The pLAces you’ll go: Meltdown Comics and Collectables

There are more than 500 square miles of city surrounding UCLA’s campus, which takes up a minuscule fraction of that mileage. For such a big place, Los Angeles at times seems impossible to navigate. But don’t let size steer you away from your sense of adventure and curiosity. Each week this quarter, follow columnist Maryrose Kulick as she takes you to a new and affordable L.A. destination, to help you explore the city you call home.

By day, it’s a typical comic book store on Sunset Boulevard. By night, the alien mascot outside is illuminated by neon lights, and comic books meet comic genius.

Meltdown Comics and Collectibles is cool enough on its own, fulfilling practically every inner-nerd desire. But it has an additional perk: a comedy club in the back.

Upon first entering the store for an afternoon visit, I was met by a large room filled with comic books galore and white walls covered in comedy event posters. A statue of Yoda greeted me to begin my exploration.

Besides comic books, the store contains everything from action figures to board games to books on how to draw your own comics. Here is an opportunity to satisfy any future cravings I may have for a Captain America figurine. Or, if I want to learn the ins and outs of comic artistry, I’ve found the place to go. And on the days when I’m not in the mood for shopping, it’s not a bad hangout spot either.

Being the nostalgic person that I am, I became a little over-excited when I found the vintage gaming station set up in the corner of the store. I felt like a kid again while playing “Donkey Kong Country” on the Super Nintendo.

Later, when I came back for an evening comedy show, the entire atmosphere had changed.

I sat outside the store, waiting in a standby line for the taping of the comedy show “Really Good Advice,” with Jen Kirkman and Michael Ian Black, and watched as people bustled in and out. It was one of the few times I felt like a real L.A. resident, witnessing show business firsthand on the Sunset Strip.

Once inside, we were all ushered to the back of Meltdown and into the NerdMelt Showroom, a small, intimate space with a stage set up in front. A few rows of individual lightbulbs hung from the ceiling, illuminating the room, and a film crew was scattered throughout.

A talk show ensued, where Kirkman and Black combined their proclaimed “80 years of life experience” to give advice on everything from relationships to technology. When does it stop being appropriate to Facebook stalk the person you’ve just started dating? What should you do if you’re ever a contestant on “The Bachelor?” These questions and more were answered, and though I don’t know how well I can judge just how “good” the advice was, it was darn funny. And I can imagine NerdMelt’s other shows, which happen virtually every night, are just as entertaining.

The shows are also popular. From stand-up to open mic nights, NerdMelt caters to diverse comedy interests. When planning your trip, remember to reserve your ticket online. Or if you were late on the uptake, like me, you can show up early and wait in a standby line. Most of NerdMelt’s shows are inexpensive, and many are free, which I’m sure is the word you were looking for.

In addition to comedy, Meltdown also holds comic book signing events, which have included the likes of famed comic book writer Grant Morrison. You can check the Meltdown website for a complete list of happenings for the month.

Whether you are a comic book junkie or a lover of all things funny, Meltdown Comics is a destination that offers a fun change of scenery from drab campus libraries or dorm rooms.

So follow the light of the neon alien, and prepare to chuckle your heart out and embrace your inner nerd.