciate pushing through to achieve a goal. You've given me a lot of free content over the years I appreciate it. That being said I would not be opposed to buying one of those X-Men number ones off of you 👌

Never before in history have mega-bluechips like AF#15 halved in value. That was a fool-proof investment for almost 60 years, but no longer. A ton of corporate-level investors who bought in 2020-22 have taken a bath to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars. They won't be back buying comics any time soon -- the ones who aren't jumping out of windows, that is.

I thought you bought collections. The money is in the mid tier books. Focusing only on big books, particularly non blue chip, is generally a losing proposition.

Good luck Dave, move the hell.out of California already. Ill be looking at those ASM 238s

I’m sorry to hear that you’re selling your PC bro, but I understand. Oftentimes, we have to do what we got to do in order to get to where we want to be. I wish you all the best going forward my guy! 🤜🏾🤛🏻

Sorry to hear you and your brother need to sell off your PC. Stay strong. There will be brighter days ahead. Thank you for all of the content you have put out. Please let me know the best way to support you going forward.

The market got way too crazy. I knew it was going to come back down to earth.

It is indeed what it is David, it can only be what it is! keep on pushing forward 👍👍

Oh man, was hoping this was clickbait! You make some great videos. I am sure you will get through this bro. It takes a lot to make such a big decision so I admire you!

You can hear it in your voice. Hang strong. Your content is solid, your site is solid (I just used it last auction, didn't get top dollar but excellent service, want to use it again) Keep on grinding 🖖🏾

David, I am very sorry to hear you sell your PC to keep solvent. I've heard similar things from other dealers. After this, I'm sure you'll rise like a "Phoenix" even stronger than before. Good luck.

i like colleting stuff one down side is space, i wouldent mind buying comics, cards and toys. the space is a killer for me plus getting older for me to move a collection of 100 boxes 200 boxes from one room to the next then to go and sell it to break even or take a loss. then to keep on adding to the collection taking a chance of it getting damaged.

When it comes to your kids always be the more loving one. But your job and income should always be the more loving one.

Have enjoyed the channel. Hang in there bud.

Sad to see you go. I have enjoyed your shows allot!

Too bad you are selling your pc, but you are staying in business, and thats a good thing, lve followed your channel for a while, you guys are honest and great for the comic collecting community. Moving forward, l wish you the best of luck.

Yah when you're a dealer essentially you're a market maker and have to buy on the way down as well as up.

I’m in the same boat. I have an ASM 129 in a 9.4 and Spider-Man 1 platinum in a 9.8 and Spider-Man 300 in a 9.2. The problem for me is I don’t want to sell on eBay or any delivery method bc I’m afraid of scams or the legwork involved. I’m basically talking to comic book shops that are giving me 40-65% of recent sold data. I should have sold them in 2022, but here we are. In 2022 I was offered $8,500, for all 3, now I’m being offered $5900. Should I take it?

The collectibles market is tricky. I deal in art (collectibles) and original comic art so it's a bit different since each piece is one of a kind....and NOT gradable per se......thank heaven, as I HATE grading companies and how they rip people off. Counting on collectibles to be your retirement is VERY tricky and risky. Hate to say it...but invest monthly in mutual funds (like a good S&P500 index fund - some funds gave out some decent dividends and long term gains this year) for retirement. We are all guilty of counting on collectibles to fund our retirement...but honestly, you shouldn't really do it. YOu will make money...more than likely..but maybe not as much as you think....OR need. The one thing about collectibles is that they are NOT liquid. I guess the last thing I can only suggest to people, is DON'T get caught up in a buying frenzy as during the pandemic.....buy NOW when things are low. But if things get nuts again....and prices skyrocket...then consider selling.

Good luck Dave, I sincerely hope that things get better for you

I still work and buy collections and sell on eBay to build my pc. I’ve always bought the unwanted collections like complete runs. I’ve tried the big ones but they’re always a risk so I just keep them. I’m luckily still doing well with the cheaper stuff but it definitely takes longer to move now. I feel yer pain brother my big books have taken a hit as well.

I can see how difficult this is for you dave. Taking a big risk selling your retirement collection to fund your business. I sold my collection to buy my first house so I know the feeling. This will work out for you and you will start a new personal collection for the future.

People alway buys the highs and hold them during those times, and when things tank... they sell. I love it lol

Sorry to hear. Thing about it is all hobby collectibles were on same graph… look at sport cards. Baseball basketball and football cards.

sorry to nitpik - with that Batman art piece - you prolly mean "credited to Bob Kane." Not actually Bob Kane, we dont know which poor sucker in the mail room drew that loll

NNNOOOOO!!!!! Man I always enjoyed your auctions and videos. Best of luck.

we all been there as collectors I sold off alot of my silvers and keys in early 2000 s and then again in 2015 . since then I have slowly built up my pc. I know alot of the pedigree books that I owned are never to be seen again ...

come live in Cambodia, but no comics here.. Sorry to hear you are selling your collection, what you have shown is beautiful man!

Hard times, indeed. Dang Bro, thought you’d become a savvy computer programer and handle your business site yourself. But my question is, is there a layaway plan? Thank you for your content and best wishes in your endeavors.

How much for the spiderman statue.

Broh… been here since the YT beginning and bought $$$$ in your auctions. Do not extend yourself but also doubling down on your business that generates revenue is the right call. So much more I can say but I also believe this transparency builds trust in community and we all know how important that is in comics. 3-6 months the tide will turn. #InDeadpoolWeTrust

Good luck with the website. Always stings to sell at a loss but sometimes you have to do so to move forward. I would hold onto the books that can’t be easily replaced if possible and sell the rest.

No one seems to be telling you not to sell, so here goes. Don’t sell. No one can know where prices will go, but selling low and buying high is not a good recipe. Earn more to save your investments, don’t sell your investments to earn more. Now feel free to completely ignore me, just had to say something.

Good luck man, it will be fun rebuilding later.

Where's your eBay store where these will be listed? All the best!

Well it is what it is. Not gonna feel bad because your PC still beats the hell out of most of ours and you made a quick buck during the boom. Better to let those duplicates out into the wild for individual PC’s , they’re just collecting dust for a reseller and they’ll make someone’s day having a chance to own it.

I have so so so been there, I've sold 2 collections basically ( wife's medical bills) and over time, I feel I got a good chunk back with some kick ass new stuff as well. I know from experience how crazy hard it can be to let stuff go, I definitely feel for you. Both me and my wife have enjoyed your videos, especially through the pandemic. I didn't know things where that bad, Im gonna reach out.

Sorry to hear you are selling your personal collection, you have some amazing books. great video. thanks for sharing some more of your personal history as a comic book investor/collector/dealer. Here's hoping better days are ahead! take care and hope you have a Merry Christmas (or whatever holidays you choose to celebrate!)

Sucks man. I've had to sell many things in my collection to help myself or others out. I have a couple graded copies of Crime 22...if you're ever interested. Reach out. Love your content and I will most definitely be using your consignment on your site in the future. You will do well! I know it.

As a marketing guy, I know how important and expensive running a website is. I can promise you, it’s worth it! SEO is everything…just be careful because some developers will charge wayyyy too much for simple content. Good luck! I’m hoping to purchase a few comics :)

how much are you selling the raw Hulk 181 for?

Your going to be just fine. 👍

I predict house or baby! 😂

Sorry to hear this. That albedo #2 9.8 is insane btw

Good luck David, the market should be able to absorb those books in the coming months at good prices I hope.

That FF 1.... 🤤 My grail....wish I could casually afford it.

This is terrible, you have a stack of comics that you bought for $200 each that you will make 20× the initial investment on, that most of us working people could only dream of adding to our collections 😢