Jim Higgins here reporting in on some great happenings at Meltdown University.  On a recent Wednesday night, one of the classes had the privilege of having Mark Waid, known for his past runs writing Fantastic Four and Flash, his present run on Amazing Spider-Man, for being editor in chief at Boom! Studios, and for writing a number of their titles, including the acclaimed dark superhero series Irredeemable. Mark spent about an hour giving an informal talk about constructing stories, while also giving key advice about writing techniques and things to know that are specific to comics.  Both the writer/artists and the script writers had the chance to ask questions which Mark responded to with great information.  Mark and I batted around some thoughts on plotting and building character and how to play to the strengths of the comics medium.  I want to thank Mark for taking the time to come down and share his time. The Boom! crew are frequent visitors to Meltdown and have had signings and other events at the store.  We like to think of Mark as one of the professional community’s “Friends ‘O Meltdown.”  Thanks for stopping by, Mark!

If you’re interested in taking a class at Meltdown University we offer two types: one is a series where you have the choice of writing and drawing an eight to ten-page minicomic or writing a twelve to fourteen-page comics script; the other is a basic drawing class where artists can come and learn the fundamentals to apply to any type of drawing or art.  Though it will touch on doing comics, that series is  more of a straight art class.  The next comics-making series starts on Monday, February 22 and the next Drawing Basics class will begin sometime in April and will meet on Saturdays. For information or to sign up, go here.

Irredeemable written by Mark Waid

 

Artists take note: we are starting a series of classes called Drawing Basics that will be all about the fundamentals of drawing.  Figure work, perspective, composition, light and shadow, drawing objects and backgrounds, and life drawing will all be covered in the 14-week series.  This is for artists of all kinds — not just comic book artists, but any sketcher or drawer or artist!  And art supplies will be on sale right in the store at our Blue Rooster kiosk.

The class begins Saturday, December 6, 2009, at 4pm.  For more information and to sign up, go here and scroll down the page:

http://www.meltcomics.com/blog/comics-creation-workshops/

AND – The first session of a new series of our regular Meltdown U comic book writing and drawing class is on Wednesday December 2 at 7pm.  It’s not too late to join that class.  To sign up go to the same link above.  Come learn to draw or do comics — or both!

 

Meltdown University

New Series of Comics Classes Begins!

Meltdown-U single image On Wednesday December 2, at 7pm, a new series of classes on how to write and draw comics starts.  Meltdown U has been running for over a year now and we’re excited to see these classes continue to attract new students interested in the art of comics.  If you’d like more info on the 14-week series, go to http://www.meltcomics.com/meltdown_u.html.  From there you can click a link to sign up.  The classes are open to artists and writers.  Come on and join in!  And pass this info on if you know someone who’d be interested!

 

Meltdown-U single image

 

Meltdown University is beginning a new series of classes on Monday October 5th at 7pm.  Learn to write and draw comics in a fun, supportive, but structured environment.  Finish a comics script or a minicomic and learn all the techniques you need to do it.  Get information on how to break into the comics business as a writer or artist.  Classes meet once a week on Mondays for 14 weeks.  Check out this link for more info and to sign up. 

http://www.meltcomics.com/meltdown_u.html

Why put it off any longer?  You love comics.  Learn how to make’em!

 

FG_flyersThis weekend, your last chance to purchase pieces from, Scott Campbell, Steven Daily, Gustavo Alberto Garcia Vaca, Ron English,  Maripol, Blaine Fontana, Mark Bode, Ritzy Periwinkle, Kenji Tanaka, Dr. Revolt, Make One, Jim Mahfood, Rickyh Powell, Two Rabbits, Paul Torres, Nathan Meier, Craig Johnson, Monster Factory and many others.
Stop by Saturday and Sunday for the FUN GALLERY CASH AND CARRY.

Missed the opening? Here’s some highlights and pictures from opening night and artwork.
NSFW! VIEWER BEWARE! ADULT CONTENT.

James and wowlebrity Thairin Smothers go to the re-opening party for Patti Astor’s legendary FUN Gallery, which launched the careers of such art icons as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf and Futura 2000, and was the epitome of East Village NYC cool for its 5-year run from 1981 to 1985. The gallery was the hang-out of such NYC superstars as Andy Warhol, Fab Five Freddy, Debbie Harry and the Beastie Boys. The celebratory return of the FUN Gallery is being hosted by the Meltdown Comics gallery space in West Hollywood, and all sorts of New York luminaries and young art kids are on-hand at the party to celebrate. James chats with the fabulous and legendary Patti Astor herself, as well as art star Shepard Fairey (of “Obey” and Obama’s “Hope” poster fame), NY underground film director Anita Rosenberg, Lenora Claire, Cobrasnake (who discusses his recent Twitter scandal with Perez Hilton, Demi Moore and her daughter Tallulah), theremin virtuoso Armen Ra, Chuck Crook, DJ Charles Rosenberg (from the original FUN Gallery), Gregory Alexander, Steve Strange, art duo The London Police, featured artist Nathan Meier and many more. PLUS, James works his magic to get a few party-goers to flash some boob and peen (very NSFW)!

Gallery Hours:
Saturday: 11am – 10pm
Sunday: 11am – 10pm

©2012 Meltdown, Inc. WP retouched by the hand of FD for Meltdown, Inc.