Thursday, September 22, 2016

MONSTER WORLD NO. 1 (PART 1)


MONSTER WORLD
Vol. 1 No. 1
November, 1964
Warren Publications
Founder & Publisher: James Warren
Editor-in-Chief: Forrest J Ackerman
Way Out Layout: Harry Chester
Cover: Russ Jones
Pages: 68

It was Forry's idea. It was September 1970 and publisher Warren's flagship magazine, FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND had reached 69 issues in 12 years. They could both feel the anticipation of the landmark centennial issue that was looming just a couple of years away. They were both anxious, for whatever reason, to make sure that it happened.

As a result, Forry suggested that they tack on the 10-issue run of MONSTER WORLD, the short-lived companion to FM that had begun in 1964, to the count. Warren agreed, and, voila! FM was 10 issues closer to #100 (it was published in August 1973).

Outside of a few fonts and page designs, MONSTER WORLD wasn't all that different looking than its Grandpa. Notable is a bio of actor Lionel Atwill and coverage of THE BLACK SLEEP. Also notable is that this issue contains the first of Warren's monster comic revivals, even beating out the soon-to-be-released CREEPY by just a werewolf's whisker. The strip was a film adaptation of THE MUMMY with story and art excellently done by Russ Jones (who would helm the aforementioned CREEPY) and comics great Wally Wood.

I still have my copy that was bought off the stands a month before my 10th birthday. Could a Monster Kid in 1964 have expected any better present?




































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