Magazines
I began my freelance journalism career my sophomore year of college, writing film reviews for a suburban newspaper. Byt the late 1980s, I was regularly contributing to subculture publications, primarily about Mexican wrestler/horror movies (Lucha Libre!), comic books and art.
In 1991,my friend Chris Ecker and I published MONSTERSCENE JOURNAL just to say I did a monster magazine. In 1993 I spent five months developing the look for a comics fan-oriented magazine called HERO ILLUSTRATED and then spent a couple of months helping the same publisher package a magazine commemorating the 50th anniversary of the UFO crash at ROSWELL. In 1994, I went back to publishing MONSTERSCENE but with a shortened name and a facelift and a new publishing partner, Bill Harrison. MONSTERSCENE was the most respected and best-selling classic horror film magazine of the 1990s.
I have written for other magazines since ceasing publication of MONSTERSCENE in 1998.
In 1991,my friend Chris Ecker and I published MONSTERSCENE JOURNAL just to say I did a monster magazine. In 1993 I spent five months developing the look for a comics fan-oriented magazine called HERO ILLUSTRATED and then spent a couple of months helping the same publisher package a magazine commemorating the 50th anniversary of the UFO crash at ROSWELL. In 1994, I went back to publishing MONSTERSCENE but with a shortened name and a facelift and a new publishing partner, Bill Harrison. MONSTERSCENE was the most respected and best-selling classic horror film magazine of the 1990s.
I have written for other magazines since ceasing publication of MONSTERSCENE in 1998.
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MONSTERSCENE JOURNAL #1
This issue featured:
• THE FRANKENSTEIN FAMILY JOURNAL—Chris Ecker offers a fictional account of the family based on research done from the original book by Mary Shelley and the Universal Studios’ FRANKENSTEIN films.
• SATURDAY MORNING MONSTERS—Scott Shaw! provides a history of the Hanna-Barbera cult favorite, FRANKENSTEIN JR.
• TIM BURTON AND EDWARD SCISSORHANDS—Editor Steve Smith provides an examination of the classic Tim Burton film about not fitting in.
• THE RAREST FAMOUS MONSTERS COLLECTIBLE EVER!—This is a reprint of the BOX SCORE! BESTSELLERS June 1964, a trade magazine spotlighting the succcess of FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND.
• TOPPS: NOT JUST BASEBALL CARDS ANYMORE—An article on the (then) new trend in quality art trading cards based on popular movies. Many examples of Mike Mignola’s DRACULA work included.
• THE FRANKENSTEIN FAMILY JOURNAL—Chris Ecker offers a fictional account of the family based on research done from the original book by Mary Shelley and the Universal Studios’ FRANKENSTEIN films.
• SATURDAY MORNING MONSTERS—Scott Shaw! provides a history of the Hanna-Barbera cult favorite, FRANKENSTEIN JR.
• TIM BURTON AND EDWARD SCISSORHANDS—Editor Steve Smith provides an examination of the classic Tim Burton film about not fitting in.
• THE RAREST FAMOUS MONSTERS COLLECTIBLE EVER!—This is a reprint of the BOX SCORE! BESTSELLERS June 1964, a trade magazine spotlighting the succcess of FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND.
• TOPPS: NOT JUST BASEBALL CARDS ANYMORE—An article on the (then) new trend in quality art trading cards based on popular movies. Many examples of Mike Mignola’s DRACULA work included.
MONSTERSCENE #2
We shortened the name by taking "JOURNAL" out and we added a cover by the legendary Basil Gogos.
This issue featured:
• THE STRANGE WORLD AND WANDERINGS OF THE AZTEC MUMMY—Frank Kurtz examines Popoca, the Aztec Mummy, in his many film appearances.
• HEY GROUP! IT’S GHOULARDI: A career overview and interview with the original Cool Ghoul!—Mark D. Neel provides a priceless (because it was Ernie Anderson’s last) interview with Ghoulardi, a cult TV icon. Profusely illustrated.
• DISNEYWORLD’S HAUNTED MANSION…AND BEYOND!—We take a trip to the Haunted Mansion, and are treated to concept artwork for a new (at the time) attraction: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
• CONTEMPORARY CLASSICS: SUBSPECIES—Stephen D. Smith visits the popular Full Moon series of vampire films to find out why they are so bloody popular.
• THERE GOES TOKYO—Frank Kurtz outlines the latest GODZILLA features from across the ocean.
This issue featured:
• THE STRANGE WORLD AND WANDERINGS OF THE AZTEC MUMMY—Frank Kurtz examines Popoca, the Aztec Mummy, in his many film appearances.
• HEY GROUP! IT’S GHOULARDI: A career overview and interview with the original Cool Ghoul!—Mark D. Neel provides a priceless (because it was Ernie Anderson’s last) interview with Ghoulardi, a cult TV icon. Profusely illustrated.
• DISNEYWORLD’S HAUNTED MANSION…AND BEYOND!—We take a trip to the Haunted Mansion, and are treated to concept artwork for a new (at the time) attraction: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
• CONTEMPORARY CLASSICS: SUBSPECIES—Stephen D. Smith visits the popular Full Moon series of vampire films to find out why they are so bloody popular.
• THERE GOES TOKYO—Frank Kurtz outlines the latest GODZILLA features from across the ocean.
MONSTERSCENE #3
This issue featured:
• SATURDAY MORNING MONSTERS—Scott Shaw! explores the monster phenomenon of the 1960s and how it affected shows like THE FLINTSTONES with conceptual art from THE FRANKENSTONES and MORE.
• WHITE ZOMBIE—Mark D. Neel provides an analysis of the film that turned Bela Lugosi from a rising star to a B-Movie boogeyman overnight! Illustrated with poster and ad art.
• HAMMER HORRORS: THE DRACULA FILMS OF CHRISTOPHER LEE—Mike Schneider and Joe Hetaler provide a film-by-film review of all of the Hammer Dracula films starring Chris Lee.
• THERE GOES TOKYO—Frank Kurtz provides an amazing overview of the Toho vampire films, NIGHT OF THE VAMPIRE, LAKE OF DRACULA, and THE EVIL OF DRACULA with rare stills from both films.
• THE KING OF FAMOUS MONSTER ART RETURNS—A look at the career of master monster artist, Basil Gogos. Illustrated with magazine, monster, movie poster, and fine art works.
• SATURDAY MORNING MONSTERS—Scott Shaw! explores the monster phenomenon of the 1960s and how it affected shows like THE FLINTSTONES with conceptual art from THE FRANKENSTONES and MORE.
• WHITE ZOMBIE—Mark D. Neel provides an analysis of the film that turned Bela Lugosi from a rising star to a B-Movie boogeyman overnight! Illustrated with poster and ad art.
• HAMMER HORRORS: THE DRACULA FILMS OF CHRISTOPHER LEE—Mike Schneider and Joe Hetaler provide a film-by-film review of all of the Hammer Dracula films starring Chris Lee.
• THERE GOES TOKYO—Frank Kurtz provides an amazing overview of the Toho vampire films, NIGHT OF THE VAMPIRE, LAKE OF DRACULA, and THE EVIL OF DRACULA with rare stills from both films.
• THE KING OF FAMOUS MONSTER ART RETURNS—A look at the career of master monster artist, Basil Gogos. Illustrated with magazine, monster, movie poster, and fine art works.
MONSTERSCENE #4
This issue was an odd one. We were undecided about the cover art just when Topps issued their UNIVERSAL MONSTERS set of trading cards, so I created a collage of cards to serve as the cover. The back cover, ironically, featured a stunning illustration of Kenneth Branagh and Helena Bonham Carter from MARY SHELLEY'S FRANKENSTEIN. It is one of my regrets.
This issue featured:
• SILENT SCREAMS—The UK’s SFX Magazine’s MJ Simpson looks at several important horror films produced during the silent era which impacted the future of the genre. Illustrated with stills and pressbook art.
• THE FRANKENSTEIN FILES: THE MONSTER’S LEGACY IN THE THEATRE—Noted author David Skal gives readers a rare peek into the pre-cinema history of Mary Shelley’s FRANKENSTEIN.
• BETWEEN THE BOLTS: A “FOUND” INTERVIEW WITH BORIS KARLOFF—Thanks to Canada’s own D’Arcy More, and MS editor/transcriber Steve Smith, Karloff fans can “hear” Karloff again, as he talks about horror, the monster, Lugosi, The Chaneys, and more.
• UNIVERSAL’S FRANKENSTEIN CLASSICS: THE MONSTER, BRIDE, AND SON…—Bryan Senn takes readers behind the scenes of the making of the Karloff Frankenstein Trilogy in an extensive feature illustrated with stills and featuring full cast and crew credits on all three films.
This issue featured:
• SILENT SCREAMS—The UK’s SFX Magazine’s MJ Simpson looks at several important horror films produced during the silent era which impacted the future of the genre. Illustrated with stills and pressbook art.
• THE FRANKENSTEIN FILES: THE MONSTER’S LEGACY IN THE THEATRE—Noted author David Skal gives readers a rare peek into the pre-cinema history of Mary Shelley’s FRANKENSTEIN.
• BETWEEN THE BOLTS: A “FOUND” INTERVIEW WITH BORIS KARLOFF—Thanks to Canada’s own D’Arcy More, and MS editor/transcriber Steve Smith, Karloff fans can “hear” Karloff again, as he talks about horror, the monster, Lugosi, The Chaneys, and more.
• UNIVERSAL’S FRANKENSTEIN CLASSICS: THE MONSTER, BRIDE, AND SON…—Bryan Senn takes readers behind the scenes of the making of the Karloff Frankenstein Trilogy in an extensive feature illustrated with stills and featuring full cast and crew credits on all three films.
MONSTERSCENE #5
This was sort of our "Sgt. Pepper." We set out to celebrate our friend Bob Burns and his amazing life by producing an all-Bob issue. Bob was the publisher of FANTASTIC MONSTERS OF THE FILMS back in the early 1960s, so we created a flip cover with a fold-out poster of Bob in Paul Blaisdell's SHE CREATURE suit. The issue was double-size and sported 3-D photos produced by Academy Award-winning artist, Denny Skotek. Jeff Preston produced the cover art for this issue.
This special double issue features:
BOB BURNS AND THE LEGACY OF FANTASTIC MONSTERS OF THE FILMS—
• PAUL BLAISDELL:MY FRIEND, THE FIEND—Old-time radio fan and author Jim Harmon, relives the formation of FANTASTIC MONSTERS OF THE FILMS and Paul Blaisdell’s significant role in it.
• THE FANTASTIC RON HAYDOCK—Musician/author Miriam Linna provides a history of Ron Haydock, another musician/writer, and his promising rock career of the 1950s with the moderate hit, 99 chicks, to his untimely demise at the grill of an 18-wheeler in 1977.
• KOGAR & THE MAD MUMMY SPEAK!—The Monsterscene staff capture the gorilla known as Kogar, aka Tracy, aka Major Mars, etc., for an insightful look into Boba Burns, perhaps the oldest “kid who won’t grow up” in Hollywood. Illustrated with rare and ultra rare behind-the-scene photos and stills.
• REPRINT ARTICLES—many diverse articles from. FANTASTIC MONSTERS OF THE FILMS are featured.
This special double issue features:
BOB BURNS AND THE LEGACY OF FANTASTIC MONSTERS OF THE FILMS—
• PAUL BLAISDELL:MY FRIEND, THE FIEND—Old-time radio fan and author Jim Harmon, relives the formation of FANTASTIC MONSTERS OF THE FILMS and Paul Blaisdell’s significant role in it.
• THE FANTASTIC RON HAYDOCK—Musician/author Miriam Linna provides a history of Ron Haydock, another musician/writer, and his promising rock career of the 1950s with the moderate hit, 99 chicks, to his untimely demise at the grill of an 18-wheeler in 1977.
• KOGAR & THE MAD MUMMY SPEAK!—The Monsterscene staff capture the gorilla known as Kogar, aka Tracy, aka Major Mars, etc., for an insightful look into Boba Burns, perhaps the oldest “kid who won’t grow up” in Hollywood. Illustrated with rare and ultra rare behind-the-scene photos and stills.
• REPRINT ARTICLES—many diverse articles from. FANTASTIC MONSTERS OF THE FILMS are featured.
MONSTERSCENE #6
This was a fun issue. Basil went above and beyond to create a portrait of Tod Browning. David Skal provided an incredible feature on Browning that would become a chapter in his Dark Carnival book later that year.
This issue Featured:
• THE PHANTOM’S HAUNTING GROUND—Michael Blake gives MS readers a behind-the-scenes look at the last remaining set from the Lon Chaney film as it turns 70. Rare photos illustrate the story.
• MALIBU AFTER MIDNIGHT: THE FINAL DAYS OF TOD BROWNING—David J. Skal and Elias Savada explore the end of Tod Browning’s career and his final days in this compelling article taken from their book on Browning, DARK CARNIVAL. Profusely illustrated with rare photos.
• HERE COME THE MUNSTERS…AGAIN!—TV’s #1 monster familyreturns in a big-budget Fox Network Halloween special produced by John Landis. This article includes an illustrated sidebar on the Munsters’ make-up room of Steve Johnson’s XFX team.
• DEAD END ROAD TRIP: XS CORPORATION TELEPORATION SYSTEM UNLEASHES EXTRA”TERROR”ESTRIAL ON UN(?)SUSPECTING HUMANS—MS takes an interplanetary trip to DisneyWorld to uncover the ride Michael Eisner said “wasn’t scary enough,” ALIEN ENCOUNTERS.
This issue Featured:
• THE PHANTOM’S HAUNTING GROUND—Michael Blake gives MS readers a behind-the-scenes look at the last remaining set from the Lon Chaney film as it turns 70. Rare photos illustrate the story.
• MALIBU AFTER MIDNIGHT: THE FINAL DAYS OF TOD BROWNING—David J. Skal and Elias Savada explore the end of Tod Browning’s career and his final days in this compelling article taken from their book on Browning, DARK CARNIVAL. Profusely illustrated with rare photos.
• HERE COME THE MUNSTERS…AGAIN!—TV’s #1 monster familyreturns in a big-budget Fox Network Halloween special produced by John Landis. This article includes an illustrated sidebar on the Munsters’ make-up room of Steve Johnson’s XFX team.
• DEAD END ROAD TRIP: XS CORPORATION TELEPORATION SYSTEM UNLEASHES EXTRA”TERROR”ESTRIAL ON UN(?)SUSPECTING HUMANS—MS takes an interplanetary trip to DisneyWorld to uncover the ride Michael Eisner said “wasn’t scary enough,” ALIEN ENCOUNTERS.
MONSTERSCENE #7
This issue was a triumph. My longtime business partner Dave Dorman created an incredible cover montage of Ray Harryhausen creatures. Academy Award-winning artist Chris Walas wrote a feature article on Harryhausen. Sony Pictures Consumer Products loved the cover so much they displayed an enlargerment in their offices for several years.
This issue features:
• VISITS TO THE MIND OF RAY HARRYHAUSEN AND HOW THEY CHANGED MY LIFE—Academy Award-winner Chris Walas looks back on the career and films of the legendary Ray Harryhausen.
• MARY REILLY: A REVIEW—MS Editor Steve Smith gives his surprisingly positive look at the Julia Roberts/John Malkovich retelling of the Jekyll & Hyde story.
• HORROR CINEMA’S FIRST FAMILY: DRACULA, DAUGHTER, AND SON—Bryann Senn offers a brilliant exploration of Universal’s three serious attempts at the Dracula legacy, complete with cast and crew credits, and insightful commentary.
• STINKY, CINEMATIC SUPPOSITORIES!—Steve Darnall reviews the big screen debut of Mystery Science Theater 3000.
This issue features:
• VISITS TO THE MIND OF RAY HARRYHAUSEN AND HOW THEY CHANGED MY LIFE—Academy Award-winner Chris Walas looks back on the career and films of the legendary Ray Harryhausen.
• MARY REILLY: A REVIEW—MS Editor Steve Smith gives his surprisingly positive look at the Julia Roberts/John Malkovich retelling of the Jekyll & Hyde story.
• HORROR CINEMA’S FIRST FAMILY: DRACULA, DAUGHTER, AND SON—Bryann Senn offers a brilliant exploration of Universal’s three serious attempts at the Dracula legacy, complete with cast and crew credits, and insightful commentary.
• STINKY, CINEMATIC SUPPOSITORIES!—Steve Darnall reviews the big screen debut of Mystery Science Theater 3000.
MONSTERSCENE #8
This issue was a special one for many reasons. First of all it featured Basil Gogos painting the most beautiful vampire ever, Ingrid Pitt. Ingrid's husband wanted to buy this painting from Basil so badly. But we also got Forrest J Ackerman to write for us.
This issue featured:
• A STAR IS UNBORN: A LOOK AT THE FILM CAREER OF ONE FORREST J ACTOR MAN—Uncle Forry joins the MS staff for the first time by sharing his many adventures on the screen.
• CARMILLA: J. SHERIDAN LE FANU AND HAMMER’S KARNSTEIN TRILOGY—MS Editor Stephen D. Smith probes the Hammer film s, THE VAMPIRE LOVERS, LUST FOR THE VAMPIRE, and TWINS OF EVIL through research, opinion, and interviews with star Ingrid Pitt.
• UNIVERSAL’S MASTER MAKE-UP ARTIST—Hollywood make-up artist Michael Blake examines the career of Jack Pierce, including a VERY RARE progressive photo series of Pierce creating a make-up on the author’s father, Larry J. Blake. A true prize among MS articles.
• VAMPIRELLA—The Princess of Drakulon finally hits the (big?) screen.
• THE FRIGHTENERS—A modern haunted house story starring Michael J. Fox gets a review.
This issue featured:
• A STAR IS UNBORN: A LOOK AT THE FILM CAREER OF ONE FORREST J ACTOR MAN—Uncle Forry joins the MS staff for the first time by sharing his many adventures on the screen.
• CARMILLA: J. SHERIDAN LE FANU AND HAMMER’S KARNSTEIN TRILOGY—MS Editor Stephen D. Smith probes the Hammer film s, THE VAMPIRE LOVERS, LUST FOR THE VAMPIRE, and TWINS OF EVIL through research, opinion, and interviews with star Ingrid Pitt.
• UNIVERSAL’S MASTER MAKE-UP ARTIST—Hollywood make-up artist Michael Blake examines the career of Jack Pierce, including a VERY RARE progressive photo series of Pierce creating a make-up on the author’s father, Larry J. Blake. A true prize among MS articles.
• VAMPIRELLA—The Princess of Drakulon finally hits the (big?) screen.
• THE FRIGHTENERS—A modern haunted house story starring Michael J. Fox gets a review.
MONSTERSCENE #9
This issue features:
• THE MODERNIZATION OF MONSTERS—From Abbott and Costello to Young Frankenstein, from the Groovie Goolies to The Monster Force, Monsterscene explores failed and successful attempts to bring classic movie monsters to the present.
• THE MAD, MAD MONSTERS OF RANKIN-BASS—Author Rick Goldschmidt offers up a fun history of the monsters from the studio that made our Christmas TV watching worthwhile.
• FRANKENSTEIN AND ME—Bryan Senn reviews Robert Tinnell’s loving tribute to a childhood rich with monsters.
• MASTER OF THE WORD: The Richard Matheson Interview—Paul Riordon’s discussion with Matheson provides insight on the man who writes the movies.
• U.S. POSTAL HORRORS—Sara Karloff unveils the new horror film legends stamp series.
• THE MODERNIZATION OF MONSTERS—From Abbott and Costello to Young Frankenstein, from the Groovie Goolies to The Monster Force, Monsterscene explores failed and successful attempts to bring classic movie monsters to the present.
• THE MAD, MAD MONSTERS OF RANKIN-BASS—Author Rick Goldschmidt offers up a fun history of the monsters from the studio that made our Christmas TV watching worthwhile.
• FRANKENSTEIN AND ME—Bryan Senn reviews Robert Tinnell’s loving tribute to a childhood rich with monsters.
• MASTER OF THE WORD: The Richard Matheson Interview—Paul Riordon’s discussion with Matheson provides insight on the man who writes the movies.
• U.S. POSTAL HORRORS—Sara Karloff unveils the new horror film legends stamp series.
MONSTERSCENE #10
This issue features:
• THE CURSES OF DR. PHIBES—With rare, possibly never-before-published photos in hand, publisher William Harrison explores the creation of an accidental genre classic and its sequel.
• GRAVE RESERVATIONS: Horror Hotel Revisted—William Burns puts a new psychological spin on the low budget classic.
• THAT LITTLE MONSTERPIECE—The Tall man, Angus Scrimm, reviews one of the oddest films of 1996, Paul Bunnell’s THAT LITTLE MONSTER.
• HALLOWEEN: The Happy Haunting of America—Monsterscene regulars Bob Burns and Dan Roebuck, along with Chuck Williams, have created a video celebrating everythingwe love about Halloween.
• WELCOME TO THE HELLMOUTH—Our editor introduces readers to the world of America’s hottest monster hunter, Bufft the Vampire Slayer.
• THE CURSES OF DR. PHIBES—With rare, possibly never-before-published photos in hand, publisher William Harrison explores the creation of an accidental genre classic and its sequel.
• GRAVE RESERVATIONS: Horror Hotel Revisted—William Burns puts a new psychological spin on the low budget classic.
• THAT LITTLE MONSTERPIECE—The Tall man, Angus Scrimm, reviews one of the oddest films of 1996, Paul Bunnell’s THAT LITTLE MONSTER.
• HALLOWEEN: The Happy Haunting of America—Monsterscene regulars Bob Burns and Dan Roebuck, along with Chuck Williams, have created a video celebrating everythingwe love about Halloween.
• WELCOME TO THE HELLMOUTH—Our editor introduces readers to the world of America’s hottest monster hunter, Bufft the Vampire Slayer.
