Famous Monsters, Vol. 4, No. 5

Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine was originally created as a one-time publication by editor Forrest J. Ackerman and publisher James Warren. The first issue, which debuted in 1958, was an instant hit, and so the duo continued it. The magazine’s initial run lasted until 1983. 

Its success was tied to Universal Studios’ Shock Theater, a set of 52 early horror films released to television in 1957. The release generated renewed interest in the old films, creating a generation of horror film fans hooked on the old Universal flicks. 

Famous Monsters of Filmland fed that fandom with background articles and photos, as well as coverage of contemporary horror cinema. It was a touchstone for baby boomer horror fans in particular, a group that labels themselves “monster kids.”