95102_RAA_Hasselberger2024_R1_PROOF

Cousin Croaker’s Picks Not everything in this nifty lil’ rag is

fictional ya’ know. For instance, take a gander at these interesting real-world, horror-themed items from the days of monster kid yore! Genuine Soil from Dracula's Castle Necklace, from Warren Publishing Behold this coffin-shaped necklace filled with Romanian soil from the very grounds of Castle Dracula! For the tidy sum of $17.95, enterprising young vampires from across the globe (but mostly in the midwest) could own their very own sample of dirt! The jury is still out on if the soil actually DID come from Dracula’s castle or not… Gre-Gory, from Mattel You gotta hand it to Mattel (the kid’s toy giants who brought us Masters of the Universe, Barbie and others) - the marketing for this WEIRD VAMPIRE BAT TOY was genius: He’s big! He’s fearsome! But most of all, he’s fun! You’ll go bats for Gre-Gory! Put your finger in his mouth and see what happens when you squeeze him! You can look at his see-through-belly and watch the red liquid flow! See if your friends dare stick their fingers between his fangs! Wiggle his wings… or shake them and watch them flap! I mean, what's NOT to love? The Great Garloo, from Marx Toys As far as big ass, green monsters wearing leopard print loincloths (that obey your every command!) go, this thing had the game all sewn up. Over 60 years ago, a two foot high, battery controlled toy monster captivated America for a few months before disappearing forever…. The Great Garloo! “This is Garloo - mighty, unchained, unconquerable Garloo! Yours to command! Order and Garloo obeys!”

38