Cbr:

[CBR News]

Returning from his recent hiatus, Jud takes us on a tour down memory lane, recounting his youth as an child of San Fernando Valley, the original Golden Apple Comics and what's coming next for the historic Los Angeles location.


Full article here.

[Lt. Clutch]

Jud, I just gotta say that your columns never cease to amaze me. They always pull me through whenever I'm having a bad day. I'd almost forgotten about Thrifty stores and their frozen delights! Golden Apple always played a part in my awareness of comics retailing since an early age. I met Bill at the L.A. location several years back and later caught him at Comic Con in San Diego that very summer. He was a great guy and his passing was a huge loss for the industry.

But getting back to your story, talk about having a dream job! Ice cream, twenty-five cent comics, and legendary warrior woman Sybil Danning perusing the aisles. I remember Sybil in that bikini shot quite well. They just don't make 'em quite like Sybil anymore nowadays. I'm glad you lived the dream for the rest of us out there!

Some memories are indeed worth more than gold and last a lifetime. Here's to many more years of precious moments under your own watch. Thanks, man.

[minimalistx]

There were a couple places (not quite) like the GA in my hometown of Rochester, NY. I remember traveling all over town for my comic fix, sweating my butt off in the summer humidity. Good times!

I discovered the GA on Melrose in the early 80's. It was and still is an awesome store. I remember once browsing the stacks and looking over to see Kirk Hammett of Metallica doing the same thing.

Despite my many visits, I only really had one encounter with Bill Liebowitz and it unfortunately was not a good one (he sneered at me when I approached the counter with the first Preacher tpb, "You're only getting this now?"). But he gave us comic nuts in LA a great store and I'll always appreciate that.

I dig the new location (parking, woo hoo!) and wish Bill's family continued success and prosperity.

[josephb]

This was well written and highly enjoyable article. I, too, grew up in the SF Valley and clearly remember the iconic Wolverine mural at Golden Apple. The closest CB store to me, and the one my buddies and I visited most often, was Continental not too far away at Balboa and Devonshire. Though I live far away now, those early collecting years will always hold a special place in my heart.

Thanks for the good read and keep up the good work.

[MelCaylo]

Jud, thanks for that amazing trip down memory lane. I hope you're one of those retailers who aspires to be a comic book writer because you sure can tell an engaging story!