Meltdown Comics in Hollywood, a comic book shop that has fostered a community of nerds and artists for 25 years, closed its doors for good on Friday, March 30.
The community created over the years by this comic book shop is a tight-knit one. A few fans shared why they love Meltdown and what they'll miss the most.
Meredith Morris, "nerdtern"
Morris was an intern for Meltdown's events space, Nerdmelt. She says, even before moving to Los Angeles, she dreamed of visiting the iconic shop.
And then when I became an intern I thought, 'It's going to be nice to be just a little footnote into this thing that's been here for 25 years,' and now, being a part of its closing...it's an honor and it's going to be missed, and I think it's being missed already.
Ed Salazar, "The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail"
"The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail" was a live show, hosted from the event space for 6 years.
For Salazar, Meltdown was all about unifying all the different facets of the nerd spirit.
It wasn't just about comics, and I think the special thing about that store was it didn't just say you had to be into this one thing...caring about anything made you feel accepted there.
And it's that acceptance and support that Salazar said he'll miss the most, once Meltdown is gone.
I really hope everyone just remembers how rad it was to be ... nice to each other. How cool that can feel. How much creativity that can make. How great something can feel when everyone was supporting each other.
There's a little less chaos in the world now and maybe a little less energy, and that's sad to me. A little less opportunity for weird things to happen. There's not enough weird stuff.
Many fans took to Twitter to share their memories of the comic and comedy haven.
Just a bit heartbroken over the news that @MeltdownComics will be closing it's doors March 30th, Gaston was pretty much my only friend after abruptly moving to LA at age 13, he tought me how to play Magic, introduced me to Sandman, broke down Thanos, all while running the store.
— 🇩🇴Francis Capra🇩🇴 (@franciscapra) March 22, 2018
So sad to hear @MeltdownComics is closing. They opened up many a morning for me to come and do dumb tv segments - from cussing about magic to the perfect backdrop for a dj set, @meltdown was like family. Not many businesses you can say that about. Love you guys. 😭
— Allie Mac Kay (@alliemackay) March 22, 2018
#Meltdown cultivated my love of comics throughout my childhood. These guys were the first I told when I booked jughead on Riverdale. I interned here before college, they ushered me into photography, and clapped when I went back into acting. I’ll miss melt https://t.co/MrK98L1pIN
— Cole M. Sprouse (@colesprouse) March 22, 2018
@MeltdownComics was the source of so much awesomeness in Los Angeles! Thanks to Gaston and everyone there for all the years... and for letting me climb around your roof twice to get this shot. Years later, it’s still a favorite. #ripmeltdown pic.twitter.com/TzeE9mcAVp
— Brian McCarty (@MrBrianMcCarty) March 22, 2018
Farewell, Meltdown Comics. You will be missed.