Mark Sill was kind enough to interrupt his very late lunch to chat with us about Bettie. So, this interview comes with a heads-up that it's not your standard "interviewee stares at camera to make it seem like he's talking to you, the viewer."

You'll notice that Mark was sometimes looking the camera (which was actually Mark looking at/talking to Herb), while at other times, he was glancing to his right. (Mark looking at/talking to me).

Fact of the matter is, we've known Mark for years. Herb met him years before I did -- at Chicago ComiCon -- long before Wizard became involved. By the way.... for people who remember that incarnation, but didn't hear, its founder just passed away. There will be a special tribute to him at next month's C2E2.

Anyone who's interested in vintage ephemera and unusual sexualized/artistic tchotchkes, they know to go to Mark, who does business as Xotique. He has one of the largest vendor booths at Comic-Con -- so much so that it's regularly the place for attendees to meet and catch up with one another.

Mark has had unique Bettie merchandise pass through his hands through the years. One of his greatest catches was an Estate find, where he scored boxes of Irving Klaw materials, still lovingly preserved in their original mailing wrappers.

You'll hear him mentioning a whole bunch of Olivia images that he's owned through the years. If the images' names don't ring a bell, let us know by posting here and we'll track down a scan.

Also, you'll hear Mark mention a particular Bettie postcard, which happens to be discussed here:

http://www.bettiepagemovie.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=384

Mark's website is currently undergoing an overhaul. You can check out Mark's eBay sales (adult log-in required) and get messages to him via this thread.

Patti

Did you miss Mark Sill while he was on the homepage? Then check him out here and now!