My Pet Monster
Like that girl from The Ring.
Ep. 222 is live!
And so...May, PnP Month, comes to a close. But wouldn't you know it, I managed to do it with STYLE. In an effort to really get Jason excited for a record I picked a subject with him in mind. This week we dive into My Pet Monster, covering all three facets of the property, and it really was a treat. Things were kicked off properly with Jason bringing his original My Pet Monster out, sitting him right at the record table with us. I thought it was terrific, because I have memories of that freaky looking little fella sitting in Jason's rocking chair years ago. He looked rad then, looks rad now. What made covering this property especially fun was FINALLY cracking the code on what's going to really engage Jason. That said, expect to see more odd stuff with monsters and robots to be featured in the rotation. My Pet Monster is but one example of 80s "gross out" marketing that appealed to little kids. A noted difference between "Monzie" and other grotesque IPs of the 80s was this little guy was sort of cuddly, too. Additionally, I'd say it was only one of two "gross" toys that really allowed a kid to let their id run wild, or act out things with more physicality as though they are the character (the second being Boglins...cannot WAIT to cover Boglins!). Of the three prongs of American Greetings cross media attack, the plush was the only one that hit with me, personally. I remember seeing the VHS box for the pilot movie, and a desire to watch it. In time I would, and it was fine for the time. The premiere of the Saturday Morning Cartoon was a fall lineup debut I distinctly remember as well, but the toon just didn't quite hit with me. While the pilot special proved to be a go to favorite for many kids come Friday, and the cartoon did have a successful season that gave toy sales a boost, the real star was that plush. He just looked so cool! The garish face with those bug eyes, gnarly teeth, and absurd nose complimented by bright colors that popped all immediately drew you in. The simple play gimmick of chains he could bust out of, and just how cuddly he managed to be...all of it made for one hell of a toy! I think what's great about it is how enduring it's been. From revisits it's seen to the inspirations it's had, My Pet Monster really managed to leave its mark on the 80's, no doubt about it.
That will put a bow on May, Pnp Month, and of course...My Pet Monster, but please come back next week! We kick off June and a series of AWESOME ANNIVERSARIES with a big one! It's a Hoov-Manor favorite, and would you believe that it turns 40 next week...GHOSTBUSTERS! Oh, does bustin' make me feel EVER so good...It is a month long celebration of cherished IP's and properties hitting significant anniversaries all next month, and we are going to make it a blasty-blast. Take care, and we will see you next Monday!
-Derek
