Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 31: Kinder Joy Monsters 2023 Edition

The local Dollar General actually had one case of the new Kinder Joy Monsters stocked in the middle of September and never stocked any more. I only picked up eight since they were almost three dollars each. This year they had four little figures (mummy, skeleton, vampire and werewolf) that you could put cardboard cutouts on plus four wristbands (ghost, jack-o-lantern, skeleton and vampire bat). The figures and wristbands glow in the dark. I didn't get a complete set and I ended up with two vampires and two werewolves. I still need a skeleton figure and a vampire bat bracelet. Below are the monster figures but not the bracelets.

Kinder Joy Mummy 2023

Kinder Joy Mummy 2023 Insert

Kinder Joy Vampire 2023

Kinder Joy Vampire 2023 Insert

Kinder Joy Werewolf 2023

Kinder Joy Werewolf 2023 Insert

Here is the back of what the inserts look like that features the entire Kinder Joy Monsters collection:

Kinder Joy Monsters 2023 Insert Back

Note: You can view the Kinder Joy Monsters from 2022 here.

This is the fifteenth year anniversary of the Countdown to Halloween at Moongem Comics and I hope you enjoyed it.

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 30: Insidious 4-Movie Collection DVD Cover

I actually picked up the Insidious 4-Movie Collection at the local Walmart's at the beginning of the month. It was in the five dollar bin but the actual price ended up being about twenty dollars. I watched the first one last Friday night, the second one on Saturday afternoon and the last two yesterday. There are two DVDs with each having two movies on them. My favorite characters are Elise the psychic and the two amateur ghost hunters, Specs and Tucker. The trio are also the only characters to appear in all four movies. What I find interesting is that the movies are listed from four to one on the back instead of one to four. Movies three and four are actually prequels to the first Insidious movie. They are all great movies featuring ghosts and demons and I'm glad that I got this set.

Insidious 4-Movie Collection DVD Cover

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 29: Boo Berry Box

The final Monster Cereal for this year is Boo Berry. Yes, I had to get the family size since that was the only size that the local Walmart's stocked this year. I will be starting in on that after I finish off the Franken Berry cereal, which should be the end of November or the start of December.

Front of Family Size Boo Berry Box

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 28: Franken Berry Box

I probably won't start on this year's family size Franken Berry box until next month since I still have half a box of Cap'n Crunch's Halloween Crunch to finish first. However, that is not stopping me from posting this for today:

Front of Family Size Franken Berry Box

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 27: Star Trek: Holo-Ween #4 Cover

The cover of Star Trek: Holo-Ween #4 from IDW Publishing features Redjac with his arm around Scotty's neck while Armus has Riker as a Wolfman and Deanna Troi as a mummy queen in his grasp. This is the final issue of the mini-series and it was indeed a real treat to read.

Cover of Star Trek: Holo-Ween #4 from IDW Publishing

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 26: Cap'n Crunch's Halloween Crunch Box

Cap'n Crunch is back as a vampire on the front of this year's Halloween Crunch. Yes, the ghosts turns the milk a different color but it's more of a brownish green. I picked up a box at the local Walmart's last Saturday since it was finally on the shelf.

Front of Cap'n Crunch's Halloween Crunch Box

The back of the box features Cap'n Crunch and his friends having a Halloween party. There is also a word search puzzle for one to do while they are eating the cereal.

Back of Cap'n Crunch's Halloween Crunch Box

This is the 45th cereal post at Moongem Comics.

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 25: Elvira Roundup

This year marks the 35th anniversary of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark movie, which was released on September 30, 1988.

Elvira Mistress of the Dark 35th Anniversary

Fans can sign up to her official newsletter at Elvira's Official Website to be entered in Elvira's 13 Days of Halloween Giveaway. If you already signed up, then you will be automatically entered (no, I haven't won anything yet).

Elvira's 13 Days of Halloween Giveaway

This post is the 250th Elvira post at Moongem Comics.

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 24: Count Chocula Box

The family size box of Count Chocula didn't last long as I predicted. I finished them off on Monday morning. I actually found a family size box of Halloween Crunch this weekend at the local Walmart's. I'll be taking a break from the Monster Cereals and start in on that.

Front of Family Size Count Chocula Box

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 23: Rob Zombie's The Munsters DVD Cover

I picked up Rob Zombie's The Munsters DVD at the local Walmarts for ten bucks a few weeks ago. I finally watched it on Sunday afternoon. I greatly enjoyed and thought the cast was great. The color was vibrant but I felt like I was watching a tv movie of the week. I do hope there is a sequel so we can see Eddie and Marilyn.

Rob Zombie's The Munsters DVD Cover

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 22: Skeleton Boo Bucket

I ended up getting another Halloween pail meal from McDonald's on Friday evening. I got the Skeleton Boo Bucket this time around. It should be called the Pumpkin Boo Bucket because it's orange and even the handle looks like the top of one. I know they have a Mummy Boo Bucket that is white so they couldn't use that color for the skeleton. However, even the faces look like something you would draw on a pumpkin using black paint.

Face #1 of Skeleton Boo Bucket from McDonald's

Face #2 of Skeleton Boo Bucket from McDonald's

Face #3 of Skeleton Boo Bucket

Even the stickers for the Mix 'n Match Monsters activity looks like eyes, noses, mouths and scars that you would put on pumpkins. However, the head is a skull and that's the only object that has anything to do with a skeleton. There really should have been the shape of a pumpkin instead and the name on the Skeleton Boo Bucket switched to Pumpkin. Maybe they thought that no one would notice.

Activity #1 of Skeleton Boo Bucket from McDonald's

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 21: Gargoyles Halloween Special #1 Cover Gallery

I remember watching the Gargoyles cartoon series back in the 1990s on the Disney Channel. Dynamite Entertainment released Gargoyles Halloween Special #1 this week (they had a nine issue series in 2022 that I somehow missed). This issue follows Nashville trick and treating in Manhattan of 1997. Of course, his adventure gets him into trouble. This is a fun treat for fans of the old cartoon and highly recommended.

Cover Gallery Page 1 of Gargoyles Halloween Special #1 from Dynamite Entertainment

Cover Gallery Page 2 of Gargoyles Halloween Special #1 from Dynamite Entertainment

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 20: Star Trek: Holo-Ween #3 Cover

Star Trek: Holo-Ween #3 came out this week from IDW Publishing. The cover features Worf as a Gill Man and Deanna Troi as a mummy queen being chased by a mob with the giant face of Redjac looming high in the background. This issue features a surprise (or not so surprise) guest star from the original series plus the return of a surprise (or not so surprise) villain also from original series.

Cover of Star Trek: Holo-Ween #3 from IDW Publishing

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 19: Vampire Boo Bucket

McDonald's released this year's Boo Buckets on Tuesday, October 17th and I managed to get the vampire. The purple Halloween pail has three faces with a witch's hat as part of the handle. They replace the cardboard Happy Meal box but are the same price. I got mine with a cheeseburger, fries and a Coke.

Face #1 of Vampire Boo Bucket from McDonald's

Face #2 of Vampire Boo Bucket from McDonald's

Face #3 of Vampire Boo Bucket from McDonald's

The activity was Mix 'n Match Monsters with stickers on one side and a black face of a vampire on the other side. The stickers include eyes, eyebrows, noses and fangs. Unfortunately, my blank face suffered a few grease spots thanks to the disc being pushed down on the french fries.

Activity #1 of Vampire Boo Bucket from McDonald's

Activity #2 of Vampire Boo Bucket from McDonald's

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 18: Vampirella: Dead Flowers #1 Cover Gallery

Vampirella: Dead Flowers #1 originally came out the first week of October but I saved the cover gallery pages for this week's Women Wednesday post. Here is the description:

"More than 50 years ago, legendary fantasy artist Frank Frazella ushered the now-iconic Vampirella onto the pop culture stage with his singular cover painting for Vampirella Magazine #1. Now, in 2023, Sara Frazetta brings her grandfather’s legacy full circle as she takes the reins on a brand new series starring Drakulon’s Favorite Daughter! When her age-old nemesis finally gives up the ghost, Vampirella is lured to his rural gothic estate of Rookhaven to hear the reading of his last will and testament. There, she meets the manor staff — the prurient assistant, the wild-eyed groundskeeper and his pensive young daughter, and the sinister and enigmatic Mr. Frey. Expecting a trap, Vampirella and her young companion are not disappointed — but they also get more than they bargained for in this thrilling adventure! Written by Sara Frazetta and Bob Freeman and illustrated by Alberto Locatelli, this brand-new miniseries is steeped in gothic horror, complete with a sinister mansion, a mist-enshrouded graveyard, and a bevy of witches, ghosts, werewolves, and ancient satanic magicks. And all of it is enclosed in an amazing assortment of covers from some of comics’ greatest artists, including Lucio Parrillo, Collette Turner, Ergun Gunduz, series artist Alberto Locatelli, and Frazetta Girls’ very own Sara Frazetta!"

Cover Gallery Page 1 of Vampirella: Dead Flowers #1 from Dynamite Entertainment

Cover Gallery Page 2 from Vampirella: Dead Flowers #1 from Dynamite Entertainment

Cover Gallery Page 3 from Vampirella: Dead Flowers #1 from Dynamite Entertainment

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 17: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Saturday Morning Adventures Halloween Special #1 Cover

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Saturday Morning Adventures Halloween Special is a mouthful and it hit the newsstands last week. If you love the cartoon series from the 1980s, then you will love this issue. The gang goes against Creepy Eddie, who looks a little like that creepy guy on Elm Street. They also fight several other monsters while cracking jokes. The second story features Shredder and Krang that is a real treat.

Cover of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Saturday Morning Adventures Halloween Special from IDW Publishing

Goodnight Lara Parker

Sad news for horror soap opera fans for Lara Parker, the Witch Angelique on Dark Shadows, Dies at 84.

Lara Parker as Angelique from Dark Shadows

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 16: Monster Mash Remix Cereal Box

Carmelia Creeper takes center stage on the box of the Monster Mash Remix cereal. She is joined by her cousin, Franken Berry, along with Count Chocula, Boo Berry, Frute Brute and Yummy Mummy. I missed out on the Monster Mash cereal that was released in 2021 for their fiftieth anniversary. The berry flavored cereal was a litter better than Carmelia Creeper's caramel apple flavored cereal and disappeared a little faster. This might be another one that I may not pick up again next year. I'm currently in the middle of the Count Chocula box and still have Franken Berry and Boo Berry to go. Yes, it takes me a while to finish off five family size boxes of Monster Cereals.

You can listen to the Monster Mash Remix at official Monster Cereal site.

Front of Family Size Monster Mash Remix Box

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 15: Carmelia Creeper Monster Cereal Box

I was surprised by the local Walmart's for they actually stocked all five Monster Cereals including the new Carmelia Creeper. However, they only had the family size boxes. Of course, I picked up all five just in case they disappeared fast (they haven't and still have plenty). I chose to start off the Halloween season early this year with Carmelia Creeper. I'm glad that I did because I wasn't a big fan of this caramel apple cereal. It was okay but it just tasted off (maybe I'm just getting old). I was glad when I finally finished the box and I doubt that I get any next year if it comes back.

Carmelia Creeper is a zombie and a cousin of Franken Berry. You can find her doing a remix of Monster Mash at the official Monsters Cereal site.

Front of Family Size Carmelia Creeper Monster Cereal Box

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 14: Star Trek: Holo-Ween #2 Cover

IDW Publishing released Star Trek: Holo-Ween #2 earlier this week. The cover features Data as a Frankenstein monster facing Riker as a Wolfman while the face of Troi as a mummy queen looms in the background.

Cover of Star Trek: Holo-Ween #2 from IDW Publishing

There is a great homage to classic monsters in this issue with Deanna Troi as a mummy queen, Riker as a wolfman, Worf as a Gill Man and Picard as Mr. Hyde:

Classic Monster Homage from Star Trek: Holo-Ween #2 from IDW Publishing

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 13: Capwolf and the Howling Commandos #1

Happy Friday the 13th and we are almost halfway through this year's Countdown to Halloween.

Today's treat is the cover of Capwolf and the Howling Commandos #1, which kicks off the four-issue mini-series from Marvel. Captain America saves Sgt. Nick Fury and helps the Howling Commandos against a Nazi super tank in France of 1944. Fury gets wounded and Captain America is recruited to lead the team to destroy a bunker in Eastern Prussia known as Wolfsschanze (Wolf's Lair). Dum-Dum and most of the Howling Commandos are not happy about Cap being in charge. They arrive by parachute and are attacked by a group of werewolves several miles from the bunker. Bullets don't stop them, and one manages to scratch Captain America. The ending leaves on a cliffhanger that sets up the next issue.

Cover of Capwolf and the Howling Commandos #1 from Marvel

Goodnight Phyllis Coates

Today is a sad day for Phyllis Coates, the First Lois Lane on Television, Dies at 96. She first played the reporter in the Superman vs the Mole Men movie and played her for just one season on the Aventures of Superman tv series. She passed away of natural causes on October 11, 2023.

George Reeves as Superman with Phyllis Coates as Lois Lane

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 12: Young Sheldon Pick of the Patch Sweepstakes

I have been watching Young Sheldon at 5:30 pm Central Monday through Friday for the past year. I have seen most episodes about four or five times by now. I have also been entering the Pick of the Patrch Sweepstakes by entering the Word of the Day. The sweepstakes is sponsored by Valpak. I doubt that I will win the grand prize of $10,000 but I would settle for the Bazinga glow bracelet since I love items that glow in the dark.

Cast of Young Sheldon as Characters from Wizard of Oz

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 11: Witches Magazine

Witches is another collectible magazine that has been on the rack at the local Walmart's for the past month. I had to get this one for sure since I have a soft spot for witchy women. The magazine has seven sections: Witches Throughout History, The Witching Way, Witches Making History, Enchanted Movies and TV Shows, The Power Is Rising: Witches Today, Divination Tools and Astrology and Ready to Explore Your Power. Of course, a brief history of witchcraft is provided along with the witch trails in Europe and America. There are articles on Wicca, Hoodoo and Brujeria. Famous and infamous witches include Maria Laveau, Aleister Crowley, Gerald Gardmer. Doreen Valiente, Laurie Cabot, Raymond Buckland, Starhawk and Bri Luna. You can pretty much predict which movies and tv shows are briefly covered so I won't bother naming any (True Blood was covered but not Buffy the Vampire Slayer). Modern witches covered include Leanne Marrama of Salem, author Sarah Potter, male witch John Cardo and author Pam Grossman. Ouija boards, the tarot and the zodiac are covered in the divination section. Basic tools essential to witches and the witches holiday known as Halloween are also covered. Witches is a good magazine for those interested in the subject matter.

Front Cover of Witches Magazine

Back Cover of Witches Magazine

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 10: Ghosts: True Tales of Horror Magazine

Ghosts: True Tales of Horror is a magazine special that has been on the rack at the local Walmart's for the past month. I finally broke down and shelled out the $13.99 a few weeks ago. The magazine is divided into four sections: Ghosts: A Haunting History, Ghosts Stories, What's Really Happening and Where To Find Ghosts. There are some very familar ghost stories such as the Bell Witch, Bellamy Bridge and Huggin' Molly. There are articles on energy orbs, cold spots and mediums. The haunted places covered include Amityville, Salem, New Orleans and San Francisco. There is even a ghostly glossary and lots of pictures. While the Ghosts: True Tales of Horror magazine doesn't go into in-depth detail about some of the topics, it is a good starting point for those interested in the world of spirits.

Front Cover of Ghosts: True Tales of Horror Magazine

Back Cover of Ghosts: True Tales of Horror Magazine

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 9: The Devil's Machine

I picked up The Devil's Machine (2019) at the local Dollar Tree a few weeks ago in hopes that it would be a scary Halloween treat. The movie's story centers around a three hundred year old curse and a clockwork doll in Scotland. An antique dealer is hired to study the recently found life-size doll and takes his step-daughter along with him. The first half is a slow burn but things turn really weird in the second half. Not only does ghosts show up but strange dog men do too. Also, the story deals with some taboo subjects including incest, bondage and sadism. The ending was interesting but also a little predictable. I did get my money's worth since it was only $1.25 but I have to give The Devil's Machine a solid C since I felt like I was tricked.

The Devil's Machine

DVD Cover for The Devil's Machine

Note: The Devil's Machine was originally titled Automata.

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 8: Alice Cooper #1

Alice Cooper #1 from Dynamite Entertainment hits the newsstands last Wednesday. Lucifer is singing the blues but wants the love of the world so he decides to knock off the world's greatest rock musicians. Alice Cooper is warned by the archangel Gabriel that he has to stop him because he is also a target. From what I can find, this mini-series is going to be six issues.

Cover A of Alice Cooper #1 from Dynamite Entertainment

Cover B of Alice Cooper #1 from Dynamite Entertainment

Cover C of Alice Cooper #1 from Dynamite Entertainment

Cover D of Alice Cooper #1 from Dynamite Entertainment

Cover Gallery of Alice Cooper #1 from Dynamite Entertainment