In what is truly disappointing news, it appears that Editor and Publisher Dave Davey's excellent monster magazine, UNDYING MONSTERS is close to ... well, dying. The print magazine market is getting tough, and the print monster magazine market is getting tougher. With most cover prices from 8 to 10 dollars, people with limited discretionary income are thinking twice before dropping the bucks for a magazine.
That's not to say, however, that UNDYING MONSTERS is worth a pass. On the contrary, if you are a lover of the classic years of monster movies, then this magazine is right up your bloodstained alley.
I must admit, I have been a little remiss in promoting Mr. Davey's labor of love. This will be remedied in coming posts here at MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD.
In the meantime, I urge you all to visit the UNDYING MONSTERS website and purchase a copy or three, and help bring an undying monster back to life!
Here are the details on the situation:
"We regret that our tribute to AMICUS in issue #5 has been delayed. We still do not have a publication date, but we are doing all we can to get the magazine printed. Unfortunately, sales have not lived up to our expectations. Undying Monsters has been losing money steadily since its inception. We had hoped circulation would increase over time, but this has not happened. And with the increase in printing and shipping costs, it has become impossible for us to maintain a quarterly schedule. We have therefore decided to temporarily stop offering subscriptions.
While it has become necessary for us to reduce our operating costs as much as possible, we have no plans to raise our price or reduce the print quality and number of pages of our magazine. One prospect we are considering is to print the magazine to order. Once we have received enough requests to cover our publishing costs, the magazine will be printed and mailed. It will no longer be available in comic book stores, and depending on the cost per issue, it may or may not be available from our direct dealers. We sincerely hope this can avoided, but the alternative might be to cease publication entirely. We will continue to post updates to this page. If you are interested in pre-ordering UM #5, email us at sales@undyingmonsters.com. You will not be charged, and current subscriptions will be honored.
Pictured to the left is the current working draft of Mark Maddox's cover for UM5. The magazine will also contain an interview with the RONDO-Award winning artist which we're sure you will find fascinating. Film coverage includes review articles on Dr. Terror's House Of Horrors and Torture Garden, with Tales From The Crypt as our sixth Film Book. We had hoped to cover more of AMICUS' anthology films in this issue, but we weren't about to slight such great films like The House That Dripped Blood and Asylum because of lack of space. Hopefully we can cover these and other AMICUS films in a follow-up issue. A special thanks to Stephen Jones for sharing his treasure trove of fabulous stills. Without his help, this issue would not be possible."
Editor and Publisher Dave Davey's newest issue of UNDYING MONSTERS is rising from the slab. Shipping is scheduled to begin tomorrow, Tuesday, April 3, 2012. Check out ordering information on the sidebar to the right of this post.
The third issue of UNDYING MONSTERS is scheduled to go on sale today. To order, click on the cover image to the right of this blogroll.
Now available is the 2nd printing of Dave Davey's UNDYING MONSTERS #0 in a special "Unlimited Edition". The initial offering of 500 copies, sold at the 2010 Chiller Theatre Convention, was reduced to about 350 after receiving damaged copies from the printer. This makes the first printing a scarce commodity. Now, fans of vintage monster movies can purchase a second printing of this new magazine with a retro feel. Go to the sidebar on the right of this blog roll and click on the UNDYING MONSTERS cover image to order.
Pictured above is the cover draft of Dave Davey's very cool UNDYING MONSTERS #2. It's scheduled for release this coming August. I'm sure the typo will be fixed for the finished product.
UNDYING MONSTERS
Vol. 1 No. 1
Editor: David Davey
Publication Date: May/June, 2011
Publisher: David Davey
Color covers/ B&W interior
68 ppg. (including covers)
Cover price: $9.95
Available from MONSTER MAIL ORDER
Editor and Publisher Dave Davey has something very special here. With print quality that rivals even the most attractively produced of the so-called “fanzines”, UNDYING MONSTERS is unequivocally one werewolf pup of a publication that can easily lead the pack on looks alone.
We saw the test tubes bubbling and the cauldron boiling with the inaugural Limited Edition that was introduced to the slavering hordes at last year’s Chiller Theatre Convention. Now we are witness to the “official” first edition rise up from the slab, fully formed and ready to take on the torch-bearing villagers by storm.
There were a number of covers nominated for the 2010 Rondo Awards, all of which deserved recognition. Mark Maddox’s painting of the titular creature from Jacques Tourneur’s NIGHT OF THE DEMON will no doubt be a front-runner in this year’s nominations. Why? Because it is absolutely stunning.
And that seems to be the point of the philosophy behind the mad genius of UNDYING MONSTERS – provide maximum shock and awe through visuals. Since the subtitle of the ‘zine is “A Pictorial Homage to Past Horror, Sci-Fi, & Fantasy Media”, the intent seems obvious. The end result exceeds expectations. Indeed, Davey has taken a page from Jim Clatterbaugh’s MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT and has delivered a sight for bulbous and bloodshot eyes with some of the sharpest and well-produced movie stills, posters, and screen caps imaginable. In fact, Davey does give a nod to the aforementioned Clatterbaugh for offering up a few pointers along the way.
As for content, this issue covers a couple of my most favorite vintage fright films of all time. First up is Vogue Pictures’ CURSE OF THE FACELESS MAN, and it’s given as much coverage as I’ve ever seen in a monster movie mag. Producer Robert E. Kent and Director Edward L. Cahn teamed up for a few low-budget (but really cool) monster flicks back in the late 1950’s that have unfortunately garnered little notoriety over the years.
With exteriors filmed at Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles, science fiction author Jerome Bixby’s script tells the story of the resurrection of a love-starved victim of the volcanic eruption that occurred in Pompeii, Italy over two millennia ago after he is disturbed during an archeological dig. While the “monster stalks reincarnated love” theme that we have seen numerous times in other films is integral to the plot, the film offers enough in the way of unique locale and unusual historical perspective for the viewer to almost forget they unconsciously mouthed the name “Ananka” earlier on.
Another spoiler is the on-screen evidence more than once that the menacing monster (played by Bob Bryant) is nothing more than the proverbial “man in a rubber suit”, when we see deep creases form whenever he bends down to pick up his screaming victim. In actuality, the creature’s costume is fairly effective in overall appearance. Ironically, it was designed by a person best known as the “man in a monkey suit”, actor and make-up man Charles Gemora (billed as Charles Gemorra, and identified as “Gammora” in the article).
Nevertheless, the idea of the lava-encrusted Quintillus Aurelius coming back to life from the ancient ruins of Pompeii to claim his lost love and wreck vengeance on anyone who stands in his way, coupled with the brassy strains of ominous music scored by Gerald Fried, make CURSE OF THE FACELESS MAN one of my favorite guilty pleasures.
The other classic horror film given extensive coverage in this issue is another favorite of mine, NIGHT OF THE DEMON (a.k.a. CURSE OF THE DEMON). The story takes on a muted, other-worldly personality against a backdrop of murder, madness, and a pretty nasty creature from Hell. From the Montague R. James’ short story, “Casting the Runes”, the villain of the movie is reportedly fashioned after the infamous 19th Century magician, adventurer, drug addict, womanizer, and all-around dyed-in-the-wool British scoundrel, Aleister Crowley.
Now, I have read much on Crowley and I have to say that there is little in the character of Dr. Julian Karswell (Niall MacGinnis) that can be directly related. The idea of a nefarious sorcerer with a cult following seems to be enough, I suppose.
Despite his alcoholism and general on-set crankiness, Dana Andrews (playing Dr. John Holden) maintains a healthy veneer of supernatural skepticism that underpins the film’s more occult premise.
A lot of critics bristle at Director Tourneur’s decision to offer the viewer two distinct glimpses of the titular Demon a the beginning and end of the film, I, for one, favor the idea of showing what must have been the insurmountable hopelessness that the cursed victim had to have felt when gazing upon the agent of their impending doom.
Both articles on CURSE OF THE FACELESS MAN and NIGHT OF THE DEMON are told in the nostalgic “filmbook” style so fondly remembered in its earlier incarnation within the hallowed pages of FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND. Each also includes a few words on the production of the film.
Rounding out this successful first issue monster magazine is an article on the giant bug and nature gone wild movies of the atom-age 1950’s, a look back at the 1959 Topps “You’ll Die Laughing” series monster trading cards illustrated by Jack Davis, and an affectionate remembrance of cult monster maker, Paul Blaisdell.
In conclusion, one would be hard pressed to find a better trip down monster memory lane than with UNDYING MONSTERS. A near-perfect combination of pictures and story to rekindle those recollections from long ago when the biggest problem a monster kid had was having enough money to buy all the good stuff. Dave Davey, you’ve got a winner here!
MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD has had the opportunity to acquire a stock of UNDYING MONSTERS #1. As part of a special Limited Edition Bonus Pack, you can purchase it directly from this blog by clicking right HERE.
Now available is the fearsome first ever item up for sale at MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD! For this monster-ous occasion UNDYING MONSTERS #1, a the brand-new, fangtastic publication from the fevered mind of Editor and Publisher Dave Davey, is being offered for purchase. Here are this issue's frightful features:
- NIGHT OF THE DEMON
- CURSE OF THE FACELESS MAN
- PAUL BLAISDELL: MONSTER MAKER
- WHEN SMALL BECOMES TALL: WHEN NATURE GOES WILD
- WE DIED LAUGHING: TOPPS 1959 FUNNY MONSTERS CARDS
- PLUS: DIGITAL SCREAMS, BRAIN BUSTERS, & MORE!
Now, for a limited time, you can purchase this great 'zine in a special LIMITED EDITION BONUS PACK, available only here at MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD. Here's what you get:
1. One brand-new, undead . . . er, unread copy of UNDYING MONSTERS #1 ($9.95)
2. One out-of-print, collector's copy of HELLBOY: THE CORPSE, the special, limited edition Dark Horse comic story that the first HELLBOY movie was based on (valued up to $4.00)
3. One collectible Universal Monsters of the Silver Screen Trading Card that also doubles as a great bookmark! (valued up to $1.00)
All this for the SUPER SPECIAL PRICE OF ONLY $14.95 US (includes shipping)
But wait! That's not all! Included in each order of this LIMITED EDITION BONUS PACK is a coupon for FREE shipping (a $4.95 value) on your next order here at the MONSTER MAIL ORDER page.
So, what are you waiting for, monster lover? Just click HERE to go to the MONSTER MAIL ORDER page. Then select the convenient "BUY NOW" button and your order will be packaged and shipped within 48 hours right to your haunted house.
NOTE: THIS OFFER IS VALID ONLY IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA. INTERNATIONAL ORDERS ARE NOT CURRENTLY BEING ACCEPTED. Secure payment is through PayPal. All magazines are bagged and boarded to retain freshness!
Remember, this is a limited time offer! It ain't gonna last forever!
[A portion of all proceeds go to the "Chiropractors for Quasimodo" fund]
There's a lot going on over at editor Dave Davies new digs these days. He busily (but happily) putting together a mass of orders for his latest 'zine UNDYING MONSTERS. Any of you who were fortunate enough to pick up the now sold-out LIMITED EDITION that was introduced at last year's CHILLER THEATRE convention are no doubt smart enough to have already put in an order for #1. Don't despair, however! Dave will be selling a reprint of the limited edition as well. So, cough up the bucks already. This is right up there with the best classic monster mags going today. There is a link to the website on the sidebar of this here blog called MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD.
Dave Davey, editor and publisher of the fledgling monster 'zine UNDYING MONSTERS has sent along a cover scan of the highly anticipated UNDYING MONSTERS #1 (above). The image of the demon from THE CURSE/NIGHT OF THE DEMON is masterfully rendered by Mark Maddox and looks absolutely fantastic. The latest news is that issue #1 will be released the first week of April.
And, good news for those of you who missed the Limited Edition #0 issue that introduced the title back at last year's Chiller Convention. It will be re-solicited in Diamond's PREVIEWS in June. Of course, you can always check out the UNDYING MONSTERS website for ordering information. Catch the link to the right of this MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD blogroll on the sidebar.
MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD has learned from editor and publisher Dave Davey that the release of UNDYING MONSTERS #1 has been delayed. Dave explains (edited from my correspondence with him):
"Diamond's order won't be received until around March 10. Since this is needed to help determine the total print run, #1 won't come out until April 1.
The UNDYING MONSTERS LIMITED EDITION has ceased selling because the printer of this issue reneged on replacing 82 damaged issues. Hopefully, this will be reconciled.
The LIMITED EDITION is in the planning stages for reprinting. It will no longer be called a LIMITED EDITION, rather UNDYING MONSTERS Vol.1, #0. There will be changes to the cover to distinguish it from the original, and it will not be individually numbered as the LE was."
MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD will keep readers updated as more news becomes known. I'm also hoping to have a scan of the great cover by Mark Maddox for you soon.
Stay tuned, monster lovers!
P.S. On a semi-historical note, tomorrow marks MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD'S 300th post!
UNDYING MONSTERS
Limited Edition
Editor: David Davey
Publication Date: October, 2010
Publisher: David Davey
Color cover/ B&W interior
68 ppg. (including covers)
Cover price: $10.00
Pre-orders and subscriptions: http://www.undyingmonsters.com/contact-us.html
Unveiled as a limited edition last year at the Chiller Theatre Convention, I have high hopes for UNDYING MONSTERS. Not yet fully formed, the brand new monster movie print magazine has a promising beginning. Subtitled, “Where Old Monsters Never Die”, editor and publisher Dave Davey is at the helm and charts his thematic course with both feet planted firmly in the classic era. Despite familiar territory, UNDYING MONSTERS can almost be called wholly original. Any claims of derivation would have to be of a kind similar to that of FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND, especially with the FRANKENSTEIN 1970 Filmbook found in the issue.
Vintage monster movies covered in this issue are REVENGE OF THE ZOMBIES, THE UNDEAD, and the aforementioned Frankenstein flick. Other notable articles are on Bela Lugosi’s Ygor character and EC Comics.
Film coverage is pretty much limited to a re-telling of the plot, and production and other information is sparse. However, the writing is engaging and if you want to experience the film without actually re-watching it, this is a good way to go.
What is most noteworthy about UNDYING MONSTERS is the profusion of photos accompanying each article. Boasting over 100 “never before seen photos”, they appear to be either very sharply reproduced screen caps or maybe a trove uncovered from an archival source. The usual film still developer’s marks are not in evidence, so I suspect it could be the former. In any event, the addition of abundant photos gives the overall sense that this magazine is intended to be more of a pictorial celebration of the monster movie legacy rather than a textual one. Fellow monster lovers, that is not a bad thing at all.
MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD has reported that the first “official” issue of UNDYING MONSTERS is due from Mr. Davey sometime in March. It will be interesting to see if the editorial premise holds. In any event, I am waiting in anticipation for another fine stroll down the lane where old monsters never die.
Dave Davey’s “official” first issue of UNDYING MONSTERS is due around March 2011. In the meantime, he has whetted our appetite with the Limited Edition that was unveiled at this year’s CHILLER THEATRE gathering.
I received mine in the mail on Friday and had a chance to take a quick look to see what’s in store for me when I sit down and actually read it a bit later. The ‘zine has a definite retro vibe to it, and I can agree on some of the comments that I have heard that it’s more like FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND than FM’s current incarnation. What I can tell you is that UM is a pleasure to look at with its multitude of photos from films that generally don’t get much exposure, like FRANKENSTEIN 1970, REVENGE OF THE ZOMBIES, and THE UNDEAD. I guess the question is: should they be covered? My answer is: hell, yeah! While I never tire of seeing the usual Universal, Hammer, and more popular B-Movie fare, it’s refreshing to see some of the more obscure and less-covered titles being covered. For instance, I’m looking forward to the article on CURSE OF THE FACELESS MAN seen on the contents page of UM #1.
“Originally, I had planned the Limited Edition to be a Chiller Theatre show version of #1 (the Ygor cover), which we hoped to release later in larger volume. Then I began to feel it wouldn't be right to expect people who bought the Ltd Ed to buy the same magazine with a different cover. But I also didn't want to start Undying Monsters at #2 with less than 500 people being able to own #1. Since I already had another issue ready (crab cover), I decided to make that #1. While I personally liked the cover (Attack Of The Crab Monsters is one of my all time favorites) what I really wanted was a Demon cover to match the film book, but all my stills of the Demon were too dark to colorize, and I also didn't want a cover that mimicked FM #38. A couple of years ago I had met with Basil Gogos to discuss buying the rights to his painting of Ygor for our first issue. The $4500 fee was higher than our print quote. Then a few weeks ago I was contacted by Mark Maddox, who has done covers for Little Shoppe Of Horrors. He was interested in doing a Demon cover, and his fee was much more affordable. So I'll be going with the Demon.”
Big news for monster magazine fans! UNDYING MONSTERS was released at this year's CHILLER THEATRE show. Editor Dave Davey's homage to the vintage 60s monster magazine is crammed to the brim with amazing rare photos of movies, many that have not been previously seen before in any publication. The 68-page introductory issue is a limited edition, so get on over to the sidebar and click on the MONSTER MAGAZINE SPOTLIGHT image to order up your copy. More on this amazing new 'zine tomorrow right here at MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD!