Martian Finks!

"LOOK! MARTIAN FINKS ARE INVADING!"

This was such a great gumball machine display card that I framed it. Who could resist its call to "take home a pocketful of Martian Fink Fun"? I have two so far. Martian Finks were inspired by Rat Fink, the hot rod mascot of the 1950s and 60s craze, but in my opinion they're much cuter.

Vintage Monster Magazine

Here's one of my favorite issues of Famous Monsters Of Filmland, from April 1977, featuring Robby the Robot. Just a fab cover!

1950s Space Themed Dexterity Puzzles

Here's a fun trio of games from my collection, all dating from 1957 and made by Comon Tatar, Inc. The first one is called "Stop the Martians!" and features a classic flying saucer buzzing a city. The second is "Trip to the Moon", and the last is my favorite: "Space Gallery," with fantastic graphics of a spaceman, ray gun, Sputnik-style satellite, and a monstrous, many-tentacled alien.

Vintage Gumball Machine Monster Toys

These little 2 inch tall Frankenstein Monsters are 1960s gumball machine prizes. They came folded in half inside their plastic capsules (the line visible across their midsection is actually a hinge). They're a great size to carry around in your pocket and have handy in case you ever need a monster while you're out and about.

1964 MAD Magazine: Monster Edition

I love MAD magazine and monsters, so this is, naturally, one of my most favorite issues ever. From 1964, during the height of the "monster modeling" craze...