From Zombos' Closet

Halloween Gemmy Animated Low Rider

Halloween Crashing Betty Bash Witch

Halloween witches crashing into things is always funny. We do love to make fun of our monsters, don't we? This Betty Bash, the Crashing Witch colliding with a tree is a chuckle tickler; crashing into trees seems more humorous than witches crashing into the ground: you see more limbs akimbo than those broomstick and legs sticking up out of the ground kind of tableaus. There's something primal about witches crashing into massive oaks and gnarled bark.

But when you turn the box around, which I did after buying Betty Bash, it says not to use outdoors (see 2nd photo). Say what? Isn't that Betty wrapped around that tree trunk in the action photo? I'm confused. Maybe I should have gotten Patty Crunch, the Ground Smackin' Witch instead?

Double Bill Pressbook: The Horror Chamber of Dr. Faustus and The Manster

My Halloween: El Bicho

Five questions asked over a glowing Jack o'Lantern, under an Autumn moon obscured by passing clouds...in between mouthfuls of candy corn...with El Bicho...

Why is Halloween important to you?

Halloween is an important tradition because at its core it is a celebration of imagination and creativity, attributes that currently don't seem to be valued and promoted as much as they should, in both children and adults. Halloween makes for a wonderful amalgamation of sights and sounds as people express themselves through costumes and decorations in silly, spooky, and sexy ways they may not otherwise the rest of the year.

Describe your ideal Halloween.

My ideal Halloween takes place on the last Saturday of the month when the holiday should be officially celebrated since "school night" Halloweens are usually limited in activity. Just after sundown, my wife and I hand out candy to costumed kids as they make their way through the neighborhood with their parents. After a couple of hours, we head off to a costume party with friends for either a night of games or maybe a movie or two. If any of the gang doesn't have a good reason for not making it, we head over to play a trick of some kind at their house.  The night ends reading a scary story in bed.

What Halloween collectibles do you cherish, or hate, or both?

My most cherished Halloween collectibles are movies. "Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein" being at the top of the list. I don't hate any.

When was your very first Halloween, the one where you really knew it was Halloween, and how was it?

While I am sure as a young child I was dressed up in different get-ups, like the plastic costumes that came with a mask held onto your face by a rubber band, my earliest memory of dressing up for Halloween was either first or second grade using my mom's clothes and make-up and a wig from somewhere to be made into a woman. I got candy in the neighborhood so it was great for a kid.

What's the one Halloween question you want to be asked and what's your answer?

Q: Would you like to come to my Halloween party?
A: Yes

Halloween Witch and Mummy Candy Container Toppers

You make the witch and mummy bend over and moon--I mean dance--by pushing up on the handle, along the candy container tube. What made me buy these a few years back was the detail and colors: I love the contented cat sitting on the witch's hat and the yellow eyes of the mummy. His red slashes don't quite make sense, but they fit, lending a dash of color to complement his eyes and "wrappings." (And I keep thinking of Popeye every time I look at the witch.)

Halloween Screamy Meemy Dolls Pocket Screamers

More screaming fun with a devil, a zombie, Dracula, Grim Reaper, and Witch. They beat Beany Babies to hell. Just sayin'.

Halloween Scary Sounds Toppers Witch and Grim Reaper

The witch (or warlock?) and Grim Reaper scream loudly when you shake them, and their eyes light up. Witches and skeletal Grim Reapers appear to be the cat's meow when Halloween rolls around. Green's the preferred color for witches as far as I can tell from experience. The Grim Reaper almost looks like the one in The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy.

Halloween Dracula and Frankenstein Monster Candy Container Toppers

Sure, they're cutesy, but in a cartoony way. So there!

Halloween Dracula Candy Dispenser

This is one of my favorite finds for Halloween a few years ago. I can't put my finger on it, but the design is fun and stylish. The translucent head serves function while adding to the overall design.

Mexican Lobby Card: Curse of the Crimson Altar

I thought I had a witty comment to make on this one for Curse of the Crimson Altar, but really, I think it speaks for itself. Don't you?

Mexican Lobby Card: Attack of the Giant Leeches

Attack of the Giant Leeches is better than critical consensus gives it credit for. The locale and the monsters (concept more than execution, mind you) create an effective atmosphere; I'd love to see this one remade.

Mexican Lobby Card: Santo En El Baron Brakola