Having already looked at the Monarch Movie Books novelisation of Gorgo, it is now the turn of Konga. Also published by Monarch, as part of their film tie-in line.
Monarch Books, of Derby, Connecticut, was a US paperback publisher, which was only active from 1958 to 1965. Most of their books were rather on the sleazy side, at least judging by the covers.
For a while they also published a few movie and TV tie-in novelisations. Most of these were grouped together in the Monarch Movie Books series, which only lasted from 1960-61.
For a more detailed look at Monarch Books, see this earlier post, which was part of Gorgo Week.
Numerically, the next book in the series after Gorgo, was Konga. MM604 Konga, was written by Dean Owen, which was a pen-name of Dudley Dean McGaughy or McGaughey (variously listed as 1906 or 1909 to 1986).
This site gives a list of his many books - there were a lot, under a number of pen-names.
The cover of Konga states 'This Novel Is Based On The Herman Cohen Production - An American International Picture'.
Inside is 'Based on an original story and screenplay by Aben Kandel and Herman Cohen. An American International Picture in Eastman Color'. AIP being the US distributor.
The copyright page says '© 1960 Alta Vista Productions, Inc'.
The book was published in August 1960, although the film would not be released in Britain and American until March 1961. Like all the other Movie Books, it sold for 35 cents.
Unlike most 'giant monster on the rampage' movies, Konga only got an A Certificate from the British Board of Film Censors, meaning those under 16 were admitted if accompanied by an adult. Today, it is a PG, for Parental Guidance advised, and deemed suitable for anyone over 8 years old.
It seems that this book too was 'spiced up' a considerable amount, compared to the movie. Monarch liked to mix risque material in with their mayhem.
Unlike most of the other Movie Books, Konga had a painted cover, but the artist appears to be unknown. Actually, very little of Konga is visible, with more attention being paid to the couple in the foreground. A close-up of Konga was repeated on the back cover, tinted green.
Charlton Comics also released a Konga comic book, which ran from 1961 to 1965. There was also a separate mini-series initially called The Return of Konga, before becoming Konga's Revenge with issue 2. This was very similar to the situation with the Gorgo comics.
Four photographs from Worthpoint.
Paul Adams from New Zealand
Fabulous research Paul and its a book I have in my rather big collection of monster and horror paperbacks! Again the mystery of the Monarch brand. The use of the name in the modern Godzilla movies can't be coincidence! I love that book cover too. Looks like the original art sold in 2020! It looks fab as a work of art. The auction says its signed but after zooming in I still can't see a signature. https://www.mutualart.com/Artwork/Konga--A-Monarch-Movie-Book-paperback-co/8184F3B91C305BA0. Contradicting this is another auction listing, the actual one, Heritage in Dallas, for the same sale stating that its NOT signed! https://fineart.ha.com/itm/paintings/american-artist-20th-century-konga-a-monarch-movie-book-paperback-cover-1960gouache-on-board25-1-2-x-16-1-2/a/8000-71167.s Whatever, it's a startling image and would make a brilliant premise for a model or diorama!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Woodsy, for discovering that auction listing. It is great to know that the original artwork has survived. The description says 25 1/2 inches by 16 1/2 inches, gouache paint on board. It is dated 1960, but says unsigned, and no artist is listed, so I assume the name of the artist is unknown.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is a striking image. I love it too.