From Zombos' Closet

Castle of Frankenstein No.1, 1962

A few years after Journal of Frankenstein hit the magazine racks, Calvin Beck (with editing by Ken Beale) returned with Castle of Frankenstein in 1962. The magazine's hand-pasted layout had not improved (no digital publishing tools back then), and this first issue went for the pictures and humor approach. Still, Zacherley's Wife Contest and TeeVee Jeebies hint at the more varied coverage to come in later issues. This copy courtesy of Professor Kinema. Here's the comic book reader version:  Download Castle of Frankenstein Issue 1

More Magazines in the Closet:

• • Journal of Frankenstein Issue 1
  • Castle of Frankenstein issues: 1, 2, 3, 4, 15, 17, 1967 Fearbook

Battlestar Galactica Cylon Universal Studios Halloween Costume 1978

By your command, here's the Universal Studios Cylon costume, seen on eBay from the seller thetoymachine. I'd prefer to dress up as the Imperious Leader Lucifer, though. 

Riders to the Stars (1954) Pressbook

Such a time for wonder and movie dreams, the early days of space exploration were filled with possibilities and alien menace; and women who, unlike the men, had the sexiest spacesuits. Riders to the Stars is the second movie in Ivan Tors' Office of Scientific Investigation trilogy: the other two movies are The Magnetic Monster and Gog.

Journal of Frankenstein No.1, 1959

Rough layout start to a wonderful pro-zine would turn into a key monsterkid magazine for its time. In this issue, Boris Karloff and Zacherley get the love, and good articles discuss the horror and fantasy scene. I always confused the back cover for the front cover, but I keep wondering why go with the front cover when Zacherley was more of a draw. Perhaps to allow room for the titles? Still, seeing Zacherley on the cover would have made me buy this puppy back then. Just sayin'. Here's the comic book reader version:  Download Journal of Frankenstein Issue 1. (This copy of the magazine courtesy of Professor Kinema, long time contributor to FZC).

More Magazines in the Closet:

Journal of Frankenstein, Castle of Frankenstein: 1, 2, 3, 4, 15, 17, 1967 Fearbook

Ben Cooper Halloween Wonder Woman Costume

eBay seller patoysnsuch lassoed this Ben Cooper Wonder Woman Halloween costume for potential buyers. The box art alone is eye-catching. The breastplate reminds me of the one Xena wore.

Gangsters of the Frontier (1944) Pressbook

Time to saddle up with the Gangsters of the Frontier pressbook. Always note the good guys wear white hats that never get dirty, no matter how much they tussle with them black-hatted outlaws. White scarves complete the ensemble. Here's the comic reader version to stash in your saddle bag:  Download Gangsters of the Frontier Pressbook.

The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T (1953) Pressbook

The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T gave me nightmares when I first saw it. I blame Dr. Seuss, who wrote the script and helped create its wild design. Now I can appreciate it for the fine example of cinema fantasy it is. Shot on 35mm in 3 strip Technicolor, the flat widescreen aspect ratio is 1.85: 1. The pressbook says this as the first Wonderama movie. I think it was the last, too. Here's the comic reader version:  Download 5000 Fingers of Dr T Pressbook.

La Muerte Es Puntual (1967) Mexican Lobby Card

Simple layout yet still a great Mexican lobby card for La Muerte es Puntual (Death is Punctual). Neat placement of all essential elements such as the illustration, the text, and the inset scene keep it clean and direct.

Munster, Go Home (1966) Pressbook

I still love watching The Munsters, and this movie is a lot of fun. Seeing them in color was a love/hate relationship for me. Gorgeous colors really made their makeup pop; but, given the spookiness and old movie charm that black and white naturally lends to monster stuff, the television series felt a bit more at home for a monsterkid. The banner accessories mentioned in the pressbook made me drool. I've yet to see them. Here's the comic book reader version:  Download Munster, Go Home Pressbook. And here is the Munsters, Go Home Mexican lobby card. 

Halloween Collegeville Witch Costume

Beautiful vibrant colors make for an excellent Collegeville Halloween witch (of the old crone variety) costume, though I'd say this one's a vampire witch, what with those sharp fangs showing. Can't you just hear her evil cackle?

Ben Cooper Halloween 1970s Sturdy Superman Play Suit

In the 1960s, when George Reeves' Adventures of Superman was the cat's meow for us kids, I'd "fly" around the neighborhood with a red pillowcase safety-pinned to my shoulders, acting as a flowing cape. My best friend Stephen joined me in our great Superman adventures against the enemies of the American Way and liberty. But he moved away too soon and our adventures ended, put to a stop not by those enemies, but by time and change and their ever march forward. After he moved we lost touch and our lives went their separate ways. I wonder what ever became of him. I wonder if he ever wonders whatever became of me? (Seller 3rdflrretro has a memory for sale on eBay.)

Halloween Collegeville Skeleton Costume

Who doesn't want to dress up as a skeleton for Halloween? I wonder if the Collegeville skeleton mask glows under blacklight?