In 1971, the Aurora Plastics Corporation was at a crossroads. Their line of the now legendary monster model kits they sold by the truckloads in the 1960's began to falter and sales dropped off, worrying the execs. But Andy Yanchus, the man largely responsible for Aurora's monumental success during that period had something new cooking in the R&D department, an out-building away from the main, two-story pile of bricks that was Aurora's headquarters in Long Island, NY.
His new concept was to combine model kit assembly with an interactive series of characters and props that seemed like a sure bet. He got the go-ahead green light and created "Monster Scenes". Lead by Dr. Deadly, the multi-kit series included assemblies for a DIY dungeon scene. Unfortunately, within a year of release, the line became notorious among parents who saw their children playing with scenes depicting torture and scantily-clad women "victims". Shades of pre-Code horror comics!
Yanchus blamed the over-the-top plastic scenarios on meddling executives and license-holders, using the apt phrase, "Too many cooks spoil the soup". The line was summarily pulled and entered into the hallowed pop culture halls of infamy.
In 2009 Moebius Models resurrected the kits, but they too were discontinued after a relatively short run.
Now, Atlantis has just announced they will be reissuing the Monster Scenes kits as special 55th anniversary editions, apparently after having acquired the molds from Moebius. The 1:13 scale snap-together kits will include movable and extra parts just like the originals. The parts will include clear and glow-in-the-dark pieces. The first wave will include Dr. Deadly, Frankenstein (the monster, not the doctor), Gruesome Goodies and my favorite, The Pain Parlor.
Due to be released in early 2026, they'll be priced at about 20 bucks or so and will be boxed in the classic, original style.
My go-to guy for model kits is Steve Iverson over at CultTVman. You can pre-order the kits from him HERE.
EXTRA! Here is a press release from Atlantis announcing the passing of Andy Yanchus in 2021.
Wasn't Vampirella involved with this at some point? I'd have to dig out some old comics to check.
ReplyDeleteYes, she was. She'll probably be included in the next batch.
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