In the 1960s and 1970s classic Hollywood movie monsters were a big part of the Aurora kit range. There were six different Frankenstein related kits, making him the star of the line.
Having just read a wonderful book on the 1971 Aurora Monster Scenes series, I realised that the built-up Frankenstein model shown on the cover of Aurora Model Kits, by Thomas Graham, was the last of these six kits. From the Monsters of the Movies series, in 1/12th scale.
Looking more closely at the model, I also spotted something I had previously missed. The tombstone that is part of the scenic base is inscribed Shelley, after the Creature’s true creator.
After the infamous furore over the Monster Scenes, which had mixed risque and gruesome subjects (and whose boxes proclaimed the kits Rated X ... for Excitement), Aurora clearly labelled their next range of horror kits Monsters of the Movies. A new version of Frankenstein’s Monster was created, and released in 1975.
It was a very simple kit, with no optional parts, although it did have movable arms. It was mainly moulded in black plastic, but the head and hands were glow-in-the-dark pale green.
This kit has not been seen very often, but after its original Aurora release, it was re-issued under the Revell name, copyright date 1999.
Rob C (thanks, Rob) mentioned the original Aurora 1/8th scale kit from the 1960s. This also had a tombstone as part of its scenic base. But on checking, that was simply inscribed Frankenstein.
The 1/8th scale kit has been re-issued several times, by different companies. In addition to Aurora, there have been versions by Monogram, Revell, and Polar Lights.
Another piece of Aurora monster trivia.
Eight photographs from Worthpoint
Paul Adams from New Zealand
I recently realised that there are actually seven Aurora Frankenstein kits, as The Munsters living room set includes a figure of Herman Munster, who is really Frankenstein's Monster.
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