About
Meltdown…the Largest Comic Book Store on the West Coast
HOLLYWOOD — 1993, Meltdown was little more than the hope of two fans who took a risk and used their personal collection of comic books and Spider-Man memorabilia to open their own store.
Now the dream of Gaston Dominguez-Letelier and Ilia Carson-Letelier is one of the most respected comic book stores in the world. A must-see pop culture destination for some and a valuable research spot for others, Meltdown has become a key component in the cultural sphere of Los Angeles.
“When I arrive, the store is stunning. No leftover newspapers soaking up rain leaks. No chewing gum stuck on the sawdust covered floor,” said longtime Meltdown customer Don Murphy, producer of comics-related films such as From Hell and League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. “Well-lit, well stocked, friendly. A place I actually want to go to”.
Meltdown has grown from 1,500 to 9,000 square-feet over the years and though it relocated three times, it remained on the same Sunset Boulevard block.
Constant too is its alien mascot, “Mel,” designed by cartoonist Dan Clowes. And of course, each move brought with it even more room for comics, toys, collectibles, clothing for young women and gifts infants and children.
The cosmopolitan approach to the core stock – comic books – has earned praise from around the globe. Awards won over the years include a “Best of LA” nod from Los Angeles Magazine, top votes from the Sci-Fi Channel and a Will Eisner “Spirit of Comics” retailer award.
“Meltdown has one of the best selections of comic books new and old that I have ever seen,” said Eric Reynolds, spokesman for Fantagraphics Books, one of the industry’s top alternative publishers. “Ilia and Gaston are more than just progressive business people. They’re also tremendous activists for the art form. Their obvious love of the art form is a rarity in the commerce-dominated world of retailing, and cannot be underestimated in an age where we all are desperate to reach out to potential new readers.”
For their part, Ilia and Gaston have continued growing their business, with moves into new realms such as toy design and manufacturing.
“With our success rate as high as it has been, look for total world domination by Meltdown in the future, and of course, an ever increasing selection of the best comics and comic-related merchandise” they said.
