HOLLYWOOD -- Ten years ago, Meltdown Comics & Collectibles 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 will celebrate its anniversary with an all out Halloween party 7 p.m. Oct. 31 at the store, 7522 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. The event will feature quite a few freebies and a couple of surprises. Reservations are not required.
"We are both so excited to able to share this milestone with our customers, family and friends,” the business partners said. "As comic book fans it has been an exciting adventure to watch our tiny little mom and pop shop grow into the largest comic book store on the west coast "
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 was 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, through Baby Melt, gifts and books for infants and children.
The new spot also allowed the store to expand its award winning and innovative window displays.
The cosmopolitan approach to the core stock – comic books – has earned praise from around the globe.
Among awards won over the years are 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 plan to continue growing their business, with plans to move into new realms such as toy design and manufacturing and publishing.
" With our success rate as high as it has been, look for total world domination by Meltdown in the future,” they said.
“ And of course, an ever increasing selection of the best comics and comic-related merchandise"
What: Meltdown Comics & Collectibles 10th Anniversary Halloween Party.
When: 7 p.m. Oct. 31
Where: 7522 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, 90046
Cost: Free
Information: 323.851.7223 www.meltcomics.com , gaston@meltcomics.com