Dylan Schwartz is a comic book collector, dealer, and Overstreet advisor who is far younger on the spectrum than most of his peers. Currently studying communications in college while maintaining a business as a dealer, the 19-year-old took some time to speak with Scoop contributor, collector, and Overstreet Advisor Art Cloos. The pair discussed Schwartz’s interest in comics, his experiences as a dealer, and his plans for the future.

Scoop: Dylan, it has been a long journey to get to this interview, but we made it.
Dylan Schwartz (DS): Yes, it has Art. It’s been a year in the making.

Scoop: Where did you grow up?
DS: On Long Island close to New York City.

Scoop: When did you first discover comics?
DS: I first discovered comic books when I was 11. My dad was not home, so I decided to explore the attic.

Scoop: What made you do that?
DS: Curiosity, I wanted to do something different.

Scoop: Let me guess. You found comics up there?
DS: Yes. Close to 100 1960s DC [comics]. I vividly recall finding a [Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #134] which was the first Darkseid and World’s Finest #199 with the Superman-Flash race story.

Scoop: They were your dad’s?
DS: Of course, my dad’s and I had no idea they were there. He was just a reader though decades ago.

Scoop: Did you read them?
DS: Yes. Every single one, many times. I was mesmerized. I’m a visual person; I liked them much better than school books. People generally stop reading picture books by first grade or so. I also wasn’t forced to read them. I read to enjoy, that’s it. Freedom.

Scoop: And did this start you collecting comics?
DS: Yes. I recall it was the border of primary school and middle school. I loved history, which got me into collecting old stuff and not just comics. Coins, sports cards, my dad had collected both as a kid, and vintage toys. I brought it to another level.

Scoop: One of the many reasons I love comics myself is that teaching history was my career. It just seemed natural to combine the two.
DS: That makes a lot of sense. I can’t think of a single person, I know who doesn’t like history yet likes comics and collectibles. You are right, they do go together. Huh.

Scoop: Did or do you have friends who were into comics?
DS: I do not in my age group and meaning school-wise. I have become friendly with some comic dealers and collectors. It’s sometimes lonely. People my age usually just like Marvel movies with some graphic novel readers mixed in. I know many people who go to comic con. Comics are cool. Comics were likely not cool for people growing up decades ago?

Scoop: No, they did not have the acceptance in the past that they have now. But you went beyond collecting comics. How did that come about?
DS: I was at a coin show where I saw the same coin in similar grade with very different prices. One dealer had it for $5 and one had it in his case for $50. I realized the $5 was cheap, so I bought it and sold it. At first it was petty. But it was fun and everyone else my age was playing Wii or XBox or the newest whatever. I kept studying and the numbers grew. But I liked comics the most. Everyone at the shows was middle-aged. I remember Cub Scouts at the show once, but most of the time almost everyone was over 40.

Scoop: Now what shows are you referring to here? Coin or comics?
DS: Comic shows.

Scoop: What was the first comic show you went to and when was it?
DS: I found out somehow that there was a comic show that was a 30-minute train ride into in Manhattan. It was Mike Carbo’s New York Comic Book Marketplace, the 2014 winter show. That was before it became the [Big Apple Comic Con] again. It was the best. I brought some of my collection, and attempted to trade with some of the dealers. I also bought a couple of things. I walked away with a beater Tales of Suspense #40 which was the second Iron Man, an early Tales to Astonish #40 and at the very end I bought an Amazing Spider Man #13 for $100. Many dealers were too busy for an annoying kid like me when they were trying to set up and sell when the doors opened. [laughs] I also remember getting my Fantastic Four #45 signed by Joe Sinnott.

Scoop: When did you begin selling comic books?
DS: I would flip. I’d buy stuff that was mismarked in my opinion and try to get more for it. I quickly realized becoming a dealer’s dealer was very hard. I set up in 2016 where, as a dealer, I sold my [Incredible Hulk #1], Showcase #4, and some others. Now I sell on eBay and to specific customers directly. Its one of the few shows that I really like doing now is the Long Island Comic Expo. It’s economical and close by.

Scoop: How did you become an Overstreet Advisor?
DS: I studied comics until I felt like I was an expert. I talked to some other dealers, and they thought it was a fair idea. [Gemstone Publishing’s Creative Director] Mark Huesman reached out, and asked for a report of the market; I had no idea it would be published.

Scoop: And this was when?
DS: It was right before the New York Comic Con.

Scoop: You have accomplished so much in such a short time. You are in college now, right?
DS: Yes, I am. It’s a lot of fun, but I do not love the work. I guess my real major is tolerance.

Scoop: What will be your major?
DS: Communications.

Scoop: Do you still collect comics today?
DS: I do. I have two long boxes of comics I just like.

Scoop: What are your favorites?
DS: My coverless Detective Comics #28 which is the second Batman. I don’t care about bank robbers; I care about Batman. It’s funny how with the cover it’s worth more. The cover is bad.

Scoop: What are your long-term plans in terms of your being a comic book dealer?
DS: Same as now, working no more than three hours a day, except during winter, spring, and summer break. This semester my goal is to move down to two hours a day. My team can do the rest.

Scoop: Your Team?
DS: Building an empire requires man power. I can’t scan and list my weekly auctions while in class.

Scoop: How many people do you have on your team?
DS: I can’t disclose that information. Sorry.

Scoop: I do want to ask about your parents. I see your dad at every show. I assume they are supportive of your dealing comics?
DS: My dad is very wonderful and supportive. He’s great. My mom provides great moral support and lets me use some space in our house for my work. The rest is in warehousing.

Scoop: Do you think you will always be a comic dealer?
DS: Always is a strong word. I’m 19. I think I will deal for a long while and always collect.

Scoop: And what about the comic reading and collecting world. Where do you see that going?
DS: For reading them I don’t think paper will go digital soon. But the idea won’t be discarded. For collecting I think years down the line restored comics especially super rare and desirable ones will be more mainstream and accepted.

Scoop: I totally agree, and I see it happening already. I mean think about it. Restoration is accepted in fine art, why should it not be accepted in the comic world?
DS: Yes. I agree with that.

Scoop: Dylan, this has been one of the more interesting dealer interviews I have done. Thank you for taking the time and having the patience to get this done.
DS: Of course, Art. I always enjoy talking about my life in comics.

Schwartz can be reached at DylanUniverseComics.com where there are also links to his YouTube Channel, Facebook, Instagram, and eBay store.