FINALLY, THE METALUNA MUTANT!

Back in 1974, comic book artist and illustrator Dave Cockrum was hired to develop concept art for a new line of science fiction scenes model kits by Aurora. The series would include The Time Machine from the movie of the same name, Gort from THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, and Robby the Robot from FORBIDDEN PLANET. Cockrum's assignment was the Metaluna Mutant from THIS ISLAND EARTH.

Alas, the project never got beyond a sculpted prototype, but now there's good news concerning Cockrum's contribution to the famous model maker's line -- Atlantis Toy and Hobby is releasing a model kit based on Cockrum's design.

Designed by Bud Westmore for the Universal-International 1955 film, the Metaluna Mutant is one of the most immediately-recognized monsters. The technical artists who worked on the film are: Clifford Stine, William Fritzsche, Alexander Golitzen, Richard H. Riedel, David S. Horsley, Russell A. Gausman and Julia Heron.

The kit is expected to ship in February, 2022 and is available for pre-order at the CultTVman website.

Examples of Dave Cockrum's original concept art:

Prototype of the Atlantis model kit:

Painted prototype:

The famous Don Post Metaluna Mutant mask:

Various trade journal articles and ads from the time the film was originally released:

A "Monster of the Month" feature from FANTASTIC MONSTERS OF THE FILMS #2 (1962)

COCKRUM'S CREATURE

Dave Cockrum was an American comic book artist and writer who is noted for his work on Marvel Comics' UNCANNY X-MEN (co-creating the Nightcrawler character) and DC Comics" LEGION OF SUPERHEROES. He also delved occasionally into the world of monsters, too, as this illustration is seen in Mavel's monster humor publication MONSTER MADNESS #3, published in 1973. A nice compliment to the Bill Everett Creature that I showed you some weeks ago.