Meltdown Comics and Collectibles claims to be the largest comics shop on the West Coast. Though I haven’t busted out the measuring tape to personally confirm this, I can say with complete certainty that it’s my favorite. In addition to  thousands of mainstream comic books, an always-impressive array of indie comics and art books, the store is filled with tons of toys. I spend hours here regularly, ogling the extensive menagerie of everything from plush Ugly Dolls to the vinyl art dolls by Camille Rose Garcia to vintage Godzillas and MegaMen. The store’s back room has been turned into a gallery, with special events  along with art openings held here thus continuing the visual wonderland. Recently, Scottish writer and counter-culture guru Grant Morrison made a special appearance – a conversation with legendary author/artist/filmmaker Clive Barker and a signing of his latest: Batman and Robin plus a new hardcover book. You can read about and watch the event on Meltdown’s website,  here.

Words and Photos by Zoetica Ebb