Wednesday, 9 November 2011

MAIL-ORDER MASK OF THE GHOST RIDER

The proud owner of this mail-away Ghost Rider mask shares with us this nifty photo of his super-rare collectible. This version of Ghost Rider originated with a comics publisher called Magazine Enterprises but after the trademark lapsed Marvel put out their own version of the character which was eventually named Phantom Rider.

Here's the comic book ad which looks to be from the 1950s...


The actual product is simple yet cool looking (aside from the unavoidable KKK comparison). Plus it possesses that perfect, ever-endearing quality— it glows in the dark.

Unfortunately, it seems that I'll be mentally singing Ghost Riders in the Sky for the next week or so.

NEW HAUNTED HOME FOR PHANTASMAGORIA PROPS


Every time I think the story of my favorite defunct dark ride has come to an end it seems that a new chapter opens up. Recently I reported that several props from the Phantasmagoria were being sold off at the Vintage Tulsa antique show. Many fans came to the event just to see these pieces of Tulsa history one last time. However, I just got word that these spooks aren't dead yet, they're just moving.

About a half dozen gags from the "Phantaz" were purchased by Trimper's amusement park of Ocean City, MD to be installed in their historic Haunted House! Trimper's Haunted House is one of the most beloved dark rides of its kind and one of the last eight surviving attractions designed by spookhouse mastermind Bill Tracy who was also responsible for the Phantasmagoria.

Brandon Seidl, founder of Trimper’s Haunted House Online, tells me that the props which include the "skull cave" and the "coffin skeleton" are expected to be in place by Spring 2012. Trimper's is renowned for the pride they take in their history, and I can't think of a more appropriate location for this collection of scaries. I see a Maryland vacation in my future.

You can take a look at the classic haunted house in this photographic walkthrough or better yet, a video ride-though.

Tuesday, 8 November 2011

WORLD'S DEADLIEST TATTOO


An upstanding individual by the name of Jeremy has blown me away with his Count Dante: Deadliest Man Alive tattoo, based on the legendary ad...

Not only is the concept brilliant the artistry is excellent, I can't imagine a better translation from ad to arm. Check out his Flickr Feed for a closer look.

But that's not all, Jeremy has curated what is possibly the most appealing assembly of body art that I have witnessed. Lando Calrissian himself would have made for a fine subject, but this is Kenner action figure Lando!...


...and while you're still reeling from that, BAM! it's Vincent from The Black Hole!

Thank you Jeremy for brightening our day, one limb at a time.