HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD

LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS NO. 33

The 33rd issue of Richard Klemenson's semi-annual work of art known as Little Shoppe of Horrors is now available to order from his website. Support independent publishing by purchasing a copy. This issue focuses on Hammer's Dracula, Prince of Darkness. The front cover, depicted above, is by Mark Maddox.

Inside front cover by Dean Ormston.

Back cover by Dan Gallagher, Jr.

Inside back cover by Mike Schneider.

EXTREMELY RARE "LONDON AFTER MIDNIGHT" ONE-SHEET

Coming up at auction from Heritage is an extremely rare one-sheet poster from London After Midnight in very fine condition. It is the only one of its kind known to have become available to the public in the 87 years since the now-lost film was released. It is expected to be sold for an unprecedented price.

Here is the description from the auctioneers:

"Now, for the first time in modern history, the stone litho original U.S. release one sheet can be seen! The film was released with two different one sheet posters, this one and the Rotogravure style, done in a sepia tone photographic process, which MGM did frequently during this period in time. This gorgeous poster is the only copy to have surfaced after 87 years that we are aware of and we believe it may be a very long time before it will ever be seen again. With only the most minimal wear and never used, the poster was folded into eighths and then folded again, making for a few more centerpoint separations. It remains in lovely condition and assuredly one of the most sought after posters of the twentieth century! Folded, Very Fine+."

THE CREEPS: POST-WARREN HORROR COMICS 'ZINE

Every once in a while, horror fans are reminded of the glory days of Jim Warren's monster publishing empire. And why not? After all, it was he, along with his editor, a grown up fanboy from a time before the term existed by the name of Forrest J Ackerman, that created the sensation known as Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine.

It's been a number of years now, since the last Warren publication rolled off the presses, leaving memories of monsters that will not soon fade. In the meantime, there have been a few attempts at recreating or capturing the essence of the Warren mystique. The latest is a full-sized magazine going by the title of The Creeps. Gathered around the hue and cry of editor Richard Sala are a number of venerable veterans from the Warren years (Ken Kelly, Rich Buckler, Frank Brunner, Joe Rubenstein), including some fresh blood, that have created an homage, if not an outright pastiche, of Creepy.

I have my copy ordered, so I'll be reviewing it later. For now, here are a few glimpses of the new 'zine, published this time not by Warren, but by Warrant, from their website. Makes one wonder ... will there be a "Capstan" Company, too?

No, not Uncle Creepy, but the "Old Creep".

RARE PAIR OF EARLY MONSTER FANZINES

Another eBay auction is offering 2 extremely rare issues from the early days of monster fan magazines. Most of these types of 'zines had very low "print runs" and sparse distribution. Miraculously, some of them managed to survive the ravages of time.

Terror was a magazine edited by Larry Byrd. The copy for sale is #5, the last issue, published in 1962 (according to Price and Ballentine's Monster Magazine & Fanzine Collector's Guide #2). It includes an article by Ron (Fantastic Monsters of the Films) Haydock and artwork by Paul Blaisdell. According to the seller, Byrd wrote copy for Famous Monster's "Graveyard Examiner" and Fantastic Monsters of the Films' "Tombstone Times". I can't substantiate his writing for FM using David Horne's Gathering Horror as a resource, but he is listed in FMOF's "Credits & Acknowledgements" on the contents page.

Gruesome Creatures was another early monster fanzine edited by Eugene Aiello. The issue for sale is #1, also from 1962.

Collectors interested in obtaining early and rare monster fanzines would be wise to look these two auctions up on eBay before bidding closes.

RON HAYDOCK'S "FRIGHT" MAGAZINE

Currently listed on eBay as an "extremely rare fanzine from the early 1960's", Fright was the Official Publication of the Fantastic Monsters Club. It was edited by Ron Haydock, cult rock and roll star and editor of Paul Blaisdell's, Bob Burn's and Jim Harmon's short-lived but excellent magazine, Fantastic Monsters of the Films.

An ad for the Fantastic Monsters Club from FANTASTIC MONSTERS OF THE FILMS #1.

Fright was intended to be an "exclusive member's bulletin" to members of the club. This issue was a slim 4 pages, but professionally printed. It contains the article, "The Christopher Lee Story", and includes photos. This eBay auction offers a very rare glimpse into a part of early monster magazine history. Interested collectors should head on over to eBay while there's still time to bid.

FAMOUS MONSTERS' MUTANT COVER

The cover image for issue #277 of Famous Monsters of Filmland is a painting by Bill Selby of the Metaluna Mutant from This Island Earth. Along with a retrospective of this famous science fiction film, included in the upcoming issue are interviews with writer and Tumblr-er, Steve Niles, and perennial Playboy cartoonist, Gahan Wilson.