Let’s start with a series of (miniaturized) Universal Monster Valentines:
And assorted other goodies…
And he’s not a monster, but he’s the master of suspense…gotta love this:
Don’t miss: MASOCHISTIC, MURDEROUS AND MEATY Valentines.
Unfortunately, I don’t have my whole collection of these with me at the moment. I’m *always* on a quest for more of them though. If you come across any vintage spooky Valentines, let’s share/trade!
I love Alex Pardee’s new set of superheroes depicted as monsters.
In 1979, Matell released this wonderful toy: GRE-GORY THE BIG BAD VAMPIRE BAT.
Though the concept is rather arbitrary (never in all my years of being a bat connoisseur have I seen one with a translucent chest), kids must have loved this thing.
If I hadn’t sworn not to add more clutter to my house until I can get rid of some things, I’d be tracking this guy down on Ebay right now. Every grown woman needs plenty of monsters in the house, right?
And now for a look at Gre-Gory himself:
Does anyone have Gre-Gory? Did you have him as a child? Anyone just dying to get rid of one? 
Mermaids have a rich (rather culturally diverse) folklore surrounding them. What do you envision when you hear the word “mermaid?” An illustrious beauty with long, flowing hair?
Well, consider some renditions from 19th century Japan.
These illustrations range from about 1805-1840.
Apparently, reports of mermaid encounters were quite common during this time period…though undoubtedly far less desirable than running into one of our own culturally appropriated versions of the creature.
My desktop is especially cluttered with treats right now, but I’ll choose a few to share…
I have a massive collection of vintage Krampus greetings, but this one (shared by my friend Kevin) was new to me this year. It is perhaps one of the most ominous holiday greetings in existence.
I suppose there’s also this:
Well, I guess THIS could happen too.
Santa, eat some cookies. This doesn’t look…natural.
Santa’s true anatomy is clearly documented here:
And here:
Hot.
Much jolly-ness…
“Have a Living Christmas Tree Ornament in the House.” Yes folks, remember that pets are nothing more than objects to adorn for your own amusement (I’ve had a few retrospectively comedic instances of people not picking up on my sarcasm, but anyone who has followed this blog knows I adore and respect pets more than most humans).
In the mid 20th century it was proper etiquette to smile during imminent danger.
Okay kids, on the count of three, smile and say FIERY HORROR!
Speaking of…
Ice cream on a tree? I like the way you think.
For some reason I really enjoy this old catalog page, despite not actually liking most of the candy in it (people choose hard candies when chocolate exists?). Points for aesthetics though.
Now for an EEEEEEVIL twist:
And from my Sinister Gift Guide:
Sorry abomindable snowman…I find you kind of adorable.
It’s time for Brooklyn’s MF Gallery annual toy show!
If you’re in the area, go see some creepy, cuddly, bony, fuzzy little monsters!
You can see some of the exhibit online here, but these are probably fun to see in person.
This very image heavy (but worth it) post over at Monster Brains contains a large collection of work by Ken Reid.
This World Wide Weirdies series is saturated with puns (of varying cleverness and success). Either way, these are very fun to look at.
See the rest here.
This is one of the greatest charity projects I’ve ever seen! Combine unique art, one of my favorite subjects AND one of my favorite organizations (St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital) and you get the “IT’S ALIVE!” Project.
The “Its Alive” Project celebrates eight decades of the Frankenstein Monster by presenting 80 re-imagined Life Size Boris Karloff Frankenstein Busts. Each of the 80 artists have been asked to recreate the monster in their own vision, style and hand.
See the amazing collection for sale here.
Read a brief excerpt on the St. Jude mission (and see why I love them!).
Source
This is always a bittersweet day to post, since I know there are about a thousand more things I’d like to add…and even more that will turn up over the next day or two.
YES! On not only do we have this treat from the National Banana Association…but now we’ve got the WEENIE WITCH flying into town!
This sad ghost (found here) is a wonderful sad ghost…as far as sad ghosts go.
I was linked to this sombre EP by Forest Mountain Hymnal. Soft, gloomy atmosphere (really, how many times can you hear “Monster Mash” this time of year?). Pause that party mix and give THIS a try.
And for educational purposes we have this richly detailed Movie Monster chart (click here for the full version):
Yes, I always thought Frankenstein’s monster’s only real trouble was his hair.
I know it’s only “street art,” but I kind of want to crawl inside…
I actually found some new additions to my vintage Halloween ad collection in this post. Cigarettes!
I’ve got to hand it to Heidi Klum for not only being really into Halloween, but opting to show some muscle instead of skin:
(Source)
Let these busts from the Haunted Mansion sing you off into a lovely evening.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
