So Long, Uncle Forry :: The Ackermonster R.I.P.

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"I can feel it. It's an odd feeling. The
feeling of an era silently slipping away."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx -- Mr. Paradox via The BMMB
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Like a lot of fellow monster fanatics of my stratum, I still proudly own the very first issue of Famous Monsters of Filmland I ever bought back in 1975 (Issue #114, a Godzilla tribute, lovingly creased and earmarked from years of abuse. And for the record, the last issue I bought was #166, featuring Boba Fett on the cover. Still got that one, too). Back when things like VCRs and DVDs were mere figments of some sci-fi fantasy story that Mr. Ackerman would have loved, his monthly endeavor into all things creepy and spooky was one of the few outlets we had to see these creatures, our real heroes -- not those party-poopers who staked, burned or shot them with a silver bullet -- in action. And for that I will always be eternally grateful.


Regretfully, once home video hit, allowing a lot of us to finally see these things first hand, along with escalating production costs, it unofficially sounded the death knell on niche fanzines like FMoF.


And on another sad note, like a lot of other fellow Forry fans out there, one of the things on that long list of stuff I wanna do before I croak was to visit the equally famous Ackermansion and the wonders and artifacts stored therein; and maybe even meet the Ackermonster himself. *sigh* Still, even with the master of the manse no longer with us, I hold out hope to visit it yet one day. If not, I only need to look around my own humble abode to see the man's long reaching influence. And for that, and for reminding me your never too old for any hobby, he has my heartfelt thanks and sincerest appreciation.

Forrest J. Ackerman
(1916-2008)