Halloween is just a couple months away now, which means we're pretty damn close to the time when those Halloween superstores will once again be popping up in a town near you. That also means you'd better start thinking about who/what you're going to be this year, whether you're going out trick or treating (you're never too old) or kicking back at a friend's house and pounding pumpkin beer. Thankfully, Trick or Treat Studios is here to help!
Created by Chris Zephro in 2009, Trick or Treat Studios rose to prominence last year with the release of their officially licensed Michael Myers mask, at long last a quality Myers mask that was made available for a fraction of the cost similar masks had for years been selling for from indepedent mask makers. Zephro and sculptor Justin Mabry's attention to detail paid off, and the Myers mask instantly became not only a fan favorite, but also the hottest selling mask of the year, within the entire Halloween mask industry.
Needless to say, fans have been hotly anticipating what the company would bring to the table for the 2013 haunting season, and today we're here to give you a look at their latest batch of high quality creations... masks depicting both original characters as well as officially licensed horror icons. Here are some of the coolest of the cool!
Bela Lugosi as Dracula
It's not often that Lugosi Enterprises offers up the rights to Bela's likeness, which is why this mask, based on the late icon's most well known character, is particularly exciting. The highly detailed sculpt from Casey Wong literally brings the infamous bloodsucker back to life. Just don't be alarmed if you can't see your reflection in the mirror when you put it on!
Branch Horridian
From William Malone, once a mask-maker for the legendary Don Post Studios and best known as director of the House on Haunted Hill remake and Masters of Horror episode "The Fair Haired Child," comes this mask depicting one of the most terrifiying creatures from his 2008 film Parasomnia, as sculpted by Erich Lubatti. This one's creepy as shit, so let's move on...
Clown Skinner
Here we have an original character from the 2013 lineup, with sculptor Justin Mabry tapping into the fear of clowns that is so prevalent in today's society. If you ever wondered what it'd look like if Leatherface killed a clown, then cut off and wore his face, I'm thinking that's precisely what Mabry was going for with this one!
Dark Night of the Scarecrow
Before Jason Voorhees and Trick 'r Treat's Sam made it cool to wear a burlap sack on your head, misunderstood scarecrow "Bubba" rocked the look in 1981's Dark Night of the Scarecrow, widely regarded as one of the best made-for-TV horror films of all time. Erich Lubatti sculpted this one from actual burlap sacks, giving the mask the proper texture and look. This mask has always creeped me out, and all feels right with the world now that this underrated classic is not only finally on DVD, but has also been given the Halloween mask treatment!
Darkman
All you need is a trenchcoat, a hat and maybe some bandages to complete your transformation from ordinary citizen to revenge seeking superhero Darkman, a transformation that we assure you will be a whole lot less painful than that of the film's protagonist, Peyton Westlake. True, you will never be as badass as Liam Neeson, but this awesome Justin Mabry creation is a damn good start!
Halloween II (Economy)
Were you a fan of last year's Michael Myers mask but couldn't quite afford it? Then this year Trick or Treat Studios is offering up the economy version of that mask, which trades in real hair for sculpted hair and is selling for half the cost of the previous one. Can't beat that!
Gunther, the Funhouse Freak
Justin Mabry this year also turns his attention to another Universal horror icon: carnival freak "Gunther" from Tobe Hooper's 1981 film Funhouse. To my knowledge this is the first time a Gunther mask has ever been made, and I don't think you need me to tell you that it doesn't get much more screen-accurate than this!
Krampus
Santa rewards all the good boys and girls with gifts on Christmas morning, but what about the ones who have been naughty all year long? Surely they deserve more punishment than merely a lack of gifts, right? Well that's the job of Krampus, the mythical Christmas demon who will make you wish you didn't steal that candy bar from the grocery store. Krampus comes early this year, courtesy of sculptor Pete Infelise!
They Live Alien Invader
This Halloween, you won't need a pair of black sunglasses to see your town's alien invaders for what they really are, thanks to this mask from Russ Lukich that finally provides us with a high quality costume inspired by John Carpenter's beloved 1988 classic. BUY THIS MASK. WEAR THIS MASK. OBEY.
Trick or Treat Studios is also adding some accesories and home decor to the mix this year, including a Halloween replica knife to go along with their Michael Myers mask, as well as high quality hanging and standing Myers props (the latter of which measures a whopping six feet tall). You can order the items shown here at their official site, and find out what else they're offering up this year. Believe me when I say that what I've posted here is merely the tip of the iceberg, with oodles of other original and licensed characters just waiting for you to wear them!
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