Count Chocula and Frankenberry have carved out quite a niche for themselves in the realm of sugary themed breakfast treats. But I find the third General Mills monster cereal, Boo Berry, to be tragically underrepresented.

This is how it all began in the early 70’s:

From the very start, this character was ostracized and poorly treated:

Stoners across the world may be disappointed to discover that the ghost (despite being created in the 70’s) is not supposed to be high. He is based on actor Peter Lorre, hence the heavy lids and off-kilter grin. Though Boo does often appear to be under the influence, I prefer to think of him as chronically relaxed. Ghosts can be so uppity sometimes.

Besides, mixing Boo Berry and drugs may cause severe impairment of judgment:

There were some stellar toys as well. Presenting the LEAST scary ghost on earth! You WANT this guy haunting your house, because it would basically be like having a quiet, agreeable friend over. Don’t you just want to ask him to bring over a video and some popcorn?

You can also dress up as Boo (I was surprised to see this on the Spirit store website, since my Halloween partner in crime and I recently combed every inch of the place and surely would have noticed this in stock).

I originally saw this box on a mislabeled site, claiming it was from the 80’s. Turns out it’s a 2008 incarnation (thanks, Brian!). Time for a close-up!

Naturally, the most recent version of the box has fallen victim to the pristine, homogenized, airbrushed artistic tendencies of our current decade. Boo appears younger and thinner, as if he’s had an eye lift procedure and taken up amphetamines.

In my opinion, the modern design is soul-less by comparison. Part of Boo’s charm was his simplicity. He doesn’t need bright, shiny eyes or castles emerging from his head.

Boo, if you’re reading this, we loved you the way you were: dazed, lethargic, and packed with delicious blue crunchy pellets.

Do they still sell this cereal anywhere? Let me know if you’ve seen it in stores near you, because I haven’t in years.