Interview Series with Whatnot Seller - Kash Hatton of Sinbad Comics

     I recently created a post in a Whatnot Facebook group I'm in to get their input on selling on this platform.  If you haven't yet, you can download the app by using my link below and getting $10 off on your first purchase!  It's a live bidding app that allows you to bid on all sorts of collectibles, including of course comics.  Kash of Sinbad Comics was nice enough to reply back to my call out and do an interview with us.  He's got some great stories and collects some of most incredible rare books out there!

What got you into comics? 

• I was a voracious reader as a child (still am). I spent a lot of time in second-hand book shops. One of those shops had a box of comics (mostly Tales of Suspense and Jungle Action) for 15 cents each. I bought a few and have been hooked ever since.

Favorite childhood memory about comics?

• My favorite childhood memory about comics is sitting around with my friends reading, comparing collections, and trading. Great fun enjoying a hobby we all loved.

What got you into selling comics?

• I got into selling comics a a means to make money to buy comics. That's pretty much still the reason I sell.

Biggest mistake you made when you started selling?

• When I started selling seriously, I would say that my biggest mistake was buying too many mediocre collections. I was focused on volume instead of the quality of the books. I ended up with hundreds of boxes of "filler" that I eventually sold for $10 per box just to get it out of my house.

What’s your favorite character or title to collect?

• My current focus is on collecting comics mentioned in Frederic Wertham's 1954 book "Seduction of the Innocent" (SOTI). For those unfamiliar with the work, it helped kick off the comic censorship craze that led to the formation of the Comics Code Authority. I have a couple of First Editions of the book itself. One for my collection, and one I use for reference.

Next big thing for your personal collection?  Your grail?

• This is always a moving target. Most of the books on my want list orgrail list are truly rare. Books you may only see a few times in a career. When I run into one of them, that becomes the target.

Most unique or favorite thing in your collection?

• I have several rare comics in my collection (rating an 8 or higher on the Gerber Scarcity Index), but my favorite at the moment is a copy of The Killers #1 from 1946. This copy has a few things going for it: - It's pretty hard to find in decent condition - It has a beautiful classic L.B. Cole cover -It was used in Seduction of the Innocent - It's the only copy signed by L.B. Cole.

Raw or Graded? Why?

• On a personal level, I love raw comics. I like to hold them in my hands and I got into the hobby well before professional grading was a "thing". That said, I don't eschew graded comics. I'll buy either.
• I find professional grading useful for three purposes: - Toprotect and preserve a comic - Professional restoration detection - To serve as a disinterested 3rd party representation of the grade for valuation.

Best find or score?

• Through a local contact, I met an individual with the largest number of comics I have ever seen. Literally several million. Whenever I need to feel like I am in heaven, I'll make a visit and come away with treasures I just wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. It's the find that keeps on giving.

Advice to new sellers on whatnot or collectors.

• My biggest piece of advice to new sellers is to learn the business side of the game. A basic understanding of business taxes and accounting will save you tremendous headaches down the road.
• For collectors, a couple of general pieces of advice: - collect what *you* like. Don't care what other people collect or what they think of your collection. If it brings you joy, you're doing it right. - Focus.  The money you spend on impulse buys is money you don't have to put  toward those "out of reach" books you really want.

A huge thank you to Kash for sharing the goods and doing the interview!  Check his Whatnot profile here and his online shop here.  If you haven't, download the Whatnot app by using my link to get $10 off your first purchase!  If you'd like to be interviewed or have tips for using the Whatnot app, comment below.