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Gaston dl meltdown comics owner2/12/2024 ![]() GDL: Our buyer keeps the inventory very well diversified so as not to have economic fluctuations affect us too much. TDM: Do economic fluctuations have a negative impact on sales? All of our shops are destination stores so the best approach for us, of course, is to specialize and cater to a specific market and clientele. TDM: Are there risks to overspecializing or does specialization make a store more efficient? Once released, and due to brisk sales, we immediately realized the potential of the mom and pop toy niche. This character was designed by Oscar-nominated cartoonist Dan Clowes. In 1999, as a case study, we manufactured a character premium of the Meltdown mascot. We also manufacture, consult, and run production for artists and Fortune 500 companies looking at the art toy marketplace as the new entry point for cool urban types. We feature art toys that are made in small runs by fashion houses and creative types from around the world. Span of Sunset was our answer to the local demand. The designer toy and art vinyl market has created a network of small independent boutiques all around the globe. GDL: Currently, in our main store we opened a gallery that focuses on original comic art, illustration, and its by-products, like packaging design for consumer products. TDM: What special knowledge did you apply to the business? We have also sold limited edition items, such as Randy Bowen Marvel Comics bronze statues with runs of twenty-five or less, robots, die-cast toys, vintage Kaiju monsters, toys from Japanese cinema, Tin Tin (the European equivalent to Mickey Mouse or the Asian Astro boy), and one of a kind items such as high-end maquettes, original screen used movie props, and original comic and fine art. We have retailed and brokered complete runs of Star Wars and other science fiction-superhero related toys. ![]() We had also cultivated, through many trips to Asia, a Key vintage Japanese toy collection. We had amassed a giant collection of vintage Spiderman and superhero collectibles encompassing all types and styles of products from all over the world. Gaston Dominguez-Letelier: My wife at the time and still partner and I started Meltdown eleven years ago. TDmonthly: How did you start in the collectibles industry? ![]() In an exclusive and candid conversation with TDmonthly Magazine, Dominguez-Letelier´s experience and insights prove essential for both established retailers with an eye on expansion and those just thinking about starting a new business. The Meltdown family of stores are delightful, singular shopping experiences (right down to their three-legged alien mascot Mel, designed by an Oscar-nominated writer/cartoonist), and Dominguez-Letelier´s been rapidly expanding into new businesses, like high-end baby accessories, cutting-edge toy conceptualization and creative DVD packaging for major film franchises. Writer/Producer Laeta Kalogridis (“ Shutter Island.Known as the West Coast´s largest and most influential comics dealer, Sunset Strip-headquartered Meltdown Comics and Collectibles is only one of five southern California stores owned by Gaston Dominguez-Letelier and his partner. Comedian Jonah Ray (“ The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail,” “Mystery Science Theater 300: The Return”) served as host. The Lmgi Awards spotlight features, television and commercials in which the creative use of filming locations “sets the tone, enriches the character and enhances the narrative.” The awards ceremony and reception took place at the Alex Theatre in Glendale before an audience of 500, including Lmgi members, industry execs and press. In television series, awards went to “Game of Thornes,” filmed in Northern Ireland, Croatia, Morocco, Malta and other locations, and “Ozark,” shot in the Atlanta area. The motion picture honorees were “ Dunkirk,” shot in Malo-les-Bains in France (pictured above), where the real wartime evacuation took place, and “Baby Driver,” shot at locations throughout Atlanta. Unofficially, the awards season ended this evening when the Location Managers Guild International announced the winners of its 5th annual Lmgi Awards.
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