Curbed Seattle has described Golden Age Collectables as "Seattle's longest-running comic book shop" and "a popular tourist-photo spot because of a convenient Pike Place Market location and a selfie-ready Batman statue outside".[1]Thrillist has called the shop as "a hodgepodge of nerdy/kitschy knick knacks, comic books and bric-a-brac".[2] The business has also been described as "the largest comic book and movie nostalgia store in the Northwest",[3] as well as the oldest comic book shop in the United States.[4]
The Seattle Times has said the shop is "a full-fledged pop culture emporium".[5][6] According to Seattle Metropolitan, "Here, each aisle gives way to another just as stocked with age-defying treasures, from a full wall of Funko Pop figures to what feels like an entire franchise worth of Star Wars paraphernalia, to, obviously, rows and rows of comics."[7]Lonely Planet has said, "A haven for geeks, kids and, especially, geeky kids, this shop has comics and comic-book-inspired toys, novelty items (hopping nuns etc) costumes and loads of goth-friendly knickknacks".[8]
The shop has also stocked autographs and film scripts, as well as Japanese and vintage toys. Golden Age hosts special events such as visits by superheroes.[9]
History
Established in 1961, Golden Age Collectables is billed as the oldest comic book shop in the world. Rod Dyke has owned the business since 1971.[10]The Seattle Times described him as a co-owner in 2008.[11] His wife Colleen Dyke also helps run the business.[12]
Reception
In Seattle Family Adventures: City Escapades, Day Trips, Weekend Getaways, and Itineraries for Fun-Loving Families (2017), Kate Calamusa said a visit to the shop "is sure to bring out everyone's inner kid with its extensive collection of comics, toys, and games".[13] In his 2020 book Moon Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: California, Oregon & Washington, Ian Anderson called Golden Age "a throwback where just about everything is nostalgic", with "kitschy items from lunch boxes to bobbleheads". He recommended, "Step inside to summon your inner nerd.[14]