SPP binder(s): a mystery, as yet, to me.

[darkmonkeygod]

I've been looking into Standard Plastic Products monster output again, mainly trying to ID whether or not they are the company which produced the 3 binders which utilize the artwork of Frankenstein's Monster, Dracula and the Wolf Man that seems to originate with the 1963 Hassenfeld Brothers (Hasbro) art sets, and I came across this old auction photo on old hard drive:

And here are some pix of other SPP binders; Weird-Ohs, Beatles, Barbie's Skipper.

Notice that none of them are in the same style - full color image which goes to the edges of the binder - as the UM binders.  I believe I've been told that the UM ones are paper images sealed between the black vinyl binder surface and a clear vinyl cover.  Can anyone who's got one tell me?  Also of note is how flimsy and thin the SPP binders looks in comparison to the monsters, how the images are relatively small and printed directly on the vinyl, with the colored vinyl being the 'canvas' itself, and how all have some form of SPP copyright or logo on them, along with the licensor copyright info.  Adding that these were not featured in those beautiful SPP ads that ran in FM and it looks like Standard Plastic Products didn't produce the Universal Monster binders as I had suspected and posted about a while back. 

I've seen the '63 and '64 Hasbro dealer catalogs in person (as well as in the files section of the Y! board perhaps?), and no binders of any sort are pictured.  Matter of fact, I'm unaware of Hasbro ever making binders of any sort, even GI Joe, which they wouldn't have to license.

So, if the above is correct, it looks like neither SPP or Hasbro released the monster binders.  Any ideas on what company did?

sts

[Toy Ranch]

Yes, covers are clear with printed paper on the cardboard stiffener inside.  There are no identifying marks on them, whatsoever.

The cardboard on the cover is thicker than the cardboard on the back.  The backs of them are frequently very wavy and messed up.  Sometimes the fronts as well.  This is not so much the case with the SPP binders, lunchboxes, doll cases, etc. 

I have looked quite a bit for an SPP product that uses the clear vinyl over printed cardboard style, and have not come up with anything  from the 50's or 60's, but I believe they made some playcases in the 70's.   

On eBay, I found an SPP Fireball binder that has a full page graphic, more like the monster binders.  I think this may put to rest tne notion we shared earlier that they came from SPP.

[darkmonkeygod]

I think this may put to rest the notion we shared earlier that they came from SPP.

I agree.  Sure would like to know who made them.  I was once told by someone that they had a monsters pencil case as a kid.  No specifics at all, but it of course gets me to wondering. 

Along the lines of binders and notebooks, know much about the UM stuff from Mead in the mid 80s?  I've seen the creature spiral-bound, the classic full-bodied still of the Gillman's with arms in the air framed in a black border.  Seeing it on eBay triggered some memory of others, but I've never seen any since.

Cool XL5 binder, btw.  Thanks.

sts

[latex creep]

MAN, that monster binder is AWESOME!!!!

Wonder what that ended up going for?

[darkmonkeygod]

MAN, that monster binder is AWESOME!!!!    Wonder what that ended up going for?

I think it was around $130.

sts

[fmofmpls]

Along the lines of binders and notebooks, know much about the UM stuff from Mead in the mid 80s?  I've seen the creature spiral-bound, the classic full-bodied still of the Gillman's with arms in the air framed in a black border. 

Creature spiral bound from the 80s? Huh? UM stuff from Mead? Not sure if I know about any of it. Can I see a pic Shannon?

[fmofmpls]

The backs of them are frequently very wavy and messed up.  Sometimes the fronts as well. 

Boy, I can attest to that. All three of my monster binders are wavy and messed up. What happens is much like what happens sometimes to a shrink wrapped toy. After a while (and due to climate conditions) the shrink wrap starts to tighten thereby contorting the box; in this case, the binder. I've seen it happen before with original Aurora kits (later issues). When this phenomena starts to happen, the collector is struck with having to make an immediate decision. Sacrifice the seal in light of protecting the box. Or sell it quick before it gets any worse. 

[darkmonkeygod]

Creature spiral bound from the 80s? Huh? UM stuff from Mead? Not sure if I know about any of it. Can I see a pic Shannon?

Oddly enough, I don't seem to have one.  That's one of the things that sent me to my old hard drive, and as yet it hasn't materialized.  If and when, I'll post it for sure.

sts

[Dr.Terror]

Sounds like the Mead stuff could be custom.  I've had custom KISS notebooks in the past where they would change the cover, but keep the original Mead etc..cardboard back cover.

I think if Mead stuff did exists there would at least be one pic floating around the UMA. Especially with the level of collectors that inhabit this place.

[The Phantom Creep]

Oh man I wanted (and still want) that MAD Monster binder so bad. That thing is just amazing!! Shannon I'm glad you saved the pic.

[Hepcat]

Interesting! I wonder how/why this thread popped up for me with no current reply.



To answer Darkmonkeygod's question though, the binders depicting the Universal monster artwork that was also used for the Hasbro Mystery Games and Paint & Pencil by Number sets were neither produced nor marketed by SPP.

[Mike Scott]

To answer Darkmonkeygod's question though, the binders depicting the Universal monster artwork that was also used for the Hasbro Mystery Games and Paint & Pencil by Number sets were neither produced nor marketed by SPP.

We know. 

[hugohernandez]

Where have all the pics on this thread gone?  I would love to see some of the artwork/images.

people?

[Allhallowsday]

Where have all the pics on this thread gone?  I would love to see some of the artwork/images.

people?

It's a 10 year old thread.  Some images may be removed, some hosted by Photobucket... I think nowadays you have to PAY to use "get me a bucket...  "

[Mike Scott]

I would love to see some of the artwork/images.

What do you want? The Hasbro binders?