Hey all! is anyone familiar with this halloween costume? it was either a frankenstein image or a Herman Munster image wearing a NASA space helmet. i lost out on one a few years ago on ebay. i have never seen one offered since. it was only the mask that was offered so i dont know what the costume looked like! rare as hell i would imagine! i think it was called SPACE SPOOK or SPOOK IN SPACE or something to that effect.......anyone got it??
I missed a cheap boxed one on ebay about a decade back, pretty sure it was stamped Space Spook. Really cool costume. Btw, welcome back!
That sounds like something I would want.
I remember seeing the mask on the Plaid Stallions website. I guess it's called the Astro Spook.
(http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/2477/astrospook.jpg)
Oh wow, that's cool. Reminds me of Rob Zombie's "Astro Creep."
Yep! thats it! ASTRO SPOOK!! Now thats a bad azz Halloween costume! How can you beat it! Monsters & Space!!! To:Darkmonkeygod: thanks for the "welcome back" greeting... i'm glad to be back... i was so busy for the past 10 years with my "How To Collect A Monster" monthly column in Movie Collectors World that i had little time for anything else. Well MCW went under last year and now i have the time to enjoy the UMA! Thanks Freddie Poe aka Dr Vollin MD in the former Movie Collectors World.
Great to have to here, Freddie!
Super cool. :D
WOW! That's such a cool mask. I think I might start keeping my eye out for one. I have to say though, I've never seen/heard anything about this type of costume. Thanks Freddie Poe!
Two great tastes that taste great together....
Howdy gang,
First post here...and it's in regard to the Astro Spook mask/costume. The mask pictured on the Plaid Stallion site is/was mine. It was an unused prototype (no punches/staples) that was from the Collegeville archive. I've never seen any other info in regard to it (no costume or additional artwork). I recently consigned that mask as well as some original monster mask artwork (also from the Collegeville archive) to Hakes Americana. I believe they will be offering the Astro Spook mask as well as the art in their July auction. Best, Corey
I will keep an eye out for this for you Freddie!!
THANKS JME!
My Astro Spook mask (the one pictured on the Plaid Stallions site) as well as some of my original Collegeville monster mask artwork is currently up for auction at Hakes Americana.
http://www.hakes.com/item.asp?Auction=209&ItemNo=123838 (http://www.hakes.com/item.asp?Auction=209&ItemNo=123838)
http://www.hakes.com/item.asp?Auction=209&ItemNo=123839 (http://www.hakes.com/item.asp?Auction=209&ItemNo=123839)
Best of luck!
I believe the current HAKE'S auction has the mask only.
Very cool! I hope somebody from the UMA ends up with the Astro Spook mask! It's a one-of-a-kind piece.
Rod
Yes, it is the Astro Spook mask only (no art or costume) - Hakes did pair it with a mummy mask and original mummy artwork in the same lot. I've never seen a costume for this one, and I've always assumed it was unproduced.
But where have you been for the last two months?
???
Shannon said he saw the Astro Spook costume in a box years ago. I think the mask is a cool piece, and I might bid on it if I don't forget. But I look at it as a loose mask that is missing the costume and box. There is nothing to verify that it was unproduced, and there is at least one credible witness who says he has seen a boxed one. Many times, collectors assume something is rare or one-of-a-kind because they and their circle of friends have never seen another. Maybe this Astro Spook is an unproduced mask, but I'm leaning toward trusting Shannon's memory. I also have a vague memory of seeing a boxed one years ago. Perhaps it was the same one Shannon saw. If it was on eBay, then I have no doubt. I think this mask lot on Hakes is just as cool for the original Mummy art as the Astro Spook. I have that Mummy costume boxed, and it would be cool to have the original concept art to go with it. All that being said, I'll probably forget all about the auction and not bid. I have a lot on my mind these days.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3756/9566249475_d316c8fcc4_b.jpg)
Great photo of the Astro Spook mask, Ray.
Alright Ray. Spill the beans. We all want to know. Is that your mask now? Did you win it in the auction?
???
It's Ray's now- I recognize his photographic style. Cool mask!
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3692/9566345529_29709a5e88_b.jpg)
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5496/9569135386_466e0a8bcc_c.jpg)
Nah, I don't own it. Astro Spook? Why, I've never even heard the name.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7427/9574928644_93de09ab22_b.jpg)
Is it, like, a mask or something?
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5542/9569136858_4df0aee0f3.jpg)
Does it fit?
It depends what body part I put it on.
That is, it would if I owned this mask. What is it called again...Nasal Afro Spock? Such an odd relic...nah, I don't own nothin' like that.
Oh wait. I do own it. Well that changes everything. So about this mask...what observations can I make...
Well, it is obviously an uncirculated mask. There are tiny pin holes where the elastic would have been stapled, but no sign that it ever actually had an elastic band. I don't know if it was a prototype or just a factory sample. I think it was a sample, maybe a test shot. Except for its unfamiliarity, there is nothing about the mask to indicate it was never mass produced. I suspect it was produced, and we will see a boxed one on eBay one of these days. If Shannon is sure he saw a boxed one, then that settles it for me.
I love this mask! Just as Freddie Poe noted earlier, monsters and space is a sure win combo. Love it. Thanks for sharing those pics Raymond!
Quote from: raycastile on August 22, 2013, 10:32:28 PM
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5496/9569135386_466e0a8bcc_c.jpg)
This mask is the coolest.
Brecht Bug has one on his flickr page with the red scar from the mouth on the opposite side. Can't tell if it is photoshopped as a mirror image and then the logo reapplied to read correctly. The paint job looks identical to Ray's just reversed.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8543/8601145787_5c944abde4_b.jpg)
Mask owned by Corey(swankcat) that Brian showed on his site Plaid Stallions.
(http://www.plaidstallions.com/halloween/astrospook.jpg)
Ray's purchased from Hake's (Corey)
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3692/9566345529_29709a5e88_b.jpg)
Hake's paired it with a Collegeville spooky spooks mummy mask and prototype drawing. But the Astrospook is clearly a Ben Cooper mask as the design is similar to the Frankenstein from the 60s through the 80s.
(http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6217/6260869271_9221cdeb3b_z.jpg)
It reminds me of Toy Ranch's Flick & Trick Lite-Up Monster.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6858327844_4edab6b668_h.jpg)
Mixed with these normal astronauts. One says NASA the other says USA Astronaut or NASA Astronaut where it says NASA ASTRO SPOOK on the Frankenstein example.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-To8yGLQ1KgY/UIHdm7sn3LI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/F6BzDD_O3Wk/s640/Vintage+Halloween+Costume+ASTRONAUT+1960s.jpg)
(http://wordcraft.net/halloweencostumes/212usastronaut.jpg)
1973 Ben Cooper
(http://www.plaidstallions.com/bencooper/19737.jpg)
(http://www.plaidstallions.com/bencooper/19739.jpg)
Thanks Ghost for that rundown. The Ben Cooper astronaut mask was also paired with a Lost in Space costume. I have no doubt that the Astro Spook is made from Ben Cooper elements. If it is an actual production example, then it was surely a Ben Cooper mask. Collegeville had its own designs for astronaut helmets and Frankenstein faces. If the mask is some kind of prototype, it's possible that Collegeville might have created it from two Ben Cooper masks...but again, why do that when they had their own similar designs. Everything about this mask says "Ben Cooper" to me. I know there are examples of Ben Cooper masks in Collegeville boxes, and Collegeville masks in Ben Cooper boxes, but I have always been suspicious of them. It is too easy to mix and match costumes, masks and boxes, especially if the mixup happened when mom was packing away the costumes after Halloween 40 years ago. Looking through vintage Ben Cooper and Collegeville catalogs, I don't see that kind of cross-company pollination.
As for Bug's picture, it is the same mask reversed and Photoshopped. Look at how the rim of the helmet window is printed slightly offset from the sculpture, and look at the excess plastic around the edge of the mask. It's the same mask. Bug assembles those collages from images he finds online.
That Lite-Up Frankenstein is a thing of beauty. I had the opportunity to buy it years ago, but snoozed. Sometimes I don't know what is wrong with me. I thought I was going to snooze on this Astro Spook, but I didn't.
I love these old kids costumes...
I agree. They're fabulous! Tough to display, but fabulous nonetheless.
:)
This is one of coolest, most interesting threads I've ever followed on the UMA. Thanks everyone for the photos and info!
Rod
Quote from: Hepcat on August 24, 2013, 07:54:54 AM
I agree. They're fabulous! Tough to display, but fabulous nonetheless.
:)
Nah, they're easy to display. I just stomp on them to flatten them out, then put them in a frame. Or I string some twine through their eyes, put about 20 of them on a 12' length of twine, and string it up along the gutter above the garage for Halloween.
Quote from: Radioactive Rod Whitenack on August 24, 2013, 11:37:26 AM
This is one of coolest, most interesting threads I've ever followed on the UMA. Thanks everyone for the photos and info!
Rod
Cool. I'm going to start a new thread about the Collegeville Mummy that was part of this Hakes auction. It'll be in the Masks section.
Quote from: raycastile on August 24, 2013, 01:35:31 PM
Nah, they're easy to display. I just stomp on them to flatten them out, then put them in a frame. Or I string some twine through their eyes, put about 20 of them on a 12' length of twine, and string it up along the gutter above the garage for Halloween.
Whaaaaatttt!!!!???? No say it ain't so. Pre-stomping send them my way and I'll display them for you. I hang the masks and store the costumes in the boxes visible through the cellophane window. I've only had one rubber band break and it was sort of dry rotted when i got it. I've always wanted to photograph them or flatten the images (no stomping) and print them for cut outs to hang in the window on Halloween but I never have. My House faces south and the sun usually bleaches anything I hang in the windows during the month of October. But if I had the images saved I could just reprint them as they faded out for new ones.
Quote from: Ghost on August 24, 2013, 01:52:14 PM
Whaaaaatttt!!!!???? No say it ain't so. Pre-stomping send them my way and I'll display them for you. I hang the masks and store the costumes in the boxes visible through the cellophane window. I've only had one rubber band break and it was sort of dry rotted when i got it. I've always wanted to photograph them or flatten the images (no stomping) and print them for cut outs to hang in the window on Halloween but I never have. My House faces south and the sun usually bleaches anything I hang in the windows during the month of October. But if I had the images saved I could just reprint them as they faded out for new ones.
Relax, I'm just pulling Hepcat's tail.
Here is the thread on the Mummy:
http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=23414.new#new (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=23414.new#new)
Did someone mention stomping Hepcat's tail? :D
Hanging Hep from the rafters for Halloween? Uncouth! :)
Sometimes I'll see a pretty cool mask that has the all too common break in them from being so old and fragile. I know they are still worth picking up for display, but whats fair for a busted old mask?
Depends on how old 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s. Depends on how scarce. Depends on how big the split is or it the shape is deformed. That was a lot of depends (it's like an old folks home in here). Most split masks would go for $10-$15 bucks if they were cool or sought after. Maybe super rare ones would go for much higher in nearly any condition. Common aren't worth much except sentimental value.
That's what I figured, I saw a complete witch costume in box for 25 but the mask was broken at the mouth.
I have had this empty Ben Cooper "Astronaut" box sitting behind my computer desk for about 5 years or more. It's just been sitting in a pile of papers and old receipts and office supplies and junk, for no particular reason. Tonight I looked at it and a light bulb clicked on above my head. Duh!
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3719/9610388947_b0a00cbabb_o.jpg)
I've been worried about the Astro Spook being exposed to potential damage, as it has no box to protect it. This is a good way to store it for the time being. It's in a protective bag, so it won't rattle around and get damaged in that box. Eventually, I'll get some kind of small, archival box to store it in.
And oh, look, there are Hepcats all over it!
Looks at home in there, good deal on that lot!
That spook is really cool! I am glad I forgot about the auction and didn't needlessly bid up the price. It definitely belongs in your collection.
Quote from: raycastile on August 28, 2013, 12:24:55 AMAnd oh, look, there are Hepcats all over it!
I have many sidelights.
;)
Finally got one of my Halloween costume grails last night. THE ASTRO SPOOK. i paid a whopping $120 for it. it is boxed and has a HOOT & TOOT in the mouth. i have seen many of these masks but never one with a hoot & toot mouth and the box is in great shape as is the costume. says SPACE SPOOK on the box, ASTRO MONSTER on the costume and ASTRO SPOOK/NASA on the mask. Ben Cooper.
Nice pickup Freddie!! Congrats bro!
Jme. i didnt see u at Chiller...? Did u go...........?
Quote from: freddie poe on April 30, 2014, 12:52:21 PM
Finally got one of my Halloween costume grails last night. THE ASTRO SPOOK. i paid a whopping $120 for it. it is boxed and has a HOOT & TOOT in the mouth. i have seen many of these masks but never one with a hoot & toot mouth and the box is in great shape as is the costume. says SPACE SPOOK on the box, ASTRO MONSTER on the costume and ASTRO SPOOK/NASA on the mask. Ben Cooper.
Super cool and congrats! I've only ever seen one, and had never heard of a hoot and toot version. Can't wait to see the photos!
Quote from: freddie poe on April 30, 2014, 12:52:21 PM
Finally got one of my Halloween costume grails last night. THE ASTRO SPOOK. i paid a whopping $120 for it. it is boxed and has a HOOT & TOOT in the mouth. i have seen many of these masks but never one with a hoot & toot mouth and the box is in great shape as is the costume. says SPACE SPOOK on the box, ASTRO MONSTER on the costume and ASTRO SPOOK/NASA on the mask. Ben Cooper.
Congratulations on getting that Astro Spook, Freddie. It's always great to hear about monster guys finding those Grails. It keeps my hopes up about getting a boxed Haunted Hulk one of these fine days. ;)
Quote from: freddie poe on April 30, 2014, 12:52:21 PMFinally got one of my Halloween costume grails last night. THE ASTRO SPOOK. i paid a whopping $120 for it.
Great stuff! Where did you find it?
Quote from: freddie poe on April 30, 2014, 12:52:21 PMit is boxed and has a HOOT & TOOT in the mouth. i have seen many of these masks but never one with a hoot & toot mouth....
Huh? Like this one?
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/Mask_zps84cd9123.jpg)
What exactly is a hoot n' toot mouth and what does it do? Does your Astro Spook box also feature the words Hoot n' Toot on it as does the Huckleberry Finn box above? Was this hoot n' toot feature a Ben Cooper exclusive?
???
I soooo remember the Astro Spook. Congrats on the awesome find.
yea Hep ole boy! same box! must have been a ben cooper safe-t-feature...you could let someone u were with know where you were?
Saw that piece on evilbay last night and was gonna snatch it up.... glad it went to another UMA member! Congrats!
Congrats, Freddie! Great piece. \m/
Quote from: freddie poe on April 30, 2014, 07:06:22 PMyea Hep ole boy! same box! must have been a ben cooper safe-t-feature...you could let someone u were with know where you were?
Ahhhh, so it must be some sort of whistle! Another technological innovation that was after my time.
;)
Hoot Toot LOL got a pic!? Sounds awesome
Congratulations on obtaining your grail!
Thanks Ray! Freddie
Hey gang! i cant posts pix for King Kong doo but here is the ebay link to the SPACE SPOOK. it arrived yesterday and in better shape than it looks on the auction page. awesome...i have never seen the Hoot & Toot version..esp in the box! http://www.ebay.com/itm/121330546626?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/121330546626?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649)
Here are the pictures from Ebay before they disappear:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/SS1_zps922d34ef.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/SS2_zpse783efcf.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/SS3_zps00ee9b48.jpg)
:)
BTW Freddie, does the costume fit or are you going to have to get it taken in a bit?
???
Quote from: freddie poe on May 08, 2014, 12:22:57 PM
...here is the ebay link to the SPACE SPOOK. it arrived yesterday and in better shape than it looks on the auction page. awesome...i have never seen the Hoot & Toot version..esp in the box!
Thanks for the link, Freddie. Man, that is super cool to see!
Hoot n toot?! That makes this mask even cooler!! Didnt think it could be possible...
Wow, seeing the costume smock art kind of blows me away! At one point, we were wondering if the Astro Spook was ever really released or if the masks we were seeing were just prototypes. This proves without a shadow of a doubt that it was a real Halloween costume.
They exist! Let the gold rush begin!
Nice set Freddie.
thanks for posting the pix for me Brother Hep Cat!.........Poe
You're welcome!
:)
How did this costume become such a grail for you Freddie? Was it just because one slipped through your fingers on Ebay a few years ago or do you remember admiring/wanting one as a kid?
???
Unbelievable costume, let alone the mask, so very odd!!