PUNK TO FUNK PRESS RELEASE < This Friday ! >

[volchonk]

LOS ANGELES - Underground comic czars Jim Mahfood and Dave Crosland will be exhibiting a collection of original, musically-inspired art this June, in a show appropriately titled "Punk To Funk". The opening

reception for this month-long display of funk-fueled paintings, portraits, and more is sponsored by Red Stripe, and will take place on June 3rd from 7 - 10pm at the Meltdown Gallery, located inside

Meltdown Comics & Collectibles, 7522 Sunset Blvd.,

Los Angeles.

323.851.7223 www.meltcomics.com.

A self-published creator since his college years, Jim Mahfood shook the foundations of the comic world in the late 90's, with his work on Kevin Smith's Clerks comic books. Since his debut, Mahfood has blazed

through the industry like a human tornado, with independent releases like Grrl Scouts, Zombie Kid, and Stupid Comics. All the while, he's still been able to apply his unique style to the

mainstream, with his work on Peter Parker: Spider-Man, Bart Simpson's Treehouse of Horror, and Marvel's upcoming release, the Wha Huh?! Special.

An editorial/fine arts illustrator, who's work has appeared in magazines like Spin, Venus, and Tastes Like Chicken, Dave Crosland stomped into comics like a pen-wielding Godzilla with the book Puffed

in 2003. Since then, Crosland has been responsible for artwork on several indie titles, including Heaven LLC and Bad Ideas. That's not to mention his regular contributions to comic anthologies, such as

Meathaus and Punchthroat Industries' Ragtag. This June will mark the international release of his first self-written work, Slop: Analecta, a collection of short stories and pinups.

Jim and Dave co-founded The Silky Bureaucrats as an outlet to kick out the jams on their collaborative and more aligned art endeavors. Both are artists for Image Comics (Berkeley, CA). Both perform at "live art" shows, where they paint mural-styled pieces at clubs while bands perform. And both like to listen to a loud, eclectic mix of music while they work.

Established in 1982 by Gaston Dominguez-Letelier and Ilia Carson-Letelier, Meltdown Comics & Collectibles has become a key component in the cultural sphere of Los Angeles. A must-see pop

culture destination for some and a valuable research spot for others, the cosmopolitan approach to the core stock – comic books from around the world – has earned praise throughout the globe.

Among awards won over the years are a Best of LA nod from Los Angeles Magazine and a Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award.

What: Punk to Funk: The Dynamic Art of the Silky

Bureaucrats

When: 7-10 p.m. June 3rd

Where: 7522 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, 90046

Cost: Free

Information: www.meltcomics.com, www.40ozcomics.com,

www.hiredmeat.com

Contact: 323.851.7223

*www.40ozcomics.com*