Meltdown Comics & Collectibles

Zero back issues, as in «0». Their issues are overpriced, too. When you ask for help to find an issue, they just point in a general direction… That made me walk out of the store, while I had $ 40 in my pocket ready to spend. Golden Apple is the way to go, it’s just down the street too ~

I’ve only been here twice for comedy shows. Once many years ago for Ishmail’s ??? show (the guy from Silicon Valley) I think on WED or THURS nights, it’s a very popular show… And also for Dan Harmon’s show. The one I saw years ago was some of the funniest Sh*t I had ever seen. Ishmail and his host/​comedy buddy open the show and shoot the sh*t for 15 min or so and then they have stand up comedians come out and it totally rivals going to UCB or other big name comedy venues. The line up was TIGHT!
Dan Harmon’s show was also really really good. I have seen some episodes of Community and saw his documentary. His team that’s on stage with him is really funny too.
I’m not sure how the other nights are, but always enjoy coming here. I need to come more often. They have a tiny parking lot in the back with only like 5 spots.

Was immediately welcomed by Michelangelo and the friendly staff. After picking up my jaw at the range of content, a staffer asked if I’d like to play the ‘recommendation game’ which I enthusiastically agreed to. He pointed me towards The Crow series, which I’m looking forward to reading. Wandered, gawked, drooled. Spied the Nerdmelt space in the back. Left which some great books, comics, ‘zines, and gifts for friends.
If you are going, ask for help and suggestions, the staff is very knowledgable.

We came for a live episode of the Doug Loves Movies podcast, but the store has a large and varied selection of comics. Would definitely recommend it for any comic lovers out there.

Who likes comic books?
I like comic books!
What does this place have?
What doesn’t this place have!!!
With options ranging from Manga comics, popular mainstream comic book characters to the lone unique ones that haven’t made it to the big times just yet, there are old and new editions here for sale and for those that just want to browse what’s there that catches your eye. In addition to comic books, they have toys, toys, toys. With a random assortment of knick-​knacks characters thrown together in display cases in glass cases and shelves, everything catches your eye and you can’t help but want to stare at it a bit longer. The aisles are a little tight but that’s only because there’s are so many people walking in and out of the place either as existing to new customers, to people coming to attend the events the store holds for kids and their parents to promote their artistic and creative side.
There is a organization to the craziness of all the happenings in the store from areas where customers and local comic book artists can sit down to talk in a private room, areas to trade and discuss toy figurines, and even a place to buy and trade Disney pins.
Truly something for everyone! The best part is that it seems to be a popular place for food trucks to congregate right outside the front door. Food snacks, comic books and toys. Oh boy!

Very cool shop. Thought we would stop by since my husband was checking out guitars and basses nearby. They have a large selection of comic books. A few manga, quite a lot of figurines too. It looked like they had a theatre too, pretty cool!

They were rude to my associate a while ago on the phone. Just the whole tone was bad.

Fun store for both buying/​selling comics and attending events. I’ve been here a couple of times for events, the most recent of which was the Digital LA WonderParty that took place this past weekend. The building provided space for a photobooth, refreshments, and an artist, which worked well for the event.
At the same time, event-​goers were free to peruse the store and I appreciated the selection of merchandise that Meltdown has available. Along with comics, they also have some video and board games and a variety of collectible figures and figurines. The merchandise seemed reasonably-​priced — not cheap, but not excessive either.
Overall, this is a great place for people to visit if they’re looking for comics/​collectibles/​games near Hollywood. It’s also a fun facility for events, in which case you get the added bonus of browsing the merchandise while attending the event.

Amazing comic selection they’re process for they’re pull is great employees are hilarious and dope, great toy selection from vinyls to action figures! They actually answer your questions and help they always have new merchandise!

This place is awesome and the staff is great!
On Thursday, I went to the store for the first time. My mission was to do research on Comics in the US market.
I don’t really know much about comics in general, I am more of a book person. I’ve read comics of course but when I was kid. I was born and raised in France so, I’ve read Tintin of course but also other French and European Comics such as Leonard, Boule et Bill, Asterix.
When I entered the store, I went straight to someone who was wearing a staff t-​shirt. However, he was not working here, oops, sorry!
But, that nice man pointed an expert to me: Derrick VanDerMillen who was working behind the counter on the middle of the store.
So, I approached him, introduced myself and asked for his guidance. And, my wish was granted! Derrick was great and very helpful. I bought 9 different comics that are a good representation of what I was looking for.
I am so excited that I just registered at the Meltdown University program. So, I’ll be back soon!
PS: they also have table with chairs so you can sit and check out books before buying. Also, very important: clean restrooms!

I try and stop by here every time I’m in the area. It’s a little different than the traditional comic shop as a lot of non-​comic book types tend to stop by and walk through and yell silly quips at the employees as they hurry through due to all the events they have going on in the backroom (stand up comedy, workshops, etc).The staff has always been extremely friendly and will talk comics and make recommendations based on what you got in your grubby little paws. They’ve since added a ton of loose and carded figures to the glass cases that were once filled with a bunch of dusty vintage toys. Great place to pick up local and indie comics as well.

Supercool minimarket of comic book culture. Big spacious floor filled with both odd and mainstream comics. They have a theatre in the back that always has some cool or odd live improv show happening, a video game longue with a working Nintendo64 and couches, action figues, rare statues and very friendly informative staff. I have nothing negitive to say… i wish the prices were lower but thats because i am a cheap @$$! LOL! I will revisit!

Awesome, best comic store in Los Angeles hands down. They have a great selection of comics, action figures, memorabilia, t-​shirts, and hard to find collectables and considering how much they must be paying for rent I think they offer great prices. They are right on Sunset Blvd in the heart of Hollywood, awesome location and humongous store space. You can check your favorite comics and actually read them in the store before you decide to buy them. I always have a great time checking out their action figures. Their staff is also helpful and laid back. If I could give them ten stars.

I stop by this shop any time I come to LA. It has a great selection, a great atmosphere, and outstanding employees. The folks at the counter are clearly excited about what they sell, which makes this shop a fun place to shop. It’s definitely the best comic shop I’ve ever been to.

Awesome place to visit didn’t have money to. Buy anything but great to just look around

Great place. They’ve remodeled the it to cover other stuff besides comic books, like video games, board games, action figures, etc. Basically, all the cool nerdy stuff.

SO rude !! snotty attitude, very condescending. would never send anyone near there

Was picking up my pull list weekly until I moved out of town told me they can ship it to me first shipment I get is about 20 comics and half where damaged. Packaging was horribly and they where not board/​bag that was surprising considering I always got them board/​bag you would think shipping them in the mail would be even more important to protect them. I called and cancelled my subscription and they never offered any kind of compensation for the damaged comics. Needless to say I switch comic book store. Hopefully they improved the shipping method.

Very cool inventory, bald headed bespectacled (?) staff member was a complete aggro dick to me as soon as I walked in the door. I was there for a comedy event and had to check in and receive info from this person. As a result of him talking down to me and acting annoyed to answer me, I ended up misunderstanding as I couldn’t wait to get away from the jerk. Therefore I was seated in the last row behind someone with a big hairdo completely blocking my view. Dude needs to seriously chill out.

Updated review (2015).
Okay, this is an update to the 2011 review. If you don’t want go through it, the short version is that is no longer recommendable, and long time fellow costumers have written it off as a loss.
I will review it as what it is not anymore or carry first: it no longer has an art supply section, nor a Manga/​European/​Indie or more art/​sketch books section. The children section has been gutted (the old sign is now propped between the bathroom and the improv (!?) room, original hanging art and paraphernalia has been taken down (some moved atop the toilet area), display cases have been gutted out and filled with non-​sense items (cheapie Batman hats?, really). No more one a kind or collectable/​cool/​import figures/​vehicles/​replicas/​resins/​urban toy/​products.
Changes: the blind giveaway (grab) bags: filled with not sold cheap items from the original store. The art/​sketch book/​adult section was hollowed out and a sell/​buy video game area with beanbags and a two LCD TVs with game consoles fitted in. The art supply area is now t-​shirt silkscreen machine that seems to be disused and several High School tables took out the old comics/​horror section/​indie section. Now the kicker (s):
There’s a comedy «school» next door. They knocked a door through the area were the European section was located, and the gallery (the Nerdist Room) is now an improv lounge, with occasional art/​comic shows. Net radio station on second floor, a «Comic University» was scheduled for that day, but the table area was empty. The tables section also is the host to a Dungeon & Dragons meet… The figure/​toy section is mostly off the shelf Toy-​R-​Us merchandise (a few rares items from the original remain in a couple cases). Remains from the original (prop/​toys) now «decorate» the place, looking like a kitsch store has vomi… exploded all over the place. As stated in other reviews, I normally don’t comment on staff (the come and go), but these were a sad group of individuals that seemed painfully bored to be there. Definitely not the initial crew. But is it all that bad… Fear not, True Believers!™:
…For the Supes/​Walking Dead section is now three rows bigger, including a larger wall section for graphic novels (no, just superheroes on it), well stock and up to date. It’s X3 the size of the original section!
…butting up right next to a display case that showcases items from the original store like forgotten dusty photos of somebody’s grandparents at the 1939 New York Fair. No, the original is gone, guys, and it will not come back.
So if you want Japanese toys/​figures, try Animé Jungle in Little Tokyo, figures?, Phat Collectibles on Sunset Blvd, Rare collectibles/​toys: Big Kid Collectable Toy Mall & Retro Store on Burbank Blvd (or Monster in Motion, a tad far in Valencia), Manga and Japanese art supplies: Kinokuniya again in Little Tokyo, standard art supplies: Graphaids Art Supply in Culver City or Blicks in Pasadena. Quality European/​American/​Japanese rare comics, art books/​sketches and some collectibles, definitely Center Stage Gallery in Burbank, or the vastly more stocked Stuart Ng (a tad far in Torrance, but definitely worth the trip) or Center Stage Gallery (closer, in Burbank). Or looking for a simple comic store that has a little bit of everything mentioned?: The Comics Factory in Pasadena (sry, no Golden Apple. Bit lacking).
* The Good: Superior source for Superhero comics from the big two and everything Walking Dead.
* The Meh: It ain’t the Meltdown Comics & Collectibles anymore, don’t play D&D, dude, there are better art and comic schools in the Burbank Animation area (i.e. the Animation Guild), and a chuckle hut is the last place i would visit on a comic book store.
* The Bad: From the original review: Parking can be pain a royal. For this new review?, well, read everything wrong above. Whatever social/​media/​culture gumbo experiment is being conducted here is not working, and a great comic shop store was destroyed in the process.
Tried the place six times since 2012, nope. No friends from the animation or comic industry that used to frequent the original has gone back for a second or third time, and definitely not the place to bring overseas friends over anymore. Not recommendable at all.
* Edit (October 11, 2016): Tried five/​six more times since this review, and the location, if it’s possible, id getting blander and less inviting. Of the 3 days that events were hosting on the artists gallery, all three were open mike or comedy student ones, and one of my friends pointed something that i failed to notice: the quiet. There were no chuckles or laffs, just whoever’s was on the mike at the moment.
And to make things bleaker, comic/​toy wise: The only two things that were kept up to snuff were the supes comic area and the toys section (action figures, vehicles, etc). But I visited Phat Collectibles on Westminster, were I was informed that the toy section is sub-​let to Phat by Meltdown (!!!)… #oi

Great store if you want your inner nerd to full emerge from within. Upon walking in, I immediately felt a sense of nostalgia and influx of childhood memories. When you walk in, you’re greeted by a giant Ninja Turtle Statue and Yoda behind along with a lot of other little figures of characters.
I came here because I wanted to check out a black light art show in their gallery towards the back. I love that this place holds shows and events frequently. After checking out the show, I took a tour of the store and was amazed at all their products. They have an area here where you can play games as well as buy games.
They had a display of Pokemon cards which really hit home as I collected cards a ton as a kid. The next case over, we’re all their Star Wars figures and toys. Keep walking and you’ll find figures of nearly every comic book character imaginable as well as cosplay and animé characters as well.
They have a variety of comic books and stuff to look at/​choose from.
Everything and anything for your inner or fellow nerd and geek.
Will definitely be attending more shows and events here. Great way to meet other nerds and geeks in LA.

Wow wow Wow! I dropped in here with a friend (who was showing me around) and I have to say that it has been one of my favorite places. I like comics & graphic novels, but I am no die-​hard. That usually draws me away from places like this, but within 5 minutes of stepping in, I was reading a couple different things and drawn right into it. There s such a fantastic selection and one that can appeal to any reader. Not only that, but the vibe here was unbeatable. There were people just hanging out and talking about different selections. Everyone was incredibly friendly and I was able to feel immediately, the great sense of community that this shop has. I really do wish that I lived closer to such a place and it has definitely re-​ignited my love of graphic novels. I would for sure recommend stopping in here to browse around, if you’re visiting the area!

A fantastic store! This place is huge and this will satisfy anyone’s curiosity regarding comic books. For those longtime comic book fans to those who take a mild interest in the genre, this is a great place to visit. They also have additional pop art/​culture and novelty sci-​fi items that many people would find interesting.
I can’t wait to come back to this spot!

If you’re bored & want to chance it you can but be prepared to have workers not give a poop about your needs– I was here for an event (book signing) and the staff was just so unwelcoming, like they all felt regret for agreeing to the event — or like they deserved the thanks for hosting it but they didn’t get it… I just don’t know, they were feeling forced & acted as if they were about to close up shop while people were still browsing — they were so uninterested & kept vanishing to the back, leaving myself & my husband waiting around when we were making purchases — they just seemed so uninterested & didn’t seem to care at all if you came in & bought something or just took a dump on the floor–
We will not be coming back here, I regret even giving them any of my money, but hopefully they use it to repair the cruddy ceiling & broken walls…
Also, very cluttered & much dust …

Yes they have comics and toys.
Been in there multiple times and always the same experience.
No one says hello and the staff is cold as ice.
If thats what I wanted i would just use
and safe myself the trip.

I love meltdown comics. Does it have its flaws? Yes. Do I still enjoy my time spent there? Of course!
I enjoy the selection of comics in this store, I can usually find exactly what I’m looking for at a reasonable price. The toys are great and the guys at that register are always really nice and helpful.
The customer service does leave something to be desired. They don’t really greet you or offer assistance unless you ask for it (which can put some people off) I however, enjoy walking around trying to find what I’m looking for in the simple set up they have. The staff is friendly though and have always been very helpful when approached.
They have a lot of cool events there but mist aren’t advertised very well. I got to meet Guillermo del Toro with about twenty other people right when the Pacific rim book came out, which was great for me but seemed… wrong? I’ve stood in a line that was easily 30x that size for Gerard way and Scott Snyder.

Oh Meltdown Comics. You beautiful bastard, you. Can you have a love hate relationship with a comic book store? Hell yeah. I’ve been coming to LA for years and a trip to Meltdown is a essential part of that jpurney. Why? The selection of comics and graphic novels and eight out of ten times the personal.
If you are lucky the clerk is nice and will talk to us silly mortals. If your not, they are busy with each other or with a friend. Then you’ll only get the (fake) smile, your comics and the head turn before you can get the change in your pocket.
Why do I keep coming back and why the four star rating? Meltdown is awesome on alle other accounts. The layout of the store is comfortable and the selection is very good. Every time I shop here I see something that I did not know existed.
Great place to shop for Marvel and DC. Even better for those strange little Indy gems. I hope you get the nice clerks when you visit there.

This comic book shop may be a ways of travel but if you’re in the Sunset Blvd. area in Los Angeles, or looking for a very excellent comic shop with extras, and willing to spend extra money buying then it’s worth the drive!!!
My boyfriend and I have been going out to the comic shop off-​on for years now, and they always impress us. They have comics old and new stocked all the time. Sometimes you’ll have to call in to see about orders or what they’ll have next but always wise. They always have good toys, geek stuff, merch shirts, and classic characters of DC, Marvel, Dark Horse, and TV characters stocked.
The art shows they hold in the back room stage/​gallery of the shop are always interesting and great. The last art show they held I attended was a Sailor Moon animé tribute show which was excellent! The Nerdist always has great stand up and themed comedy-​panels for the Nerdist Panel Show as well.
The only downside would be they only have one bathroom inside the shop and maybe the back alley parking lot being a little bit tricky to drive to get into but all in all it’s still worth it to go there. Whether you’re there to window shop, shop, ask about what they have you’re looking for in comics or toys, or want to look around, Meltdown Comics is up to geek-​nerd standards of comic class. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but we love it there.

Took my son out here to get away for a little bit and see a new comic book store something big ! something with a little bit of everything and we decided on going to, Meltdown Comics.
Some of the troubles I had with this place was just the drive its a long one and the traffic is always bad around Hollywood. When we finally arrived we realized the parking in front was limited so you have to go the corner to park its an awkward right turn to bring you to the alley in the back where there is more parking spaces. But we finally made it after about two tries going around the block.
Finally we were there at the time they had something going on outside where other artists where showing there works and selling them outside. Apparently this happens about once a month where you can showcase your work and sale your stuff at a booth. But sorry guys me and my son wanted to see COMIC BOOKS ! and TOYS ! and thats exactly what we got. They had a huge variety of books along with collectors might want to buy old stuff and new stuff.
They have a huge amount of toys on one side store which as it turns out there is two stores within one, at least that’s what i believe. So if you want a toy you have to pay at a separate register, if you want a comic book you have to pay at the center register.
The fella in the middle register was much obliged to help us navigate around the store to find what I was looking for and to help my son find some stuff that he would like (the dude with big glasses and a tie, didn’t get a name but really cool guy though). They have a fairly large size kid section in comparison to most kid sections in most comic books stores. So my son was able to get some cools stuff some comics and toys. Would I come back? hell yes, me and my son had fun here.

This seems more like a nice place to window shop then anything. Don’t get me wrong, they have a nice collection of figures and a descent size collection of comics. But everything is either very over priced or very dinged up. Doesn’t seem like they care about the condition there comics are in.
The staff never once came up to us, a group of 4 people, to see if there was anything they can help us with. So I rate the customer service a 0.
They do have a small corner as well that they sell over priced board games and a couple of ps2 games.
Overall the only reason I would go back, is to see how a figure looks like physically so I can buy it cheaper online.

Meltdown Comics is a great comic store with a huge selection and convenient location. I love to walk through their aisles and glass cases full of collectible toys. All the X-​men and Batman figures bring me to my days working at Newbury Comics in New England.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a huge comic fan, it’s worth a stop just to take a look around.

I came in looking for two comics and they had neither. They had one book I didn’t know existed, an artist-​sized MAD Magazine, but it was too expensive. for me it was just a so-​so experience.
I could see why so many other people like it.
The staff was friendly.

Awesome, best comic store in Los Angeles hands down. They have a great selection of comics, action figures, memorabilia, t-​shirts, and hard to find collectables and considering how much they must be paying for rent I think they offer great prices.
They are right on Sunset Blvd in the heart of Hollywood, awesome location and humongous store space, since I live just a few miles away I drive by at least once a month to check their new stock.
You can check your favorite comics and actually readm them in the store before you decide to buy them. I always have a great time checking out their action figures and movie memorabilia. Their staff is also helpful and laid back. This store really rubs my Geek spot. If I could give them ten stars I would. Very recommended.