Meet the comics man at Pike Place Market

Who: Rod Dyke, 56, co-owner of Golden Age Collectables

Where I live: Seattle native, lives in "Bat Cave."

What I sell: Comic books, new and rare, as well as pop-culture memorabilia, including vintage "Star Wars" toys, movie posters, autographs and games.

How I got started: "Back in 1971, my mom and I bought an existing bookstore in the Pike Place Market. Half of her store was for her books and the other half was for my comic department, which was known as Golden Age Collectables. It just grew. We started with about 200 square feet. Now we are the largest nonfood business in the market, with over 2,000 square feet."

Most valuable comic carried: "Superman" No. 1, the first issue, priced at $95,000, followed by "Batman," No. 1, the first issue, $55,000. "We don't keep them on premises. We keep that in our vault in the bat cave. They are shown by appointments only."

Most memorable sale: "In 1973 I sold my first 'Superman' No. 1 comic for $2,001. People ask why such an unusual price ... I told (the buyer), 'I need you to give me a dollar more so I could set the world's record for most expensive comic ever sold' " — which up to then was $2,000.

Sights and sounds I enjoy at the Market: "I love getting here early and watching the Market come alive, the vendors setting up. The shop lights coming on ... I'm a second-generation Pike Place owner, and I have been coming since I was a kid. It never ceases to thrill me to come to work."

— Compiled by Tan Vinh,

Seattle Times staff reporter

Golden Age Collectables is located on lower level of Pike Place Market. 206-622-9799 or goldenagecollectables.com