BUILD YOUR OWN 2-HEADED GOON!

Roaring down the Coast Highway in the spirit of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, Weird-Ohs, and the Monte monster decals is a new model kit in development by "Dirty Donny", retro Kreature Kulture graphic artist -- the two-headed monster called TWO MUCH!

Round2Models is partnering with its AMT division to produce the kit. Here is the press release from the Round2Models newsletter explaining all the details:

"The Kats at AMT team up with Dirty Donny to create a Two-Headed Monster... it's TWO MUCH!

Halloween is quite a ways off, but we wanted to "spring" one of our secret projects on you modelers, especially those who love all the cool monster kits that were available back in the golden era of modeling. The Kats at AMT have an exclusive licensing deal with one of the coolest up-and-coming custom culture artists on the scene today: "Dirty Donny" Gillies! Donny has done everything from painting crazy murals and pinstriping mod guitars and pianos for Metallica, to creating mind-blowing artwork for customized pinball machines! Donny's got a funky flair for creating artwork that harkens back to those fun times of yesteryear, where everybody was cutting grass to earn money to buy their next awesome monster model kit!

The first AMT release featuring Dirty Donny's dazzling artwork is the groovy 1/25 scale Vantasy Chevy Custom Van. It's been sellin' like hodaddy hot cakes as momentum builds at an unstoppable pace behind this talented artist. For a follow up kit, we wanted to do something really wild, crazy and fun - a kit that would capture the essence of our monster-modeling youth, while totally zoning in on the current renewed interest in low-brow art and custom culture. What would be more appropriate than an insane two-headed monster? Introducing AMT's first "Kustom Kreature!"

This krazy kit will "kick off" in 2013 and here's where it's going to knock it out of the ballpark: the sculpt. Some of the old custom monster kits made by the "other guys" back in the day looked nifty on the box art, but were sadly lacking in execution on the plastic parts. AMT 's Two Much Monster kit looks as good in plastic as it does in Donny's wild box art illustration, and we'll prove it to you! We've got a sculpt of Two Much, the first Kustom Kreature, straight from Donny's secret lab and we're going to have him (or should we say "hims") on display for you to see - at WONDERFEST! Come out and marvel in the awe of the spectacular sculpt and show us your support for this exciting new initiative in totally fun model kits! It's another way AMT is expanding its product offerings to include many different types of models.

Other differences that will set AMT 's Two Much kit apart from the rest? How about loads of optional decals with artwork all created by Dirty Donny himself to match the monster perfectly! Many different demented designs will be included so you can build a Kustom Kreature that is truly your own. How about a radical display base with extra details like tombstones and a half-buried skateboard for value-added excitement? Real chain for the monster's mace ball? Eyeball jewels in multiple optional translucent colors? This pumpkin-carrying candy masher has got it ALL!

Show AMT your support for the Dirty Donny "Two Much" monster and let's build something FUN!"

Read More → BUILD YOUR OWN 2-HEADED GOON!

THIS WAS THE FEAR THAT WAS . . . AURORA FRANKENSTEIN PLASTIC MODEL KIT

In 1961 Aurora Plastics blew the coffin lid off the monster craze that started with TV's Shock Theater and Warren's FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND by releasing the first in their line of Universal monster kits, the Frankenstein monster. The craze quickly caught on and soon the company was cranking out models 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Now, a half century later, Aurora monster models have not lost their mystique as several companies have re-issued the line over the years, re-introducing the magic to youngsters today of "making your own monsters" just like us Monster Kids did!

A now grown-up Monster Kid who goes by the name of Monster Man Dan is selling a 50-year Anniversary Frankenstein model tribute T-shirt at Cafe Press. Click HERE to take a look.

Read More → THIS WAS THE FEAR THAT WAS . . . AURORA FRANKENSTEIN PLASTIC MODEL KIT

AURORA MONSTERS: THE MODEL CRAZE THAT GRIPPED THE WORLD!

Yesterday's post talked about a DVD that featured the history of the original Aurora Plastics monster model kits. This homage to "The Model Craze That Gripped the World" is not to be missed if you're at all interested in model making or this particular line of kits. Introduced and "moderated" by none other than Zacherly, The Cool Ghoul, the film contains historical commentary and tons of interviews with both past and present scultptors, artists, and fans.

Perhaps the highlight of the documentary is a rare interview with James Bama, the artist responsible for painting the box art on the original Aurora kits. It's an amazing walk down memory lane for us Monster Kids, but it is also of value to new fans who seek the origins of one of the most enduring hobbies ever.

Read More → AURORA MONSTERS: THE MODEL CRAZE THAT GRIPPED THE WORLD!

THINGS MADE BY TINY HANDS

In RUE MORGUE's 13th Anniversary issue (#105, October 2010), they discussed a then-recently released DVD that covered the history of the Aurora monster models. Produced by Cortlandt Hull, it soon became evident that this was to be the historical document preserving the memory of the Aurora monster model phenonmenon.

Read More → THINGS MADE BY TINY HANDS

POLAR LIGHTS: KEEPING THE AURORA LEGEND ALIVE

Model kits have nearly always been a niche market, but with the advent of high-tech entertainment such as computer games and toys, the industry found itself in lean times. Aurora figure kits, including our beloved monsters, slowed down to a halt, then disappeared -- including the well-recognized Aurora logo -- for good.

Attempts were few and far between in the ensuing years to keep the monster model kit hobby alive, but it wasn't until a company that went by the name of Polar Lights (an obvious take on the Aurora brand name) that things started really rolling along in Wolfman's Wagon again. To the delight of Monster Kids old and new alike, Polar Lights not only manufactured and marketed monster models, they re-issued some of the original Aurora monster kits!

This article, from the now-defunct MODELER'S RESOURCE (#27, April/May 1999) magazine, describes how it all happened.

Read More → POLAR LIGHTS: KEEPING THE AURORA LEGEND ALIVE

HORRA FROM AURORA: A BRIEF HISTORY

Tom Graham wrote a piece in AMAZING FIGURE MODELER #10 that perfectly encapsulates the exciting history of Aurora Plastics. The model kit industry was -- and still is -- extremely competitive. One less popular kit than a competitor's and a company might be hanging on their sprue for dear life.

Legend has it that the execs at Aurora laughed out loud when they heard the proposal for a line of figure kits showcasing the Universal monsters. Market testing made a laughing stock of them, however, and they decided to take the plunge. It was a gamble that paid off in spades. Before long, they were cranking out kits of Frankenstein's monster, The Wolf Man, The Mummy and others 24/7 just to keep up with the demand.

Read More → HORRA FROM AURORA: A BRIEF HISTORY

'TWAS THE KNIGHT BEFORE MONSTERS

It's hard to describe to someone the exact feeling that I had -- and I'm sure it's a similar feeling that a lot of other Monster Kids had --when I put together my first Aurora monster model. I have shared with you the experience racing to beat the clock to get my first-ever attempt at building a monster model (The Mummy) completed and down to Gilbert's Hobby Shop in Torrance, CA in time to enter the Aurora Monster Model Customizing Contest. Well, I got the model finished, but missed the entry date!


A full-page ad from FAMOUS MONSTERS OF
FILMLAND magazine promoting the
1965 monster model customizing contest.

A more vivid monster model-making memory of mine is not of this adventure, however -- it is during the making of my second model, The Wolf Man. In this recollection I can remember quite clearly the colors I used (light brown for his fur, gray for the rocks on the base, white for the teeth and a little red for blood on them!), how it went together (pretty easily for a 9-year old), and how it looked when it was finished (not bad, as I recall). The models are long gone but the fond memories remain.


A store promotional banner commonly seen in hobby shops across America.



The first model I ever put together on my own was not a monster model, though -- it was another type of Aurora figure kit -- The Red Knight. The knights were Aurora Plastics' first entry into the figure kit model market. As legend has it, Aurora execs weren't at all thrilled about gambling on the extent of the success of the figure kits, and when mention was made of putting famous movie monsters sprue on parts trees into the now-famous James Bama-painted Aurora long boxes, they shuddered. It took a miraculous bit of showmanship and wizardry, but a market test of prototypes shown at model sales conventions revealed that kids were fanatical with the prospect of seeing their favorite Shock Theater TV creatures come to life under their skillful little hands.

And the rest they say, is history. Advertised heavily in FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND magazine, monster models were a huge hit. They have even enjoyed a revival by Polar Lights, Revell, and other model makers within the last dozen or so years as well.


A typical ad in FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND magazine
selling the Aurora Plastic's line of monster models.


In honor of the 50th Anniversary of the first Aurora monster model -- Frankenstein -- and the resulting onslaught of kits to follow, MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD is devoting this week to AURORA MONSTER MODELS WEEK. Today's post takes a look at the period just before the monster models were unleashed, when heroic knights in Testor's-painted shining armor walked the landscape of our fevered imagination. The pages are from AMAZING FIGURE MODELER #14.

Read More → 'TWAS THE KNIGHT BEFORE MONSTERS

LET'S MAKE MONSTER MODELS!

It would have been more fitting to have this released last year on the Bride's 75th Anniversary. As it is, the latest recalculated on-sale date is December 23 of this year -- a strange date for anything like this to be released.

What I'm talking about is the MOEBIUS MODELS version of the BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN two-figure plastic model kit scene with the Frankenstein monster. Sculpted by Jeff Yagher, this kit is sure to be a nice compliment to the recently-released Bela Lugosi DRACULA figure. The kit will retail for $39.95.

Read More → LET'S MAKE MONSTER MODELS!

AURORA'S FRANKENSTEIN TURNS 50!

MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD received a note from "Monster Man Dan" requesting to announce that he has got just the right "things" to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the first Aurora monster model kit. If you feel so inclined, take a look at his CAFE PRESS shop for his tribute art for this most auspicious of occasions. I love the sprue logo! Following is, in his own words, Dan's unabashed promo for his labor of love:

"Severed heads-up to every monster model figure kit builder and classic monster lover! Right now, in the midst of this 2011 Halloween season filled with all the ghoulish fun and festivities, I desire to draw your attention to a landmark 50th Anniversary that we monster fans need to recognize and pay homage to. . . the King of All Monster Model Kits -- Aurora Plastic's flagship horror kit that started THE MONSTER MODEL CRAZE OF THE 60's -- FRANKENSTEIN!

Building that kit in 1961 further ignited my enthusiasm for classic monsters with the creation of Aurora Models, reading FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND, collecting Castle Films 8mm Monster Digests and tuning in to my favorite weekend TV Horror Host. Entering the graphic-arts field along the way, I only felt it fitting that I should attempt to create some kind of 50th Anniversary tribute design. And now I am proud to offer .... FRANKEN-MODEL 50!

So guys, before you order another styrene or resin kit, mix another gray tone for your diorama tombstone piece, or dip your brush into a cup of blood-red paint, please to swing over the FRANKEN-MODEL 50 MERCHANDISE STORE and get a T-Shirt or Brew Mug to show your excitement and support during this Half-Century-Celebration!!"


P.S. Anyone know the actual date that the kit was sold? Monsterologists --including myself --would like to know!

Read More → AURORA'S FRANKENSTEIN TURNS 50!

LET'S MAKE MONSTER MODELS -- TRIO OF TERROR!

Last year the Bride of Frankenstein turned 75, but -- you know what? -- she still looks great! So great, in fact, that Steve Yagher couldn't keep his hands off her . . . sculpting her, that is, for his next Aurora Box Art Tribute Kit (#6 in a series). The buzz on this resin kit is that it's one of his best ever, and that's saying a lot, 'cause Mr. Yagher is extremely talented at what he does. The tribute kits are intended to give model makers what they really wanted in an Aurora monster model -- the finished figure to look like it did on the box! Complete with lab vial and electricity bolt set, the 40-part kit is still in development. Shown here are some prototype build-ups and a fully-painted mock-up. When released, the kit will retail for about 200 bucks.

It's looking like the latest incarnation of Elvira's Movie Macabre is headed for the dumper. If I may be allowed to editorialize for a moment, I could see it coming a mile away. I mean, how many times can you watch THE BRAIN THAT WOULDN'T DIE or HORRORS OF SPIDER ISLAND? Broadcasting nothing but public domain films may have been good for the bottom line, but certainly not for the sophisticated monster movie viewer. And maybe it's just me but it seemed like Elvira's schick was either getting old, or it just wasn't that funny this time around. Anyway, she's a pretty resilient gal and I'm sure we haven't seen the last of her.

Speaking of bottom lines, a new two-piece (you get to guess which two) resin kit of the Mistress of the Macabre is on its way. After the 7" winking action figure and the plastic model kit releases earlier, model maniacs will not be satisfied until they get a life-sized Elvira to own. Until then, you'll have to be satisfied with this, almost 2 feet tall hunka' resin. The pre-order price is $200. Looks like a nice figure, but the face is certainly not Cassandra Peterson's, in my opinion.

Last, but not least in this trio of terror model kits coming down the line, is the Vincent Price THEATRE OF BLOOD model. A little rough looking, but a fairly good image of Mr. Price. This 16" high, 16-piece kit will be offered for the low price of $150.

Read More → LET'S MAKE MONSTER MODELS -- TRIO OF TERROR!