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Posted: |
Jan 23, 2021 - 8:29 AM
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By: |
OnyaBirri
(Member)
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From the Amazon description linked above:
"Monster Scenes, intended as an exciting and innovative model kit series in 1971, touched off a firestorm of parental outrage and public protest. Its makers meant to deliver an interactive series of adaptable figures and playsets based on classic monster movies. The marketing angle, however, touted apparent sex and sadism, going so far as to promote the series as "Rated X...for Excitement," all pitched at children 8 years and up. Oops! Now read the full account of this unusual set of model kits, from its initial inspiration, through its ever-changing development, and through its battles with parent organizations, women's advocacy groups, and toy safety watchdogs. It was a series that unwittingly toppled the long-proud Aurora Plastics Corporation, this through a series of missteps and misunderstandings. Written and presented by the men behind the Monster Scenes, then and now. Andrew P. Yanchus, original Aurora Project Manager in 1971, opens his vault of artifacts and doles out his first-hand anecdotes of the series that went so wrong. Dennis L. Prince, present-day purveyor of Monster Scenes, leaves no stone unturned in his quest to tell the complete story, dispel myths that have surrounded it, and surprise readers with fateful facts that are truly stranger than fiction. If you're ready to know everything about this oft-cited debacle in the toy & hobby industry, you're ready for Aurora Monster Scenes - The Most Controversial Toys of a Generation."
https://www.amazon.com/Aurora-Monster-Scenes-Controversial-Generation/dp/0692202870
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Has anyone read the book?
Did anyone build these models as a kid?
Never had any of those toy monsters, Onya - during 1971, I was 3 years old going on 4. Was never aware of the controversy, but such is fascinating to observe. Didn't know about the book until your thread.
I'm confused about how could parents and teachers protest the items as their production was ceased?
Did Aurora place advertisements in comic books about upcoming Monster Scenes and, based on the ads, the adults back-lashed on them before they were available on store shelves?
Did Nabisco keep all these model kits in storage for 35/45+ years after they were nixed in '71?
... and why aren't the parents and teachers of the 2010s not protesting (especially regarding the 'objectification' of women)?
Another fascinating thing: the MPAA started rating films in 1968. The "X" rating was only a few years old by the time of these Monster Scenes.
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Posted: |
Jan 23, 2021 - 10:38 AM
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By: |
Solium
(Member)
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Has anyone read the book?
Did anyone build these models as a kid?
Never had any of those toy monsters, Onya - during 1971, I was 3 years old going on 4. Was never aware of the controversy, but such is fascinating to observe. Didn't know about the book until your thread.
I'm confused about how could parents and teachers protest the items as their production was ceased?
Did Aurora place advertisements in comic books about upcoming Monster Scenes and, based on the ads, the adults back-lashed on them before they were available on store shelves?
Did Nabisco keep all these model kits in storage for 35/45+ years after they were nixed in '71?
... and why aren't the parents and teachers of the 2010s not protesting (especially regarding the 'objectification' of women)?
Another fascinating thing: the MPAA started rating films in 1968. The "X" rating was only a few years old by the time of these Monster Scenes.
It was mostly the torture themed kits that were banned in the US. They were produced in limited supply and sold in Canada in the early 70's.
No, they did not hold onto a warehouse full of unsold kits for 45 years. Moebius models (and maybe a few other model kit companies) re-released these in the states (for the first time) over the last 15 years. Model kit building is a dying hobby, mostly 40 and over buy and build this stuff. So the kits were marketed and sold to adults.
Again the major outrage came from the torture themed kits. Aurora sold a billion Dracula, Frankenstein, Wolfman and Mummy kits in the 60's and 70's.
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Has anyone read the book?
Did anyone build these models as a kid?
Never bothered. I thought it was a load of borealis.
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I had ALL of those Aurora Monster models and still remember the poses: Dracula, Forgotten Prisoner, Hunchback, Mummy, Frankenstein, Wolf Man, Dr J & Mr H, Phantom of the Opera, and probably a few others.
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