Phil Seuling invented the direct market for comic books. From Wikipedia: “The evolution of the comic book specialty shop (or “direct-only stores”) in the early 1970s created a whole new system for delivering comics to customers. Before the advent of the comics retailer, most comics were found in grocery, drug, and toy stores. The specialty shop presents a number of competitive advantages over those other venues.” If it weren’t for Phil, there would not have been a proliferation of comic book stores in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Chuck Rozanski of Mile High Comics, once a customer and later competitor of Phil’s, wrote a lengthy Evolution of the Direct Market. Naturally, he mentions Phil straight off:
“Phil began Seagate in 1972, long before selling to comics shops was economically viable. He was a schoolteacher at the time and was well known in the New York area not only as a dealer in comics and original artwork but also as the operator of the huge 4th of July convention in NYC. As I’ve heard the story told, Phil brazenly walked into DC, Marvel, Warren, Harvey, and Archie in 1972 and convinced them that their future lay in selling comics directly to comics specialty shops. He also convinced them to give him a special deal by which they would pay the costs of packaging and shipping all of the books ordered by his accounts. In exchange, he promised them that he would purchase all books from them on a non-returnable basis. Returns had become a very big deal in the early 1970s, as comics were no longer selling in the percentages of previous decades.”
Chuck also describes Phil the person, and this I can verify from meeting the man himself: “If you ask anyone who knew him, one of the first things they will tell you is that Phil was a person who epitomized the concept of an individual being ‘larger than life.’… Chuck describes Phil’s place quite well. I was there a few times myself when Phil was throwing lavish parties.
More to the point, the store I worked at, FantaCo, wouldn’t have thrived – if it would have existed at all – without Phil Seuling. Not only was Seagate FantaCo’s initial distributor, but Phil also bought sufficient amounts of FantaCo publications to distribute when they were unproven commodities.
Unfortunately, Phil Seuling died of liver cancer in 1984 at the age of 50. Tom Skulan, the FantaCo founder, wrote a nice piece about Phil in the FantaCon 2013 program.
Enjoy this video of Phil Seuling on the Mike Douglas Show in 1977, from which the above picture was taken.
Very interesting, Roger. I know that the ten, eleven years boys of my class didn’t like reading books, but they were fond of comic books and I let them read that in their spare time, though the schoolboard forbade reading these books. I don’t know why, and had it my way.
You asked if I could pronounce supercali…. etc. backwards. The answer is NO!
My comic book history has increased ten fold since I’ve started reading your posts!
there was a bit furor at one time over comic books being of no reading relevance. Well, I did a research study at university about that and discovered that they do have relevance and are a valuable aid to reading. You’ve been reading Meryl’s posts, I’m sure.
Leslie
abcw team
Fascinating post and new information for me.
I used to love the Classic Comics and of course Little Lulu.
We need more programs like the Mike Douglas Show.
Great to know this pioneer who revolutionized new marketing.
Great history. I have to look up Fantacon now!
Yes, interesting tribute to Phil Seuling!
One of my childrens’ friends had a very successful comic book store. I have to confess that I was a stern mother who did not allow comic books to compete with “good literature” and they were never seen in the house. However, as you all know, that didn’t stop the children reading them in other peoples’ houses where the mothers weren’t such drips…..
I always like an enthusiast, his knowledge drew you in in that typically 70s show, I had to puzzle to remember the distinctive nose of Corporal Klinger.
Alas, the only comics I follow now are the standup variety.
I am a fan of comic books.
I had never heard of him before! Great informative post – as always!
Certain cartoons are still in vogue nowadays. But my guess is that it’s more online and on TV -the Japanese anime seem to be very popular – 2 of my family are into that).
Very interesting, glad I got to know from here.
I always wondered why I was not allowed to read comic books as a kid. So I read them secretly.
Hazel
Here comics are sold in book shops or in supermarkets as long as I can think of.
Good Morning Roger… My, my…I love my Wednesday’s with Roger.. I learn to much each time. Today was no different. I remember Mike Douglas, but the rest was new to me. Where have I been??
I always learn something new when I visit your blog. You would make an excellent JEOPARDY contestant. Blessings!
So interesting! I’ve never heard of FantaCo…makes me think of soda!
Thanks for the info. I learned something new today!
Thanks for this interesting tidbit! And thanks for visiting my “S” post. Enjoy the week.
I see from this and the Wikipedia entry that Phil was a teacher and has a brother named Dennis. Is this the same Dennis Seuling who taught film making and film history at John F. Kennedy H.S. in the Bronx? I was a student of his in 1977-78.
I don’t know, but I know who to ask!
Charles- I was in contact with Jonni Levas, Phil’s business partner at Seagate Distributors, and she confirms that your Dennis is THAT Dennis.