Retro Rockets #79 4/21/2012
I sent this edition of Retro Rockets out last week. If you are not on the Retro Rockets mail list, you can sign up for it on the Retro Rockets YahooGroups webpage.
So here we have the third edition of Retro Rockets in a month. Life is good!
I was out in Los Angeles last weekend (actually Burbank) for Monsterpalooza. If you have any interest in classic monsters and horror movies, this is the show for you. Actors, technicians, make up and effects artists, panels, toys, models… this show has it all. I had a great time helping out in the Moebius Models Make and Take room, building Moebius kits with kids. Amazing Figure Modeler sponsored the model contest, which seems to grow every year. And there were plenty of vintage plastic kits and new resin models to be found. They are having a “Son of Monsterpalooza” this fall, so you may want to check that out.
I’ve been busy catching up with orders in the Hobbyshop since I returned and I should have everything out the door Monday.
MOEBIUS MODELS ANNOUNCES THE MIGHTY KOGAR KIT
Moebius Models announced an all new Monsters of the Movies kit at Monsterpalooza. The Mighty Kogar is based on the gorilla portrayed by the legendary Bob Burns. Over the years, Bob Burns has appeared in many movies and TV shows as Kogar the ape, including such “classics” as Rat Pfink a Boo Boo, and Lemon Grove Kids Meet the Monsters. Kogar also appeared on Laugh-In, My Three Sons and many other shows as well as many personal appearances over the years. Most recently, Kogar was featured in the movie Dark and Stormy. Bob Burns also appeared as Tracy the Gorilla, a friendlier comical ape on the legendary Saturday morning show The Ghostbusters with Forest Tucker and Larry Storch.
The new Kogar model kit is a 1:12 scale styrene plastic kit that comes with a classic Monsters of the Movies base and nameplate. And it comes with three heads so you can build Kogar, Tracy, and even Bob Burns himself. The figure is sculpted by the incredibly talented Jeff Yagher, who also sculpted the new Bride of Frankenstein kit. Look for this kit to arrive later this summer.
In connection with this new kit, CultTVman is issuing a special limited edition of the kit featuring a second figure of Kathy Burns. Kathy is a styrene and resin figure and Kathy’s likeness was sculpted by Ray Santoleri. Kathy Burns has been Bob’s companion for 50 years. She sewed the ape suit that Bob has worn all these years. Together, Bob and Kathy hosted their legendary Halloween shows from 1967 to 1982. My thanks to Moebius Models and Bob and Kathy Burns for making this special edition happen.
Check out the Cult site for more pictures of the kit
https://culttvman.com/main/?p=21927
http://moebiusmodels.com
ROUND 2 STAR TREK NEWS
Round 2 released the box art for the upcoming 1:350 scale classic Enterprise, painted by noted comic artist Alex Ross. Here are some excerpts from their press release:
“… celebrated comic book artist Alex Ross has created the box art for its new 1:350 scale Star Trek: the Original Series U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 model kit. ”
“…brand manager Jamie Hood sought an artist who could do the subject justice. “Alex Ross’ painting has the kind of attention to detail that lends itself perfectly to the Star Trek franchise,” said Hood. “His realistic style of artwork reflects the level of quality that we are trying to attain with this kit. The art looks like it has jumped straight off the screen. We’re thrilled to have the chance to work with Alex on this project and we think he’s the perfect man for the job.”
….This project gave Ross his first chance to work with the Star Trek universe, and he was excited to be a part of the project as well. “I’m a big fan of the original Star Trek series, and this was the perfect opportunity to do an illustration of the icons of the show. It’s a great challenge for me to work with the likenesses of such well-known figures as Shatner, Nimoy and Kelley,” said Ross. ”
Also from Round 2, news about the upcoming reissue of Deep Space 9. The 1:3200 scale kit will be molded in clear ABS plastic for lighting. It will include masks for the windows, along with decals if you choose not to light it. They are also including a new, 1:2500 scale Defiant kit with the DS9 model.
http://www.collectormodel.com/
https://culttvman.com/main/?p=21907
BEAST WISHES – THE FANTASTIC WORLD OF BOB AND KATHY BURNS
While in LA, I attended the world premiere of Beast Wishes – The Fantastic World of Bob and Kathy Burns. This is a new documentary produced by Frank Dietz and Trish Geiger. This is a fantastic documentary about Bob and Kathy, their story, the world famous prop collection, Bobs appearances in movies and TV shows, Major Mars, the Halloween programs, and more. The movie features many rare pictures and movie clips. It features interviews with John Landis, Rick Baker, Greg Nicotero, Joe Dante, and many others that have known and worked with Bob and Kathy.
The movie is amazing. Andrew Kasch edited the project, taking interviews, photos, and film clips to weave the story. The production is top notch. You can tell that this was a labor of love for everyone involved. Frank and Trish will be showing this at Wonderfest this year as well. You don’t want to miss it.
http://beastwishes.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beast-Wishes-The-Bob-and-Kathy-Burns-Movie/136028563147264
PEGASUS HOBBIES UPDATE
Dragonslayer Vermithrax has arrived in hobby shops and it is a sweet kit. While at Monsterpalooza, I was able to chat a bit with Larry Thompson from Pegasus. They are still working on the Nautilus, as well as the Great White Shark, Tarzan, Terminator and the dinosaur kits. Not a lot of news to share at this point. Of course, once they send out more photos and news, I’ll pass it along.
SCI-FI AND FANTASY MODELLER VOL. 25
The latest issue of Sci-Fi and Fantasy Modeler is out and it features a great article by Seaview expert Gary Kerr on the development of the new movie Seaview kit from Moebius. Mike Reccia also offers a review of the new kit. Other articles feature the Pegasus Area 51 UFO kit, the Moonbase Alpha studio model, the Moebius Space Clipper with a booster, and several other great models. Don’t miss this one.
http://www.culttvmanshop.com/product.asp?itemid=2061
