For 100 issues, Dennis Druktenis published his "all classic, all the time" SCARY MONSTERS magazine. Then, he quit. Going on behind the scenes was a plan for a new Monster Kid on the block to take the helm of the successful magazine.
Mr. Druktenis' editorial in issue #100 left a bit of a question mark as to what would happen after the monumental century mark. Turns out there was a business deal going on in the background that would assure readers that their favorite Monster Movie Memories magazine would continue.
And continue it has, with the recent publication of SCARY MONSTERS #101, headed by Don and Vicki Smeraldi, proprietors of the "One Stop Monster Shop", MyMovieMonsters.com. Now, for the first time, the story behind the change is revealed here at MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD with an exclusive Q&A with Editor and Publisher, Don Smeraldi.
SCARY MONSTERS #101 cover. |
SCARY MONSTERS: My
wife Vicki and I have always considered ourselves Monster Kids. I grew up in
Cleveland and my older brother and I watched Shock Theater horror host
Ghoulardi, and later Hoolihan & Big Chuck, on local TV. My brother also
introduced me to Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine as well as Aurora model
kits. My wife, who is the designer and creative director for Scary Monsters
Magazine, was introduced to horror films by her older brothers in Boston, where
they watched Creature Double Feature among other shows. Our classic horror and
sci-fi movies and collectibles website, MyMovieMonsters.com, started as a hobby
of sorts in 1999 and has grown far beyond what we expected. Now, we are very
happy to be the new publishers of Scary Monsters Magazine because we can help
celebrate classic films along with other Monster Kids across the U.S.
MMW: How did
acquiring SM come about?
SM: We did
business with former publisher Dennis Druktenis for many years. When I was
planning to retire from my job outside of the monster industry, I found out
that he was contemplating the end of the magazine. We discussed everything at
length and he turned over the reins.
SCARY MONSTERS #1 cover. |
MMW: The former
SM had advertising back pages that rivaled the heyday of FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND. Did you acquire the sideline inventory
(including reprints of other ‘zines) as well as the title rights?
SM: Yes, we have
the inventory and title rights and will continue the back page catalog of
monster goodies.
MMW: Are you
retaining any staff or going with new?
SM: We are working
with some of the same writers and artists. We will continue to look for others
interested in contributing.
MMW: What is your
planned publishing schedule?
SM: Scary
Monsters will continue to be quarterly, and we'll continue the annual Monster
Memories Yearbook. Next issue is #102 to be released in late Sept/early Oct.
#103 is slated for late Dec/early Jan.
MMW: Are you
using the same printer or a new one? It looks like the photos in issue #101 are
a bit sharper than before.
SM: We're using
the same printer and are ensuring we have high-resolution photos and graphics
whenever possible.
MMW: What would
you say that distinguishes SM from the rest of the monster magazines crowding
the magazine rack?
SM: I wouldn't
say the racks are crowded with monster magazines these days, at least compared
to years ago, but, like Dennis, we consider Scary Monsters the only real
monster magazine because of the pulp pages, it is "all classic, all the
time," its emphasis on nostalgia and the wide array of contributions from
fans.
MMW: What are
your plans for the evolution of SM? Will you be keeping the traditional “look”
or moving in another direction?
SM: The look will
remain but we'll be incorporating some new and fun features.
MMW: What are
your thoughts on the apparent uncertainty of commercial magazines such as
FANGORIA?
SM: The print
industry, from newspapers to magazines and books is having trouble simply
because of the push to make most things digital. The cost of printing and
postage are also concerns. Bookstores large and small are also facing tough
times. But, in my opinion, we'll always have hard copy because it's so personal
and tactile, and it literally plays into the hands of collectors.
SCARY MONSTERS #100 cover. |
MMW: Buy buying
SM, you obviously thought there was a future in the print magazine, but what
are your strategies to keep your audience (coverage of newer films, etc.)?
SM: That's
something we'll need to consider but at this point we want to keep things
classic and fill the needs of the niche that we find ourselves in.
MMW: Are you open
to art and article submissions and, if so, what are your standard guidelines?
SM: Yes, we are
open to art submissions for our Scare Mail section. For articles it is best to
send a query providing us the gist of what the author wants to cover, then we'll
respond with more precise guidelines. Email: scarymonsters@mymoviemonsters.com.
Mail: Scary Monsters, PO Box 567, Wildomar CA 92595-0567.
MMW: What is your
favorite monster memory? I have many, including the first few times I looked
through Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine (the cover of issue #51 stands out
because of the colors of the repeated image of the werewolf). It definitely
wasn't a favorite memory when I was younger, but I clearly recall the fear I
felt when the Outer Limits TV show would come on our B&W TV set ...
"We control the vertical, we control the horizontal..." The glowing
eyes on the Children of the Damned also scared me and my brother and sister.
Having one of my drawings shown on the Hoolihan & Big Chuck show was a
thrill. But nothing beats the memories of seeing the classic Universal Monsters
films for the very first time.
MMW: Any final
words you’d like to share with monster fans out there?
SM: We're just so
thankful for the support we've received so far and the enthusiasm that so many
people have shown now that they know Scary Monsters is continuing and our first
issue is now on the newsstands. The best possible way to ensure that this
magazine goes on for perhaps another 100 issues is to subscribe!
MMW: Thanks tons,
Don, for taking time out to share all this with MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD.
SM: Thanks for
the opportunity, John, to share all of this with Monster Magazine World!
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