The short lived and unusual title of 'Legend Horror Classics' (1974/75) only lasted for 13 issues was similar in format to the more well known title 'Monster Mag'. Legend Horror Classics contained a comic adaptation usually of a classic Horror story. The first issue would feature Dracula, the second issue Frankenstein...These comicstrip stories were drawn by Kevin O'Neil and were usually in 3 colours [see scan above]. The magazine of course contained a wonderful colour horror poster of a still from a British horror film. These posters were usually about 4 A4 page size. It was a little unusual to have a comic adaptation in a poster magazine format, which I suppose sets it apart from other similar formats. The Comics would be dropped from issue 11 when Legend Horror Classics format was revamped and now would contain colour features on a particular monster from films, issue 11 would concentrate on Vampires, issue 12 Werewolves, and issue 13 on Frankenstein. this change of format would now give it a closer feel to 'Monster Mag' although Legend Horror Classics's features and posters were not so gory and as big as those covered in Monster Mag. Legend would also contain a portrait of a classic film star such as Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Elsa Lanchecster, Peter Cushing etc in a famous characterisation. These wonderful peices of artwork were created using the dotting process, I forget what this process is called, but it is very effective [see scan above]. All in all Legend Horror Classics although short lived was a nice addition to British horror collectables and the posters sure would look great on the wall.
22 comments:
Ha ha, love that gruesome beheading cover!
I recall seeing these on sale, and being too scared to buy them! The same company produced a 'Dr.Who' poster magazine ( I still have one issue ) which carried advertisements for these publications.
These long-forgotten issues recently received the attention of comic fandom because the artist, Kevin O'Neil, became a giant of the industry - currently illustrating 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' series with Alan Moore.
Its a shame that this poster magazine didn't last too long and that beheading cover is pretty gruesome, the type of cover art they would use on the old EC comics of the 1950's.
I don't think I have seen any adverts in magazines for Legend Horror classics.
I didn't realise that Kevin O'Neil illustrated the league of Extraordinary Gentlemen, he really as come a long way.
I was 10 years old when these came out and I loved them. I wonder what happened to them? One issue had a huge Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell poster that made my mum vomit. I cannot believe just how well I remember the images.
I had every copy of these at one time. I was 10 years old and loved them. I remember one edition having a brilliant poster of the creature from Frankenstein and the Creature From Hell. Made my mother vomit. Also, there was an amazing Grendel edition.
i def had the Dracula one...very bloody scary. amazing to see that the art was by Kevin O'Neil...i'd be seeing his work in 2000A.D. a few years later...
I had issue 4, a zombie special.
The cover was an exceptionally gory photo from a zombie flick and included a zombie comic strip.
I remember being so grossed out and disturbed by the cover that I ended up giving the magazine away!!!
I have seen the cover of the Zombie special and I agree it is a gruesome cover, would love to get this issue and all the others I don't have. How old were you when you had this issue? Some of these covers were certainly gruesome for the time, the same goes for the similar 'Monster Mag'.
Hi Paul!
I was about 8 years old when I bought the zombie issue of Legend Horror Classics. I bought it from the local shop on the caravan site in Clacton when I was on holiday with my family!
Not long after that I started collecting House of Hammer and Monster Mag!!!
I never saw any when I was a kid back then, I wish I had though.
As well as Legend Horror Classics, Monster Mag and House of Hammer were certainly surperb magazines of the time. Monster Mag was certainly gory for its time, but what fantastic posters.
I wish someone would bring out a Best of Monster Mag magazine special, reprinting some of the best articles and a couple of the posters. And maybe even a couple new articles in the old stylee!
"I wish someone would bring out a Best of Monster Mag"... Anyone in particular, Cyberschizoid?
Paul -- couldn't see a contact link, so am posting as a comment. You may be interested in the Warner Bros/Williams page, under Publications on my new website that I'm spending far too long on! www.dezskinn.com
Hi Dez
Well what can I say, it is such an honour getting a visit from your goodself, such an icon in the British publishing world.
I too would love to see a 'Best of Monster Mag' sometime. Have you thought about publishing one yourself? Who is Cyberschizoid? I heard a rumour that a new 'Monster Mag' issue was going to be published in the USA, do you know anything about this? Certainly would love the British horror magazine industry to publish a new magazine in the style of 'Monster Mag' or 'Legend horror classics'
Thanks for visiting 'The Cobwebbed Room'
Hi Dez
Thanks for the link to your website, had a quick look and I must say it will make for some interesting reading and I shall certainly visit there regular.
As a matter of interest what do you recall about Smiths Horror Bags from the 1970's, did you ever carry any advertisements at the time?
monsterscud@yahoo.co.uk
All the best
Sorry I just realised who Cyberschizoid is, his blog is very cool.
Hi Dez and Paul!
Who could publish a "Best of Monster Mag"?
Hmmm...I wonder!
Please check out my blog, Cyberschizoid, and let me know what you think.
I post regular updates on the current crop of horror movie mags as well as some retro features!
http://cyberschizoid.blogspot.com/2010/07/horror-movie-magazines-latest-updates.html
Hi Cyberschizoid
Visited your blog several times and I really like it, keep up the great work. Do you have anyone in mind who could do a best of 'Monster Mag'? Are you thinking of yourself or Dez? Wish I could do it myself, would love to see it again in the shops on a regular basis.
Hi Paul
I was thinking of Dez to be honest! Who owns the rights now to the "Monster Mag" name/logo and contents? Does anyone know?
Would be a cool idea to revive "Monster Mag" in some way. Either a "Best Of" book or magazine, an occasional postermag in the old style or a full revival in a standard magazine format.
If I had the money and some professional help I'd certainly give it a go!!!
I thought you were thinking of Dez Skinn to publish it, I would guess that Dez knows who owns the copyright, maybe he does.
I think it would be better to see completly new issues of 'Monster Mag', continuing where the original left off and keeping with the classic horror theme. Would also like to see a reprint of the 2nd issue of 'Monster Mag' though.
Yep! Brand new issues of Monster Mag would be awesome!!!
C'mon Dez, we're all gagging for New Monster Mag! ;-)
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