Interview Series with Seller - Mark Buckingham

     This interview series is with long-time seller Mark Buckingham.  About three years ago I got back into comics pretty heavily.  It lead me to trying to find books anywhere locally and that's when I came across a comic garage sale in my area thrown by Mark.  And it was one of the best ones I've been to!  And I look forward to it every year as he always has great stuff.  He had half of his books organized and the other have were all random, which I enjoy thoroughly, as I love digging and finding good books.  So it was nice to be able to get a chance to interview him for the blog as he in essence got me back into comics.

What got you into comics?

• When I was twelve years old, my dad took me and my brother to the annual Sporting Expo in Cleveland.  Since I really had no interest in fishing, hunting or wilderness fun at the time, I just aimlessly wandered the Expo floor.  For whatever reason, there was a comic book vendor there in a 10x10 booth with long-boxes of comics.  I had a few dollars in my pocket and decided to purchase the DC Comics mini-series "Legends" after diving into the boxes.  I then went to the food court area and spent my time reading a fun mini-series and opening my mind to the world of comic books.

Favorite childhood memory about comics? 

• Purchasing a copy of Giant Size X-Men #1 at a comic book show inside of Chapel Hill Mall in Akron in 1988.

What got you into selling comics?

• I simply have too many comics!

Biggest mistake you made when you started selling?

• Failing to keep track of all of my expenses.

What’s your favorite character or title to collect?

• Since my first comic books I purchased was the "Legends" mini-series, Superman and the Justice League hold a special place in my heart.  I also cannot leave out the X-Men.  As part of the LGBTQIA+ family, the underlying themes of the X-Men speak to me.

Next big thing for your personal collection?  Your grail?

• I would love to own some original comic panels from the Master of the Universe 1980's comic book series. I grew up collecting the action figures (which I still have), so having the original comic book artwork would be awesome! My goal is to have a sizeable collection to leave for my nephew and niece.

Most unique or favorite thing in your collection?

• Giant Size X-Men #1

Raw or Graded? Why? 

• I lean towards raw just so I can go back and read a book or look at artwork. However, I would never rule out grading an older or more rare book just so it could be protected.

Best find or score?

• I have to go back to that Giant Size X-Men #1

Advice to new sellers or collectors.

• Collecting 101: Collect what you enjoy and love!  It will never lose value. Also, make friends and connections with others in the industry.  Having a great network of comic book friends provides you more enjoyment and additional knowledge and resources.

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