AURORA MONSTER SCENES ARE BACK!

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.

WHY BUILD MODELS?

If you think building models is only for kids, think again, Monster Lover! Assembling model kits are not only fun, they're therapeutic!

Aside from the nostalgia from our younger years, there are numerous benefits to building model kits. But you still may be asking: "Why should I?". This question has more than one answer. Just ask the folks at Atlantis Models. 

WHY BUILD MODELS (ATLANTIS MODELS)

Every child begins playing with toy blocks of some sort. Then, as they grow, some will advance to Legos. The next natural step for these ‘junior engineers’ would be Scale Model Building. Building a plastic model kit is really a technical exercise, following a detailed set of instructions, step by step, to complete a project, but it can also be an art form. Your finished project can be a perfect chance to showcase your creative abilities. There are many different skill levels to accommodate beginners to experts. You can start with Snap-Together or go straight to one that requires glue for assembly.

 Paint is not always needed but can really take your model to the next level. A little bit of paint detailing really helps to put your own personal touch on your model. This is a great time to be a model builder because there is such a variety of kits on the market to cover every possible interest. Choose your favorite hot rod, jet fighter or ship, or the latest movie space ship or Japanese Gundam Robot and build it any way you like.

While building your model it is also a chance to dive into the history behind the subject you are modeling. This is one place where technology can assist you. Simple searches on the web can bring you all the historical information on your subject along with endless images of your project to help you capture it more accurately. Historical dioramas are another form of scale modeling to capture entire scenes like military battles, or even hot rods at the drive-in. The sense of accomplishment you get when displaying your finished model is so rewarding. Display it with pride, show it off to friends and family, impress them with the knowledge you have of the history or background of your subject, and then on to your next project! Pick a winner, unplug and start building today!

Some of the major benefits of building plastic models are

• Instill a sense of accomplishment
• Learn to follow instructions
• Sharpen and learn new skills
• Take a deep dive into history
• Clear the mind and reduce stress
• Show off your collection!

ABOUT ATLANTIS MODELS

Atlantis Model Company was founded in 2009 by the former owners of Megahobby.com, Peter Vetri and Rick DelFavero. We manufacture injection-molded plastic model kits and hobby related products. When we started Megahobby.com back in 2000, we had dreams of becoming more than just another retail hobby shop. We wanted to become an actual model production company like the Aurora Model Co and Revell-Monogram. As Megahobby grew, it gave us the opportunity to create Atlantis and finally come out with our own branded model kits.

We started with a few basic flying saucer kits (designed by EL Pangman), the E.V.E. Saucer with lights and the TR-3E Triangular UFO. We then teamed up with Lindberg to re-release the infamous Glow-Pilot UFO. This was the first science fiction model kit ever produced and the tooling dated to 1954.

We then brought back the Wildlife Series of models originally produced by Aurora. We thought this would be a great way to introduce model building to a new generation of builders. We created new steel tooling of the American Bison and a larger new sculpt of the Black Bear and Cubs kit. We also re-issued the White Stallion kit to round out the group.

Next on the list was the licensed Zorro figure on his horse Tornado. We had always enjoyed figure building and tracked down the original tooling. After some freshening up and securing the original box-art with Mort Kunstler, it hit the shelves.

Thru our new relationship with Revell-Monogram on the Zorro project, we had the chance to re-issue the Giant T-Rex kit from the Prehistoric Scenes Series. This series was a big hit for the Aurora Model Co. back in the 70's and the T-Rex had been re-issued several times in the past (under the Monogram label). Thru an arrangement with Dencomm Productions, we were able to use the Prehistoric Scenes name. What a giant kit!

Our next choice of kits to re-issue was Blackbeard the Bloodthirsty Pirate. It is known to be the most dynamically posed Aurora kit ever produced. A new steel tooling was reverse engineered and some fit issues addressed and Blackbeard was finally released in 2012.

Our desire to have car kits in our line led us to the tracking down of the old Merit Racing kits of LeMans winners in 1/24 scale. These kits of the Alfa-Romeo and Lago-Talbot hadn't been released in many years. This led to a new relationship with the Smer Model Company.

Our first official Toy release was the Battery Operated Titanic. 12 inches long, it motors thru bathtubs and swimming pools and made it just in time for the 2013 4th quarter.

In 2014--using our partnership with the Smer Model Company again, we released the Aurora Viking Ship. Another Retro Classic Plastic release with original Aurora box-art and decals.

Next was the George Adamski Flying Saucer kit-another rare re-issue of a UFO kit from Japan originally produced by Marmit which sold out almost immediately. During this time we were also developing many different all-resin projects based on sci-fi subjects and figures. The German Valkyrie Spacecraft designed by Alfred Wong was the best of these releases, and it was followed by the Atlantis Lunar Shuttle by JP Modelworks ( Jeff Pollizzotto ) and a Grim Reaper on Horseback by Hans Reuters and Jimmy Flintstone.

2015 was a very important year for us. We had many ideas and possible products in development and were finally able to bring some of them into production. The long anticipated Earth vs The Flying Saucers kit finally arrived to very good reviews. We followed that with a re-issue thru Revell-Monogram of the old Aurora Invaders UFO kit. Of course we gave it the typical Atlantis treatment of original box-art, instructions and even included a color print of the original Retail Sell-Sheet. Many thanks again to Andy Yanchus, our official Archivist (ex-Aurora and Marvel employee) and endless source of helpful advice, information and rare prints and image scans.

A new partnership with Lake Freighter Minis brought us a line of beautiful Paper Boat models. These are all made in the US and feature cargo ships, Ferries, and a Liberty ship that are all well-known on the Great Lakes.

We also had been working on a line of Wooden Boat kits. These are easy to assemble, completely made in America kits of famous ships from US history. One of our favorite ships, The Edmund Fitzgerald was the first subject to be released and it was closely followed by the good old RMS Titanic. We have now added the Monitor and Merrimack set, The PT-109, and the Yorktown Aircraft Carrier.

Towards the end of 2015, a new release with Smer brought us the Aurora Black Falcon Pirate Ship. A perfect companion for the Viking ship, they both feature beautiful original box-art by John Steel.

When 2016 began we had 3 new releases in our 5 inch Saucer Series to start the year off right. The Monument Valley UFO Encounter kit is a new design by Raul Quiles Jr. He developed our EVTFS kit based on the original designs by Ray Harryhausen. The Monument Valley kit is molded completely in Crystal Clear and also Glow-in-the-Dark Clear. This will allow for many interpretations by the builder to create their own version. We also did a 2nd Edition of the Earth vs the Flying Saucers kit molded in Silver (so no painting is needed) and gave it a new photo diorama backdrop.

The officially licensed Flash Gordon and Martian figure kit originally released by Revell back in 1965 sold out almost instantly. We followed that up with the Phantom and VooDoo Witch Doctor kit in 2017.

More collaboration with Revell led us to the re-issue of the big 1/72 scale Aurora DC-9 Airliner. We did this in our Classic Plastic Series and it features the original retro artwork showing the Hughes Airwest livery. Our decal sheet, made by Cartograf in Italy, also has markings for TWA. We also added the Gato/Balao Class Submarine to our motorized toy line.

2 More saucers joined the 5 inch series that year. We have the I Want to Believe saucer from the photo by Billy Meier, made famous from the poster featured in Mulder’s office in the X-Files. We also have a saucer based on the single issue comic book from 1950 called Vic Torry and his Flying Saucer. Another very retro release, both of these saucers feature our new 4 piece Saucer Display Stand.

Our company began a new phase!

LONG ISLAND, NY, August 29th 2018 – Atlantis Model Co., manufacturer of plastic models and toys has purchased the tooling for many plastic model kits from the new owners of Revell, Revell Inc. USA-Blitz Partners. These molds were from the tooling banks of Monogram, Revell, Aurora and Renwal, some dating back to the early 1950's. They were stored in Revell’s Elk Grove facility in the great state of Illinois and represent Automotive, Aircraft, Ships, Military, Figures, Space and many other interesting subjects. Peter Vetri, President of Atlantis, states, “It's a lifelong dream to own this historic tooling and archive material related to these molds; to be able to preserve the tooling is a real honor. We look forward to reissuing many classics that have not been available in quite some time. All of the model kits will be made here in the USA and all the tooling and the Archive have been moved from Elk Grove to our facilities in Deer Park, NY. 

The deal was worked out shortly after the Hobbico bankruptcy was settled out. It was a very smooth

transaction. It took about 2 months to complete from start to finish. Rick DelFavero, VP of operations,

states, “I think model enthusiasts around the world will be pleasantly surprised in the coming years to

see what the tooling bank and Historical Archive contains. We believe our releases will appeal not only to people that saw the original issues of these kits, but also to a new generation that can help expand and grow the hobby!”

Your friends at Atlantis, 

Peter Vetri & Rick Delfavero

Visit Atlantis Models HERE.

FINALLY, THE METALUNA MUTANT!

Back in 1974, comic book artist and illustrator Dave Cockrum was hired to develop concept art for a new line of science fiction scenes model kits by Aurora. The series would include The Time Machine from the movie of the same name, Gort from THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, and Robby the Robot from FORBIDDEN PLANET. Cockrum's assignment was the Metaluna Mutant from THIS ISLAND EARTH.

Alas, the project never got beyond a sculpted prototype, but now there's good news concerning Cockrum's contribution to the famous model maker's line -- Atlantis Toy and Hobby is releasing a model kit based on Cockrum's design.

Designed by Bud Westmore for the Universal-International 1955 film, the Metaluna Mutant is one of the most immediately-recognized monsters. The technical artists who worked on the film are: Clifford Stine, William Fritzsche, Alexander Golitzen, Richard H. Riedel, David S. Horsley, Russell A. Gausman and Julia Heron.

The kit is expected to ship in February, 2022 and is available for pre-order at the CultTVman website.

Examples of Dave Cockrum's original concept art:

Prototype of the Atlantis model kit:

Painted prototype:

The famous Don Post Metaluna Mutant mask:

Various trade journal articles and ads from the time the film was originally released:

A "Monster of the Month" feature from FANTASTIC MONSTERS OF THE FILMS #2 (1962)

KUSTOMIZE THE KING

Steve Iverson at CultTVMan is offering a re-issued King Kong plastic model kit from Atlantis Toy and Hobby, as well as a couple of customizing options. In a significant historical factoid, the molds used to cast the parts are the original molds from Aurora that have been restored, not re-engineered, so this is as close as you're going to get to building an authentic Aurora monster kit without paying a tooth and a claw.

The Kong replacement head and "Anne's altar" are cast from resin and sold separately. Head on over to CultTVMan and check this and all his other very cool items.

From Atlantis Toy and Hobby:

1/25 Scale. Kong Stands nearly 10 inches tall when complete! This kit will come with King Kong's body parts molded in dark brown. The kit will not include Kong's head and feet molded in brown. Those parts were moved to the glow parts mold at some point.

The Atlantis kit will include the special square glow parts tree and the accessory parts tree, not seen since the last glow in the dark issue in 1972.  It will be packaged in the 9.75 x 9.75 Big Square Box. 

People have been asking about the palm tree leaves that get glued on top of the trees. The kit will include 3 palm trees on the accessory mold and one tree on the glow parts mold. 4 total. Includes duplicate parts as well such as the nameplate, trees, woman figure and other accessories.

Here's the official press release from Atlantis:

Dimensional Branding Group (DBG) and World Builder Entertainment are excited to announce a new agreement between DeVito Artworks and Atlantis Toy and Hobby to bring the original 1960’s King Kong model kits back to a new generation of fans.

For over two decades King Kong creator Merian C. Cooper and DeVito Artworks’ KING KONG OF SKULL ISLAND property has offered the most comprehensive King Kong Universe ever created. More than just the first giant monster to thrill audiences all around the world, Kong became an instant cultural icon, indelibly stomping his way into the planet's collective consciousness. Joe DeVito stated, “We’re thrilled to be a part of Atlantis Toy and Hobby’s restoration of the timeless Aurora ‘Glows-in-the-Dark’ King Kong. They have done a heartfelt- felt and spectacular job in bringing one of the all-time classic model kits back to life. From the beautifully restored original molds to the inclusion of every original piece, the result is nothing short of a work of nostalgic art!”

The King Kong kit will be fabricated in the United States using the original injection molds developed by the Aurora Plastics Company in 1964. These molds have been meticulously restored—not re-engineered—to deliver every intricate detail of the giant rampaging ape that carries the helpless Ann Darrow away to his mountaintop lair. “Everything about this kit is original, authentic, and now absolutely complete” says Peter Vetri, president of Atlantis Toy and Hobby. “In this release, builders will get all of the original foliage and other details that had been omitted from previous incarnations with the help of DeVito Artworks. Plus, the restored molds are gleaming; they’re so beautiful to behold and every detail is there for today’s kit builders to enjoy.” “We’re so proud to deliver this kit in its original ‘Glows-in-the-Dark’ packaging,” adds Atlantis Vice-President Rick Del Favero. “We’ve had such great response to our other glow monster releases and we’re excited to be working with DeVito Artworks to add King Kong to that collection.”

Atlantis Toy and Hobby was founded in 2009 by Peter Vetri and Rick Del Favero with some guidance from former Aurora Project Manager Andrew P. Yanchus. With a combined 60 years of experience, Atlantis is a venture run by lifelong hobbyists who have demonstrated their adeptness in sustaining a successful manufacturing business. Atlantis Toy and Hobby maintains the proud traditions of the hobby, built upon world-class knowledge of service in the industry. Atlantis Toy and Hobby is headquartered in New York’s Long Island. For more information, visit www.Atlantis-Models.com.

DeVito ArtWorks, LLC is an artist-driven transmedia studio dedicated to the creation and development of multi-faceted properties including King Kong Skull Island, War Eagles, and the Primordials. DeVito ArtWorks is founded and lead by renowned artist, illustrator and author, Joe DeVito.

 

DBG is a brand extension agency focusing on brand licensing and business development, bringing unique, fun properties to life with entertainment, toys, games, and a wide variety of merchandise geared to please core audiences and new fans alike.

World Builder Entertainment is a literary based management/ production company that represents talented creators worldwide while specializing in building multimedia platforms for entertainment properties. The Los Angeles based company not only represents a variety of writers and directors in both film and television, but brands include the DeVito Artworks/ Merian C. Cooper KING KONG SKULL ISLAND property and Dam Things (GOOD LUCK TROLLS).

Here's the story of King Kong, the Eighth Wonder of the World!

Seven million years ago a gigantic ape was born on a small island off the Malay Peninsula. While still a baby, Kong's parents were killed by a Tyrannosaurus. Millions of years passed, but the island remained the same. Prehistoric monsters still roamed there. It was as if time stopped on this one small island. King Kong grew unbelievably large and strong. Savage natives invaded the island but Kong remained absolute ruler. In desperation, the natives built an immense wall across the base of the island to keep out the prehistoric creatures and the monster, Kong. They worshipped Kong as a God and and appeased his wrath by sacrificing young natives to him.

A movie Producer, known for his exciting and dangerous films, acquired a crudely drawn map of Kong's island, known as Skull Island. He hired a tramp steamer and set sail from New York in quest of adventure. With him was a girl, an unknown actress whom he was going to make into a star.

As weeks passed, the crew became disturbed at the secrecy of the voyage. Only the Producer knew the destination. They were also disturbed by the great quantity of ammunition and gas bombs on board, enough to launch a full-scale war! Finally, the crew insisted upon knowing the destination, so the Producer asked if they had ever heard of King Kong. Of course they had, since it was a Malay superstition that most sailors had heard at one time or another. He told them that it was not superstition, that he had the only existing map of the legendary island where Kong lived. Skull Island was their destination!

Early one morning the ship became fog-bound in strange waters. Suddenly out of the mists arose a gigantic skull. On closer inspection, the crew realized it was only a rock formation, the one for which the island was named. In fact, the whole island was surrounded by rocks except for a small sandy peninsula. From the deck they could see the enormous retaining wall. They shuddered at the horrors that lay in wait for them behind that wall.

Landing on the beach of this Lost World, they realized that a sacrificial ceremony was going on. A native spotted them and the ceremony stopped. Their witch doctor wanted the girl from the ship as a gift for Kong. The crew refused and ran for their lives.

That night a group of the natives kidnapped the girl from the ship. They tied her to a stone altar outside of the gates of the wall. She heard the sounds of some immense beast drawing closer. The natives ran in terror. Kong came out of the jungle. He approached the altar, ready to take his delicious snack. Suddenly he stopped. Never had he seen a creature like this, a girl with golden hair. He picked her up and held her close to his hideously wrinkled face. His hot breath seared her flesh. Then he carried her off into the jungle.

By now the crew realized that the girl was gone and went in search of her. They tore open the gates in time to see Kong carry her off. The Producer sent back to the ship for gas bombs. When they arrived, he and the crew plunged into the dense underbrush. Overhead they saw flying lizards, around them they heard weird noises. From a thicket, a gigantic spike-tailed monster charged at them. Bullets would not stop it. Luckily the gas bombs did, and the beast fell to the ground, stunned. Now they were able to kill the beast at close range.

Then the girl was sighted high on a ledge. A plan of rescue was decided upon. The crew would divert the ape while the first mate climbed onto the ledge to bring her down. It worked, but now they had to get back to the wall. They scattered, each taking a different path so Kong would be unable to follow them too easily.

Once inside the gates, the Producer decided to bring King Kong back to civilization rather than to film him. Using the girl as a lure, they got Kong inside the gates where they used gas bombs to subdue him. Then, heavily chained, they loaded the unconscious Kong onto the ship.

Back in New York, King Kong was to go on display in the city's largest theater. Crowds gathered at the entrance. When the last person had been admitted, the lights grew dim. The building was silent with expectation. At last the curtain went up. There, behind bars, was the mighty Kong! The crowd grew noisy in their fear and amazement. The noise so enraged Kong that with his tremendous strength he broke through the bars which imprisoned him. Frightened people scattering in all directions.

Kong got loose on the street. Helicopters followed his path of destruction. Buildings toppled. He crushed the elevated trains with one powerful blow from his mighty fist. At the Empire State Building, Kong found what he was searching for, the golden-haired girl from the voyage. He snatched her up and began climbing the side of the building. Fighter planes were called out. Kong set the girl on a ledge and began swatting at the planes as if they were flies! Finally, one plane got in range and mortally wounded Kong. He came crashing down the side of the building to the street below.

When the people realized that the monster Kong, the 8th Wonder of the World, was killed, they breathed a sigh of relief. But, what of the rumors that Kong had a son? Is it merely legend..... or is it fact? !!

MONSTER MODELS NEW AND REISSUED

Building model kits have gained popularity since the onset of the COVID-19 lockdowns. There has rarely been a better time to "build your own". While military models seem to be the most prevalent, there is still a healthy market for monster models.

Unfortunately, the availability of paints and supplies may be lacking at your local hobby shop because of the pandemic, where retailers are either cautiously holding back their inventory, cannot receive shipments, or the manufacturers are not making product. I have visited several shops in my area and the paint shelves are missing key colors, especially acrylics. Even online retailers who may have the colors in stock are hamstrung by slow shipping due to restrictions and the current weather across the States.

In any event, that's not stopping companies from releasing more monster model goodness! Below are the latest new and re-issued models for fun and excitement if you're looking for something different to occupy your day other than watching Jerry Springer!

The Hunchback of Notre Dame - Special Box Art Edition from Doll and Hobby GA

Doll & Hobby GA presents their forth kit, The Hunchback of Notre Dame! 

Suggested retail price: $39.99

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is coming from Doll & Hobby GA. This reissue of the classic Aurora kit  will feature collectible deluxe packaging with a full color display backdrop.  This is a special Box Art Edition, featuring classic box art, with a clear plastic sleeve for displaying and protecting the box.   All graphic elements will be printed on the sleeve so you can display the clean box art. Packaging is still being finalized and expecting to ship in the later part of 2021.  

Photo above shows built and painted model.

King Kong - Glow Square Box 1:30 scale from Altantis

Atlantis is bringing back King Kong as a glow kit from the original Aurora tooling.

Suggested retail price: $29.99

Photo shows built and painted model.  Additional images and details are coming. Details subject to change

Konga - 1:35 scale from Monarch Models

All new plastic model kit from Monarch Models.   Kit is 1:35 scale and comes with base and small human figures.   Like other Monarch kits, this will have a limited run and be retired.  

Price is TBD, but it is expected to be in the $40 to $50 range.

Photos below are of the prototype.

The Fly - 1:8 scale from Monarch Models

All new plastic model kit from Monarch Models due later this year. Kit is 1:8 scale and comes with base and lab equipment. Like other Monarch kits, this will have a limited run and be retired.  

Price is TBD, but it is expected to be in the $40 to $50 range.

Photo below shows prototype.

The two online hobby and collector's shops that I recommend the most are:

CULT TV MAN

MONSTERS IN MOTION