1986 Sears Halloween Shop Catalog (Masks of the)

 Like all the mini half-page Sears Halloween Shop catalogs from the 80's,  the 1986 catalog featured a modest selection of masks. Don Post Studios and Be Something Studios masks were a staple of Sears' selections each year. Although, the 1986 catalog line-up featured only two masks from each studio: Gastro and Frankenstein from Don Post, and Horned Beast and Fang Face from Be Something. Two Illusive Concepts masks cracked the line-up with the mid-80's classic Horned Demon, and the ultra-creepy Hooded Nightmare.  The Demon Skull w/ lighted eyes looks to be a Mr. Mask creation, although I can't say for certain. The Heavy Metal mask is also a classic pop culture piece from the mid 80's based on the popular Quiet Riot album "Metal Health"...

1985 Sears Halloween Shop Catalog (Masks of the)

Here is one page of what was likely a two-page spread of masks from the 1985 Sears Halloween Shop Catalog. Because of this, there is an absence of Don Post Studios masks present in these images. There is, however, a trio of Be Something Studios masks and what appears to be a Mr. Mask and Illusive Concepts mask in the line-up. If anyone has a lead on the missing page, I'd love to hear from you!

Random Sunday Morning Mask Pic: Lil' Freddy

 

Morris Catalog Monday: Universal Monsters

Happy Monday creeps, and welcome back to the ongoing series entitled Morris Catalog Monday which will feature random scans from old Morris Costume catalogs. Universal Monster Masks (of the Illusive Concepts variety) are the main focus of today's MCM post. I don't know what year this catalog page was printed, but it looks like the 1990-91 line-up, which puts these among the early Illusive Concept renditions of the Universal Monsters.

1998 Illusive Concepts Catalog

Illusive Concepts spent the better part of the decade putting out high quality mass-produced masks and the 1998 IC catalog really showcases the companies product at it's height. There are a few masks that are worth noting, including the Deluxe Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Mutant, and The Crypt Keeper...

1997 Illusive Concepts Catalog

In 1997 Illusive Concepts was easily the king of the hill of the mass-produced mask and Halloween prop market. The '97 catalog included 40 new items and licenses such as the Universal Monsters, Freddy Krueger, Jason, Tales from the Crypt, Planet of the Apes, and the Munsters.

It's been said here before, but it's worth noting again, during the 90's Illusive Concepts was releasing masks unlike any that had been seen before in terms of sheer size, and thickness. Walking into a Spencer's or other Halloween themed store during the mid-to-late 90's, you couldn't help but being blown away when standing face to face with these massive masks or life sized props.

Thanks to Matt Post for sharing these scans...