In February of 1958 Forrest J Ackerman and Warren Publishing created a magazine called Famous Monsters of Filmland. The magazine was intended to be a one-time affair, as there had never been a magazine devoted strictly to the topics of sci-fi, horror, and fantasy films and culture. Much to the surprise of Forrest J Ackerman the magazine sold beyond any expectations and became an instant hit. Under Warren Publishing, Ackerman continued creating the magazine and thus began a phenomenon that has lasted for decades and influenced some of the biggest storytellers and technicians across a wide variety of industries.
Ackerman approached the subjects with childlike enthusiasm, allowing his love for the content to be felt on each and every page. He featured the classic horror movie monsters such as The Wolfman and Dracula, but approached them simultaneously with respect and irreverence as he regularly used puns to keep himself, and his readers, entertained.
The magazine proved a success and was the foundation for Warren Publishing, which later added familiar titles including Creepy, Eerie, and Vampirella.
Over time, Ackerman’s coverage went from the monsters and their portrayers to those who actually made the movies. He interviewed the directors, producers, and screenwriters, making their names as familiar as those of Chaney, Karloff and Lugosi. Forry went a step further, spotlighting the makeup artists and special effects masters of the day, pulling back the curtain to reveal how movie magic was made.
About Us
Before digital cinema, cable television, and the limitless world of content provided by the Internet, there was Famous Monsters of Filmland. FM was the first sci-fi/horror/fantasy magazine dedicated to entertaining audiences with interviews, articles and photos on special effects and monster makup from classic films to current blockbusters. The magazine was a glimpse into a world only seen in dreams and by the gods that created them.
AND NOW…
Famous Monsters of Filmland is back! Created in 1958 by sci-fi and horror aficionado Forrest J Ackerman, the magazine captured the imaginations of countless fans, including some of today’s most iconic storytellers and entertainers.
USA TODAY’s David Colton reports that, “[Ackerman] was affectionately known as ‘Uncle Forry’ by a generation of Hollywood creators such as Steven Spielberg, John Landis, Peter Jackson, Tim Burton and Stephen King, who credited Ackerman’s pun-filled Famous Monsters magazine with sparking their careers.”
Harry Knowles of ‘Ain’t It Cool News’ says “Ackerman is one of the founders of my love of cinema . . . and I’m the geek I am because of his magazine.”
Ackerman always had a dream of taking Famous Monsters beyond the page. Prior to his passing, Forry gave full support to take FM into this new century. Today we are proud to announce our first steps in making his dream a reality.
PHIL KIM
Like everyone involved, Famous Monsters of Filmland is a passion project for Phil Kim. At an early age, he used to fantasize about making thrillers and science fiction movies. Phil hopes that Famous Monsters of Filmland will have the same effect on the next generation of filmmakers and audiences alike.
Phil grew up to become an entrepreneur and a private equity investor. He’s worked in the video game field with Puppybomb Games and has gone on to films. He has executive produced Radio Free Albemuth, based on Philip K. Dick story. Phil has also written and produced Downstream Chronicles.
Along the way, he obtained the trademark to the legendary Famous Monsters of Filmland. With the blessings of the original editor-in-chief, Forrest J. Ackerman (aka Dr. Acula), FM is poised to recapture the hearts and imagination of the core fans and new fans alike.
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