FRANKENSTEIN MONSTER MODEL FROM X-PLUS

Up for pre-order (again) is the upcoming Frankenstein Monster model from X-Plus. This time the solicitation includes a built-up and painted model, whereas some months ago we only saw the prototype.

From X-Plus:

From the 1931 classic horror film Frankenstein, Frankenstein’s Monster is now available as a 1/8-scale plastic model kit. The monster’s iconic features are faithfully reproduced in fine detail, including its tall proportions, the bolts in its neck, and the stitch marks on its head and wrists, as well as its clothing and accessories.  The kit includes a large piece of experimental equipment used in the forbidden creation of life, a display base recreating the laboratory’s wooden floor, and two interchangeable heads with different expressions. With a choice between a blank, emotionless face and a grotesque grin, you can fully appreciate the terrifying yet captivating presence of the monster portrayed by Boris Karloff, whose performance made the character a worldwide horror icon.

Order from CultTVman HERE.

DR. JEKYLL AS MR. HYDE MOEBIUS MODEL KIT

I haven't built any models for a time, but there for a while I was cranking out about one a week. I've posted most of them, but this one I must have overlooked. It's the 2007 re-issue of the classic Aurora kit from Moebius Models.

AURORA MONSTER SCENES ARE BACK!

In 1971, the Aurora Plastics Corporation was at a crossroads. Their line of the now legendary monster model kits they sold by the truckloads in the 1960's began to falter and sales dropped off, worrying the execs. But Andy Yanchus, the man largely responsible for Aurora's monumental success during that period had something new cooking in the R&D department, an out-building away from the main, two-story pile of bricks that was Aurora's headquarters in Long Island, NY.

His new concept was to combine model kit assembly with an interactive series of characters and props that seemed like a sure bet. He got the go-ahead green light and created "Monster Scenes". Lead by Dr. Deadly, the multi-kit series included assemblies for a DIY dungeon scene. Unfortunately, within a year of release, the line became notorious among parents who saw their children playing with scenes depicting torture and scantily-clad women "victims". Shades of pre-Code horror comics!

Yanchus blamed the over-the-top plastic scenarios on meddling executives and license-holders, using the apt phrase, "Too many cooks spoil the soup". The line was summarily pulled and entered into the hallowed pop culture halls of infamy.

In 2009 Moebius Models resurrected the kits, but they too were discontinued after a relatively short run.

Now, Atlantis has just announced they will be reissuing the Monster Scenes kits as special 55th anniversary editions, apparently after having acquired the molds from Moebius. The 1:13 scale snap-together kits will include movable and extra parts just like the originals. The parts will include clear and glow-in-the-dark pieces. The first wave will include Dr. Deadly, Frankenstein (the monster, not the doctor), Gruesome Goodies and my favorite, The Pain Parlor.

Due to be released in early 2026, they'll be priced at about 20 bucks or so and will be boxed in the classic, original style.

My go-to guy for model kits is Steve Iverson over at CultTVman. You can pre-order the kits from him HERE.

EXTRA! Here is a press release from Atlantis announcing the passing of Andy Yanchus in 2021.

MONSTER MODEL MONDAY

Big news for Frazetta fans and model kit builders!

FRANK FRAZETTA DRACULA MEETS THE WOLFMAN 1/8 SCALE PLASTIC MODEL KIT:

Frank Frazetta's Dracula meets the Wolfman is one of his most iconic pieces. This dramatic illustration features Count Dracula and a Werewolf locked in a fierce battle amist a gothic, crumbling churchyard, with swirling bats and a moody, atmospheric backdrop. The piece exemplifies Frazetta's signature style, dynamic composition, muscular figures, and a vivid, cinematic sense of motion. Sculpted by Jeff Yagher

Kit Includes 2 Figures and Display Base in 47 Pieces.

Estimated price: $55-$75

Pre-order from CultTVman HERE.

ABOUT JEFF YAGHER:

With nearly three decades in the profession, Jeff Yagher is widely regarded as the godfather of monster model sculpting. His work has been collected by industry legends such as George Lucas, Oliver Reed, Peter Jackson, and Guillermo del Toro. A devoted father to 20-year-old twins and husband to the exceptionally talented Megan Gallagher, Jeff continues to work tirelessly to meet the ongoing demand for his creations. His passion for the art, for monsters, and for movies remains as strong as ever.

Jeff Yagher at work.

Here is Frazetta's cover for CREEPY #7 (February 1966) and the story, "Duel of the Monsters" (script by Archie Goodwin, art by Angelo Torres), the inspiration for the model kit.

IS KONGA FINALLY COMING?

It seems like it's been a year-and-a-half or two since I pre-ordered the Konga model kit. Thus far, just a few irregular notices of delay, but just recently I received a promising message from Steve Iverson at CultTVman that it's supposed to be shipped real soon. It's not his fault, mind you, it's the manufacturer (Monarch Models, who have had problems with solvency in recent years -- maybe somebody bought 'em?). I hope it's worth the wait and it'll be a good, clean build.

Box art and prototype:

In the meantime, let's take a look at Charlton's KONGA comic book adaptation from June 1961. Edited by Pat Masulli, and with a cover by Dick Giordano, the script is written by Joe Gill and illustrated by Steve Ditko. Charlton followed up with a 22-issue series continuing Konga's story.

NOTE: There's a quirky little back-up story in this issue. "The Movies Come of Age", written by (probably) Joe Gill with pencils by Bill Molno and inks by Vince Alascia provides a brief history of cinema on the big screen.