There are so many different platforms for selling comics these days, why not use all of them? IDW is now teaming up with the online auction platform Whatnot to launch their own channel where they will sell exclusives, signed comics, and more collectibles.
WhatNot launch just before the pandemic and took off in the stay-home era as a mix of Twitch and Ebay – live auctions for collectibles combined with banter and chat. It’s almost like it was MADE for lockdown. Since then it has cooled off a bit but still has a large list of vendors and buyers.
The official IDW Publishing Whatnot channel just went live and will feature weekly live shows co-hosted by Speciality Sales Manager Ryan Balkam and Sales Associate April Vendetti. Titles offered will include such favorites as GODZILLA, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, BENEATH THE TREES WHERE NOBODY SEES, all IDW DARK releases, and more.
“Thanks to Whatnot and its incredible platform, we’re excited to have a new way to engage directly with fans,” stated Balkam. “We’re going to offer some really cool stuff, like exclusive content, signed merchandise, and eventually have amazing creators on the streams to chat with readers. We can’t wait to get started and I’m looking forward to seeing you guys on our weekly show!”
“We’re excited to partner with IDW to provide our community access to exclusive releases in the most exciting way — live shows,” said Eric Shemtov, General Manager of Collectibles at Whatnot. “We know first-hand how much value the format brings, and we can’t wait to see what IDW brings to our community of collectors.”
Many comics shops have WhatNot channels, and some creators have had great success there – Rob Liefeld claims to have sold half a million books there, but he’s Rob Liefeld, the one and only. While it’s a time intensive way to sell books, it also creates a strong connection with collectors.
Will more publishers follow suit on WhatNot? Do you enjoy live shopping auctions? Let us know in the comments.
