Oct 31, 2021

Monthly Media Recap - October 2021

 Well ghouls, we made it! As usual, I'm posting the Monthly Recap in case you're looking for something new to you to check out tonight. Weather permitting, I'll be heading into Salem to creep people out. Hopefully I can add some new pics to @SalemCreep on Instagram. Whatever you do tonight, have fun and stay safe!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. It's also a bit long :)


Books

I don't usually include books but since it's Halloween and I'm not great at doing long reviews, I wanted to mention Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix. If you're a fan of slasher movies, I highly recommend this new twist on the genre. Hendrix is pretty much my favorite horror author, you can't go wrong with any of his books!

Oct 30, 2021

2021 Halloween Hot Wheels - Plymouth Barracuda

 The final Halloween Hot Wheels of the 2021 series is a Plymouth Barracuda.


Although the name on it is Plymouth Barracuda, this model's name was originally King 'Cuda when it debuted in 1970. There were 9 different versions released in 1970. It wasn't released again until 2002 when it was slightly retooled and called Plymouth Barracuda.

My favorite cars in this series have been the black body with white deco. It makes the designs really pop using simple contrast. Plus, the detail in the line work can really shine.

That wraps up the 2021 Halloween Hot Wheels!
 
If you've been enjoying all the Hot Wheels history factoids, head over to the Hot Wheels Wiki where I crib all my info from.
 
Here's my ranking for this year. It was a tough call between the two black and white entries but I'm a sucker for an exposed engine.

Plymouth Barracuda

Click below to visit the Countdown site with a list of all the participating blogs!

Oct 29, 2021

Halloween 2021 MA Lottery Ticket

Every year, I hunt down the new lottery ticket for the season. Okay, it's not so much of a hunt as waiting for it to show up in stores. This year's is Haunted Cash.
OOOOOOooooOOOOO!


The card itself has a weird foil like refractor thing going on giving it a rainbow shimmer when you tilt it. I feel like they kind of phoned in the overall design and could have gone with a more cohesive theme. Maybe keep the gravestones but replace the witch with a zombie or vampire, something associated with cemeteries? Also, the only other Halloween graphics are if you win, I'd prefer it if there were different Halloween symbols instead of numbers to match. I'm probably putting too much thought into it. I wonder just how much of their budget is allocated for art design.

Do you have any fun Halloween themed lottery tickets in your state? 

I started an open Flickr album for people to post their state lottery tickets. If you have any, please feel free to add them to the album. Or if you could send me pictures/scans I'd be happy to post them.

Click below to hit the Countdown site with a list of all the participants this year!

Oct 28, 2021

Mirror Man Figure - Rocom Toys

 The mad geniuses behind the Mighty Maniax line of figures dropped some new additions recently and there was one that stood out that I just could not pass up!


Mirror Man may or may not be based on a pop star with a smash hit horror music video from the 80s. The facial likeness is pretty amazing! You can almost hear a ghostly "heee-heee!" in the air.

Oct 27, 2021

Graveyard Garage - Kraniator

Allow me to present the first vehicle in the Graveyard Garage that is not Hot Wheels or Matchbox...the Kraniator.


Although this one has only made it into the Garage within the past year or so, research tells me this is from 1999 and it seems to be going for $8-$14 on eBay. This was produced by Maisto which I've heard is a common brand to run into at dollar stores.
 
The chassis may be diecast but the rest of the body is definitely plastic, giving it a lighter feel than your average Hot Wheels. Regardless of the materials, how do you pass up a giant skull with arcane green fire streaking across its dome? And it's not even a human skull with that elongated nose. Just what is it?


Kranitor is comin' to get ya! 
If those giant gold jaws opened, would it eat people or other cars?

Click below to visit the Countdown site with a list of all the participating blogs!

Oct 26, 2021

Classic Creepy Comics Covers

 All the comics I'll be talking about are legally available for free on Comic Book+. You can read them online or, if you create a free account, you can download them. The site navigation may take some getting used to but I'll be providing links to the specific titles featured.   
 
For the final Classic Creepy Comics of the season, here's a bunch of great covers.
 

 Startling Terror Tales was published by Star Publications and only ran for 8 issues. Oddly, those 8 issues were numbered 4 - 11. The use of color on this cover is just amazing. At the same time, it seems to be warning you away yet daring you to look at it. I can't imagine being a kid and seeing this at the newsstand!


While you may not be familiar with some of the publishers I've mentioned in these posts, I bet many of you will know the name Charlton. The Thing (no relation to the movie or Fantastic Four) ran for 17 issues between 1952-1954. I picked this cover specifically for the image of Death with reading glasses and smoking a pipe. 

Of major note on this series is that it has Steve Ditko's first ever comic cover on issue 12. He also contributed story art in issues 12-15.


Avon Periodicals offered Witchcraft for a short 6 issue run during 1952-1953.


Tales of Horror ran for 13 issues and was published by Toby/Minoan. Another weirdly awesome cover. The variety of the monsters is just so good!

Be sure to click below to see all the Countdown Cryptkeepers!

Oct 25, 2021

Halloween Web - Lady M

Today we're talking to the mistress of the Haunted Parlor, Lady M.
 

Welcome and please introduce yourself to the readers.

Back in 2011, I began the blog Lady M’s Haunted Parlor as a way to connect with other haunters online.  My content revolves around Halloween shopping, crafts, parties, decorating, events, music, and bizarre news stories.  I have been a Countdown to Halloween participant since 2014, and usually focus on wacky events that take place in Manitou Springs Colorado, my place of residence.  We have the Skeleton Craze, Emma Crawford Coffin Races, Ghost Tours and Emma’s Wake to name a few.  I love to dress up, decorate my home and partake of the holiday season with abandon.  Creating a beautiful witch cabinet and a homemade graveyard are my passions.

Oct 24, 2021

Funko's Boo Hollow Pumpkin Showdown Card Game

 It seems like last year's debut of the cute little Boo Hollow characters was a big hit. The gang is back this year with a lot of new merch including more blind bag figures, larger vinyl figures, plushes, and more. I was pretty excited to also see a new card game.


I've always been a game collector and a few years ago I got on a horror/monster collecting kick. When I started, games on those themes were few and far between which led me to eBay and collecting older board games. Then there was an explosion of horror games so I started focusing more on Halloween themed. So I'm always happy to see a new release!

A fun, fast-paced card game featuring the spooky-cute characters from Funko’s Boo Hollow! Play Pumpkin cards to throw Pumpkins at the other players, but watch out—they can play cards right back! Roll the special die to grab more Pumpkins, or dodge out of the way at the last second! Whoever gets hit with more Pumpkins takes a Hit card. Get hit three times and your out! Who will be the last one standing?
 

Oct 23, 2021

2021 Halloween Hot Wheels - '14 Corvette Stingray

 I don't know what it is about them but Stingrays have been a favorite car of mine since I can remember. However, it's the 60s/80s coupe model that I love. I thought the idea of a Transformer that not only turns into a vehicle Stingray but also the animal would be pretty cool.


I love metalflake paint but the designs on this one just aren't clicking with me. I don't think the graphics colors stand out enough on the red body. Maybe if they'd gone all white with the graphics or a different body color it would look better. The whole color scheme seems like it's fighting itself, the red body, purple interior/wheels, and the yellow windshield. This is definitely my least favorite of the 2021 series.


This isn't the best shot of the body but it does show the little details they put into the vehicle interiors like steering wheel and gear shift. I always take the time to check out the interiors because of the details. It's not something they need to do but I really appreciate it.

Click below to hit the Countdown site with a list of all the participants this year!

Oct 22, 2021

Halloween Web - Halloween is Forever in 3D

 The Halloween is Forever podcast crew interviews continue with the third, and final, member of the crew. Now that I think about it, I should have posted Meg's interview last so she could be the final girl.


Please introduce yourself to the readers.

I’m Steve 1/3rd of the Halloween is Forever Podcast. I also host a craft beer podcast called Hop Nation USA where I met my Halloween is Forever co-hosts Meg and Brian. I’m an audio, video, and writing freelancer by trade. It’s possible you’ve listened to a podcast or seen an ad I’ve edited.

What was Halloween like for you as a kid?

Growing up in the rural outskirts of Pittsburgh, neighbors’ houses were real trudges to get to. Not to sound like an old cliche, but there were a lot of uphill climbs or my mom would drive me around. A lot of the time we’d wind up Trick or Treating at malls or in the nicer suburb my grandparents lived in. More houses, bigger candy bars.

Do you have any standout memories?

One year my grandparents took me to a haunted house that was way too much for me at the time. I was only 9 or 10 probably and it was full of dismembered bodies and every monster I can think of. It actually was a few mini houses including walking through a crashed school bus with people in the seats who’d jump at you. It was called Phantoms of the Park, but is now defunct. The Hundred Acres Manor opened where it used to be.

What about favorite costumes?

I had a pretty sick Donatello costume in the 90s, ninja turtle not the artist. In my 20s I learned to incorporate drinking into my costumes. One year I went as a Dr. Krieger from Archer and carried a jar that looked like a science experiment gone wrong. It was really spiked apple cider, some other fruit and food dye.  

How do you celebrate these days?

I’m pretty low key now, but a friend usually throws a pretty big Halloween party which is fun to go.

Do you have any yearly rituals?

I’m horror movies and heavy metal 365, so it’s hard to develop those rituals when it could also be Tuesday. I do recall seeing GWAR one Halloween; that was pretty special. Warm apple cider and the occasional pumpkin beer are probably the only things I reserve for spooky season. 

What is it about Halloween that sticks with us after childhood?

It’s much more of a “let loose” holiday than Thanksgiving and Christmas. The other two people will overeat and drink too much, but a lot of it is coping with family and holiday stress. Halloween there is no cope. It’s all fun for the sake of fun, so you get to overeat, over drink, play out your fantasies of characters you wish you could be. You can be generous in giving out candy with zero expectation of return. You can ignore the things we’re really supposed to be afraid of for some cheap thrills from ghosts and monsters.

Inside the Spookster's Studio

The worst thing to get while trick or treating was anything not candy.

My favorite thing to get was Nerds, Mallo Cups or 5th Avenue bars. I think those last two are really regional candy too. I don’t know I’ve ever seen them outside of PA.

My favorite monster cereal is Count Chocula

Where can people find you online?

You can find Halloween is Forever on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok. The show is available on podcast available on iTunes, Podbean, and anywhere else you find podcasts. New episodes every Monday.

Again, a monster-sized thanks to the Halloween is Forever crew for taking part in this year's interviews. Give their show a listen, it's a really fun time!

Be sure to click below to see all the Countdown Cryptkeepers!

Oct 21, 2021

Nightmares of Halloween Past Book

 I just had to help spread the word about this amazing IndieGoGo project!


Nightmares of Halloween Past is a collection of vintage photos collected over 20 years from yard sales, flea markets, and thrift stores. The book weighs in at 288 pages and includes a pair of exclusive essays on Halloween costumes.


There are plenty more images on the project page, which I strongly suggest checking out even if you don't back the project. $60 seems like a lot but I think the contents will be worth it! Right now they are at 70% funding with 25 days to go. There's still some mystery stretch goals to be unlocked too.


Click below to visit the Countdown site with a list of all the participating blogs!

Oct 20, 2021

Halloween Web - Halloween is Forever - The Sequel

 As promised, we're continuing our chats with the hosts of the Halloween is Forever podcast. Coming at you today, guns blazing, is Meg.


Thanks for joining us! Please introduce yourself.

My name is Megan Seastedt. I work in the beer industry currently as Production Manager at North Country Brewing Company. I've worked in the beer industry since 2010 under various production related roles. I'm currently the co-host of Halloween is Forever podcast along with the rad dudes - Brian and Steve. It's been an incredibly cool outlet to explore my love of horror. In the past, I owned and operated a heavy metal and craft beer festival called Brewtal Beer Festival that may be be in the works to come back next year with some new surprises in store.

Oct 19, 2021

Disney's Haunted Mansion Playing Cards

 Disney has an odd way of merchandising their product. I don't recall seeing these playing cards when visiting Memento Mori, the Haunted Mansion gift shop. Instead, I found these in a shop in Animal Kingdom. Either way, I was happy to add them to my collection.


I do have to commend them for the packaging. They could have released this in a standard box but went with a cool coffin shaped box. Just like they did with this set I picked up in 2014.

Oct 18, 2021

Halloween Web - Halloween is Forever Part 1

 We're shaking up the schedule this week to fit in three....three interviews! AH! AH! AH!
This week we're talking Halloween with the folks behind the Halloween is Forever podcast. They mostly talk horror flicks/shows with a side of snacks and adult beverages. They could call the show Brews & Boos!

Anyway, on to our first subject, Brian.


Please tell the folks about yourself.

My name is Brian Reed and I’m 1/3 of the Halloween Is Forever Podcast—you can find us on any major podcast platform. I’m also 1 of 19 Master Cicerones globally—which is the beer equivalent of a Master Sommelier. Meg, Steve and I all work and are active in the craft beer community, so beer is a common topic on our show as well.

Oct 17, 2021

Punkin Fight Card Game

 Quirky Co. makes a lot of fun card games with different themes, including a few that are perfect for Halloween gaming. This is Punkin Fight.


In this game 2-4 players toss pumpkin bombs at each others clubhouses to attack them. Last clubhouse standing is the winner!

 
The clubhouses have fun addresses like Warlock Street and Graveyard Way. There's also a few monsters in the deck to give you the upper hand. Instead of me going on about how the game works, here's a quick video from the creator on how to play.


Something I love about Quirky Co games is that they're simple enough to explain in a short video. As far as I've seen the creator has a video for every game he's designed, and there's quite a few! The newest game is Even Monsters Get Spooked which is about monsters scaring each other over Halloween candy.

You can find all of Quirky Co's games on DriveThru Cards.

Click below to hit the Countdown site with a list of all the participants this year!

Oct 16, 2021

2021 Halloween Hot Wheels - '71 Maverick Grabber

 Zooming right along with our third Halloween Hot Wheels ride!


The '71 Maverick Grabber has been around since 2010 and this is the 24th release. It's called Grabber because it was "made for grabbing green light battles."
 
I think my favorite aspect of the design is the skull eyes running along the sides.


This one is pretty simple with its white on black art. The designs aren't intricately detailed or colorful but I think that just makes it more elegant looking.The skull is an inverse version of the one used on this year's Rigor Motor.


Be sure to click below to see all the Countdown Cryptkeepers!

Oct 15, 2021

Hallowen Web - Author Jason Young

  Let's give a warm welcome to our friendly neighbor Jason Young, author of An Old School Halloween.


Thanks for joining us. Can you tell folks about your new book?

'An Old School Halloween' is my second book. My first book "The Wonderful Artwork of Wax Wrappers" enjoyed 4 print runs, all selling out. This is a 200 page full color look back at those old Ben Cooper costumes we all remember and love. For the book, I was lucky enough to interview Frank Romano, the original Art Director for Ben Cooper. The book has been featured in magazines like Toy Ventures and HorrorHound as well as an upcoming issue of RetroFan. It's also been featured on some great websites like 13th Dimension, some blogs, and I appeared on a podcast titled Fire & Water. I'm currently working on my 3rd book, which I'm not ready to share quite yet - but stay tuned at my Facebook Page "Oldtimes Digest".

Oct 14, 2021

International Monster Museum - Salem MA

Last month, Mrs Dex and I took advantage of the Labor Day holiday (which happened to be our wedding anniversary) to walk around Salem before things started to get in the full swing of the season. We decided to visit the newly opened International Monster Museum. Life Pro Tip: If you meet someone that would go to a Monster Museum on your anniversary, marry that person!
 

 The snazzy logo for the museum was designed by Chad Savage of Sinister Visions. Chances are if you're reading a blog counting down the days to Halloween, you probably know his work!

This is a self guided walk-thru tour of monsters from around the world. After paying your admission fee, you're given an electric lantern to light your way. So turn your lantern on, and we'll be on our way! 
 

Oct 13, 2021

Graveyard Garage - Speed Spider & Bone Shaker (2020)

 I found these two Graveyard Garage entries in a generic Hot Wheels 3 pack and couldn't pass them up. The third one wasn't very spooky but two out of three ain't bad, right?


Speed Spider debuted in 2010 and this is only the 9th release. These are both multipack exclusive so you won't find them on a single card. Despite finding the pack earlier this year, these are 2020 releases. I'm pretty sure this is the first one to find its way into my collection. Anyone know of a good way to catalog them? Of course, then the problem is having to inventory all my cars!
 

I really like the creepy spider design. I'm not sure if those discs in the middle have any mechanical function but since there's 8 of them, I'd say they're supposed to be "eyes." The vents right below them look like fangs. While the Hot Wheels Wiki says the deco on the legs is yellow, it looks orange to me, but maybe that's just having Halloween on my mind.
 
 
Bone Shaker is definitely no stranger to the Graveyard Garage due to the huge skull on the front. I don't collect every one, which is a good thing because it's had over 100 releases since 2006 between the open and closed roof versions! I try to stick to the ones that I feel fit the Halloween theme.
 

I really like the blue they used here. Gives it a very spectral vibe. Various versions were released for a terrible Target "Halloween" exclusive 2012, Halloween 2014, Halloween 2016, Peanuts, and Rocket League.
 
Be sure to click below to see all the Countdown Cryptkeepers! 

Oct 12, 2021

Now Hear This - Halloween 2021 Edition

 It seems like this year is just bursting with new Halloween music!
Here's some of the new releases that will definitely get you in the spirit of the season.
These tunes may be available on multiple services but I'm linking to Bandcamp because you can easily preview the whole album before buying it.


First up is Sean Keller's third Halloween mix tape, The Killer Sounds of Halloween 3D. Just like his previous releases, this one is packed with songs done in the style of popular music artists with other audio treats sprinkled in. Keller has a real talent for making sound alike songs and putting together something that feels like an old school compilation album.  If you don't have any of the Killer Sounds albums, you're really missing out. They are so much fun!

Oct 11, 2021

Classic Creepy Comics - American Comics Group

All the comics I'll be talking about are legally available for free on Comic Book+. You can read them online or, if you create a free account, you can download them. The site navigation may take some getting used to but I'll be providing links to the specific titles featured.  

Instead of a single comic title, today I'll be talking about several horror titles published by American Comics Group or ACG. The company was founded in 1939 and was active up until 1967. They published over 30 titles in that time which ran the gamut from spy/espionage to romance to funny animals.


Adventures into the Unknown (1948-1967) was the first ongoing horror comic series. 
It ran for a whopping 174 issues!


Forbidden Worlds (1951-1967) is classified as a horror book. Over it's 145 issue run, you were just as likely to find stories of the supernatural as you were tales with a more sci-fi bent to them.

 
Out of the Night (1952-1954) only ran for 17 issues. Don't ask me what's going on with the cover of issue 5 (above, right). Supernatural beings need to have their fun too.


How great is that cover for issue 1 (above, left)? A skeletal being (maybe Death itself?) playing violin while monsters dance under a full moon with a giant bat flying by. Skeleton Hand (1952-1953) only lasted for 6 issues.

That's over a long box of horror comics that you can read for free! Should be plenty enough to keep you busy until next week's Classic Creepy Comics post.

Click below to hit the Countdown site with a list of all the participants this year!