NEW MONSTER 'ZINE!

Do we need another monster magazine? Yes, we do! Especially when it's published by paperback fanatic extraordinaire, Justin Marriott. Mr. Marriott is the cultural custodian of a long line of magazines that focus on certain juicy themes found in books, magazines and other eclectic ephemera with titles like PULP HORROR, HOT LEAD, MEN OF VIOLENCE, THE SLEAZY READER, and his flagship publication, THE PAPERBACK FANATIC.

Just released is his newest endeavor, MONSTER MANIACS. Subtitled, "The Journal of Vintage Horror In Magazines, Comics and Fanzines", this baby is 68 pages of chewy monster goodness. In the comics departments, Marriott interviews Peter Normanton, the legendary publisher of FROM THE TOMB, a vanguard of the new wave of interest in pre-code horror. NATIONAL LAMPOON's horror comics are discussed, as well as the "Top 25 Pre-Code Horror Comics From Atlas". Marriott critiques the recently-published book-length James Warren biography by Bill Schelly who sadly passed away just days ago.

My favorite article was the history of Bob Sproul's FOR MONSTERS ONLY, a much-maligned mag from the original Monster Craze era of the 1960's who Marriott says that naysayers "miss the point". I agree! Included are more news, reviews, and a few rarities, including a spread on horror movies from a 1954 issue of the UK film magazine, PICTUREGOER, which I've been trying to get my claws on for years.

In his editorial, Marriott admits that he came late to the game as far as the monster 'zine continuum goes, but when you roll your cortexes over this fabulous first issue, you'll agree that you don't have to be a baby-boomer Monster Kid to show the monster love. 

If you are in the least bit a fan of vintage horror, horror comics or horror magazines, you owe it to yourself to grab a copy or two of MONSTER MANIACS. Go ahead, kneel at the feet of the corporate Leviathan and order on Amazon. Click HERE to be admitted to the Temple.