There are few horror hosts operating today that can boast the mettle and determination of Virginia’s Karlos Borloff with regard to costume and prop creation. A life long fan of movie monsters (particularly the Japanese variety), Karlos began making masks in the 1970′s – when he was just 12 years old! “I used to shoot my own Super 8 Monster Movies and fight scenes,” says Karlos. “I was obsessed with rubber masks.”

Karlos began to amass a collection of original Don Post masks and, while many were traded off through the years in favor of musical equipment (Karlos’ other great love), he still has many today. His Darth Vader and NOSFERATU masks have made their way on camera for his own “Monster Madhouse” while his own creations have become the cornerstone of the show itself.

In the past five years, Karlos has created over 20 monsters for his show. He does this not simply to sate his own fan fervor but with a watchful eye on his younger viewers as well. “I believe that monster masks are a very important part of the proper mental development of monster kids,” he explains. His theory is far from being without merit. Anyone who has children or spends any time around them knows that male/female kids alike ALL like to engage in a little dress up. Go to any toy store today and you will find a SPIDER-MAN costume prominently on the shelves -  long after the movie franchise and Halloween seasons have ended. Indeed, a child who wants to play act the role of a super hero has plenty of options in today’s world. But what of the child monster fan?

Every year since 2004 I have attended the annual G-Fest in Chicago. This small convention, dedicated to Godzilla and Japanese Kaiju fandom, features among its many activities a home made costume parade and contest. Each year it seems to attract more and more participants as the costumes become even more intricate. Not wanting my kids to be left out, I have also tried my hand at it – usually with disastrous results!

By the time my son finished the parade, Mecha King Ghidorah had fallen apart without the aid of Godzilla!

Karlos’ theory intrigued me because it not only reminded me of my past costume attempts but what had gone on behind the scenes at G-Fest. While the children in costume waited in a separate room to begin assembling for the parade, many of them literally brought their characters to life! They’d begin walking and moving just as their silver screened counterparts would, while many would also begin belting out their signature roars and sounds. Naturally this led many of the children to begin duking it out and play acting their parts to the hilt. No one ever got hurt and you could tell that, for these kids, it was a rare opportunity they were not about to miss!

Gigan and Kamacuras due battle at G-Fest!

On Karlos’ Monster Madhouse, kids need no special occasion to delve into this sort of play. It is his belief that monster costuming and battle is an important “formula that needs to be passed on to the younger generation.” He extols this belief by generously sharing his costumes with young fans and watching them bring his own creations to life on camera. It strikes a cord not only with those fortunate enough to be wearing those costumes, but also for the younger viewers at home. During a recent viewing of Karlos Borloff’s presentation of WAR OF THE MONSTERS, my 7 year old son was glued to the set , cheering  while watching a Karlos inspired costumed skirmish.

A young fan dares to reach out and explore his monster idol

Clearly Karlos has managed to not only retain his own monster memories but translate them to a younger generation.  This is a rare gift for anyone and essential to the world of horror hosting. Ingratiating today’s youth to our favorite genre of movie insures that it will continue on for future generations.  It gives it an immortality that today’s digital world has all but killed. Through the charismatic antics of Karlos Borloff and his colorful cast of characters, young viewers today are given the CREATURE FEATURES of yesteryear and an outlet their instant gratification & DVD world denies them. For this, Karlos Borloff is a true pioneer.

Dave Fuentes~

I have to confess that my favorite part of G-Fest is checking out the amazing models created by fans and put on display during the weekend. I had tried my hand at it a couple of years too but found out that I am better off sticking to writing as opposed to model-making. This stigma, however, is a personal issue, as ALL ages and skill levels are not only welcomed but encouraged here.

G-Fest is one of the most unique fan events because it inspires its participants to not only enjoy what it has to offer but to actively partake in it. Ironically while G-Fest was the subject of the very first blog I ever wrote (which you can see HERE) for this site, it is one I have not given nearly as much attention to as I should have. Last year I discussed all the amazing things it had to offer (see HERE) but this year I’m going to show you. For starters, here are a series of photos depicting some of the fantastic models on display for G-Fest XIX!

NOTE TO MODEL PARTICIPANTS: There were a lot of people looking at these so I was not able to linger & write down the names of those responsible. If you see your work here, please email us your name and we will happily give you your MUCH deserved credit!

“Godzilla vs. Gino” Matt Harris

Photos by Dave Fuentes~

One of the highlights of the Daves Zoo Tour 2014 has been the little side trips we have been doing, exploring other interests outside of the animal kingdom. On my second day in the Chicago area we visited a store that is a dream come true, as it caters to Godzilla fans. The name of the store is Monster Island Toys and though it is kind of unassuming from the outside, the inside is chock full of eye candy for Godzilla fans and toy lovers!

Monster Island Toys is located at 750 W. 35th Street in Chicago and you can visit their website HERE! In addition to having a cool store, they also do a great mail-order business for those of us that do not live in the Chicago area. Though the store is not very large, they do cram a lot into their small space, making the most of available shelves and display cases. When you enter the store it is pretty much divided in half, with the left side devoted to kaiju and the right side being devoted to horror and science fiction themed toys. I must say it was very cool to see shelves the length of the store showcasing Bandai Godzilla and Ultraman figures! There is also an area featuring Godzilla DVDs, all of which are direct imports from Japan. Though the prices may be slightly higher than what you might find on Amazon or eBay, it is a rare event to find a store of this magnitude! If you are in the area I highly recommend checking this store out and of course I cannot recommend enough supporting businesses like this! Parking was a little tough but we did find a lot a short block away and walked to the store. This store is definitely a monster kid’s dream come true!

~David Albaugh