Golden Apple – the comic shop in Hollywood that has been “my” comic shop for … well, for a long time now – had a party Friday night to mark the end of the massive re-launch that DC Comics undertook in September. They got a lot of the talent for various books to come in for the after-hours party, and included DC Comics Co-Publisher and writer on OMAC, Dan DiDio. A sizable crowd turned out for the event.
When I arrived at the store shortly after 7 p.m., the staff were busy at the registers ringing up sales for attendees. They had offered free raffle tickets to anyone who bought any of the Number 1 issues of the DC 52 at the party. Since I’d already picked up all the titles I was going to read, I didn’t intend to make any purchases. But as things turned out, I did buy two issues – but not of DC comics. I realized I’d missed picking up issues 2 and 3 of Sergio Aragonés’ Funnies. So I got those. The staff, lead by the “Queen Bee” of the shop, Sharon, gave the customers speedy service.
Golden Apple staff
The Talent took up their places, and the line for the autographs snaked around the store’s interior.
They had two signing areas, the counter in the above picture, and a set of tables in the following one.
Of course, the big deal about the party, in a way, was that Dan DiDio would be there. He showed up and was upbeat about how things have gone over with the re-launch. Of course, that is his job and it was a party.
Dan DiDio
He does a good job of connecting with the fans.
Dan DiDio and fan
It got pretty crowded and hot inside the store. Out back, they’d set up tables and chairs and had refreshments for attendees. It was much cooler out there. A nice place to relax. And it had the added benefit of catching sight of an aspiring superhero (or, alternately, a comic book reader in training).
Apparently, Young Green Lantern likes Oreo cookies. The crumbs were still evident on his face when he checked out the paparazzi (me).
All in all, a fun evening out. I had some nice conversations along the way, and then came on home.
