Famous Monsters issue #114 – model kit – kit bash
So, I had the idea to recreate the cover of my favorite movie monster magazine from my youth with model kits. Famous Monsters #114 came out in 1975 and was the definitive authority on Toho Kaiju films at the time. I wanted to create a 3-D rendition of the fantastic cover art by Ken Kelly.
I started with the Aurora Godzilla kit (Polar Lights re-issue) and did many modifications, most notably, re-sculpting the head and hands.
I took a good look at the Aurora Rodan kit and knew it wasn’t going to suit the diorama in regards to the wing positions. I instead used the Polar Light’s Pteranodon. I extended the wings downward and completely removed the head, sculpting my own Rodan head and neck based on the design of the cover art.
I molded and sculpted each building separately, closely matching the layout of the cover art. I also sculpted flames to recreate the fire.
I never painted a kit totally based on lighting (as how the cover art was created) so this was a challenge for me to ignore the actual color of the monsters and use the chromatic tawny yellow coloring of the artwork instead.
It took me about 5 months to build and paint this and although it’s not an exact match, I’m pleased with the final result.
View more of my model kit builds:
Individual model kit builds on Parlor of Horror – Monster Model Kits
Model kit Gallery and links – Parlor of Horror’s Model Kits
Godzilla posts:
Godzilla’s Most Formidable Enemies
Godzilla Thru the Years – the Many Looks of Godzilla
My Top 10 Godzilla Films (1-5)
parlor of horror 
That is so freakin’ awesome. Stellar job!
Thanks. Were you familiar with the magazine cover before you saw this? It’s a fantastic issue about Toho Kaiju and had some of the first behind-the-scenes photos of Godzilla films.
WOW, thats a brilliant Godzilla vs Rodan model kit, you’ve really captured the look of the monster magazine cover as well. Great job with the painting the kit as well, you always make these kits look so good!
Thanks Paul 🙂
You always do such an amazing job with these model kits, great work!
I used to love the old Japanese Godzilla films. I was an odd child
Not too Odd if you were growing up in the 60’s and 70’s (they were on TV a lot), although I would say that I thought Godzilla films had a predominantly male viewership 🙂
Amazing work Mike. They should issue this as an official kit. Would be proud to display that in my home, that’s for sure.
This is just incredible!!! What an awesome job you did!