Monster Japan Travel Guide Ad In Monsterpalooza Souvenir Program

One of the great things (among many) about Monsterpalooza is that they always have great-looking, professionally-done souvenir programs.

This year's Monsterpalooza was no exception as the program was edited by Jessie Lilley of Mondo Cult magazine with layouts by Cliff Cage.  The program was printed by Choice Lithographics of Buena Park, California.  Kudos to all for a job well done!

As I mentioned a few days ago, my ad for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan was placed in a great location at the bottom right corner area on page 5 of the program.  It was the sole ad on the page which consisted of a collection of photos from Monsterpaloozas past.

Luckily, when I went to this year's show, I found Jessie (photo at left) and thanked her for the ad placement location and congratulated her for being inducted into the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards Monster Kid Hall of Fame.  She indicated that efforts will be made next year to induct Haruo Nakajima.  I was the only one (apparently) pushing for his induction this year despite "lip service" by some people promising to work for this, but failed to follow through (this wasn't unexpected, given some people's track records).



Anyway, I digress.

The aforementioned program page is at top.

Monsterpalooza 2013 - Part 1

Above, the Lon Chaney "Phantom of the Opera."

Text and photos by Armand Vaquer

Monsterpalooza 2013 was another great show!  As usual, the Burbank Marriott's convention center was packed (it will be worse on Saturday and Sunday) with many happy attendees.

I got there at about 6:00 PM this evening.  I had about a 30 minute wait in line.  Fortunately, a nice costumed gent handed out copies of the show's program, so we had something to look at.

My ad for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan was placed in an excellent position on page 5 of the show program.  Jessie Lilley did a great job on the program and I complimented her on it and congratulated her on her induction to the Monster Kid Hall of Fame.  She said that big plans are afoot for next year in getting Haruo Nakajima inducted.

Shinichi Wakasa was there, but I didn't see him.  Bob Johnson and Jay Grymyr were there, but I didn't run into them either.  I did manage to see (or, he saw me first) kaiju toy collector Jean Carbajal as I was waiting in line to get in.  We chatted a bit.

King Kong was prominent as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the original RKO King Kong (also, it would have been my mother's 80th birthday this year).

I roamed around the show and was impressed with all the displays.  There seemed to be more realistic wax figures of horror greats at this year's show.

Here's some photos:

Above, anxious fans waiting to get into the show.

Above, a young lady getting the make-up treatment.

Above, I met with Jessie Lilley of Mondo Cult magazine.

Above, the Max Shreck "Nosferatu."

Above, Jack Nicholson in "The Shining."

Rondo Awards For 2012

Above, Armand with Monster Kid Hall of Fame inductee
Ted Newsom at the 2012 Monsterpalooza.  Photo by Don Glut.

The Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards results for 2012 are now posted.

Congratulations to all the winners as well to all those who were nominated.  It is an honor and thrill just to be recognized and receive a nomination.

While Haruo Nakajima did not get inducted into the Monster Kid Hall of Fame, those who did well-deserve it.  David Colton, one of the prime administrators for the Rondo Awards and the Classic Horror Film Board, told me before he posted the results that while Mr. Nakajima didn't make it in this year, "He deserves to and hopefully he'll be in next time..."

Hopefully, I'll run into two of the winners, Jessie Lilley and Ted Newsom, at Monsterpalooza to congratulate them in person this weekend.  Speaking of Monsterpalooza, the 2012 show won "Best Convention."

I noticed that Dark Shadows did quite well in the voting this year and the Collinsport Historical Society won "Best Blog."  Night of Dark Shadows won as a classic movie "most in need of a DVD release [it was released on DVD/Blu-ray last year] or restoration."  Obviously, since it is already out, the vote was for a restoration.

To view the full results, go here.

Monsterpalooza Program Ad

Since Monsterpalooza is just three months away, the gnomes working on the show are already getting things done in preparation.

One such gnome is the great Jessie Lilley, who is handling the show's program.  Back a few months ago, she emailed me about getting signed up for ad space in the show's program.  Since the price was right, etc., I agreed to run my ad again (below) for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.  She said then that she would remind everyone later concerning paying for the ads.  Well, she got in touch this week and said the fee for the ad is due by February 15.

Since I had the cash anyway, I went ahead and sent it in today so I wouldn't have to worry about it later.  Efficiency!

As the poster above states, the show goes on at the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center on April 12-14.  The hotel is located across from Bob Hope Airport.

For more information, go to Monsterpalooza's official website here.

2013 Monsterpalooza: Jessie Lilley Is On The Job

Monsterpalooza has itself a real go-getter in Jessie Lilley.  She is in charge of getting the convention's program book advertising in and already she is getting April's advertising squared away.

She contacted me about putting another ad into the April show's program for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, and I responded that I would (since the ad rates are quite reasonable) and she promptly got a contract/invoice to me and it has been signed and returned (to reserve space).  As mortician John Carradine said in The Shootist, "The early worm gets the bird!"

I will be putting in the same business card-sized ad in as this year's (image above).

Monsterpalooza puts out one of the nicest convention program books I've seen.  There's no crappy newsprint programs here!  Monsterpalooza uses high-quality slick paper stock and it is in color.

Monsterpalooza will be held April 12-14, 2013 at the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center.  Son of Monsterpalooza will be held this month (October 26-28) at the same location.

Mark your calendar!

Monsterpalooza Kudos and Photos

Herein, are a few more photos from this year's Monsterpalooza.  But, before I get to them, a word about the souvenir program (as posted earlier today at the Classic Horror Film Board):

It must be mentioned that this year's official souvenir program has to be the best program book for a monster convention/show I've ever seen!  It is more of a magazine, rather than a program book, and is 34 pages thick (not counting the covers).  The staff really did an outstanding job and kudos to the following are in order:

• Editor: Jessie Lilley

• Design: Joe Sena

• Cover Werewolf: Tim Martin

• Cover Photo: Steve Jennings

• Printed By: Choice Lithographics

• Published By: CFQ Publishing

Now, the pictures:

Above, The Monster and his mate.

Above, Sasquatch managed to make the show.

Above, a collection of creepies.

Above, Jerry Weiler and yours truly.

Above, the mill from "Frankenstein."

Above, Rick Baker.

Monsterpalooza Souvenir Program Ad

This year's Monsterpalooza included a beautiful souvenir program that was professionally done.

The program was helmed by Mondo Cult magazine's Jessie Lilley.  She contacted me months ago asking if I would be interested in placing a "business card" sized ad for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Since the price was right, I went for it.  

It was placed on page 27 on the lower right corner (an excellent spot).  Here it is:

A hearty "thank-you" goes out to Jessie!

Monsterpalooza Program Ad

Monsterpalooza is just around the corner. It will be held again this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, across the street from Bob Hope Airport from April 13 to 15.

Single day admission is $20 (Sat. day of show entry is $25) and $50 for the weekend for adults. Children are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

The program book is being edited by Jessie Lilley. She got a hold of me yesterday about placing an ad in the program book.



I will have this (above) business card-sized ad for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan in the book. Jessie re-worked it from the one below that was made by Archie Waugh (originally for Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine), so that it would fit on the page horizontally:



For more information on Monsterpalooza, go here.

Jessie Lilley Departing "Famous Monsters of Filmland"

Above, Famous Monsters #253, where my ad first appeared.

It was bound to happen.

Jessie Lilley has announced that she is departing as editor of Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine so she can re-start Mondo Cult magazine.

Lilley's statement:

Hey everybody! I’ve been with FM for over a year and it’s time to move on. I’m moving on to get Mondo Cult back on the stands. I’ll be finishing up Retro 71 and the door is open for possibly doing more Retros, but we’ll see how it goes as time goes by. My... heart lies with Retro and the more classic films, as you all know so there I am going. This has been a great year for me, and I hope also for Phil and the rest of the staff. I'm handing the editing reins over to him and wish him much luck and Godspeed. I hope I'll see you all in the pages of Mondo Cult 3 by the end of the year. - Jessie Lilley

Above, Famous Monsters #254, where my ad made its second appearance.

I worked with Jessie Lilley on my FM ads for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan and during the process we exchanged numerous emails, some of which weren't business-related (and most often hilarious). She was a joy to work with and was a big help in the process of ad placement.

Above, the ad as created by Archie Waugh.

As I posted at the Classic Horror Film Board forum:

I'm going to miss Jessie's emails from FM. Good luck, Jessie! (You know where to find me.)

Ad In "Famous Monsters" #253

The first order of business today is to get the signed contract (and the check) to Jessie Lilley, Editor of Famous Monsters of Filmland for a quarter-page ad in FM #253 for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Here's the ad:



I would have taken out an ad ages ago (i.e., earlier this year), but Famous Monsters (under its new ownership and management) was just getting off the ground. Plus, I didn't have the funds to take out an ad until now.

So, if you are a reader of Famous Monsters of Filmland, be on the lookout for the ad!

Advertising Monster Japan Travel Guide

An interesting email was received yesterday from Jessie Lilley, who is currently the editor of Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine, now owned by Phil Kim.

Her email contained the magazine's advertising rate sheet. The rates are reasonable, given that the magazine has a print run of around 40,000 copies and is distributed by Diamond as well as other, but smaller, distributors for newsstands. They have a number of advertising options available.

I sent Jessie a note indicating my interest for an ad for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. I am looking at November, when the funds will be available for advertising in Famous Monsters and other publications.

She indicated in a reply email that November would be ideal as it is "issue 253 which will hit the street in mid to late January."

I met Phil Kim a year ago at Monsterpalooza and he seems to be a very nice guy and one I could do business with.