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Golden Apple Comics
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Comic Books Comic Books [Edit]
7018 Melrose AveLos Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 658-6047
- Hours:
Mon, Thu-Sun 11 am - 7 pm
Tue 11 am - 5 pm
Wed 10 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
84 reviews for Golden Apple Comics
Review Highlights
"They have a lot of back issues and a ton of older stuff as..."
(in 17 reviews)
"They had the graphic novels and trade paper-back and stuff..."
(in 8 reviews)
"Their selection of old action figures and models is awesome."
(in 5 reviews)
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84 reviews in English
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Review from Courtney K.
Johnson City, TN
10/3/2011
I love this comic book store to pieces.
If I could just hide out behind the back issues and live here, I'd be down.
The staff here is really friendly and know what they're talking about when it comes to comic books. Plus a couple of them are damn pretty. Can I have a blue haired girl and a guy with green lantern tattoos?
More reason to move in here.
This store also pretty occasionally has deals, such as 50% off all back issues. Which is excellent incentive for me to spend WAY to much money on comic books... again.
They also have a pretty good set of figurines, and a fair selection of indie comic books (though I personally would hit up House of Secrets for those) Golden Apple is better in every other way though, their back issue selection is pretty comprehensive. It depends on when you come, a little. (Because if you come after a sale they have severely depleted their stock.)
I wish the drive out to Golden Apple weren't so hellish,
other than that it is the best ever. -
Review from Chandler M.
Los Angeles, CA
11/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here on a fluke as I had been driving by. Walked in and unexpectedly spent an hour browsing around. This place is huge, with a ton of new comics from all over the publishing spectrum. Also they do a cool thing and bundle certain storylines if they hadn't been made into TPB. I appreciate that. The selection of statues and action figures is really good as well. Some real old-school Spawn figures I had been looking for.
The selection of back issues warrants it's own part of the store for good reason, and I was mighty scared of losing myself in there. I don't buy comics often, but GAC has hopped up to my second-favorite place (after comics Ink) and first for just looking for random geeky stuff. -
Review from Francisco B.
Los Angeles, CA
11/10/2011
It's definitely a store you have to visit once. They have a vast collection of graphic novels, a large amount of comic paraphernalia.
Their original location was way better.
Now for the bad news ....
Don't use their club to hold issues for you, they screw up all the time.
Parking is a nightmare. Their employees rate from great to "you really don't like your job do you?"
Back issues are not kept well or overpriced or both
Definitely not friendly except for the owner she's a sweet heart -
Review from Spike S.
Inglewood, CA
11/4/2011
i like this place :)
I came for a Costume Contest and had fun they had free booze and the people here we're all full of good vibes, the workers were not snobby at all, things were organized and all in all it was just a fun night.... -
Review from E S.
Los Angeles, CA
2/6/2012
This store has an amazing selection and a very friendly staff. Their 3 for $1.00 sale + 40% all other merchandise was unbeatable! I walked away with over 20 difficult to find comics for just over $20... anywhere else it would easily have been $50+. Great store, great selection, friends service!
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Review from Kimberly Y.
Los Angeles, CA
1/20/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I really like this place. The staff is super nice, except for this one guy that I've seen once. (I think maybe he was just having a bad day?) Anyway, it's nicely organized, and aesthetically pleasing. I really like their $2 pins they have tacked up on the little collumn in front of the register. My only complaint would be that they don't bag any of their comics unless you're getting them out of your pull box, but I guess that's normal. Anyway, it's a great place.
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Review from dean n.
9/24/2011 6 Check-ins Here
When I first moved to Los Angeles some 8 years ago, I asked my friend to take me to a good comic bookstore. My friend took me to Golden Apple. Back then, Golden Apple was located near the hip stores on Melrose Avenue.
When I entered the store, I was in awe with all the comics, trade paperbacks, toys and other geeky, comic book geeky stuff that a collector could ask for.
Fast forward to the present. I still stop by Golden Apple to purchase a comic or two. Sometimes growing up means giving up somethings....... But, mostly I enjoy going there and hanging out with my other like-minded comic book collective. It's nice to see other like-minding guys & gals browsing the vast selection of comics that Golden Apple possesses.
The staff there are super friendly. They will put items on hold for you. They have good sales sporadically and have cool events.
The only drawback about Golden Apple is that the parking sucks. There are a few stalls in the parking lot. There is also metered street parking but I'd rather not pay for parking cuz I'm cheap like that. lol. Just kidding. -
Review from Karla R.
Los Angeles, CA
8/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Pretty cool Store, They have lots of comic books, and old issues. Very good selection. They don't focus on toys like Meltdown does, but if you like the DC/Marvel and some horror stuff, this is your place, and it's not ridden with hipsters.
The atmosphere is laid back.
Not a lot of toys, so if you're looking for a huge selection, don't has. But comics, all over! yes! books. YES! not a huge selection of Manga, but they have like button pins for your punk rock jackets. for 2 bucks, cool designs. :D
VERY HELPFUL STAFF!
I'd say check it out.
I will be going back, hopefully they'll sell my zines. :P -
Review from Christine A.
Cerritos, CA
4/21/2011
Golden Apple is the Hollywood Bowl of comic shops.
They've constantly got industry people pouring through here, doing signings and hanging out at parties and events Golden Apple hosts.
No local convention is complete without a Golden Apple booth. Like their shop (which is in CLOSE proximity to Pink's, I might add), their con booths always snare noteworthy guests to sign and sketch at one of their tables AND they've got some of the best deals on graphic novels. I'm always pawing through their $1 manga bins.
Aside from the big names the shop draws, Golden Apple is a nice, big shop with constant sales.
They also manage to keep many titles in stock, especially the popular ones that every other shop in the Southland has sold out.
While visiting family in Arizona, I was calling around for "The Guild" #1. Not only were all the shops out there completely devoid of copies, all my usual go-tos near my house were picked clean as well. I called Golden Apple, and sure enough they not only had it, they had Felicia Day in the shop signing copies the next week. I show up for the event, and - surprise! - the WHOLE cast unexpectedly came to sign.Listed in: SoCal Geekgasm
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Review from Mark M.
Los Angeles, CA
10/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Classic comic book spot! I've been a huge fan of Golden Apple since my High School days back in the late 80s into the early 90s. and although the location has changed (it used to be at Melrose and closer to Fairfax and is now at Melrose and La Brea) the shop hasn't changed much. It's still very cool. They have some of the best selection of dollar comics that I've seen anywhere in L.A. If you like your comics, this is a good spot to check out while near Hollywood or the Miracle Mile area.
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Review from Jason O.
Winnetka, CA
1/6/2011
FINALLY! after I have lived in the LA area for half a decade I have finally gone to Golden Apple.
I have heard so much about this place it seemed like it would have to be unbelievably spectacular in order to live up to the legendary vision that I had built up in my head. I was a little worried because I heard that the parking would be impossibly bad. Not really sure if this true on other days or not but I found parking right across the street. (maybe I got lucky?)
The moment I walked in I noticed two things right away. The look and feel of this place is great, basically everything from the decorations to the merchandise work to make me feel very comfortable. The other thing I noticed was that it was large for a comic book store but a lot smaller than I anticipated.
Once I walked in I walked over to the new comics. They had a very good amount of new comics and they were nicely arranged all down one wall. Then I went straight to the tables of back issues. At first I was a little disappointed by the volume. In a review I read for another comic book store, someone said if they ever need any back issue comics they always go to Golden Apple because they always have what they were looking for. So... I guess I just expected more. But after looking through what they had on the tables there I was a little disappointed but then I actually found a number of book I did not find other places. So in my mind it was kind of a toss up: Not that great, but had some stuff I wanted. Then I saw that the prices for the back issues were good. 25% off :D
They had the graphic novels and trade paper-back and stuff too. I also really like how organized it was.
Over all I really like this place. Even if it did not live up to my inflated expectations.Listed in: Comic Book Stores
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Review from Samantha Q.
Winnetka, CA
1/3/2011
I've heard of this place many times from any different people. They all said that this was the best store around for comic books and they have the best selection. So, after years of hearing about it I finally got my opportunity to check it out myself.
I admit this place is one of the most organized comic book stores that I have come across. I was happy to see that the store itself was very clean but what really impressed me was the state all of their back issues were in. Everything was perfectly organized and in amazing condition. Although they didn't seem to have the series I was looking for in this section I still enjoyed looking through everything. The staff there was polite but no one went out of their way to really talk to me. Oh well...
One thing I did notice was that the place was a lot smaller then I was lead to believe. The back issues, although very neatly organized, only consisted of a few tables. Also their Essential books area was even smaller. If this place was larger I know I would come by way more often and probably a lot more people too.
They do seem to make up for it by having really good prices. I recognized some issues going got $5.00 or more when I see them here for $3.00. Those are pretty darn good prices if you ask me.
I admit I was pretty bummed out that they didn't have any of the comic books I wanted. It wasn't until my friend and I were about to leave that he pointed out the a couple of the issues from the series I've been looking for right there on the shelf! *snatch* MINE! *laughs manically*
+ 1 star for having a couple issues from this rare series!
Turns out my reviews can be bought ^_^ j/kListed in: Comic Book Stores
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Review from Molly D.
Beverly Hills, CA
7/6/2011 8 Check-ins Here
Just to be clear, I am not an avid comic book reader but my finance is and because of this I have spent my fair share of Wednesday afternoons in comic book stores. As a result, I know a good comic book store when I see one and this is it! The store atmosphere is open, well organized and stocked! I met the owner of the store, Sharon, and we talked for quite some time while Nick did his browsing. The store is family and owned and because of this, it has a family vibe going. Sharon or "mom" as she told me I could call her, knows all her loyal customers by name, blowing kisses to one as he left because he was traveling home to see family. I had such a great time in the store and even found a few graphic novels for myself, which she gave me 10% off of! Go here...it rocks.
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Review from Jayke W.
Los Angeles, CA
3/27/2011
The service is very spotty in Golden Apple. Some of the fanboy sales clerks seem like you're bothering them when you ask a question and the owner (?) Sharon has no idea what is out and where anything is.
Compared to a lot of the East coast stores I have been in, it feels like Golden Apple's golden days are behind them or they have been severely overrated. -
Review from Ham B.
Newport Beach, CA
8/16/2011
Golden Apple is a great comic store it's very big for a comic book store but I feel that they need to organize a little bit better. Thats the only bad part. Other than that it's a very great store!!!
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Review from Kenneth T.
Los Angeles, CA
5/28/2010
If you have the money, Golden Apple has the comic for you. With so many comic book stores disappearing, it is a sight for sore eyes to finally see a shop filled to the brim with comics.
The greatest thing about Golden Apple is the shear amount of graphic novels, trade paperbacks, and new issues. Not just mainstream and famous titles, but a ton of smaller comics also make appearances on the huge new releases wall. Alternative or indie comics are readily available. At the moment, it is dominated with the Green Hornet, probably due to the upcoming movie. While the back issue selection is solid, the variant selection is incredible for a regular comic shop. For those who do not know, in the 90s publishers began have a ton of alternative covers that were often much rarer, sometimes with holographic covers. These finds are for the collector nut.
This shop does lack toys and other merchandise. But if you just want comics, this is a wonderful place to stop. It is not as cozy as other smaller shops, but selection makes up for it. The great thing is that they don't have a trading card section that run rampant at other comic shops, which makes for a much more pure comic experience.
Because this place is such a famous shop, they often hold events here. I am said I missed the Olivia Munn meet up a month ago. Darn. But they always have their events.
I heard Samuel L Jackson loves this place. I haven't seen him yet, but I did manage to pick up a copy of his new comic, Cold Space, which was signed by the Man himself. They are reputable, so I will trust that it was his signature! Still, I great comic. If I had more money, I would buy up the variant Green Hornet covers.
I didn't have problems with the service. They are more than helpful and courteous when you ask them a question. Most of the time, the staff will tell you their stories. Sure they are often fanboy tales, but how can you not be happy that someone is more geeked-out than you will ever be? Share in the fun, I always say.
I don't make it out here much, because this part of Melrose is always ignored by me. I usually head farther down to the shop closer to Fairfax High and beyond. But, when I do make it out here, it is definitely worth the trek. -
Review from Maniac W.
South Bay, CA
10/27/2010
Can someone please just lock me up inside this place!!!!!
I'm not a fan of comic books, but there's two things inside I absolutely love.
A poster of O Munn with signature and a 1:1 R2D2 figure!!!
Pass by this place on my way to Gallery 1988, so I went in after I check out the gallery, and then spend a good whole hour inside.
If someday somehow, that 1:1 R2D2 figure went missing. J/K
One regret is that I didn't get the book on the Darth Vader Project and it is now sold out.
Here on, my ebay quest begin!!! -
Review from MuuMuu R.
Torrance, CA
6/24/2010
I can't say much about this store so I shouldn't be reviewing but, I just wanted to show my appreciation towards this store because they recently had the creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender (super-duper friggin badass cartoon) do a signing for their new ATLA artbook!!!! Even though it was a 2 hour wait, i was able to meet them, talk to them, take pictures with them, and get autographs from them!! they even sketched ATLA characters for me!!! xD
I am so, so, so, so, so, so, happy!!!!! *hearts floating around me*
by far the best moment of the year!
Thank you soooo much Golden Apple!!!!!!!! -
Review from Ayelet I.
Los Angeles, CA
3/4/2009
I've always possessed a fair amount of nerd in me, but I've never read a whole comic book in my life. This outpost of Golden Apple has the best chance of getting me to progress (regress?) from dork to full-blown geek. The shop is large and spacious-managing to fit a good selection of comic books, collectible figures and related books to peruse at your leisure in a very organized setting. They have a nice sized staff who will help you if you ask but who you let you do your thing undisturbed and they have a large parking lot accessible from the alley north of Melrose.
My favorite discoveries here were in the Kid's section. Shaloman is now my hero. With the amount of awesomely attired tiny, little Hasidic Jewish children walking around in the area, I'm betting I'm not his only admirer, so props to the Apple for understanding its audience. Owlie is also cute and wholesome.
Other than that, my favorite things were the related stuff like Plasticland, Gary Baseman and Amanda Visell illustrated books, a complete collection of original Peanuts cartoons, and Beasts! (various beasts from A to Z defined and illustrated by various artists).
Okay, so my review is essentially useless if you are an actual comics aficionado. Here's where I redeem myself to all the geeks: an adorably tiny girl who was wearing a miniskirt and sweatshirt with hood up when I visited works there. I know, comics and hot eye candy, but don't flock all at once boys. :)Listed in: Back in the day when I was…, LA's Jewish Ghetto
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Review from Gene M.
Inglewood, CA
7/24/2011
Comics Heaven! I met Phil Lamarr here, great guy. My favorite place to get anything comics related.
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Review from Ed C.
Los Angeles, CA
9/4/2007
Guess where my favoritest new pick up spot is?
That's right! Golden Apple comic books on Melrose!
I ducked in there this weekend to beat the heat and, dude, I couldn't believe how many cute girls there were!
My first job @ 14 y.o. was working at a comic book shop in San Ho (shout out Alum Rock - w00t!), but the only girls who came into the store were:
- my boss's stoner brother's gf;
- the owner's wife who was, um, corpulent and had big hair; and
- the owner's daughter who was, um, porcine and wore too much pink blush (she looked like one of those Sno-ball snack cakes, remember those?)
But here at Golden Apple there were actually cute chicks who were buying alternative books like Love and Rockets, Tank Girl, etc.
And no, Wilbur, they weren't teenagers. These were women over at least 18 - since, you know, comic books are so damn expensive now (which is part of the reason I don't collect anymore).
Anyhoo, I guess what I'm trying to say is that there's no longer a stigma about collecting comic books since cute Sheilas read 'em, too, now. And not only are they good lookin', they're also cool. And literate. Bonus!
That's all. -
Review from Paul R.
North Hollywood, CA
11/22/2007
Terrible and unfair prices.
They treat customers with no respect. When I've asked employees for help or was just talking with them they walk away.
They're owned by a greedy family that works in them a lot of the time cause their employees don't last long. The family is made up of and old woman and her two grown-up kids who couldn't find real jobs.
Also, not that fun buying mature comics from a 65 year old women.
Unfair pricing especially if you go further down Melrose to Melrose Music where comics are 20% off new titles.Golden Apple rips you off on limited edtion or old comics and say they cost more than they are worth. Left this dump and went to better place like Meltdown on Sunset and Secret Headquarters, House of Secrets, and Hi de Ho comics.Listed in: On melrose, Best Comic Shops in LA
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Review from J. A.
Los Angeles, CA
What the standard should be for most comic shops. Of course one might argue that there's no need for apparel or toys and collectibles but that all goes hand in hand when it's basically all for the same thing. And GA have everything you need, from graphic novels, latest issues, to toys, statues, even a good back catalog.
And even better is that they're always having promos and special events with top artists in the biz, or sales every so often. It's enough to keep you coming back for more.
The layout of the shop is probably my only gripe. It's a large space, but I feel lost every time I walk in there. The setup is always changing so it can get confusing. The constants are usually the wall pieces which are usually what's just out but everything in the middle seems to be like a free for all. But when it's all in the center I guess it's hard to really pick what goes what. Still it could be a bit more linear. I find myself going in circles at times always back tracking to get to spots I didn't see but passed up due to where I was at the time.
All in all great shop, good staff, that are always around to help and talk you up about anything you're into or might be. -
Review from Chris R.
Los Angeles, CA
10/1/2006
EDIT: They've moved to 7018 Melrose, diagonal from Pink's and across the street from Babeland and a Hot Wings joint. They've become the equivalent of your buddy who always says he's going to start working out, but still devours krispy kremes by the dozen--then y'all don't see each other for a while, and the next time you meet he's not only lost the love handles, but is chiseled out of granite, got his teeth whitened and proactiv'd the daylights out of his face. The new shop is mean, lean, and still has new store smell.
They've done a great job remodeling the place: the books used to be somewhat scattered, with new releases along one wall, tho without any clear marking, and rows of Trade Paperbacks in the middle of the store. Now the new release wall is structured, easy to reach, with copies of the current title and 2-4 recent issues within reach. The middle racks have been organized, with manga following Vertigo and then the Major Superheros by character, and the very helpful creator sections (All Frank Miller, Alan Moore, et al) following. Indy stuff is split, some sprinkled in with the big publishers, with the smaller stuff on the opposite side of the store--I wish things weren't so crip & blood--one comic love, people! Thankfully, everything is easy to see, and the store isn't cramped, so it's easy to weave around.
They focus more on back issues than Meltdown, which may be a reason that Meltdown's TPB collection is more extensive...but, walk in there on a Wednesday, and you get that contact high that only a good comic shop can give ya. -
Review from Nicholas M.
Los Angeles, CA
7/15/2011 11 Check-ins Here
Awesome. Great selection, friendly staff. I've been collecting for 20 years, in 6 different cities, and this is one of my favorites.
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Review from Dustin M.
Simi Valley, CA
5/4/2010 1 Check-in Here
I'm just going to give Golden Apple Comics a 5 stars because this was the venue I was able to meet Olivia Munn.
But other than that fact, it's a typical comic book store, they have a ton of comics, graphic novels, etc. They also sell the Marvel Tokidoki shirts here which is VERY awesome. The prices seemed reasonable for comics now days, and they have a lot of movie posters and cool shirts too.
If you're into comics def. stop by and check their calender cause they do a lot of meet and greets -
Review from Javier J.
6/19/2008
Golden Apple reached its peak and then died when Bill Liebowitz died. After that the store lost the heart and soul that made it a legend in the comic world. It was by his hand that he had just about every big name in comics in the shop doing signings.
Since his death his wife and sons took the store in a direction that just made it below par of any comic shop around. It lost its magic and it moved locations. Now, I'm not terribly upset about the move. The new location is a bit better than the old when it comes to parking in Melrose. Not to mention that when you're done getting your geek on, you can go get yourself a Pink's Hot dog with little effort.
But the management of the place and the look just doesn't do it for me. The old location had a perfect bright lay out. The new location feels like it's just trying a bit to hard to be cool and trendy. And while Geek is the new chic, this place is pulling it off terrible. It's trying to hard and not really embracing the geek inside.
That goes with not embracing the geeks that are their customers. The customer service here was very lacking. It's really like they don't care at all. It's a mix of getting Clerks type of customer service. Only if I wanted to deal with Jay and Silent bob, I'd go to the secret stash.
They're good with new release books, their trade selection is wide but it feels like it's lacking something. Seems thrown together. Back issues are a big iffy, You can't find old old comics that will fill your gaps, so that's a bit of a let down, especially because of how it used to be.
A star was earned because they get kicked down for just about every studio when it comes to promoting their latest comic/geek related films. You'll find free promotional stuff at the door next to the L.A. Weekly and so forth.
I'm not much of a fan of their prices. It seems to lean towards the more pricey side of comic collecting. Not getting that great of service along with it is just another reason why I am not the biggest fan of this store.
Your friendly neighborhood spider..... er... Comic shop when you're in this neck of the woods is Meltdown. They'll treat you right and have a far more bigger selection than Golden Apple. They've replaced Golden Apple after the shine was lost on that fruit.
See, this nerd has standards and Golden Apple just doesn't seem to fit the bill these days.Listed in: You Need Some Issues
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Review from Suzanne L.
Los Angeles, CA
3/10/2009
True Story 3/8/09:
Girl enters comic books store, browsing, and ovearhears:
"HEY! MAN! what IS up? Haven't seen you in forever!!"
"I know dude. I've been in hiding." ... ... ...
"So, did you see [Watchmen]?"
"Yeah."
"What did you think?"
"Its not for Civilians dude. ITS FOR US!!!!"
"YEAH!"
...and, scene.
Yes. I felt privy to the notorious rumored not so underground tribe of the nerd. I have mixed upon their fringes so many times... nurturing relationships with only the most socialized of the masses. The is only one place where I can honestly say I have rubbed elbows with the truly elite and dedicated of the comic cult. GOLDEN APPLE COMICS.
The truth is, when it comes to comics, I'm just the sister and the girlfriend to the true collector. If it wasn't for my brother, I probably wouldn't know anything about comics. Instead, I have amassed my own slightly shocking collection of Archie and Wonder Woman. If it wasn't for my boyfriend, I would have no idea what the significance of the Umbrella Academy is and I wouldn't have actually been at a midnight screening of The Watchmen the night (before) it opened, (By the way, it IS for them... Its GREAT, just don't expect Superman or anything.)
However, I love my connection to the world of comics and there is no place I love it more than Golden Apple (except maybe comicon.) Golden Apple has all the cool stuff and they have all the best employees. No one has EVER batted an eye at the questions I have asked when buying things for my brother "Uh... do you carry "The Avengers"?" And, they love to offer information about any and every origin, author, hero, anti-hero.
Over the last eight years that I have lived in Los Angeles, Golden Apple has turned into one of those stores that is like a friend that I see a few times a year. I love knowing it is there, wonder how it is doing and always feel like it is happy to see me.
No kryptonite is strong enough to keep me away from my comics. -
Review from Edgar S.
North Hollywood, CA
1/11/2009
Short Version: Nerd alert!
Long Version: As far as comic book stores go, this place is outstanding. Great displays that make everything easy to find, display cases for special comics, easy parking and very helpful staff make this store a fun destination in the geekdom realm. If comics are your thing, go. And if they're not and you're with someone who is, even you may enjoy it for the displays, or the people watching. This may be the best shop I've been in on the west coast. Sure, there are other shops like this around town, some with a bigger back catalog, but again, the staff here really goes out of their way to help. -
Review from Adolfo H.
4/29/2009
This is what a comic book shop should be.
If I lived in this area,
this would be my default.
Hell, they had the creators of Iron Giant in for an in store.
This is a holy place,
but four stars because you
run the risk of running into the Nerd Carde- who might be alittle too Nerdy even for the average nerd.
but its size gives it an advantage in selection and back issues.
The location is great as to and because you can make a day out of going here and visiting the local other shops around.
The smaller one in Northridge is good for it's size too.Listed in: Comic Books and such
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Review from Gerard I.
Pasadena, CA
6/19/2008
I haven't been to the actual location since before Bill died. I used to always come here for my batch of Image comics--when they had good shit--and my Kiss comics from McFarlane productions.
It's already been said, it's not as "friendly" as when Bill was around, no one seems to give a fuck. You have to come in here and actually know what to get--don't even think about asking for help. This was never the spot to get back issues as they are over priced, IMO.
What was cool was that they would insert special goodies with the regular new/not so new comic batches. I bought a Kiss photo sessions book by Barry Levine, and when I got home saw that it was signed by Barry and had a certificate. That was very cool. I doubt they still do things like that.
Don't get me wrong, they still manage to get lots of exclusive items, and still have some mighty hook-ups.
Last year at Wizard World, their booth was selling the Kiss 4K oversized comic, guaranteeing you signatures from Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. The price was 50$ and came with an authentic Guiness World Record certificate for largest graphic novel in the world. It's my most prized piece of Kiss memorabilia.
Things like that, i'm down for but not the "whatever" attitude at the store. -
Review from Fern X.
5/3/2010 5 photos
At last I have gazed into the eyes of the netherworld. I am left unscathed to recant of my stories to those nonbelievers. I know in my heart I yearn for more but one paycheck at a time she whispers discreetly.
I was recently invited by a fellow comic artist to the annual Free Comic Book Day at Golden Apple Comics and it was worthwhile. This was my first visit to the comic shop so I was equally excited to venture into a new comic location and mingle with my fellow nerd brethrens.
Parking was hellish so I parked on Sycamore but be warned - some spots are only 2-hour parking. Once there, I made my way to the free comics and posters that were being given away. They were mostly to introduce kids to the comic-reading world but the free Star Trek posters were top-notch and are ready to be hung once I get my own place. I was also pleased with 25% off sale and picked up a few Wolverine gems and that classic I'm With Coco poster that I just couldn't part ways with.
All in all, I haven't been to a lot of comic book stores but they never seem to disappoint and this one certainly meets the requirements of satisfaction. Next time I'm in the area, I'll get a Kat Von D tattoo while eating a Pink's hot dog and reading a Peter Parker Spider-Man comic.Listed in: Comic Book Shops 'R' Us
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Review from Jack S.
Los Angeles, CA
5/8/2009
This is one of the best comic book stores LA has to offer. There are so many reasons why they are famous.
*Great selection
*Helpful and friendly staff
*Amazing in-stores
When I was younger it was the reason I wanted to visit Hollywood. Its not as over whelming as I remember it to be but I still love the store. Plus I had some pretty cool experiences here like the time I walked right into the middle of a taping of "Who Wants To Be A Superhero?" Classically lame! -
Review from Frances L.
Los Angeles, CA
1/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oh, Golden Apple...what has happened to you? I was fond of the older location (that was also on Melrose) but ever since the move, it hasn't been the same. The staff are borderline rude (and a bit sexist) and the selection just doesn't strike me as being that interesting. Parking has always been impossible, but I guess it's worth the hunt if you're in search of specific back issues, which they have quite a bit of. Three stars is fair, I think. I haven't bought anything there in a few years, but I've dropped in numerous times in the past few years. Me? Not buy anything from a comic book store? Yep...hence the 3 stars. A good place for those searching for some action figures or vinyl toys, but their indie section is not so great.
Listed in: Comic Book Geeks Forever.
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Review from mike r.
CA
1/4/2007
So, even though I go to DJ's Universal Comics for my comic saver, sometimes there's a back issue or something that I've missed..or I just don't feel like driving to Studio City.
The new store is really great--not to be too hippy dippy, but everyone seems HAPPIER there. The new store is really great, nice design, comfortable to stroll through, and the layout makes a lot more sense (comics to the right, trades to the left, everything else--middle). The staff is (and always has been) very knowledgeable, and I get the feeling they really like working there.
Apparently there is a hipster art gallery next door, and around the corner is The Pig BBQ, which is pretty good.
Collectors should know I don't think they have a comic saver program here.
Great store, though! -
Review from Jack B.
Tarzana, CA
1/11/2009
Comic book stores are no longer comic book stores . I do recall the days... early 1980s, when you walked into a place like Bob's Comics and he'd have.... comics in boxes.
Today's comic book shops are the source code of popular culture. If you want to know what's going on, what's hip, what the next billion-dollar movie is going to be, you need to go either Golden Apple or Hi-Di Ho in Santa Monica.
GA is a fun place. Toys, games, books, posters, and good-natured geeking out by boys and girls in horn-rims with lip piercings. The best thing about GA, and why it is head-and-massively-superhuman-shoulders above the competition, is the almost obsessive degree of order that is brought to the layout. One is calmed by the tidiness.
Also... once upon a time... they let me have the entire run of The Sandman for a song.
Why not five stars? I'd like to find a store that does justice to the Golden Age and the Silver Age, rather than token examples of said. -
Review from Kat T.
Long Beach, CA
1/27/2009
Golden Apple is awesome. They have a good selection for every taste. If you're looking to go browse some entertaining books and issues, this is the place.
They also have a lot of celebrity visits and guest appearances, so that's cool. And they have enough nerd-abelia to keep the most ardent fan happy.
Go there for a good time, enjoy! -
Review from Sarah T.
Van Nuys, CA
8/25/2008
As a teen, the Apple was just about my favorite place. Not only did it have everything, but more importantly it had that indescribable something. A very friendly, community vibe.
Now that I live in LA again I've gone back a few times and am close to feeling heartbroken by what this once great shop has become. My experience yesterday was the rotten icing on a piece of rancid cake. I stopped by next door to check out the art exhibit and one of the family members that runs GA now came in and very loudly insulted customers and went on a tirade that was unbelievably condescending regarding his customers to the girl who was running the gallery that day. I'll not be giving these people any more of my money or time.
Before this, the customer service was horrid, figures and back issues are over priced, the selection is odd, as though there's no thought or consideration behind it...as a matter of fact, that pretty much sums up the whole place. -
Review from Jena S.
12/23/2009
When my friend told me we were going to the infamous Golden Apple finally I feared for my pocketbook. I hadn't done my Christmas shopping yet (a task that looms over me today or tomorrow) and have a couple of other comic nuts in the family that I needed gifts for anyway...
But when I walked in, I just didn't feel that warm fuzzy feeling I do with some of my other shops. While there were a myriad of choice offerings (we will get into which kinds though later), I didn't care for the format. The shelves are like something out of one of my closets rather than your standard magazine stands- both wooden and wire that you see most everywhere else. The words "New" and "Just in" were in abundance.
"Yay shiny."
Walking around with a friend of mine, we were left alone for the most part. I would have liked to hob nob with new croonies too. I guess it's hit or miss.
There was A LOT of mainstream stuff. I was looking for some older indie stuff in the back issue bins to no avail. I wanted to pick up the issues of Local I hadn't been able to get while I was in San Diego a few weeks ago. Lost a star for that.. especially since I was told from various people that this is a great place for indies. (If you want indies go to Giant Robot 2, Hi De Ho or Wacko's.)
There was one wall that had some discounted comics on it (more indie in nature) but someone was dominating it so I didn't get a chance to look through it. Boo, I may have to go back for that when there's a new exhibit over at Gallery 1988 (which is right next door).
There's a TON of trades here. It's basically trade haven in the room nearest the cash register. They really need to come out with another The Walking Dead trade already. Kirkman needs to hurry the hell up. I feel like I'm having a really bad sex experience where the guy just can't finish so I'm left unsatisfied every time I walk into a shop and Trade 11 is still not there. But I digress...
They don't board and bag their books here. Why do so many shops not do this anymore? I know it's a hard economy but this is going the extra mile.
I walked out yesterday with 3 things: the newest issue of Detective Comics, the Dr Horrible one shot & a free Rocketeer poster.
Located next to the 1988 gallery and being so highly famed I wanted more than this shop seemed to offer me. It seems like the flash of Hollywood and what not has really blindsided many... or maybe I just went on the wrong day. All I know is that I feel a bit comforted that I don't have to feel so bummed that the parking on Melrose sucks (though at this part down here since it's by Le Brea its not as bad) because unless there's a huge event or I'm going to 1988 I won't likely be a regular here.
Sidenote: this particular location used to be the home of a very very rad video game shop called Acme. It has since had to close its doors and thus GA has moved in. But man was that a grand establishment before. LA is seriously at a loss in its absence, you have no idea.Listed in: Soo LA, Young at Heart
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Review from Jason M.
Los Angeles, CA
4/13/2010
Golden Apple isn't what it once was when it was located in its original location on Melrose (in the heart of Melrose Ave)!.
The only time I come to GA now is if my local comic book store (UNIVERSAL COMICS = AWESOMENESS) doesn't have a back issue which I was looking for. Even then so, I usually won't make my way to GA.
1. Parking Sucks!
2. Customer Service SUCKS! (I don't care to hear them talking to each other about their lives while they ring up my book and completely ignore me until it is time to make a payment).
3. Dont even try to come to a special event. They usually only let the "regulars"& friends in first so there is no room for anyone else.
This place has become a complete mess. Head to Universal Comics. So much better!
