As the costumed crimefighter The Flare, Cal has never had an easy life. And now he's on the verge of an even harder death. Consumed by the very same fire powers that make him super-human, he finds his fractured life slipping away as he succumbs to the hell of a physical and mental meltdown.
During his final days, Cal must struggle with his volatile life and the questionable decisions he's made along the way, hoping to correct his many failures and find a final redemption before time runs out.
Both issues of MELTDOWN, the 96-page prestige-format color series from IMAGE Comics, are now heating up comic racks, with gorgeous artwork by Sean Wang (creator of "Runners"), incomparable colors by Guru-eFX and script by David B. Schwartz. PLUS all new (and unbelievable) covers by comics superstars CHRIS BACHALO and GREG HORN! The trade paperback hits stores July 18th, with all 96 pages of the original issues, plus tons of bonus materials (inlcuding all new stuff from ROBERT KIRKMAN, JOSH HOWARD, MICAH GUNNELL, DAN HIPP, MARK HAVEN BRITT, ROBBI RODRIGUEZ, JOELLE JONES and more!
Trust us -- you won't wanna miss this book!
CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR MELTDOWN:
Top 10 of 2006 – MajorSpoilers.com
"Absorbing", "masterful" & "stunning". "4 out of 4 stars", “Pick of the Month”.
- Comic Buyer's Guide
"Not since Kurt Busiek's ‘Astro City’ has a comic brought so much impact into the comic book world. The unyielding power of Meltdown leaves the reader thirsting for more, a solid 6 star comic in a 5 star world, and an early Christmas present for comic fans worldwide."
- Newsarama.com
“The most surprisingly wonderful book in years”.
- ScripticStudios.com
“You ever read a comic book that was so good that you knew that it was the debut of some major talent???That's exactly how I felt as I read MELTDOWN.??… After reading MELTDOWN I feel that the comics world is all the better for having David B. Schwartz and Sean Wang in it. These guys are going to be major players in the comics world in the next several years and you read it here first... I honestly don't know if I can remember when I've read an introductory issue that's been this good. MELTDOWN is, as the kids say today, the bomb.” “[G]enius”
- Ain’t It Cool News
"I have to say this is one of the best titles I have read in a long, long time. As the year quickly comes to a close, Meltdown is on my list for one of the top titles of the year…Meltdown receives a well deserved 5 out of 5 Stars."
- Majorspoilers.com
"One hell of a good read…Writer David B. Schwartz proves his chops quite nicely with MELTDOWN #1. I opened the book and was instantly pulled into the hero’s tragic tale. “5 out of 5 stars"
- ComicCritque.com
"[A] slick, involving, emotional tale... MELTDOWN delivers the goods, creating a super-hero epic with true heart and passion... Hopefully, people will take heed when I say that this is a must-buy once this series hits the comic stands.” “5 out of 5 Bullets."
- SilverBulletComicBooks.com
“Schwartz’s characters have genuine depth and motivation. Sean Wang’s art is at once charming and dynamic. MELTDOWN is the first comic book I’ve enjoyed reading in many years. Well done!”
- Barry Windsor-Smith
"This book hits you like a blast furnace, and it does it on every level.” “I truly can't recommend this book any higher, and won’t be shocked if this book sells out, and is tops on everyone's list come December.” “A+"
- PaperbackReader.com
“Written with a darkly unique sense of humor, MELTDOWN hits the spot every time.”
- Pulp Fiction
“[T]his was really, really good…done with forethought and intelligence. The story had a certain bit of realism that just drew me in immediately.”
- Tales From the Longbox
“Schwartz…uses the book to look at how people’s childhood hopes and dreams are often squashed by adulthood and the economic truths of this world. And if the story alone weren’t good enough, the art by Sean Wang is stunning.”
- SilverBulletComicBooks.com
“I suggest this for any and all superhero fans. A very nice surprise.”
- Cosmic Comix Reviews
“I had heard that MELTDOWN was a great new title, but I decided to test the hype. It turned out better than I could have asked for – great characterization, wicked concept and solid art…Schwartz and co have outdone themselves with this mini-series.”
- Newsarama.com
“These characters seem real, which is almost anything you could ask for in a superhero-based book…a superb book.” “Rating: Must read.”
- IGN.com
“Both the writing and artwork achieve levels of storytelling that are inherently human and painfully honest.” “Schwartz [is] always playing with his reader’s expectations. Wang…does nothing less than stun with his artwork.”
- fanboycomics.biz
“[A] really well-told superhero story, with an interesting protagonist and some eye-catching art. Go ahead and pick one up and try to resist.”
- JPKComics.com
“Schwartz has a great handle on his character, his motivations and frustrations, as well he impressively nails the themes that he wants to hit. The art by Sean Wang is aces. The top-notch coloring by GURU-eFX brings it all together…A definite surprise, and a must-read for superhero fans who think they’ve seen it all.”
- RackRaids.com
“MELTDOWN succeeds on a number of levels...Artistically, the book looks fantastic…Together, art and story work tightly, and MELTDOWN makes for an excellent read because of it.”
- ComicsWaitingRoom.com
“This isn’t a typical super-hero story. It’s a tragedy about a man who’s been denied his dreams, his desires and a dynamic destiny.”
- Eye on Comics
“It’s a surprisingly introspective story…a strong, emotional story about a hero who gets pushed to his limits and beyond…[and] a great read.”
- ComiXtreme.com
Who I'd like to meet: The MELTDOWN team:
SEAN WANG (pencils, inks and letters): Sean got his start in the comics industry writing and drawing seasonal specials for “The Tick”. He then wrote and illustrated the 6-issue “Tick and Arthur” series, in which the duo took the next logical step in their superhero careers: joining a superteam. Since 2000, Sean has been self-publishing his highly-acclaimed sci-fi adventure series “Runners”, which made several reviewers’ “Best of 2005” lists.
DAVID B. SCHWARTZ (writer): David co-wrote and co-produced the award-winning feature film “Fighting Gravity”; served as a writer on several television shows, but has always wanted to write comics. He's thrilled to be getting that chance on MELTDOWN. By day, David is V.P. of Business Affairs for The Walt Disney Company’s Buena Vista Television division, where he works on the cutting edge of new technological distribution platforms for movies and TV shows.
GURU-eFX (colors): GURU-EFX is here to do one thing - produce extraordinary images. Using creative design and the latest digital imaging techniques, they offer a unique service, digital coloring, that has earned critical acclaim throughout the comic industry. Their client list includes Marvel Entertainment, Dark Horse, Wildstorm, Antarctic Press, PSM Magazine, and more. GURU-EFX has been mastering and perfecting digital coloring for 9 years to create fully rendered art that stands out from all others. They are known for our special effects and diverse range of coloring styles so that they may meet any need.
I just read Meltdown for like...the sixth time yesterday afternoon and it still kicks as much ass as it did the first time I read it. Seriously, it's outstanding.
Out in the big tent you'll find huge discounts on comics, toys, graphic novels, manga, DVDs, vinyl toys, statues and lots more! Come in costume to have your photo taken and get a $5 Off coupon for use after the sale! 10% OFF everything inside the store and 50% OFF all our back issue comics!!
Tip: Come early on Saturday for the best selection, but BE PREPARED to wait in line for a while until the crowds die down around 3pm or so. Sundays are nice and quiet, not nearly as crazy as Saturday mornings! ________________________________________________
SKULL SESSIONS Opening Night Festivities Friday, October 26 from 7-10pm
All South Florida artists were invited to participate in this massive group art show, come see the results for yourself. Over 100 artists participating! Runs though November 17 Click here for the Skull Sessions Flyer!
I held out until MELTDOWN was collected before I caved in a bought it. And, boy, am I glad I waited. What a fantastic package. I'm through the first book. Can't wait to finish this puppy and check the bonus stuff. Fantastic Job!
Thanks for adding THE DRINK AND DRAW SOCIAL CLUB: MIAMI CHAPTER! Keep an eye out for meeting dates and please do tell any artist you think would be interested in joining us to friend this profile.
