BEN COOPER RUBIES Universal Monsters FRANKENSTEIN Adult Costume & Mask Boxed Set

[James Burrell]

Hi All,

I have recently aquired something that I have never seen in person before: a Ben Cooper/Rubies Adult-sized Retro-styled Frankenstein Monster costume and mask set in a box. I had read about Rubies having plans to issue Universal Monster-themed retro adult costume sets (similar to the STAR WARS and DC Superheroes sold in Spirit Halloween last year), but have only seen a photo of them online (along with the Monster, there are also Bride of Frankenstein and Creature from the Black Lagoon costumes). I didn't think the company ever did release the monster-themed sets, as I haven't seen any for sale online, and I have never ever come across any of the sets in person before now.

The mask is very similar (or the same as) the "Monsterville" version mask sold in Target a few years back, but the stickers inside do not mention "Monsterville" on them. The costume/nylon smock is absolutely amazing, with a beautiful, colourful illustration of the Frankenstein Monster.

The box that I have - which is blue and uses similar artwork and font as the 1970s Ben Cooper Halloween costume boxes, but with the images of the monsters swapped out/altered) is created by having very sturdy cardback "stickers" stuck to the surface of another Ben Cooper costume box; and both the mask and costume have Rubies tags with product info. The tags include the text," Pending Licensor Approval." Not sure if this is a sample that was created to gauge retailer interest. I did a lot of research online and haven't been able to come acorss another example of what I have. Has anyone come across any of these sets before?

I would have liked to share photos of the set, but I am not part of any image hosting website and am unable to post pics here.

-James

[Mike Scott]

You can email your pics to me and I'll post them. unifan2001(*at*)yahoo.com

Is this the Creature costume? Mine came in a bag.

[James Burrell]

Hi Mike,

No, it's a larger, adult-szied "smock-like" top. But I don't have the Gill Man costume, only the Frankenstein one. I'll send you pics.

-James

[Mike Scott]

No, it's a larger, adult-szied "smock-like" top. But I don't have the Gill Man costume, only the Frankenstein one. I'll send you pics.

Oh, now I know what you're talking about. I'd like to get that Creature one. Where did you get the Frank?

[James Burrell]

I found it in a collectibles store. Sadly, the guy didn't have any others.

I would have loved to get that Creature as well.

Thanks for posting the pics.

[James Burrell]

So, I've spoken with someone who has knowledge of items like this costume, and I was told it was likely a rare promotional piece created for tradeshows.

Normally, there might be up to 50 of these costumes produced. But due to issues brought on by COVID, such as event closures and postponements, not to mention the problems with getting product shipped from China, the number of specimens made might be much lower - possibly fewer than a dozen made. The date on the tags is marked 2020, so Rubies may have possibly decided to abandon the idea of releasing the Universal Monster costumes. But I guess only time will tell.

[Mike Scott]

So, I've spoken with someone who has knowledge of items like this costume, and I was told it was likely a rare promotional piece created for tradeshows.

No wonder they never turn up on eBay. Surprised you found that one! Did you have to pay a "premium collector's price"?

[James Burrell]

No wonder they never turn up on eBay. Surprised you found that one! Did you have to pay a "premium collector's price"?

Yes, I was very surprised as well! I haven't come across another example for sale anywhere online.

No, I didn't pay a crazy price for it. I actually snagged it for just slightly above retail. I'm assuming the store selling it had no idea about its rarity.

Mike: I realized that I didn't send you any pics of the back of the box. I'll send you a couple to post, if you like. Upon closer inspection of the box image, I noticed that the prototype costume top that the model is wearing in the photo is slightly different from the actual specimen I have: on the costume, the eyes are painted red, and there are some red accents to the clamp and stiching on the forehead, the lips, and the stiching on the wrists.

[Mike Scott]

Here are those pics.

[Hepcat]

Actually the whole idea of adult costumes in both the style and exact packaging of kids' costumes from the 20th century is wild cool! I'd wear one to a costume party.

 

[Doh!]

Many, many years ago, they did the same thing with a Pee-wee Herman costume. I saw one at Target back in the day, but never picked it up. This is a fun idea!

[Hepcat]

Rubies should do it for every thing from old fashioned cartoon characters to newfangled politicians. Husband and wife could go to a party as polyvinyl Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald and Daisy Duck, Fred and Wilma Flintstone, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Donald and Melania Trump, or Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Just imagine the possible costume front characterizations! And it wouldn't require anything more elaborate than an inexpensive throwaway kids' type costume straight out of the box.