There’s nary a fan of monster and sci-fi movies who hasn’t at one time thumbed through a Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine. Their covers and t-shirts are iconic images in an entertainment landscape awash in forgettable images, sluggish fan art, and amateurish branding. From their website: The Famous Monsters brand consists of three publications per year (one annual and two volumes of “Ack-Ives”), a comic book publishing division, a web store based on the classic magazine’s back catalog, a YouTube channel featuring horror coverage and DIY tutorials, a pop culture podcast, and live events where fans can mingle, watch movies, and learn tricks of the makeup trade.
But sad news arrived today… Captain Company, the company that publishes Famous Monsters, is nearing its end. In a letter sent out today, Publisher PHILIP KIM (KONG) announced that he is retiring.
A letter from the publisher:
Monster fans are the best fans. That has been proven over the past sixty years.
In 2007, I took Forrest J Ackerman’s blessing, and together with my publishing team, bestowed it upon a new generation of readers, connecting the latest Hollywood reboots with their classic inspirations and recreating the Captain Company store as a thriving commerce destination for horror, sci-fi, and fantasy fans. The enthusiastic response proved that Famous Monsters’ 60 year legacy was alive and well in the hearts of artists, writers, filmmakers, and enthusiasts who continue to change the world with their creations.
But alas, everything has its season, and my season is drawing to a close. I am retiring, so thank you all, sincerely, for your support over the years.
Perhaps Famous Monsters of Filmland will live on in a print annual and in the hearts and minds of Monster Kids everywhere. History will not be rewritten: FM will always be the most influential entertainment brand on the current filmmaking landscape, and as long as those whose lives were changed by Forry’s words embody his passionate spirit, our Monster World will continue to thrive.
Again, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being here through this journey. Onward and upward.
Hi Phil
Sorry to hear this. Good luck. Curious about what will happen to the title? I may be interested in giving it a go on a limited nature.
Best
Bob M