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)
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