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The Perky Nerd’s Nightmare Before Christmas

Last-minute Christmas shopping can be a nightmare, but the Perky Nerd has a solution for fans of Entertainment Gothique: Nightmare Before Christmas fan art!

Perky Nerd Nightmare Before Christmas
Art by Maria Oglesby

The Perky Nerd – the self-described “Home of Comics and Coffee” – is a nifty shop in Burbank that lives up to its name by being both perky and nerdish. Besides comics, the store sells cold brew coffee and local brands, along with collectibles based on such familiar franchises as Star Wars and Harry Potter. Appealing to “social nerds,” Perky Nerd hosts numerous events, including gaming and a comic book reading club; the location features a cozy atmosphere with a comfortable couch where customers can relax and peruse their purchases. There is also an area in back that serves as a small art gallery, where an exhibition of art inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas opened on December 8.

The art tends to be whimsical in nature, even cartoonish, though Kate Maxwell’s “The Doctor Is In” (featuring Dr. Finklestein) is downright ominous. Most of what’s on sale is prints, running an affordable $10-20 unframed ($80 framed). Our favorite is a dual portrait of Jack Skelington and Sally by Maria Oglesby, which is available on cards, buttons, and prints, with prices ranging from $5 to $20. The original artwork is priced at $200.

The Nightmare Before Christmas exhibition does not have a set schedule, but it is expected to run through December (or until it is replaced by a subsequent art show). The Perky Nerd is open every day during the holiday season except Christmas and New Year’s Day, but there are special hours during this time, so be sure to call (818) 823-7511 to confirm store hours, or check the official website. The address is 1606 W. Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank, 91506.

Gallery: The Nightmare Before Christmas Art Show – Opening Night

Photos copyright 2017 by Yuki Tanaka

Steve Biodrowski, Administrator

A graduate of USC film school, Steve Biodrowski has worked as a film critic, journalist, and editor at Movieline, Premiere, Le Cinephage, The Dark Side., Cinefantastique magazine, Fandom.com, and Cinescape Online. He is currently Managing Editor of Cinefantastique Online and owner-operator of Hollywood Gothique.