Remembering Bill Liebowitz

Both CityBeat and the LA Weekly (bottom of column) today run appreciations to the creator of the Golden Apple Comics store at 7711 Melrose Avenue. From Don Waller in CityBeat:

Exiting a successful career in commercial real estate to pursue his passions for comic books, yo-yos, doo-wop, and erotica, Golden Apple Comics founder/owner Bill Liebowitz – who died Wednesday, October 27, at age 63 – was everything a local retailer should be: a tireless promoter, a champion of independent artists and publishers, and a member of various organizations devoted to local business, comic art, vocal groups, “adult entertainment,” and anti-censorship efforts.

Beginning in 1979, Liebowitz turned his Melrose Avenue outlet (a second branch is located in Northridge) into not just a comic-book store, but a pop cultural showcase that became a destination location for fans across the city and, indeed, the world. The Apple’s in-stores were legendary, often drawing upward of 1,000 people.

A memorial tribute will be held in the store on Sunday, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m.