Frankenstein

Earlier this year, Revell re-released 4 of the classic monster model kits that were originally produced by Aurora in the 1960s. Unfortunately, the boxes this time around don’t feature any really cool artwork, instead defaulting to the new typical photo of the completed model. Still, with the added lightning and image of Frankenstein in the background, it’s not completely boring.

I’ve mentioned a few times in the past that I’m not much of a model builder, but with these being the classic monster items, I figured this would be the time I’d have to get them and try building them since I wouldn’t’ want to mess up a vintage kit.

Building the kit was actually pretty easy, but I didn’t spend a whole lot of time filling in every seam line. Basically, I only did that to the area where the arms attached to the shoulders and then I got to painting. Color me impatient, I guess.

I couldn’t picture Frankenstein in anything but black pants so I wanted to counter that with a lighter up half so I went with a brown coat and copied the blue shirt from the side of the box. Finishing up with the green of the skin, I think it looks varied enough to be interesting, but not too bright for a monster character.

I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do with the base so basically I was just slapping some greens on there and seeing what happened. Then I went with a little bit of brown to suggest something of a muddy element to the ground. And if he’s walking in mud, well, I figured it should be on his shoes as well.

And of course, I wanted to give the tombstone a bit of a weathered look. It’s not perfect, but at least it’s not all smooth and brand new looking.

Honestly, the Aurora Frankenstein face is so classic that I think I could have painted it orange and it would still look great. But I chose to stick with the expected green.

Overall, I think I did OK for my first styrene kit and I’m very glad to have this classic kit in my monster display. But I must be honest and admit that I find model kit building to be something of a necessary evil. I like having the finished product and I like being able to say “I did that”, but while doing it, I find it anything but relaxing and can’t wait to be done with it!

This kit requires both glue and paint to complete, is recommended for ages 12 and up, and stands 10″ tall when completed.

Between the kits themselves and the art on the boxes, the original Aurora models are some of the most recognizable, beloved and copied images in the the hobby. You never quite know where you might see them. They can be seen in the background in the Ghoultown video “Mistress Of The Dark” (featuring Elvira). Or even in this old, unauthorized coloring book.